Will County Animal Protection Services (APS) and Chicagoland Speedway are partnering to celebrate both the return of NASCAR to Joliet on July 3-5 and America’s 250th birthday with a special “Every Pet Deserves a Victory Lap” adoption campaign, that includes waived adoption fees, free pet microchipping, and a special adoption event.

Through the partnership campaign, adoption fees for all available pets will be waived from June 10 through July 10, 2026. Standard adoption procedures will still apply.

“Our goal is to help as many pets as possible cross the finish line into loving homes,” said Jacqueline Herrera, Chicagoland Speedway General Manager.

Adoptable pets will be available for meet-and-greets at the Will County APS shelter in Joliet and through participating shelter partner locations in Shorewood and Aurora. All adoptable pets are spayed, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and tested for Heartworm and FeLV/FIV.

Additionally, Will County APS will host a special adoption event on Wednesday, July 1st, from 12 noon to 8 p.m. at both their main office at 22452 Cherry Hill Road in Joliet and All Pets Wellness Center at 1975 Melissa Lane in Aurora.

“Local partnerships are critical to the success of Will County Animal Protection Service’s mission of ‘helping animals by serving people,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “I appreciate Chicagoland Speedway supporting this initiative to find loving homes for adoptable pets.”

Meet-and-greets with adoptable pets must be scheduled in advance. Interested adopters should email [email protected], call (815) 462-5633, or submit an inquiry on the online adoption tool Petfinder. Adoptable pets can be found on the Will County APS Petfinder page, found at WillCounty.gov/AnimalServices or bit.ly/3RSLWMy.

To support current pet owners, the campaign will also offer free microchipping for dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets for Will County residents from June 10 through July 10. Appointments for free microchipping can be scheduled at https://calendly.com/willcountyaps/microchipevent or by calling (815) 462-5633.

“The return of NASCAR to Chicagoland Speedway gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate both racing and America’s 250th birthday while shining a spotlight on pet adoption and responsible pet ownership,” said Anna Payton, Will County APS Administrator. “Independence Day is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters, as more dogs go missing on July 4 than any other day. This campaign is helping more pets find loving homes while giving families an easy and effective way to help ensure their pets can be reunited with them if they ever become lost.”

Story and photos courtesy of the Will County Executive’s Office

Hammibal (“Hamm”), also is one of several adoptable dogs at Will County Animal Protection Services.

Stella is all smiles as she awaits someone to bring her to her “furever” home. Adoption fees have been waived between June 10 and July 10, 2026.