The Evanston City Council has recently concluded discussions on the future of the Evanston Animal Shelter. The discussions have led the City to seek out a new partner to help operate the Shelter and bring to a close the City’s long standing partnership with the Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E). Thank you to all the C.A.R.E. volunteers who have worked so hard on behalf of Evanston’s animals.

Since its founding in 1987, C.A.R.E and its hundreds of dedicated volunteers have been responsible for the adoption of thousands of dogs and cats at the Evanston Animal Shelter and have provided medical treatment to animals in need. The work of these dedicated volunteers has been outstanding. They’ve made a positive impact in our community and helped pair loving families with dogs and cats needing a caring home.

The City of Evanston’s commitment to the Evanston Animal Shelter continues. The City will now begin a process in the next month to identify a new partner to help operate the shelter. Current Animal Shelter volunteers have been invited to continue helping Evanston animals in need. The City will organize volunteers at the Animal Shelter for the time being while a new partner is selected. Evanston Police Commander James Pickett will directly oversee the operations of the Shelter working with Animal Warden Linda Teckler and other City staff.

The City will begin organizing volunteer shifts starting in early May, 2014.

The City has set up a variety of ways for keeping in touch on issues regarding the Animal Shelter. This includes an electronic newsletter, as well as using social media, like Facebook and Twitter. For more information, check our website at cityofevanston.org/animalshelter. If you have more specific questions, please feel free to call 3-1-1.

The welfare of Evanston’s dogs and cats in need remains a priority for the City. I believe these changes will allow the community to find homes for unwanted and abandoned animals long into the future.