An organization that was originally formed to offer fundraising and other assistance for Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is making its own name as a rescue organization. Since becoming a full-fledged rescue in August of 2009, Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control (FCACC) has saved the lives of nearly 1,000 animals left behind at the city’s largest open admission shelter.
The group pulls a variety of animals from CACC – from cats that have waited too long to find a home to dogs that may be harder to place to rabbits and even a chicken. Animals get the benefit of a foster home and some of sick or injured animals that would be facing euthanasia at CACC get veterinary care and a second chance at finding a family.
From foster home to forever home
“Our goal is to not only rehome these animals, but to keep them in those homes once they are adopted,” says Kathleen Budrean, foster coordinator for the organization. “We follow up after an adoption to make sure that everything is going OK in the new home and to answer any questions or concerns that people may have. On the cat side, it may be as simple as whether or not they are using the litter box. For dogs, we’ll see if there are any training issues and we’ll send out a free trainer if needed to help keep the animal in that home. Adopters also have the benefit of talking to the foster family to better acclimate the new animal in their home.”
Because the animals have spent time with the foster family, fosters are all trained to be their own adoption counselors. Budrean coaches and works with each foster until they feel comfortable screening and adopting on their own. The goal is to cut down on the number of animals that are returned because they are not a good fit with a new family.
Once animals are ready for adoption, they are posted on the organization’s website, Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet and Petango in hopes that people searching those sites will see them. Cats are also available at the PetSmart on Canal and the group holds adoption events.
Continuing to help CACC
“Although we are a separate rescue organization, we try to do what we can to help out CACC,” adds Budrean. “Sometimes they have a rash of adoptions and the small medical staff will need to get all the animals vetted, spayed/neutered and microchipped before they can leave the shelter. Because there are so few vets and vet techs and animals are always coming in, they often need extra assistance to get the medical work completed and funded.”
Recently, FCACC rescued its 385 animal this year – Lilly who is a young puppy found wandering around Chicago covered in mange. CACC would not been able to handle her case for the long term, but FCACC and an experienced foster home have been able to rescue Lilly to help her through the long-term recovery period. Donations are being accepted to help pay for her medical care. (Lilly's story)
Budrean says her organization and CACC both need plenty of volunteers. People may fill out foster applications on their website, work as a volunteer in many other capacities or help with events and fundraising. Learn more online or follow them on Facebook.
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