May 2 MCAC Rabies Vaccination Event Cancelled

McHenry County Animal Control (MCAC) has canceled the recently announced low cost rabies vaccination and microchip event scheduled for May 2 at its Crystal Lake facility. MCAC will reschedule this event later in the year. McHenry County Department of Health reports three dogs in the County became ill with symptoms consistent with the H3N2 dog flu which has sickened over 1,000 dogs in the Chicagoland area and other parts of the Midwest.  One dog has since died, another dog is suspected to have the illness and test results are pending on the third animal. 

Pet owners are cautioned to keep their dogs away from dog parks and from kenneling animals to reduce the spread of the virus. A fact sheet about canine influenza can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association website https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Control-of-Canine-Influenza-in-Dogs.aspx.

According to a press release issued by Cornell University researchers and posted on its website http://mediarelations.cornell.edu/2015/04/12/midwest-canine-influenza-outbreak-caused-by-new-strain-of-virus/, there is no evidence that the H3N2 subtype can be transmitted to people. However, it apparently has caused infection and respiratory illness in cats.

Anyone with concerns about their pet’s health, or whose pet is showing symptoms of canine influenza, should contact their veterinarian. Symptoms of the disease may include a soft, moist cough or dry cough similar to that induced by kennel cough; discharge from the nose or eyes; sneezing; lethargy; low-grade fever; and loss of appetite. For more information, contact MCAC at 815-459-6222 or www.mcdh.info. 

Microchip Saves Your Pet -- Clinic Slated

Your pet has a better chance of being reunited with your family if it has a microchip for quick identification and a current rabies vaccination/registration record.  McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center (MCAC) will host a rabies vaccination and microchip clinic from 11am-1:30pm on Saturday, May 2, at its Crystal Lake facility, 100 N Virginia Street (intersection of Woodstock Street and Route 14). First come, first served. Doors will open promptly at 11am – NO EARLY BIRDS. Please do not bring animals that are in heat. All pets must be leashed or in carriers.

Rabies vaccinations are $10 for one year or $25 for three years.  Registration tags are required by law; registration fees are separate and required at time of rabies vaccination. Discounts for senior residents apply and for pets who have been previously spayed or neutered when purchasing registration tags.  Microchips are $15.

Rabies vaccinations provide your pet with the best protection against this fatal disease.  Unlike dog tags and collars which can fall off or be removed, microchips are a more

permanent form of pet identification.  Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle.

Adoptions ($80) will also be available and include age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, heartworm and free 1st Veterinarian visit at participating veterinarians.  To view available pets, visit

Pet Microchip And Rabies Vaccination Event July 27

Your pet has a better chance of being reunited with your family if it has a microchip for quick identification and a current rabies vaccination/registration record.  McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center (MCAC) will host a rabies vaccination and microchip clinic at its Crystal Lake facility (100 N Virginia Street – intersection of Woodstock Street and Route 14) on Saturday, July 27, 11am-1:30pm.  First come, first served. Doors will open promptly at 11am – NO EARLY BIRDS. Please do not bring animals that are in heat. Dogs should be on leashes and cats in carriers.

Rabies vaccinations are $10 for one year or $25 for three years.  Registration tags are required by law; registration fees are separate and required at time of rabies vaccination. Discounts for senior residents apply and for pets who have been previously spayed or neutered when purchasing registration tags.  Microchips are $15.

Rabies vaccinations provide your pet with the best protection against this fatal disease.  Unlike dog tags and collars which can fall off or be removed, microchipping is a more permanent form of pet identification.  Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted by a veterinarian just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle and is painless to pets.

Adoptions ($80) will also be available and include age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, heartworm and free 1st Veterinarian visit at participating veterinarians.  To view available pets, visit http://www.mcac.petfinder.org

NOTICE -- Saturday Animal Control Event Cancelled

The previously scheduled microchip and rabies vaccination event scheduled by the McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center for Saturday has been cancelled. 

NOTICE -- CANCELLATION--

McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center has cancelled its previously scheduled microchip and rabies vaccination event for Saturday, October 20, 11am-1:30pm, at its Crystal Lake facility (100 N Virginia Street).

Loving Homes Needed- Senior To Senior Event

McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center (MCAC) will host an adoption event on Saturday August 4th from 10:30am-2pm at its Crystal Lake facility, 100 N Virginia Avenue.  Adoptions will be $40 for cats over 2 years and $60 for dogs over 5 years and include age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, heartworm and free 1st Veterinarian visit at participating veterinarians. 

To view available pets, visit http://www.mcac.petfinder.org. For more information, call MCAC at 815-459-6222.

Kindness To Wild Animals Is A "Hands-off" Approach

It is Springtime and our nature friends are out and about.

McHenry County Department of Health, Animal Control Division, urges residents to adopt a “hands-off” approach to local wildlife. 

In separate incidents, Animal Control reports two residents were recently bitten by raccoons after individuals left out food. One individual is currently undergoing rabies prophylaxis treatment.

Wild animals are attracted to your home by food and shelter. Remove these temptations and you can cut your risks of structural damage, home invasion and other problems.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources offers these tips:

• Do not encourage wildlife (squirrels, raccoons) by feeding or leaving food for them.
• Don’t allow bird food to accumulate on the ground.
• Don’t place food scraps in gardens or compost bins.
• Keep pet food and water containers indoors, especially at night.
• If you have fruit trees, harvest or dispose of fruit when it is ripe.
• Use metal or durable plastic trash containers.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wild animals account for 9 out of 10 rabies cases in the United States and raccoons make up almost half of those.  Most raccoons are healthy and harmless but you should never touch or approach a wild raccoon, and you should definitely not feed them. 

  

Read more about it from the University of Illinois Extension’s “Living with Wildlife in Illinois” at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/ 

Racoon Bites Reported By McHenry County Animal Control

McHenry County Department of Health, Animal Control Division, urges residents to adopt a “hands-off” approach to local wildlife. 

In separate incidents, Animal Control reports two residents were recently bitten by raccoons after individuals left out food. One individual is currently undergoing rabies prophylaxis treatment.

Wild animals are attracted to your home by food and shelter. Remove these temptations and you can cut your risks of structural damage, home invasion and other problems.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources offers these tips:

• Do not encourage wildlife (squirrels, raccoons) by feeding or leaving food for them.
• Don’t allow bird food to accumulate on the ground.
• Don’t place food scraps in gardens or compost bins.
• Keep pet food and water containers indoors, especially at night.
• If you have fruit trees, harvest or dispose of fruit when it is ripe.
• Use metal or durable plastic trash containers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wild animals account for 9 out of 10 rabies cases in the United States and raccoons make up almost half of those.  Most raccoons are healthy and harmless but you should never touch or approach a wild raccoon, and you should definitely not feed them.

Racoon bites have been reported by McHenry County Animal Control 

  

Read more about it from the University of Illinois Extension’s “Living with Wildlife in Illinois” at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/ 

Pet Registration, Rabies Vaccination Event

If your pet wanders from the safety of its home, the chance of being reunited with your family is greater if your pet has a microchip for quick identification and a current rabies vaccination/registration record.  McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center (MCAC) will host rabies vaccination ($10) and microchip ($15) events at its Crystal Lake facility (100 N Virginia Street – corner of Woodstock Street and Route 14) on the following dates:

• Wed. March 28, 2pm-4pm (by appointment)
• Wed. April 4, 10am-11am (microchip clinic only)
• Wed. April 28, 11am-1:30pm (first come, first served)

Three-year rabies vaccinations are being offered for $25.  Registration fees are separate and required at time of rabies vaccination.  Discounts for seniors apply and for pets who have been previously spayed or neutered when purchasing registration tags.  Registration tags are required by law.  Appointments are required at 815-459-6222. 

Rabies vaccinations provide your pet with the best protection against this deadly disease.  Unlike dog tags and collars which can fall off or be removed, microchipping is a more permanent form of pet identification.  Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted by a vet just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle and is painless to pets.

Adoptions ($80) will also be available and include age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, heartworm and free 1st Veterinarian visit at participating veterinarians.  To view available pets, visit http://www.petharbor.com. 

Low Cost Rabies and Microchip Event Set December 8

 McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center is taking appointments for a low cost rabies vaccination ($10) and microchip event ($15) at its Crystal Lake facility (100 N Virginia St) on Wednesday December 8th, 2pm-4pm.  Registration fees are separate.  Discounts for seniors apply and for pets who have been previously spayed or neutered when purchasing registration tags.  Call 815-459-6222 for appointment.

Adoptions are also available.  Fees are $80 and include all vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, de-worming and free 1st Veterinarian visit at participating veterinarians.  Go to www.mcdh.info (click on Animal Control) to view available pets. 

An Opportunity To Have Your Pet Photographed With Santa

McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center will host a “Santa’s Photo” event on Sunday November 7 from noon-3pm at its Crystal Lake location (100 N Virginia Street). Appointments are required at 815-459-6222.  The cost is $10 for a 4x6 color photo of Santa and your pet in a Christmas card setting. 

Pet adoptions are also available during these hours.  Adoption fees are $80 and include all vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, de-worming, free 1st Veterinarian visit and discounted grooming.  Animals available for adoption can be viewed online at http://www.mcdh.info/ (click on Animal Control).  For more information, call Animal Control at 815-459-6222.

October Is Adopt A Pet Month

McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center (MCAC) has scheduled rabies, microchip and adoption events in October at its Crystal Lake location (100 N Virginia Street) to celebrate “Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet” Month. Animal shelters have healthy, affectionate animals of all shapes, sizes and ages that end up there because of circumstances beyond their control; about 25% are purebred. By adopting a shelter pet you are not only giving them a second chance but you will also have a lifelong companion that will bring years of love and devotion. Event dates are as follows

Sat. Oct 16 • 10am-1pm	Microchip, rabies
Wed. Oct 27 • 4pm-5:30pm	Microchip, rabies
Wed. Oct 27 • 11am-6pm	Adoption fest “Trick or Treat, Adopt Four Feet”

 Adoption fees are $80 and include all vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, de-worming, free 1st Veterinarian visit and discounted grooming. Go to www.mcdh.info (click on Animal Control) to view available pets or call Animal Control at 815-459-6222.

Pet Adoption and More

McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center (MCAC) will host September “Wild Cat Wednesdays” adoption fests at its Crystal Lake location (100 N Virginia Street). Stop by one of the adoption fests planned with area vendors or schedule an appointment for your pet’s microchip or rabies vaccination.

• ADOPTION FESTS
o Wednesday Sept 8, 11am-6pm
    Vendors: Invisible Fence, Pampered Pet (11am-1pm)

o Wednesday Sept 15, 11am-6pm
    Vendors: Invisible Fence, “Ask the Pet Shrink” Dr. Bob (11am-2pm), Pampered Pet (11am-1pm)

o Wednesday Sept 22, 11am-6pm
    Vendors: Invisible Fence, PetSmart, “Ask the Pet Shrink” Dr. Bob (11am-2pm), nail trimmings

o Wednesday Sept 29, 11am-6pm

• MICROCHIP, RABIES APPOINTMENTS
   o Wednesday Sept 8, 11am-12pm, by appointment
   o Wednesday Sept 15, 3pm-4pm, by appointment
   o Tuesday Sept 21, 10am-11am, by appointment, microchip only
   o Tuesday Sept 28, 10am-11am, by appointment, microchip only
   o Wednesday Sept 29, 5pm-6pm, by appointment

Adoption fees are $80 and include all vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, de-worming, free 1st Veterinarian visit and discounted grooming. Go to www.mcdh.info (click on Animal Control) to view available pets or call Animal Control at 815-459-6222.

New Manager For McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center

Dr. Lisa Lembke has recently joined the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) as Division Manager/Veterinarian for the Animal Control and Adoption Center. She will begin those duties on August 16.
The announcement made by the MCDH follows the retirement of current Manager, Jerry Rivard, who has served in the position for five years. MCDH extends best wished to Mr. Rivard for his years of service.
Patrick J. McNulty, MCDH Public Health Administrator says, "We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Lembke's caliber to continue the improvements made in our Animal Control Division that have taken place under Mr. Rivard's tenure."
Dr. Lembke is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Veterinarian School and has worked as a veterinarian in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Illinois for animal humane societies and animal shelters. She brings to McHenry County an extensive public health background in rabies control, zoonotic diseases and illness outbreak investigations from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and local Health Department. Dr. Lembke’s most recent experience was in private practice as owner/operator of a veterinary clinic.

Agreement Reached Between McHenry County and Unions

McHenry County Board members, following a lengthy executive session Tuesday night, voted to authorize two Union contract agreements. One is an agreement between the Service Employees International Union, Local 73 (SEIU) County Coroner and the County of McHenry. The second contract agreement is between the Service Employees International Union Local 73 (SEIU) Division of Veterinary Public Health and the County of McHenry. This is for the Animal Control workers.

It should be noted that the Coroner is an elected official. The employees of the office including Deputy Investigators, Deputy Coroners, Secretaries, and Clerical workers are covered by the contract.

The vote for the Coroner's Office contract was 18 yes to 2 no with four members absent (Draffkorn, Hill, Orphal and Kennedy) Members Schuster and Donley provided the two dissenting votes.

The second contract regarding the Animal Control workers is under the jurisdiction of the McHenry County Health Board. This contract was approved by the County Board vote of 17-3 with members Schmidt, Schuster and Donley casting opposing votes.

According to a memo from the County's Human Resources Director, Robert Ivetic, the overview of the Contracts shows that initial negotiations took place for nearly two years; three mediation session were held with a Federal Mediator; the last, best and final offer was offered by the County and requested it be presented to the membership for a vote. The SEIU refused to take it to the memberships.

The contract is considered by the County as being fair and equitable. The status quo is to be maintained on such things as benefit time, group health insurance, hours of work.

Wage adjustments in the contract include: 3% on December 1, 2008, 2% on December 1, 2009, and a percentage increase same as granted by County Board for December 1, 2010. All wage adjustments are to be retroactive.

Lost Pets May Be Found On The Lost Pets Blotter

McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center (MCAC) will begin posting descriptions of pets lost and retrieved by MCAC each week on its website  link to Animal Control, Lost Pets website

Fashioned after the “police blotter” typically seen in newspapers, the listing will hopefully bring awareness to the animals at the County’s shelter and return them to their rightful owners. Kara Plonczynski, MCAC’s Volunteer Coordinator states, “Microchipping is an effective and inexpensive way to identify pets so if they become lost, they can be quickly identified and reunited with their families.”

Another helpful website to look for lost pets is lost pets . Registration and vaccination of pets is also an important part of responsible pet ownership.

Anniversary Celebration For McHenry County Animal Control

The group is celebrating its 2nd anniversary at its Crystal Lake location (100 N Virginia Street) by hosting several May events. Tour the facility (10am-4pm), stop by one of the adoption fests planned with area vendors or schedule an appointment for your pet’s microchip or rabies vaccination.

FACILITY TOURS
Monday, May 10, 10am-4pm
Tuesday, May 11, 10am-4pm
“Ask the Pet Shrink” Dr. Bob 1pm-3pm
Nail trimmings by Nick & Ashley, 12pm-4pm, no appointments needed

Thursday, May 13, 10am-4pm
ADOPTION FESTS
Wednesday May 12, 11am-6pm, MCAC (Crystal Lake)
Vendors: Camp Bow Wow, Invisible Fence, Thomas Tails, PetSmart, Sweet Teagan Soaps, “Ask the Pet Shrink” Dr. Bob, nail trimmings by Grooming on the Green (2:30pm-4:3opm)

Saturday May 15, 10am-2pm, MCAC (Crystal Lake)
Vendors: Invisible Fence, PetSmart, “Ask the Pet Shrink” Dr. Bob, nail trimmings

MICROCHIP, RABIES APPOINTMENTS
Saturday May 8, 11am-2pm, MCAC, Crystal Lake; microchip and rabies
Monday May 10, 11am-4pm, no appointment necessary; microchip only
Friday May 14, 10am-12pm, by appointment, MCAC (Crystal Lake); microchip and rabies

Adoption fees are $80 and include all vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, de-worming, free 1st Veterinarian visit and discounted grooming. Go to www.mcdh.info (click on Animal Control) to view available pets or call Animal Control at 815-459-6222.