New Year, New Commitment

Mar 10, 2025

PAWS Chicago is renewing our commitment to the animals and communities we serve. See how we’re ramping up spay/neuter efforts, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), and outreach to underserved communities to make a measurable impact on our city’s animal population.

In 2025, PAWS Chicago is renewing our commitment to the animals and communities we serve as we lead the charge in providing critical animal welfare programs that make a measurable impact on our city’s animal population.  

Our spay/neuter efforts, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, and outreach to underserved communities are foundational to our No Kill mission. And as we look ahead to 2025, we're ramping up these efforts to do even more.   

At the PAWS Chicago Lurie Clinic—the only high-volume free and low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Chicago—we’re enhancing accessibility for pet owners seeking spay/neuter and vaccination services. We recently rolled out an online self-scheduling option for these appointments, allowing pet owners to book services at their convenience and ensuring that the appointments go to animals in greatest need, easing the process for everyone involved.  

We’re also continuing our efforts to bring vaccine clinics directly to communities that need them most. By hosting more pop-up vaccine events in 2025 throughout underserved neighborhoods, we can ensure that more pets are protected against preventable diseases.  

A major development for 2025 is our soon-to-launch Citizen Cat Care Program, which addresses recent changes at Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), the city impound facility, regarding their intake protocol. Specifically, CACC is no longer accepting friendly, social cats found outdoors, and these cats often face uncertain futures. With this new program, PAWS Chicago is providing a simpler, more accessible path to getting these cats into shelter care, ensuring they get the support they deserve.  

At the same time, we’re expanding our TNR education and caretaker registration efforts. For cats that must return to the environments they were found in, this initiative will equip community members with the knowledge and resources to support outdoor cat populations responsibly, from food to shelter to healthcare.     

2025 promises to be an exciting year of growth and impact, and we couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of our Lifeline community. By choosing to give monthly, each of you plays an integral role in ensuring that every animal receives the care and attention they deserve. Together, we’re not just transforming lives—we’re building a community where every animal has the opportunity to thrive.  

As we continue to grow and expand our services, we are more committed than ever to our mission of improving the lives of animals and strengthening the bond between people and pets. Thank you for everything you do, and here’s to a successful, impactful 2025!