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DuPage County department gets new 'Animal Services' name

Sometimes, a longer name isn't always better or - in the case of "DuPage County Animal Care and Control" - completely accurate.

County officials say the six-word name failed to reflect the wide range of services the department provides to residents and their pets. So they dropped that moniker in favor of a shorter one: Animal Services.

"We just felt that Animal Services can encompass everything," said county board member Brian Krajewski, chairman of DuPage's animal services committee. "We do so many other things besides care and control."

The department, which is self-supporting and receives no taxpayer money, will continue to provide animal control services to communities and its partners.

It runs a shelter in Wheaton that cares for nearly 3,000 animals a year. It also offers pet adoption, public microchipping, humane education, and other services and information to encourage responsible pet ownership.

Krajewski said the decision to change the name was made after getting feedback from staff members, volunteers and members of the DuPage Animal Friends foundation.

In addition to wanting a more encompassing name, the focus group believed the word "control" had a negative connotation.

"We're not controlling animals," Krajewski said. "We have services we provide."

Krajewski said the name change symbolizes an increased focus on providing information and resources needed to keep pets in their homes where they are safest and happiest.

The agency will continue to offer residents a one-stop resource for animal health and safety services. Residents can receive information about having their animal spayed, neutered or vaccinated. They can also have their pet microchipped, report a lost or found pet, report domestic animal issues, and buy tags.

More information about DuPage County Animal Services is available at dupageco.org/animalservices.

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