02/05/2025
This message is being posted to clear up some misinformation surrounding a stray dog that was brought to Paws of Tinley Park Animal Shelter last week.
Paws located a microchip in the stray and called Animal Welfare League because AWL had implanted the chip for a customer years ago. Animal Welfare League then called the customer twice and with language assistance told him his dog had been picked up as a stray and it was at Paws of Tinley Park. AWL provided the owner with Paws of Tinley Park information. The owner then went to Paws to retrieve his dog, but Paws would not give him the dog. Paws advised AWL it was unable to obtain identification from the dog’s owner and Paws would not give the owner his dog, and the owner left. For some reason the owner did not want to give Paws his name or identification.
The President of Paws then again contacted Animal Welfare League and asked for help with the matter. AWL again contacted the owner and advised again the dog was at Paws. AWL has informed the President of Paws that if the owner comes back, to please call and AWL would confirm with Paws, the the name of the person who ordered the chip. To date, AWL has no further information regarding the matter and hopes the stray was reunited with the owner.
Unfortunately rumors and misinformation about Animal Welfare League were stated. AWL never refuses an animal the right to go home whenever possible. We do have a policy to protect the privacy of our patrons but work in every way possible to assist reconnecting owner and stray. It is very sad to see people verbally attacking AWL without knowing the facts. AWL houses hundreds of animals on a daily basis and they are always our number one priority. Strays brought to AWL are cared for and safe while waiting for the owner. Some strays are claimed by several people. Checking to make sure a stray animal is returned to its true owner is paramount, and requires owners to have proof, just as Paws required here.
The most important thing a pet owner can do to protect their animal is keep all vet records together in one place, make sure your animals are always current and up to date on their vaccinations and please make sure your pet has a microchip. The chip should also be immediately registered with the chip company by the owner. If you move or change your phone number, please do not forget to contact the microchip company and update your records with the company. This is an excellent tool which can be used by shelters, veterinarians and law enforcement to help reunite you with your lost pet. Here the chip was implanted by AWL and it was able to get the owner over to Paws to recover the animal.
Paws in follow-up has asked Animal Welfare for that owner’s name. AWL informed the owner and the owner went to Paws and tried to obtain his stray dog. We are told the owner did not want Paws to have his name and he could not convince Paws it was his dog. AWL must respect its customer’s privacy and remains unable to furnish his name. We hope the owner reconsiders and goes to Paws and claims his dog.
Thank you,
Chris Higens
President
Animal Welfare League
Pet Adoptions, Low-Cost Vet Clinic and Lost & Found Pet Services in Chicago Ridge, IL 
