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Cook County will hold a series of free clinics offering rabies and distemper vaccines, as well as microchipping, for dogs owned by military veterans and current service members. The initiative is organized by the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Animal and Rabies Control, in collaboration with Chicago Animal Care and Control and South Suburban Humane Society.
The Vets and Pets program is now in its third year. The goal is to help veterans and service members keep their pets healthy through access to vaccinations and microchips.
Three events are scheduled for 2025. The first clinic will take place on Saturday, August 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kedzie Armory, located at 1515 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60651, in partnership with Chicago Animal Care and Control. A second clinic will be held on Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Crestwood Armory, 13838 S. Springfield Ave., Robbins, IL 60472, in partnership with South Suburban Humane Society. The final event is set for Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., again at Kedzie Armory.
Each clinic can serve up to the first 100 dogs on a first-come, first-served basis. Owners are required to bring proof of military status—such as a DD214 paired with photo ID, veteran ID or common access card—and all dogs must be leashed.
According to organizers: "The Vets and Pets program aims to support veterans and service members by ensuring their pets are healthy and protected."
