Will County Celebrates “National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month” with Waived Adoption fees and Barktoberfest Event

In celebration of “National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month,” Will County Animal Protection Services (APS) is making it easier for families to bring home a new four-legged friend by waiving adoption fees for all dogs six months and older. They are also inviting all Will County residents to a pet-friendly event, Barktoberfest, being held in Tinley Park on October 9.

“Every shelter dog deserves the opportunity to find a loving home, and this month is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the many dogs waiting for their families,” said Will County APS Administrator Anna Payton. “By waiving adoption fees in October, we hope to encourage more people to consider adoption and help more of our dogs find their forever homes.”

Throughout all of October, Will County APS will waive adoption fees for all dogs six months and older. All standard adoption policies and requirements still apply. The fee waiver includes eligible dogs available at the agency’s adoption partners, including Animal Care Center of Shorewood and All Pets Wellness Center in Aurora.

Interested adopters can view available dogs and other adoptable pets on WCAPS’s Petfinder page, accessible through the Will County Animal Services website at WillCounty.gov/AnimalServices.

Celebrating “Barktoberfest”

Will County APS is also celebrating “National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month” with Barktoberfest, special pet-friendly event being held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 9 at Soundgrowler Brewing Company (8201 183rd St., Tinley Park). A portion of sales from Soundgrowler’s Oktoberfest Festbier Lager during the event will be donated to support the pets at Will County APS.

The event will include pet trivia, raffle prizes, adoptable dogs, and an opportunity for family-friendly fun while supporting shelter pets and potentially meeting a new best friend.

Will County APS is also selling limited-edition Bartkoberfest apparel online to help support the care of animals in their care, including T-Shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. A limited supply of T-Shirts are also available for purchase at the shelter and will be available at Barktoberfest. All available apparel can also be purchased online through the Barktoberfest online store located at https://gqr.sh/4Pzp. And there’s an extra incentive to dress for the occasion: Everyone who wears Barktoberfest apparel to the event will receive a free raffle ticket.

“Whether you're looking to adopt, support shelter pets, enjoy Oktoberfest festivities, or simply show off your love of dogs, October offers plenty of ways to celebrate shelter dogs and help us find more pets their forever homes,” said Administrator Payton.