PHONE:7736978848
FAX:3128032030
ADDRESS:
5272N.ELSTON
CHI
CAGO,I
L60630
Congratulations!
Welcome to the Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation Family!
Thank you for opening your heart and your home to a homeless pet by adopting from the
Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation (CCRF). To help you start off on the right paw, we have
created this packet to assist you in your new role as a dog guardian.
The Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation does its very best to ensure that the dogs adopted
from CCRF are healthy and happy. When a new dog arrives, we evaluate his/her health and
temperament. By the time a dog is adopted, s/he has been screened for heartworm disease (if 8
months old or older), given vaccinations against deadly diseases, microchipped and
dewormed.* Dogs of all ages are also spayed or neutered to bring an end to the tragedy of
unwanted pets in this country.
Although, we have attended to some of your new pet’s health needs, it is essential that you
make an appointment for your new pet with your own veterinarian as soon as possible. This
first vet visit is an opportunity to introduce your pet and discuss preventative health care with
your veterinarian such as routine vaccinations, parasite preventatives, diet, exercise and
grooming (brush those teeth!). Further, you have been given 30 days of FREE pet insurance
that covers some basic health issues, so bring your new pet in as soon as you can and take
advantage of this great coverage while you can!
We hope that this packet will be a useful resource for you. If you have any questions or
concerns regarding your pet’s well-being or behavior, please fell free to call us at 773.697.8848
or e-mail us at info@chicagocaninerescue.com. We will do our best to help you and your pets
live in harmony! THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO ADOPT YOUR DOG!
Sincerely,
The Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation
* Please note that your new pet has only been given the procedures corresponding to your pet’s age and
medical condition as recommended by a veterinarian. You are responsible for your pet’s future medical
care and adhering to the necessary vaccine protocols and monthly heartworm preventative required to
maintain your pet’s health.
Updated May 18th, 2007
How much does a dog license cost? The cost to register a neutered dog is $5.00; the cost for a
dog that is not neutered is $50.00 (effective January 11, 2007). If you are 65 years of age or older,
you are entitled to a discount. That means a neutered dog license would cost $2.50 with a cost of
$5.00 for a dog that is not neutered. There is no charge for guide dogs for the blind and disabled.
Unsterilized dog fees are higher because thousands of dogs are euthanized annually or suffer as
strays because of unwanted, unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or
neutering. One unspayed female and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just six years.
Also, sterilized dogs are healthier and have fewer medical problems. In addition, spaying and
neutering can make pets less likely to run away or fight with other animals.
What do I need to bring in order to license my dog? Owners of dogs must enclose the most
recent rabies certificate, which is provided by vets at the time of inoculation. Proof of sterilization
(e.g., proof of adoption from an animal shelter) and proof of age are needed for discounted fees.
Where do I register my dog? License application forms are available at the following locations:
Office of the Chicago City Clerk
City Hall, Room 107
121 N. La Salle St.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-744-6861 (Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Office of the Chicago City Clerk - Satellite Office
5301 S. Cicero Ave., Suite 104
Chicago, IL 60638
312-745-1100 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 8 a.m. 7 p.m.)
Most Chicago veterinarian offices and clinics.
When does the license expire? The dog license expires one year from the date of your pet's
rabies vaccination.
What are the benefits of licensing my dog? One major benefit of having a licensed
dog is that the owner whose pet wears the license can be notified if a lost or stray dog
ends in the care of the city's Animal Care and Control Center. New this year, the tags also
carry the City Clerk's office phone number to aid in the search and retrieval of your pet.
Urban Dog Etiquette
and Street Sense
How to properly promenade your pooch in public
City-dwelling dogkeepers are faced with
greater challenges than their suburban and
rural counterparts. Without a large, fenced
yard for exercise, the city dweller must take
to the streets three or more times a day with
Fido or Fifi in tow. Crowded sidewalks
replete with joggers, construction scaffolding
and double-wide strollers turn each outing
into an obstacle course. The following tips
will make walks safer and more enjoyable for
you, your dog and your neighbors.
ETIQUETTE LESSONS
AND SAFETY TIPS
IT’S THE LAW
The command “Leave it” is employed when
it is necessary for Fido to avert his gaze.
Whether he’s being tantalized by chicken
bones or a jogger, getting your dog to break
eye contact with “forbidden fruit” before he
acts enables you to draw his attention to safer
rewards and pursuits. Or, should the dog slip
his collar or break his leash, a recall command (“Come”) could save his life. Most, if
not all, of these commands are taught in
basic obedience/manners class. Contact your
local shelter for a referral to a class near you.
Most cities and counties have some form of
leash, license and pick-up-after-your-dog
laws. These ordinances are designed to protect both the dog and the community at
large. When leashed, a dog is safe from traffic
and unable to follow his instincts to chase
children, investigate garbage cans or dig up
landscaping. Whether a dog is friendly or
aggressive, a leash keeps him in check and
allows the public to pass undisturbed. Some
communities have leash-length restrictions.
Whether it's the law or not, keep leashes
to six feet or less on public sidewalks.
Retractable leashes should not be used in
areas frequented by joggers, skaters or cyclists;
the thin line blends into the background and,
all too often, athlete and dog collide.
Licensing a dog enables an animal control
agency to return a lost pet to his rightful
owner. Also, licensing fees often support
local animal control efforts. In addition, the
number of licenses issued gives government
officials an idea of how many dogs are in the
community, statistics that are very helpful
when planning dog runs, shelter expansions
and the like.
Pooper-scooper laws are essential for both the
health and beautification of the community.
Canine diseases and parasites are often shed
in feces, which puts other dogs and children
at risk. And no one enjoys maneuvering
through unsightly piles of dog waste when out
for a stroll. Pick up feces using a plastic bag,
and knot the top to control odor and flies
before disposing of it in a waste receptacle.
Train your dog to urinate in gutters or on
nonliving vertical surfaces, such as lampposts
or hydrants. Avoid trees and flowerbeds.
The well-trained city dog needs to respond
to a minimum of four basic commands: “SitStay,” “Heel,” “Leave it” and “Come.” When
you’re waiting at a traffic light, a dog in a sitstay is out of harm’s way. And while walking
nicely on a loose leash is enough for most
forays, there are times when your dog will
need to be at heel position, which keeps her
under control at your side.
Remember that dogs can be frightened by
sudden loud noises, such as running children, motorcycles, skateboarders and in-line
skaters, to name a few. Be aware that such
situations may demand quick and complete
control on your part to prevent your dog
from lunging or biting.
Before leaving home to run errands with your
dog by your side, take a moment to consider
which places permit dogs and which do not.
For your pet’s safety, leave him at home when
he is not allowed to go into an establishment
with you. A dog left tied to a post or parking
meter is an easy target for teasing or theft.
REMEMBER THE GOOD
NEIGHBOR POLICY
Keep in mind that not everyone loves dogs,
so it’s up to the urban dogkeeper to present a
dog who is well-socialized and under control.
When riding in an elevator, sit your dog in a
far corner to avoid door-dashing each time
the elevator makes a stop. Do not allow Fido
to jump up on other riders, even when the
greeting is friendly. Hurry through lobbies or
take freight elevators and back exits if the
building rules mandate it. Never allow your
dog to soil in front of the building’s entrance.
If you have a young pup or dog-in-training
who can’t control himself, be sure to carry
paper towels and odor neutralizer.
Many dogs enjoy the company of other
canines, but always ask before allowing your
animal to launch himself at another dog—
for both their sakes. The same is true regarding children. First ask the child or her parent, “May my dog say hello to you?” before
allowing physical contact. The greeting
should not include jumping, bouncing off or
grabbing at the child—even if it is done in
the spirit of friendliness. If your dog is physically challenging, consider using a head
halter for better control.
When we choose to keep dogs in crowded
urban areas, we take on additional responsibilities. Unfortunately, when little consideration is shown for the neighbors, more doors
close to dogkeepers. On the other hand, with
a little training and thoughtfulness, more businesses and public areas will begin to put out
the welcome mat for both you and your dog.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
National Headquarters • 424 E. 92nd St. • New York, NY 10128-6804 •
(212) 876-7700 • www.aspca.org
Midwestern Regional Office • 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 •
Urbana, IL 61802 • (217) 337-5030 • www.aspca.org/apcc
TM and ® are protected by The ASPCA. ©2003 The ASPCA
Reading Canine Body Postures
While dogs cannot speak, they do display their state of mind via their body language. By taking careful note of ear position, pupil dilation, facial tension (particularly around the muzzle
and forehead), tail carriage and body weight distribution, an observer can detect whether a
dog is relaxed or fearful, or acting in a submissive or dominant manner toward the observer.
head erect
ears up
tail relaxed,
wagging
mouth relaxed,
slightly open
weight evenly
distributed over
all four feet
eyes large,
hard staring
ears up, forward
NEUTRAL RELAXED
muzzle tense, lips lifted
to display teeth
tail up, bristled,
stiff wag
hackle may be up
stiff legged, weight
over front legs
ears erect, tilted
forward
eyes staring
tail stiff,
raised
lips curled
teeth bared,
snarling
charging, weight
forward
The dog has been stimulated by something in
his enviroment. When the dog is excited by
something pleasurable, the hackles will be
down and the tail will be carried a little lower
and will loosely wag. The muzzle will be
relaxed and the tongue may be seen. This posture may be displayed to subordinates in order
to express higher ranking pack position.
AGGRESSIVE ATTACK
This threatening posture is used to chase
another away or, if need be, to attack in order
to protect possessions, pack or self.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
National Headquarters - 424 E. 92nd St. - New York, NY 10128-6804 - (212) 876-7700 - www.aspca.org
Midwestern Regional Office - 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 - Urbana, IL 61802 - (217) 337-5030 - www.napcc.aspca.org
Companion Animal Care
AROUSAL
ears back
eyes half closed,
blinking
mouth nearly
closed, tongue
tip darts out
tail hangs low,
slow wag
raised paw
ACTIVE SUBMISSION
This pacifying posture is used when a dog
acknowledges another dog or human’s higher
social ranking, or to inhibit another’s aggression.
on back, belly
exposed
tail tucked, release
of urine droplets
ears back
head turned away,
indirect gaze
PASSIVE SUBMISSION
Bellying up indicates surrender, a pacifying
gesture offered to a more dominant or
aggressive individual.
Companion Animal Care
ears back, pupils
dilated
hackles may be up
tail down and
tensed
muzzle tense, wrinkled and snarling,
teeth exposed
posture mildly
crouched, weight
over rear legs
DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION
When fearful, a dog will give warning signals
to indicate he does not wish to be approached.
If, unheeded, he will bite to protect himself.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
National Headquarters - 424 E. 92nd St. - New York, NY 10128-6804 - (212) 876-7700 - www.aspca.org
Midwestern Regional Office - 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 - Urbana, IL 61802 - (217) 337-5030 - www.napcc.aspca.org
Dog-to-Dog Communication
When dog meets dog, they signal their status in relation to each other. Actions like raising a
forepaw, looking away, licking or nudging at the other’s muzzle or bowing with the forelegs
are submissive gestures. Mounting, raising up stiffly on one’s toes, or placing one’s head
over another’s withers (the place where the neck meets the back) indicate the more dominate
individual of that interaction.
mother quickly snarls and places mouth
around muzzle or head of puppy
puppy submits
by flattening to
the ground and
whimpering
tail tucked
paw raised
tail up, loosely wagging
MATERNAL CORRECTION
A mother dog will discipline a pup with a
quick muzzle grasp. The pup learns to offer
submissive body postures.
ears up
mouth open and
relaxed, tongue
exposed
front end lowered,
ready to leap forward
PLAY SOLICITATION
The play bow is a combination of dominant and
submissive gestures. It is offered to invite another
to play or as part of courtship behavior.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
National Headquarters - 424 E. 92nd St. - New York, NY 10128-6804 - (212) 876-7700 - www.aspca.org
Midwestern Regional Office - 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 - Urbana, IL 61802 - (217) 337-5030 - www.napcc.aspca.org
Companion Animal Care
eyes soft
eyes semi-closed, soft
ears back
tail down
nudges
mouth area
of dominant
dog, may lick
or tongue flick
raised front paw
GREETING BEHAVIOR
A submissive dog may greet a more dominant
dog with a muzzle nudge as an appeasement
(pacifying) gesture.
Companion Animal Care
ears and tail up forward
and alert in the more
dominant dog
ears back on more
submissive dog
GREETING POSTURE
Dogs sniff each other’s genital region when
greeting to gather information on sexual status.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
National Headquarters - 424 E. 92nd St. - New York, NY 10128-6804 - (212) 876-7700 - www.aspca.org
Midwestern Regional Office - 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 - Urbana, IL 61802 - (217) 337-5030 - www.napcc.aspca.org