Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant Will County Executive

I am honored to serve as your Will County Executive. As a lifelong resident of this great county, I have witnessed many changes as we have evolved from an ag-community to a major hub in the global distribution market. I am dedicated to building upon this status but I am equally dedicated to maintaining the quality of life for the nearly 700,000 residents and thousands of businesses and organizations that call Will County home.

Please explore our website which is filled with important information about services and departments within the County Executive office as well as connections to other county officials’ websites.

Will County is diverse, vibrant and filled with hard-working people. We have room to grow and we look forward to a great future.

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive

What's Happening in Will County

Adoptions Now Available Through Will County Animal Protection Services

Matthew Libs / Friday, April 12, 2024

/ Categories: News, Announcements, Press Releases, Home Page

Adoptions Now Available Through Will County Animal Protection Services

WILL COUNTY – Will County Animal Protection Services (WCAPS) has launched their new adoption program, allowing residents to adopt pets directly through the department. The adoption program follows sweeping changes to Will County animal welfare policies in response to a nationwide increase in animal shelter populations.

“This is the first time in agency history that we’ve been able to help connect animals in our care to their ‘furever’ homes,” said WCAPS Administrator Anna Payton. “If you’ve been on the fence about adopting a new pet, now is the time to act and do it. The nation is experiencing overpopulation in shelters due to more intake than adoptions, and we are no exception. We need our local residents’ help adopting these wonderful animals.”

Before the new program launched, animals in the department’s care were transferred to other animal welfare organizations to be adopted. Earlier this year, the County Board approved a series of ordinance changes aimed at modernizing the services offered by the department.

Those interested in adoption can view the available animals on the WCAPS Petfinder website – IL1035.petfinder.com. Appointments can be scheduled to visit available pets by calling 815-462-5633 or emailing adopt@willcountyillinois.com. Adoption hours are from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the WCAPS office located at 22452 Cherry Hill Rd. in Joliet.

“The Animal Protection Services department has been working hard to expand services to support pet owners and keep animals in loving homes,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Adoption services is a welcome addition to this growing list of services available to Will County residents.”

The department celebrated their first adoption when Lucy, a St. Bernard puppy, was adopted by Toni Renken and her family of four. Toni serves as a Will County Assistant State’s Attorney who met Lucy while helping WCAPS staff update county ordinances. Lucy is already adjusting to her new home and is now a certified therapy dog assisting the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Residents can learn more about departmental services at www.willcounty.gov/animalservices.