PAWS Chicago’s 360@CACC Program
PAWS Chicago’s 360@CACC program was developed to provide additional support for animals entering Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC). The initiative combines veterinary resources, adoption support, rescue partnerships, and community assistance programs designed to improve outcomes for struggling pet owners and homeless pets throughout Chicago.
A major focus of the program is expanding access to veterinary care for shelter animals. Many dogs and cats arriving at CACC require medical treatment, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, recovery care, or other services before they are ready for adoption, foster placement, or transfer to a rescue organization. Through 360@CACC, PAWS Chicago helps provide veterinary support that can prepare animals for their next step while reducing barriers to placement.
PAWS Chicago Veterinary Support
Veterinary services remain one of the most important parts of the partnership. PAWS Chicago contributes medical resources that help treat and prepare animals for adoption or transfer opportunities. This includes spay and neuter services, medical evaluations, and support for animals requiring additional care before leaving the shelter system.
These services not only benefit individual animals but can also help increase placement opportunities by ensuring dogs and cats are medically ready for adoption, foster care, or transfer to partner rescue organizations.
Reducing Shelter Intake
The program also works to address some of the challenges that lead pets to enter shelters in the first place. In some situations, pet owners may be facing temporary obstacles such as veterinary expenses, housing issues, behavioral concerns, or access to pet care resources.
By connecting pet owners with available support programs and community resources, 360@CACC can sometimes help families keep their pets rather than surrendering them to a shelter. These efforts help reduce shelter intake while allowing limited shelter resources to remain available for animals that have no other options.
Supporting Adoptions & Rescue Transfers
In addition to veterinary care and intake reduction efforts, the program supports adoption initiatives and rescue transfers for animals housed at CACC. Medical preparation and spay/neuter services can help make animals eligible for transfer to rescue organizations, foster programs, or adoptive homes more quickly.
Together, these efforts create additional pathways for dogs and cats to leave the shelter system while supporting the work of Chicago Animal Care and Control and its rescue partners throughout the region.