DuPage Animal Friends, the nonprofit, philanthropic arm of the DuPage County Animal Services shelter, has announced it is donating $500,000 to assist in ongoing operational needs.
A check presentation took place at a Tuesday, Aug. 11, DuPage County Board meeting.
‘Sorely needed’ funds, according to Friends president
Jennifer Martyn, president of DuPage Animal Friends, was on hand at the board meeting to speak of the awarded funds and how the donated dollars will help fortify the county animal shelter.
“These funds are sorely needed by the shelter to continue the life-sustaining efforts for the animals in the shelter and to ensure that every animal receives a safe and loving home,” Martyn said. “Our shelter is the only shelter in the county that is open-admission.”
Martyn said the full breadth of programs and services offered within the shelter would not be possible without the “benevolence of our donor family.”
“We are so grateful to them,” Martyn added. “We are humbled by the outpouring of donations, not only from our community, from private donors, but from our business partners as well.”
District 3 board member Brian Krajewski, chair of the Animal Services Committee, said the Friends group has been an important lifeline to the work taking place within the county’s animal services department.
“I want to thank the board for raising the money, and getting the information out about what we do in the county,” Krajewski said.
Martyn in her remarks also gave praise to the people she serves alongside on DuPage Animal Friends’ board of directors.
“I also want to thank each and every member of our board for your dedication and support, and for truly caring about the shelter,” she said. “It truly takes a village.”
Year-to-date animal shelter stats shared during presentation
DuPage County’s new 18,000-square-foot animal services facility opened 14 months ago, with financial assistance from DuPage Animal Friends. The new venue provides modernized space for animal care, veterinary services, adoption opportunities, education, and community outreach.
Year-to-date, Martyn reported the shelter has taken in more than 1,500 animals. More than $89,000 has been spent on medical care and medical supplies for the animals served within the facility, as well as $14,000 for specialty diagnostics and treatment.
Additionally, more than 1,600 spay and neuter surgeries have taken place at the facility thus far this year.
Martyn added the shelter is currently caring for more than 250 animals.
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