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The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) is launching its 2025 Partners in Prevention clinics on Saturday, April 5. The clinics will continue through October, providing low-cost or free 1-year rabies and distemper vaccines, as well as microchips, in collaboration with local animal organizations. These initiatives aim to link pet owners with regional organizations for continuous pet care, contributing to a healthier pet community.
President Toni Preckwinkle of the Cook County Board will attend the inaugural clinic at the River Grove American Legion, located at 8664 Grand Ave., River Grove, Illinois, on April 5 from 11:30 a.m. until noon.
The upcoming clinic schedule for April and May has been announced, with additional dates to be released soon. Throughout the 2025 season, over three dozen clinics are scheduled. The clinic locations were chosen, in part, using data from Cook County’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). The SVI ranks communities based on various attributes like socioeconomic status, demographic factors, and transportation availability. This method aims to position clinics in areas where they are needed most, aligning with the county's goal to offer equitable healthcare services.
President Preckwinkle emphasized the significance of the program by stating, “This program provides affordable and even free critical vaccines and other services to pets throughout Cook County. I am grateful to the County’s partners for coming together to safeguard our pet population.”
Rabies is a fatal virus if pets remain unvaccinated, causing brain inflammation in mammals. Rabies vaccines are legally required, with ARC highlighting the importance of these initiatives.
ARC Administrator Mamadou Diakhate commented, “Providing free or low-cost access to rabies vaccines is one way the County limits transmission. 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.”
The rabies vaccine and microchip clinics for cats and dogs are organized with the support of various partners, including Anti-Cruelty, Chicago Animal Care and Control, Chicago Wolves, Evanston Animal Shelter, Heartland Animal Shelter, Mutts of the Midway, One Tail at a Time, South Suburban Humane Society, and Tree House Humane Society.
The full list of clinics, including an interactive map, can be viewed at www.cookcountyil.gov/service/low-cost-rabies-clinic.
