PHOENIX (October 2, 2024) – In a crucial move to alleviate continued pet overcapacity challenges in their shelter, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) announced today the reopening of adoption and foster operations at their Sunnyslope Campus located at 9226 North 13th Avenue.
“What seemed unimaginable just six months ago when we moved into our new Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus is now a necessity,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, President and CEO of AHS. “Our overcapacity challenges are persistent and chronic and while we never intended needing to utilize the Sunnyslope Campus for adoption or foster operations again, it was clear this space could still be a vital resource and lifeline for pets in our community who have no place else to go.”
With 22,000 animals projected to enter AHS’ doors this year alone, the expansion of operations at the Sunnyslope Campus will create more open kennel space for sick, injured and abused pets that are entering AHS’ System of Care.
“The reasons for more pets in need of our care is complicated and multifaceted,” said Dr. Hansen. “The pandemic-era moratorium on non-essential surgery, which included spay/neuter, led to an estimated 3 million missed surgeries nationwide. We’ve also seen a recent increase in abandoned pets at all of our campus locations. Add population growth, increased home prices, rising inflation, lack of affordable pet friendly housing and lack of access to affordable veterinary care and it’s easy to see this problem will not be solved in a month, in a season or even in a year.”
AHS’ Field and Pet Resource Center Teams have seen a significant increase in the amount of homeless and owned pets in need of assistance as they respond to 250 calls a day from the community reporting cruelty/neglect and from pet owners desperate to relinquish their pets – a 25 percent increase from last year.
To prepare for the reopening, AHS made minor improvements to kennels, play yards and adoption and foster lobbies. Thanks to the generous support of PetSmart Charities, the Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic, also located on the Sunnyslope Campus, is undergoing renovations of its own in an effort to expand affordable healthcare services for owned pets. In addition, starting today, all three AHS Campus locations will offer adoptions seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“As we navigate the challenge of pets pouring through its doors, we are asking the community to help,” said Dr. Hansen. “With 1,000 pets currently in our care, we need help emptying our adoption kennels and thanks to our friends at the BISSELL Pet Foundation, all dogs, cats and critters have $0 adoption fees now through October 6. Please, if you can open your hearts and your homes to a pet in need, we would be so grateful.” Those wishing to help are also encouraged to volunteer, foster or donate. AHS also provides resources to pet owners who are struggling to keep pets due to financial hardship, housing insecurity or pet behavior problems.
ALL ADOPTION FEES WAIVED FOR DOGS, CATS & CRITTERS, OCTOBER 2 – 6
- Adoption special available at all three AHS Campus Locations (Papago Park, South Mountain and Sunnyslope)
- Includes dogs and cats of all ages and all critters
- All locations open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Visit azhumane.org/adopt to view adoptable pets