How long do animals remain for adoption?
Although most of our animals are adopted within one or two weeks, there is no limit to the length of time that animals remain available for adoption. In some cases, we may care for an animal for several days, weeks or months. We closely monitor dogs, cats and little critters who remain at our shelter for an extended time and give them enrichment activities to minimize
their stress.
Is the AHS a "no-kill" shelter?
No. As the state’s largest, nonprofit full-service animal-welfare and protection agency, we will not turn away an animal, regardless of age, sickness or injury or having a slim chance at adoption. That means we must face the difficult task of evaluating them for medical and temperament problems. Despite our extensive veterinary resources, many animals arrive at our shelter too sick, too severely injured or too horribly abused to be medically rehabilitated. Rather than cause these poor animals even more unnecessary suffering, we humanely euthanize animals with severe behavioral problems and/or temperament problems that create a safety risk to other animals or people.
How many animals do you take in each year? Each day?
We currently take approximately 50,000 animals per year! The number of animals we take in daily varies from season to season. During the spring and summer months (the canine and feline breeding seasons), we can receive as many as 100-200 animals per day. During winter months, we average 25-50 animals per day.
Does the AHS have veterinarians on staff?
Yes. We employ eight full-time veterinarians, who are assisted by a skilled team of full-time veterinary technicians. Our veterinary staff’s time and talents are directed entirely to caring for animals in our public spay neuter and wellness clinics and sick and injured patients in the Second Chance Animal Hospital™. All our veterinarians are board-certified.
Can I volunteer with the AHS?
Yes! We’re always seeking volunteers to help in a variety of areas including admissions, adoptions, our Pet Emporium Shop and Thrift Store. And we can always use volunteers to help us with clerical services and special events, and to provide foster-care homes for recovering sick and injured animals. Please click here or call 602.997.7586 ext. 1040 or 602.997.7585 ext. 2040 for more information.
May I adopt a pet as a gift for someone else?
No. Adopting a pet is a personal, lifestyle decision. All potential adopters are carefully screened by our Adoptions Counselors to ensure that the pet and adopter are a good match. If you’re considering adopting a pet as a gift, we recommend that you purchase an AHS Critter Credit™ Card instead. I can no longer care for my pet. Can I bring her to the AHS for adoption by
If you must surrender your pet to the shelter, you'll need to visit the Admissions Department at our Sunnyslope Facility. We do request a donation per animal or litter you are surrendering. This donation helps us cover the many costs associated with providing quality care for every animal turned in to us. Please note that we are unable to accept animal turn-ins at our Nina Mason Pulliam Campus.
For more information about surrendering a pet, please click here.
I'm looking for a certain breed; can you tell me if you have one available for adoption? Although we may have the breed desire, we are unable to provide this information by telephone or hold an animal for you. You can search all our adoptable pets by clicking here.
How do I get a cat or dog license? Cat licenses are optional, but by law, all dogs older than 3 months of age must be licensed by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. For more information, you can call them at 602.506.PETS (7387).
If I see an injured or sick stray animal, should I call the Arizona Humane Society? Yes!
To request an ambulance for a sick or injured stray animal or animal in distress, call our Field Operations department at 602. 997-7585 ext. 2073.
We will dispatch one of our specially-trained Emergency Animal Technicians™ (EAMTs™) to the scene as quickly as we can. If possible, we ask that you stay with the animal until our EAMT™ arrives on scene.
My pet is missing...what should I do?
We understand the feeling that comes with discovering your pet is lost. First, take a deep breath. Then click here for ways to help you find your missing pet.
I found a lost dog (cat) in my neighborhood. How can I find his (her) family? Looking here is a good start. If you’ve found a pet, chances are, someone’s worried sick and desperate to find him. Click here for ways you can make a happy reunion for a lost pet
Can you remove the trapped/feral cats in my neighborhood? No, we do not trap stray cats, but we will accept them in the Admissions Department at our Sunnyslope Facility. We will charge a fee to anyone who brings us feral and/or trapped cats for surrender. The fee is in response to the tremendous strain that the increase in feline intakes puts on our shelter resources. It’s also because we’re pursuing TNR (trap/neuter/release) solutions at the urging of AzCATS and others, who are actively involved in the local feral cat community. We believe TNR will prove to be more successful solution to reducing our feline intake, as well as cat over-population.
Our fee schedule is as follows:
We appreciate your cooperation! For more information about TNR-based solutions for managing homeless cats in your area, we encourage you to contact AzCATS at 480.968.4TNR (4867) or email them here.
Do you offer euthanasia services? Yes. We know how difficult it is to face the tough decision of euthanizing a pet. To learn more about our humane euthanasia services, please click here.
My pet has died. Can you help me with disposal? We are truly sorry for your loss. You can bring your deceased pet to the Admissions Department at our Sunnyslope Facility. We charge a $25 to cover the costs associated with disposal. If you would like to know more about our Columbarium, where your pet can have a peaceful final resting place, please click here.
My pet needs to be euthanized. Can you come pick it up? We appreciate how difficult it is to make this decision for your pet. We know it isn’t an easy one. We can send one of our EAMTs™ to pick up your pet to be humanely euthanized, for a fee of $75 fee. Please note that there may be a significant wait period before your pet is picked up. If your pet is suffering or in pain, please take him to the nearest
My neighbor's dog barks all the time. Who can help with this problem? Because they may be a violation of the noise nuisance ordinance, your local police department or the sheriff's department handles barking-dog complaints. In
Is the AHS a part of the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Services?
Are you a "chapter" of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) or American Human Association (AHA)? No. We are a private, nonprofit organization. There is a misconception that all “humane societies” operate under the umbrella of the HSUS or AHA and/or receive funding from them. This is not true. Although we (and other humane societies) partner with these national organizations on special projects or legislative issues from time-to-time, we are all independent organizations without affiliations to the national organizations.
What is the fee to reclaim my lost pet from the AHS? All animals that are returned to owners will be assessed a $25 ($75 for unaltered pets) fee, plus boarding or hospitalization fees. If an animal is healthy or requires minimal medical treatment while in our care, the animal will be assessed a boarding fee of $15 per day. If the animal is critically sick or injured and requires intensive care and medical treatment, then the animal will be assessed a fee of $25 per day for intensive care. If the animal has been provided any medical care (such as splinting of limbs, IV fluids, radiographs, etc.),the owner will be billed the Vet Service Charge prices for those services, in addition to the $25 return to owner fee and boarding fees.
In summary, when an owner claims his stray pet, charges should include:
another family?
If you find yourself in this position, we always recommend that you surrender your pet to a shelter only as your last option. Instead, talk to friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers that you need to find a new home for your pet. You’re likely to have positive results through this type of networking.
and his family.
veterinary clinic.
No. We are a private, nonprofit animal-welfare organization funded by donations. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Services is the government agency responsible for animal control. Although we work together on many issues and share many of the same goals, we are separate agencies.
Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh 2 pounds before they can be spayed/neutered and put up for adoption. We ask that you keep the puppies/kittens until they are old enough and weigh enough to be put up for adoption.
- $20 exam fee
- Medications and treatments
Digg this story!
Email this article
Printer friendly page