Both Arizona Humane Society Shelters Overloaded with Cats

May 27, 2009

As kitten season is just getting underway, the need for feline adopters even more urgent

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The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) urgently needs the help of Valley cat fanciers. Both AHS shelters are overflowing with cats and kittens. In fact, the organization has so many cats at present time that it has had to post a sign outside of its admissions area informing those who drop off cats and/or kittens that those pets may run the risk of being humanely euthanized. View all adoptable cats and kittens now.

"Currently we are taking in an average of 100 cats and kittens each day," said Shannon Valenzuela, director of shelter operations for the Arizona Humane Society.

"What makes the situation even more critical is the lack of adopters for these pets and we desperately need to find homes for these cats and kittens."

50% OFF All Cats and Kittens through June - now extended through October!

As of late Tuesday afternoon, the nonprofit organization had already taken in more than 2,600 cats and kittens in May alone. The longer these cats wait to find their forever homes, they are more likely to develop upper respiratory infections (URI), a condition highly contagious to cats, yet curable.

Gavin, a beautiful shelter cat at AHS

To help these cats find loving, new homes, the AHS is running a half price adoption special on cats and kittens through the month of June, which also coincides with National Adopt a Shelter Cat/Kitten Month. The reduced fee still includes the pet’s spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations, a collar, ID tag, pet carrier and follow-up veterinary exam. View the 50% OFF Flyer.

"Finding these cats homes is crucial and the outcome our organization prefers," said Valenzuela. "We hope that this adoption special will bring in those people who have been on the fence about adopting a cat or kitten. If you absolutely must surrender your pet, please make our shelter your last resort. Instead start with friends, family or coworkers to see if you can re-home your pet."

If adopting a cat is not an option, the organization encourages individuals to consider becoming a foster volunteer to help with the number of mother cats and their litters. AHS foster volunteers provide a bridge to the adoption floor for homeless pets by giving them extra care and attention outside of the kennel environment. In the case of cats and kittens, some may simply need a little extra time to wean and/or gain weight before being spayed or neutered and put up for adoption. Others may need treatment for URI and other conditions.

About Arizona Humane Society
Founded in 1957, the Arizona Humane Society is the state’s largest nonprofit animal welfare and protection agency. The mission of AHS is to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society.

Contacts
Kimberly Searles, Communication Manager
Ashliegh Goebel, Public Information Specialist