Thinking about adopting a pet, now’s a good time. PAWS Chicago’s Spring Adopt-a-Thon kicks off Friday

Puppies and kittens melted hearts Friday at PAWS Chicago as the group kicked off its Spring Adopt-a-Thon.

SHARE Thinking about adopting a pet, now’s a good time. PAWS Chicago’s Spring Adopt-a-Thon kicks off Friday
A dog named Milo at PAWS Chicago, which is starting its Spring Adopt-a-Thon this week. Friday, April 8, 2022.

A dog named Milo at PAWS Chicago, which started its Spring Adopt-a-Thon on Friday.

Brian Rich/Sun-Times

If social media videos of snuggly dogs and cats aren’t cutting it anymore and you’re ready to try the real thing, the time is now, according to PAWS Chicago, which is hosting its annual spring adopt-a-thon.

The event, which kicked off at noon Friday and runs for eight days, will offer additional operating hours and appointment times for anyone interested in adopting.

“When the weather warms up, it’s mating season for cats and dogs ... so what we do is host an adopt-a-thon not only to raise awareness, but because we need to make room to prepare for the influx of animals that happens this time of year,” PAWS CEO Susanna Homan said Friday.

PAWS CEO Susanna Homan with a puppy named Herbie, announcing the start of PAWS Spring Adopt-a-Thon. Friday, April 8, 2022.

PAWS CEO Susanna Homan with a puppy named Herbie.

Brian Rich/Sun-Times

PAWS, the largest animal welfare organization in the Midwest, runs an adoption shelter at their Lincoln Park location, 1997 N. Clybourn Ave., as well as an expanded state-of-the-art animal hospital that opened late last year in Pilsen at 3516 W. 26th St.

PAWS normally adopts about 90 pets a week. That number can double during the spring adopt-a-thon.

“What we’ve found is when we tell Chicagoans there’s a need when it comes to homeless pets, they are super responsive. And the adopt-a-thon is our way of alerting Chicagoans that the moment is here, we’re having an influx of pets, come on in and adopt,” Homan said.

A kitten named Ralphie at PAWS Chicago.

A kitten named Ralphie at PAWS Chicago.

Brian Rich/Sun-Times

The pets available for adoption can be viewed on the PAWS website. Many will be going quick this week, so be sure to call and inquire if one catches your eye.

“My pet absolutely changed my life,” Homan said of her dachshund mix named Gus. “He made me a more compassionate person, more in touch with my own feelings and emotions.”

A puppy named Gina at PAWS Chicago, which is starting it’s Spring Adopt-a-Thon this week. Friday, April 8, 2022.

A puppy named Gina at PAWS Chicago.

Brian Rich/Sun-Times

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