University of Illinois Extension in Cook County is now offering a Small Animal Health program aimed at exposing adults and youth to proper animal care. The program will also expose young people to career options in animal sciences, veterinary medicine, and other allied biological sciences.

Teachers, counselors, and parents will gain awareness of animal welfare programs in Cook County through this program, and information will be provided to pet owners on animal nutrition, housing, breeding and selection, and the general welfare of small animals.

Our Educational Resources

Extension in Cook County has a partnership with U of I's College of Veterinary Medicine and the Animal Sciences faculty. Through this relationship, and partnerships with various animal health organizations (animal shelters, humane and anti-cruelty societies), up-to-date animal health information is made more readily available to people throughout Cook County.

Extension provides this information through lecture series, training workshops, and resource materials via office locations and the internet.

Youth Programs

Extension introduces young people to animals, and shows them how to respect domestic and companion animals in Cook County.

Program offerings include:

• Introduction to basic animal body systems
• Common pet diseases
• Care and welfare of small animals
• Biotechnology
• Career development information
• Leadership/technical support for animal science projects

Health management practices for pets and public health issues relating to human/animal communicable diseases are also a focus.

Current and Potential Pet Owners

Extension in Cook County, with professional cooperation from Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences faculty, offers assistance in training and workshops on pet care and management.

These workshops and trainings are aimed at good pet care including:

• Housing
• Feeding
• Breeding techniques
• Appropriate pet selection
• Prevention and control of common pet parasites and diseases