City of Aurora IL Animal Care and Control

04/13/2026

Pet of the week: Jiminy Cricket 💫

04/12/2026

Animal Control Appreciation Week is not just a recognition- it's a moment to truly see the people who quietly hold the line between chaos and care.

These are the staff who show up when the weather is unforgiving, when the calls are difficult, and when the situations are already at their worst before they even arrive. They don't get to choose the conditions of their workday. They show up anyway. Often spending more time together than with their own families.

They are the ones who make the hard decisions no one else wants to face. The ones who sit with suffering animals and do everything in their power to change the outcome. The ones who, more often than people realize, take home animals because they know that without that extra care, warmth, and attention, some of them simply wouldn't survive the night.

This is a job that carries weight most people will never see. A job that asks them to witness neglect, trauma, and loss everyday- and still they return the next day to do it again. Not because it's easy, but because it matters.

Animal control professionals carry the same emotional toll as first responders. The stress, the compassion fatigue, the heartbreak- it adds up. And yet, they continue. Quietly. Reliably. For the animals. For the community. For safety that most people take for granted.

This work is often misunderstood from the outside and too often criticized without understanding what it demands on the inside. But behind every call answered is a person choosing care over comfort, duty over ease, and compassion over burnout.

So during Animal Control Appreciation Week, don't just say "thank you" out of habit.

Say it with intention. With understanding. With respect for what it actually costs them to keep showing up.

Because they show up. Every time. Against all odds.
To our animal control team: we see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for everything you do- for every life you touch and every difference you make. For every self sacrifice you make to pour hope into the animals in our care. You make a difference. You matter. This work couldn't be done without you. 💙

04/11/2026

Happy National Pet Day! 🐾💓

Meet the faces still waiting for their forever homes- each one full of love, personality, and ready to be part of a family. From playful pups to cozy cuddle bugs to shy friends just looking for someone to give them patience, your perfect match might be right here.

Adopt and help us give these amazing animals the happy endings they deserve. 🏠✨

📍600 S River St, Aurora, IL 60506
🕛 Adoption hours are 12-4 pm, no appointment needed

04/07/2026

UPDATE: ADOPTED ❤️

🐾✨ Little dog alert: RICO ✨🐾

Small dog… BIG personality 💥

Rico is a ~1-year-old chihuahua with all the classic puppy traits—busy, curious, a little dramatic, and very sure of himself. He originally came to us as a stray and was quickly adopted, but he’s now back because his previous (senior) adopter realized this young guy has more energy than she could keep up with.

Let’s be real—Rico is not a purse pup. He’s a go-go-go kind of guy who wants to explore, play, and be involved in everything you’re doing. He’s needy in that “I must be part of your life at all times” way, and yes… he can be a little grumpy if you wake him up suddenly (honestly, same 😅). The good news? He snaps out of it quickly with a simple “no” and goes right back to being his spunky self.

Rico is currently working on potty pad training along with regular outdoor breaks and is making progress. He’s indifferent to cats and hasn’t shown any concerns with other dogs so far.

Now for Rico’s favorite hobbies:
👟 Stealing unattended shoes
🛁 Dragging bathmats across the house
🐾 Collecting anything his tiny body can carry

He’s also still pretty mouthy, as many puppies are, so a home without small children is a must while he continues learning that teeth aren’t for communication.

Rico may be small, but adopting him is a big commitment. He needs a patient, consistent home that understands puppy energy doesn’t disappear overnight. We want his next home to be his forever home—no more bouncing around.

Underneath the sass and mischief is a loyal little companion who just needs someone willing to guide him, grow with him, and love him through his puppy phase 🧡

✨ If you’re ready for a tiny dog with a huge personality—and an even bigger need for commitment—Rico might be your guy. ✨

Stop in to meet him today! Adoption hours are 12-4pm. No appointment required!

04/04/2026

Pet of the week, Mouse! 🐭🖤🤍

🐱 Pet of the Week - Mouse 🐱

Mouse is an 8 year old domestic shorthair with a gentle spirit and a love for the quiet life. She was originally adopted from us as a kitten and has recently found her way back through no fault of her own - now she's hoping for a peaceful, forever home. 🩷

The sweet girl is all about relaxation. She enjoys spending her days lounging, napping, and soaking in calm surroundings. While Mouse truly does love attention, she likes to take things at her own pace and needs a little time to feel safe and comfortable before fully opening up.

Mouse has made her preferences pretty clear - she would do best in an adult-only homes were she can enjoy her space without the unpredictability of children. She's not a fan of being played with and prefers gentle affection on her own terms. She's also looking to be your one and only pet as other cats (even their scent!) are just not her thing.

In the right quiet home, Mouse will be a deeply loving and loyal companion, offering soft affection and peaceful company to her person.

If you're someone who appreciates a calm, independent cat with a tender heart, Mouse might just be your perfect match. Visit her at City of Aurora IL Animal Care and Control today!

To see a list of adoptable animals, visit https://animalcontrol.aurora.il.us/Adoption

04/03/2026

🐣🌷 Easter is just around the corner! When you’re celebrating, don’t forget about your furry family members. Chocolate, candy, lilies, and even small decorations can be dangerous for pets. Keep treats out of reach, watch for nondigestible hazards, and make sure your home stays a safe space for everyone! 🩷🐾

04/02/2026

⚠️📣We will be temporarily closed for a staff meeting from 11-12pm today. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

04/01/2026

Meet Mouse 🖤🤍
(a small name for a cat with VERY large opinions)

Mouse is an 9-year-old tuxedo diva who was originally adopted from us in 2017 as a tiny little baby. (Yes, those are her kitten photos!) She has since grown into… well… a slightly less tiny, very self-assured lady. Due to her owner moving, she’s back with us and currently accepting applications for her ideal living situation (terms and conditions are non-negotiable).

Let’s get straight to it—Mouse has a list:
• Strangers? Suspicious. Absolutely not.
• Outdoors? Illegal.
• Canned food? Disrespectful.
• Children? Annoying. Next.
• Other cats? Enemies. Criminals. Will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

And when we say she hates other cats, we mean it. If Mouse even detects that you’ve interacted with another cat, she will file a formal complaint. Wash your hands, remove the evidence, and present yourself again for reconsideration.

BUT.

Once you pass her very thorough background check, Mouse is obsessed with her people. She’ll greet her favorite staff at the front of her kennel like, “Ah yes, my loyal subject has arrived.” She leans into pets, melts into affection, and fully expects to be admired at all times.

She’s not big on being picked up (she prefers to keep things grounded—literally), or being played with, but she is BIG on love… as long as it’s on her terms, in her timing, and with proper respect.

Underneath the hissy “stranger danger” introduction is a genuinely sweet, hilarious, and deeply loyal cat who just wants to be someone’s entire world—and honestly? She deserves that.

Mouse is looking for a quiet home where she can be the one and only: no other pets, no chaos, just a calm human (or two) who understands that trust is earned and sass is part of the package.

We see it all the time—kittens get adopted and later returned when life changes. But Mouse isn’t just a “return”—she’s a full personality, a whole experience, and possibly your future tiny dictator.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want a cat who will judge me but also love me deeply,” Mouse is ready to meet you.
Come see her. Impress her. Good luck. 🖤

04/01/2026

Update: ADOPTED! 🥳
Meet Fluffy 💙
At 8 years old, this handsome Australian Cattle Dog never expected to find himself in a shelter. Fluffy was surrendered simply because his owner became too busy—no fault of his own. And while we weren’t given much background, a couple things are clear: Fluffy understands Spanish, and he truly lives up to his reputation as a calm, easygoing boy. (If you know heelers, you know just how special that is.)

Fluffy is what we’d call a rare gem—a laid-back heeler who prefers a slower pace and a quiet place to relax. He’s reportedly done well with children and carries himself with a gentle, steady presence.

But behind those calm eyes is a heart that’s hurting.

In his kennel, Fluffy stays quiet, almost like he’s trying to make sense of everything. When he gets outside, though, it’s a different story—he spends his time pacing, searching, hoping to find the person who isn’t coming back. It’s the hardest part to watch, because all Fluffy wants is to belong again.

He doesn’t need much—just a home, a routine, and someone who won’t leave him behind.

If you’re looking for a loyal, mellow companion who will quietly stand by your side, Fluffy might be your perfect match. Let’s help this sweet boy stop searching and finally find his way home. 🐾
Adoption hours are 12-4pm Monday through Saturday. No appointment needed.

03/31/2026

Update: RECLAIMED!! Owner saw the her video & recognized her.

🚨 Desperate plea for Blue Racer - rescue needed!🚨
We don’t like writing posts like this. They’re the hardest part of what we do.
This is Blue- a stunning 3 y/o dilute torti with the softest eyes and the gentlest soul. She came to us as a stray, her finder noticing she was having seizures. Not long after arriving, Blue had a grand mal seizure in our care.
Thanks to our vet friends, Blue was started on medication. She’s now managing her seizures… but she is not safe here.

Here’s the reality we’re facing:
⏳Blue has until the end of next week to secure rescue placement.
💊Due to her medical needs, we are not able to adopt her out directly- she needs the support of a rescue to ensure her future home is fully prepared and set up for success.

If a rescue does not step up by then, we will be forced to make the devastating decision to euthanize her.
She does NOT deserve that.

Blue is the ✨sweetest✨ torti girl we’ve ever met. She melts into your hands, purrs endlessly, and just wants a calm, quiet place to feel safe. But this loud, high-stress shelter environment is the worst possible place for a cat with seizures. Every extra day here puts her at risk.

We are begging- please help us save her.

💔Rescue partners, foster homes- we need you.
💔Advocates- please share her story far and wide.
💔Don’t let her story end here.

If you are a rescue that can take her in or coordinate placement, please reach out. Time is not on her side.

Deadline: End of next week. 😭

03/31/2026

Kitten season is just around the corner! 🐾 If you've ever thought about fostering, now is the time to put your applications in with rescues like Love at First Meow Cat Rescue! Rescue organizations, & their fosters, help us ensure each animal receives the best possible care. Without Love at First Meow's help, these babies would have been born at the shelter, to a mom that was too young to know what to do. We couldn't continue saving lives without the help from our community. ❤️