PHOENIX — The Arizona Humane Society is experiencing record-breaking capacity at its shelters so it will waive adoption fees for all pets from June 27 to July 7.
The state’s largest animal welfare organization says it exceeds maximum capacity and asks residents to adopt, foster or volunteer. Workers caring for over 1600 pets haven’t seen this level of overcrowding in their 67-year history.
AHS officials are concerned about the overcrowding as they head into the busiest month of the year and prepare for the Fourth Of July when pets go missing.
“To meet this surging demand, we’ve set up temporary kennels at multiple locations, including our old Sunnyslope campus. We’ve also called in relief veterinarians and medical staff to keep up with the overwhelming number of pets coming through our doors. We’re feeling the pinch everywhere.” said Dr. Steven Hansen, President and CEO of AHS.
The organization says the rise in overcapacity is due to the halting of spay and neuter services, population growth, inflation, and the lack of affordable pet-friendly housing and veterinary care. The current wait time for owner surrender appointments is six months.
While AHS adoptions have remained steady, the rate at which they are admitting more pets isn’t matched. AHS says another obstacle they face is that dogs over 50 pounds require more space at shelters and on average, they take an additional week or more to find a permanent home.
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