President Preckwinkle to Kick Off 2025 Partners in Prevention Rabies Vaccine and Microchip Clinics

Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:00

County’s Animal and Rabies Control hosts first clinics on Saturday, April 5

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) is kicking off its 2025 Partners in Prevention clinics beginning Saturday, April 5. Through October, ARC is partnering with local animal organizations to offer low-cost or free 1-year rabies and distemper vaccines as well as microchips. These partnerships ultimately link pet owners to organizations in their area for year-round pet care, helping to create a healthier pet community.

ARC has released the April and May clinic schedule. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will visit the first clinic at the River Grove American Legion, 8664 Grand Ave., River Grove, IL 60171 on April 5 between 11:30 a.m. - noon.

Additional clinics for the coming months will be posted shortly.

More than three dozen clinics will be scheduled for the 2025 season. ARC used data from Cook County’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to help determine some of this year’s clinic locations. The SVI provides a comprehensive analysis, ranking community attributes including socioeconomic status, demographic factors, language proficiency, housing conditions and transportation availability. This data-driven approach ensures that clinics are positioned to serve communities where they are most needed, aligning with Cook County’s mission to deliver equitable healthcare services.

“This program provides affordable and even free critical vaccines and other services to pets throughout Cook County,” said President Preckwinkle. “I am grateful to the County’s partners for coming together to safeguard our pet population.”

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.

“Providing free or low-cost access to rabies vaccines is one way the County limits transmission,” said ARC Administrator Mamadou Diakhate. “Last year, we administered more than 6,000 rabies vaccines and over 3,600 microchips to County pets. This critical program offers an affordable way to keep pets healthy and safe.”

ARC is partnering with the following organizations to host rabies vaccine and microchip clinics for cats and dogs: