PHOENIX — Over 840 dogs are at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control — 200 more than the organization's 640 dog capacity.
On average, MCACC sees 40-45 dogs come through the doors either lost or surrendered to the organization. But after New Year's celebrations, MCACC saw 50-60 dogs per day for multiple days at a time.
"It's a sad reality of how many dogs come in every single day," Kim Powell, communications specialist at MCACC, said. "We'll have a dog get adopted and then we'll clean the kennel right away, and we're putting a lost dog in it. So, it's just a never ending cycle."
A majority of the dogs coming in to MCACC are not microchipped or have identification tags, Powell said. When a lost dog without identification comes into the shelter, they are held for 72 hours, and then they are made available for public adoption.
If a dog has identification — either a microchip or an identification tag — the dog is held for five days before being put up for adoption.
"It really is a revolving door," Powell said. "It is a cycle."
MCACC also did not see the typical seasonal decrease, Powell said. In the summer months, the number of animals taken in increase, and then usually decrease during the winter. MCACC did not see the usual "seasonal norm" in 2023.
"It is really hard on the staff when we are this over-capacity," Powell said. "We are stretched very thin right now."
There are a few reasons for the increase, Powell said. One could be pets who were adopted during the pandemic and then surrendered when people went back into the office. Dogs who were adopted during the pandemic and not spayed or neutered, could also be contributing to the influx as well, Powell said.
"A single dog not getting altered can result in hundreds if not thousands of puppies over time," Powell said.
Powell said the economy also impacts the number of animals brought in. When people move apartments or are evicted, they may not be able to keep their pets.
"It is heartbreaking all the way around," Powell said.
If you or someone you know is thinking of surrendering a pet, Powell said owners can speak with shelter diversion navigators at MCACC who are able to give them a list of pet-friendly apartments, pet supply pantries and other resources.
As MCACC operates over capacity, Powell said one way community members can help is by volunteering. From walking and playing with the dogs to helping with laundry, MCACC has many opportunities for volunteers.
"It is a struggle and it is exhausting, so having the community support means everything," Powell said.
To learn more about volunteering or fostering a dog, head to the MCACC website.
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