We were founded in 1957 as a private nonprofit organization by a compassionate group of volunteers who recognized the need to end animal suffering in our community. Our first shelter opened in north Phoenix’s Sunnyslope area with the goal of placing unwanted or abandoned animals in new, loving homes.

Soon after, we quickly became more than just a place for animal adoptions. Within the first year of opening, for example, the first ambulance began rescuing ill or injured strays. Our own television show, Pets on Parade, hit the airwaves in the metro area, starring adoptable pets from our shelter. (Pets on Parade has made history as Phoenix’s longest-running television.) And we added comprehensive humane-education and low-cost spay/neuter services in the community.

A voice for the animals

We also recognized the need for animals to have a voice among lawmakers, so we began lobbying for new and better laws. Our successful campaigns include the following:

Over the years, we’ve grown rapidly in size and scope. In 1996, we established our Second Chance Animal Hospital™ to treat extremely ill or injured strays, literally giving them a second chance at life. And we began a Foster Care Program to provide temporary homes for thousands of sick, injured or newborn animals every year. Our Foster Care Program also serves family pets affected by domestic violence and those whose owners have been activated by the U.S. military.

We provide low-cost spay/neuter services for dogs and cats owned by private citizens in an effort to end pet over-population. And our Mobile Spay/Neuter & Animal Wellness Centers travel throughout the Southwest, caring for dogs and cats who most likely would not otherwise receive medical treatment.

After providing refuge for tens of thousands of homeless animals annually for more than 40 years, we launched a capital campaign to renovate the Sunnyslope facility and to build a new animal shelter that could house even more pets, programs and services. Animal lovers throughout Arizona contributed generously and the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion opened in May 2002. Today, both shelters work together to achieve our mission of building healthy relationships between people and animals. And we continue to fight for laws protecting the rights of animals, and to enhance services to serve companion animals even better.