Shelter dogs in Pima County need your help now

Imagine being a dog in a crowded shelter, waiting for someone to take you home and love you. You see other dogs leave with their new families, but you are still there, hoping for your chance. You don't know how long you have left before the shelter runs out of space and has to make a heartbreaking decision.

Photo byRichard BrutyoonUnsplash

This is the reality for hundreds of dogs at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC), the only open-admission shelter in Pima County. The shelter is facing a kennel space crisis as more dogs are coming in than are getting adopted or fostered each day. The shelter is currently in code blue status, which means it has less than 10% of available dog kennels.

"These dogs are wonderful companions who deserve a second chance at life," said Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, director of animal services at PACC. "We are doing everything we can to save them, but we need the community's help to find them homes."

Photo byKarsten WinegeartonUnsplash

PACC is asking for the public's help to adopt or foster a dog, especially medium to large sized ones. The shelter has more than 500 dogs in its care, some of which are on the euthanasia list due to lack of space.

The shelter offers free adoptions for all pets, including spay or neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, and a free vet visit. A $20 licensing fee applies to adult dogs.

PACC also needs foster volunteers who can temporarily care for a dog until it finds a permanent home. The shelter provides all the supplies and medical care for the foster pets.

"Fostering is a great way to make a difference for a dog in need," said Jennifer Camano, foster coordinator at PACC. "You can provide them with love, comfort, and socialization while they wait for their forever home. It's also rewarding and fun for you and your family."

To adopt or foster a dog from PACC, visit the shelter at 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85745, or go online at pima.gov/adopt or pima.gov/foster . You can also view the available pets and their profiles on the shelter's website.

PACC cares for about 17,000 animals each year, never turning away a pet in need. By helping a shelter dog, you are not only saving a life, but also making room for another pet in need.

Please don't let these dogs down. They need your help now more than ever. Please consider adopting or fostering a dog from PACC today.

Anyone who read this news, please don't hesitate to share with your friends.