Several of Chicago’s largest animal welfare organizations are publicly supporting the city’s newly appointed leader of Chicago Animal Care and Control — even as some volunteers and city leaders question the appointment.
At a news conference Thursday, leaders from PAWS Chicago joined other shelter partners to voice strong support for Susan Cappello, who was recently appointed executive director of Chicago Animal Care and Control by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Cappello has worked for the City of Chicago for more than three decades and served as the shelter’s acting director for the past three years.
PAWS Chicago founder and chair Paula Fasseas said the organization and other rescue partners believe Cappello’s leadership has helped improve outcomes for animals across the city.
“We’ve come together to support, highly support and thank Mayor Johnson for appointing Sue Cappello,” Fasseas said during the event.
The press conference was held at PAWS Chicago’s Lincoln Park Adoption Center and included leaders from multiple animal welfare organizations that frequently partner with the city shelter.
Supporters pointed to several improvements at Chicago Animal Care and Control in recent years, including increases in adoptions and animals leaving the shelter alive through rescue transfers and reunifications with owners.
According to PAWS Chicago officials, 2025 marked the strongest year on record for animals leaving the shelter alive, with more than 13,800 pets placed through adoption, transfers to rescue groups or reunification with families.
Celine Mielcarek, chief program officer at PAWS Chicago, said the numbers reflect growing collaboration between the city shelter and nonprofit partners.
“Last year, Chicago Animal Care and Control had its highest adoption year in history. Transfers were up the highest in a decade,” Mielcarek said. “There’s still so much work to do.”
Still, Cappello’s appointment has faced criticism from some volunteers and former staff members who have raised concerns about conditions inside the shelter and called for new leadership.
During a February City Council meeting, critics said the shelter needs stronger oversight and more resources to properly care for animals.
One former volunteer told aldermen animals were sometimes kept in cramped conditions and that the shelter lacked enough volunteers to meet demand.
Supporters, however, argue many of the shelter’s challenges stem from limited resources rather than leadership.
PAWS Chicago officials say Chicago operates Animal Care and Control with a budget of about $7.7 million — far lower than many other large U.S. cities.
For comparison, New York City spends more than $30 million on animal welfare services and Los Angeles operates with a budget of roughly $60 million.
Cappello acknowledged the challenges but said progress has been possible through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and volunteers.
“I am incredibly proud of the staff at Chicago Animal Care and Control and grateful for the continued collaboration with PAWS Chicago and other partners,” Cappello said.
As part of that partnership, PAWS Chicago also announced new initiatives aimed at helping pet owners before animals enter the shelter system.
The organization plans to expand its on-site support program at Animal Care and Control from five days a week to six days a week starting this month, with plans to provide services seven days a week later this summer.
PAWS also launched a veterinary social work program designed to help families facing housing instability, financial hardship or other challenges keep their pets rather than surrender them.
Animal welfare leaders say those programs could play a key role in reducing the number of animals entering the city shelter.
Meanwhile, some City Council members have called for a national search to find someone with additional animal welfare experience to lead the department.
For now, however, the city’s largest shelter partners say they plan to continue working with Cappello as they try to improve outcomes for Chicago’s animals.
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