Working at Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is more than a transitional job for READI Chicago participants in Stage 2 of their work experience.
CACC, which aims to ensure the humane care of animals through sheltering, pet placement, education, and animal law enforcement, is always in need of more help, said Assistant to the Director Jenny Schlueter. This makes READI Chicago participants invaluable to caring for the animals as they await adoption.
Participants work at CACC five days a week, cleaning kennels, feeding dogs and kittens, and supervising playtime. After working at CACC for six weeks and completing further training in animal behavior and care, participants transition to dog-walking and helping with animal playgroups.
“It’s been really great to see how much the participants enjoy it and get out of it — the connections they’re making with the animals are very obvious,” Jenny said. “What’s been more of a surprise is seeing the men start to form relationships with some of our other staff and volunteers. They’re making people’s days, and our volunteers and staff have a real appreciation for them.”
As Jenny points out, it’s not just the animals that benefit from the relationship — the READI Chicago participants working at CACC, many of whom have experienced violence and trauma, get just as much out of working and connecting with the animals. One participant, who has worked at CACC for several months, even plans on adopting his favorite dog once he gets his own apartment.
