Cook County Announces Pilot Program to Provide Free Rabies Vaccines and Microchips to Pets of County Veterans and Service Members

 The one-day Vets and Pets clinic is scheduled for Saturday, July 1

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs and the County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) have partnered with Chicago Animal Care and Control to launch Vets and Pets, a free one-day rabies vaccine and microchip clinic for pets belonging to County veterans and service members. This is the first clinic of its kind and is scheduled for Saturday, July 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at General Jones Armory located at 5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60615.

“Cook County is proud to provide essential services for pets belonging to our brave veterans and service members,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I am grateful to the County’s Department of Veterans Affairs, Animal and Rabies Control and Chicago Animal Care and Control for the good work they do to ensure County pets remain healthy and safe.” 

The Vets and Pets clinic is available to the first 200 cats and dogs and is first come, first served. Veterans and service members can bring up to four pets per household. Please bring proof of military status. Accepted documents include DD214 paired with picture ID, veteran ID or common access card. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers.

ARC reminds residents that rabies is always fatal to unvaccinated pets and is a preventable virus that causes inflammation of the brain in mammals. Rabies vaccines are required by law.

 While registration is not required, veterans and service members interested in attending are encouraged to register by completing this form.

For more information about Vets and Pets, visit: cookcountyil.gov/vetsandpets