421 N. COUNTY FARM ROAD

WHEATON, IL 60187

DU PAGE COUNTY

Animal Services Committee

Final Summary

www.dupagecounty.gov

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

7:30 AM

Room 3500A

CALL TO ORDER

7:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chair Brian Krajewski at 7:30 AM.

ROLL CALL

Cynthia Cronin Cahill, District 5 Dawn DeSart, Grant Eckhoff, Paula

Garcia, Krajewski and Melissa Martinez

PRESENT:

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comments were offered.

CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS - CHAIR KRAJEWSKI

Foundation Coordinator Jillian shared that 2026 DAF fundraising calendars are now available for

sale. Calendars are $20 each or $25 if shipped. The calendar cover was a live auction item at the

May gala. Individual months were part of the gala silent auction. All proceeds benefit DuPage

Animal Friends.

Giving Tuesday is on Tuesday, December 2nd. DAF has a Giving Tuesday fundraising goal of

$20,000. Opportunities to join as a match donor or as a “friendraiser” are available. All

communications will come from DAF e-newsletter and socials.

MINUTES APPROVAL

5.A.

25-2769

Animal Services Committee - Regular Meeting - Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Summary Minutes - October 2025

Attachments:

APPROVED

Dawn DeSart

Paula Garcia

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

GRANTS

6.A.

FI-R-0195-25

Acceptance and appropriation of the DuPage Animal Friends Unrestricted Grant PY26,

Company 5000 - Accounting Unit 1310, in the amount of $50,000. (Animal Services)

Chair Krajewski shared that this is an annual unrestricted grant that is used for medical

emergencies, specialty medical care, high volume spay/neuter veterinary services, exotic

veterinary services, and more.

DAFUNR26 Budget - Attachment I

Attachments:

DAFUNR26 Grant Award Letter - Attachment II

APPROVED AND SENT TO FINANCE

Paula Garcia

RESULT:

MOVER:

Dawn DeSart

SECONDER:

6.B.

FI-R-0196-25

Acceptance and appropriation of the DuPage Animal Friends Marketing Coordinator

Grant PY26, Company 5000 - Accounting Unit 1310, in the amount of $100,000.

(Animal Services)

Chair Krajewski shared that Jillian’s position was created to assist DAF board with

fundraising, she has also taken on the role of managing social media and marketing for

the shelter. The new Marketing Coordinator position will be a full-time grant-funded

position. The person in this role will assume responsibility for all marketing and social

media so that the Foundation Coordinator can focus on fundraising and

relationship-building. In addition, the Marketing Coordinator will assist with animal

photography, website content management, and fundraising events.

DAFMC26 Budget - Attachment I

Attachments:

DAFMC26 Grant Award Letter - Attachment II

GPN 027-25 DAF Marketing Coordinator

APPROVED AND SENT TO FINANCE

Dawn DeSart

RESULT:

MOVER:

Paula Garcia

SECONDER:

ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE

Laura shared that shelter population is still high, with no slow-down in cat intakes. Kittens are

continuing to arrive, and Feral Fixers has ceased trapping for the winter. Laura stated there is

currently an open position for a full-time second shelter veterinarian. Once filled this position

will focus primarily on cat spay/neuter.

Shelter population is currently 265 animals, 216 of which are cats. A cat fee-waived cat

adoption event is planned for Saturday, November 22nd in the hopes of moving more cats into

homes.

A Home for the Holidays adoption will begin the week of November 24th and will include

waived adoption fees on select animals.

There are several new hires in the process of being on-boarded. A new Animal Control Officer

started on the 17th. They have experience working with wildlife which will be useful as Animal

Services assists with sick and injured wildlife in unincorporated parts of DuPage County. Chair

Krajewski reminded the committee that incorporated parts of the county are responsible for

handling sick & injured wildlife calls in their own jurisdictions.

Laura shared that officers recently assisted with rescuing a sick coyote in unincorporated West

Chicago. The coyote is currently being cared for by DuPage Conservation Center and per the last

update, it is doing well. Staff are hopeful he will recover well enough to be released back into the

wild.

Two new Client Services team members are set to have their first day the first week of

December, and a new Animal Caretaker will be starting next week.

OLD BUSINESS

Chair Krajewski announced that the DAF gala will take place on May 15, 2026 at the Chicago

Marriott Oak Brook.

A family that adopted a dog from the shelter will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit DAF on

September 19, 2026 at Hotel Arista. The fundraising goal for this event is $200,000.

The DAF board has set an annual fundraising goal of $700,000 beginning in 2027, to help fund

capital loan repayment, the grant-funded Marketing Coordinator position, annual unrestricted

grant to Animal Services, and ongoing specialty/emergency medical needs.

NEW BUSINESS

Member DeSart suggested that Animal Services partner with food insecurity organizations to

drive pet food donations for families with pets that are in need of assistance.

Chair Krajewski shared there is a joint event planned for December 6th hosted by the cities of

Downers Grove, Westmont and Hinsdale to benefit Hinsdale Family Shelter, Downers Grove

FISH, and People’s Resource Center. Inspired by the sheer number of animals being surrendered

to shelters due to financial hardship, the event will drive donations of pet and people food to

these organizations that serve community members in need. A top ten list of most needed food

donations will be available soon. The most needed pet food is currently canned cat food.

Laura shared the food donations received at the shelter that cannot be used at the shelter are

always shared with community members in need, rescue partners, and local food pantries.

Member Eckhoff proposed an annual award given in recognition of a community member that

has demonstrated exceptional care and given to animals. Joan shared that this year’s Daily

Herald “Someone to be Thankful For” will feature an Animal Services volunteer. It was

suggested that recognition start with email and social media mentions, culminating in a grand