Spay / Neuter Program

Anna Cieslewicz, 48, of Evergreen Park was mauled to death by a stray dog while jogging in Dan Ryan Woods. In 2005, The IL Public Health and Safety Animal Population Control Act, also known as the Anna Cieslewicz Act or ‘Anna’s Law’ was passed to create the IL Public Health and Safety Animal Population Control Program. The purpose of the program is to reduce the population of unwanted stray dogs and cats by encouraging the owners of dogs and cats to have their animals altered (spay/neuter). It also provides a means for low-income pet owners to have their animals vaccinated against rabies. It is believed that potential threats to the public’s health and safety would be decreased. Statistics have shown that most bites are inflicted by unaltered male dogs.

Animal Control now has a low-cost spay/neuter program available for eligible Whiteside County residents. This program is funded by the State Differential Fees that are collected for each unaltered pet in Whiteside County.

In order to be eligible for the program, you must:

• Be a resident of Whiteside County, Illinois

• Own a dog or cat; and

• Be eligible for the Food Stamp Program or the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Program. (A copy of a Notice of Decision, Statement of Benefits, or a letter from a local food stamp office is acceptable proof of eligibility).

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may participate by filling out a voucher and return it to Whiteside County Animal Control. Upon approval, your voucher will be returned to you. You would then take the approved voucher to a participating veterinarian at the time of your pet’s appointment.
The following veterinarians participate in our program:

Two vouchers are allowed per household per year.
The cost to the owner is $15 per animal and due at the time of the appointment.
Contact Whiteside County Animal Control @ 815-625-3507 for more information.