Cook County Partners with South Suburban Humane Society for No-Cost Adoptions and Free Large Dog Spay/Neuter Services

Paw-Some Pets Project available to all Cook County residents

Cook County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) has partnered with South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) to launch the Paw-Some Pets Project, which provides fee waived dog and cat adoptions as well as free large dog spay and neuter services. The initiative begins today and is available to all Cook County residents.

Dog and cat adoption fees ranging from $25 to $200 will be waived for all County residents. Free spay and neuter services will be available to dogs that are 44 pounds or more. Those services range from $75 to $180.

“The Paw-Some Pets Project is a wonderful opportunity to help pets find good homes and to ensure that more pets are spayed and neutered,” said ARC Administrator Mamadou Diakhate, DVM. “One of our primary goals is to ensure the health and safety of the County’s pets and this program helps us achieve that mission.”

All dog and cat adoptions will include spay and neuter services, vaccinations, microchips as well as other services and supplies. Large dog spay and neuter services will include any necessary non-elective procedures as well as any necessary medications and supplies.

“We are fortunate that President Preckwinkle and Cook County care so much about the homeless animals in our community, and we are excited to find them forever homes and to help pet families spay and neuter their furry family members so fewer animals end up in shelters,” said Tracy Elliot, interim CEO at South Suburban Humane Society. “We are overwhelmed with large dogs who make wonderful companions. The only way out of this crisis is for all of us to work together and we thank Cook County for leading the way."

Feral cat spay and neuter services are also being made available at no cost to ARC-approved sponsors.

Funding for the Paw-Some Pets Project comes from the Housing Cook County’s Animals grant program. This initiative provided $7.4 million to assist with costs associated with the planning and construction of the new SSHS facility, which opened in 2022. ARC and SSHS agreed to use $268,440 of the funds for this program. The program runs through October 31, 2026, or until funds are expended. The Housing Cook County’s Animals grant program was funded by small fees charged for rabies tags provided by Cook County.

Click here to learn more about the Paw-Some Pets Project and to how to access these free services.

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