In a desperate plea for help, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is facing an unprecedented crisis, with the number of pets in its care skyrocketing to a record-breaking 1,650. As the largest animal welfare organization in the state, AHS is now operating beyond its capacity, straining resources and staff to the limit. The situation has reached a critical juncture, and the organization is calling on the community to step in and assist by adopting, fostering, and volunteering.
“We are overwhelmed,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, President and CEO of AHS. “We’ve never cared for this many animals at once in our 67-year history. To manage the influx, we’ve set up temporary kennels at multiple locations, including our old Sunnyslope campus, and brought in relief veterinarians and medical staff. But even with these efforts, we’re stretched thin.”
In response to the crisis, AHS is waiving adoption fees for all pets starting Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, July 7. The goal is to clear adoption kennels of healthy pets to make room for the increasing number of sick, injured, and abused animals pouring in. “We’re bracing for the busiest time of the year,” Hansen added, noting that the Fourth of July holiday typically brings a surge in lost pets and that the intense summer heat leads to more animals suffering from heat-related illnesses.
The situation at AHS is dire, and Hansen warns that the problem isn’t just a seasonal one. “This capacity issue won’t disappear once summer ends. It’s a complex, community-wide crisis that we must navigate together,” he said. “We urgently need the community to adopt, foster, and volunteer. Without your help, we cannot keep up.”
Several factors have contributed to this crisis. The pandemic caused a halt in spay and neuter procedures, leading to a rise in pet populations. Coupled with Arizona’s rapid population growth, rising housing costs, inflation, and a lack of affordable pet-friendly housing and veterinary care, AHS is now facing a perfect storm.
The numbers are staggering:
- 765 pets are currently being treated at AHS’s Lazin Animal Foundation Hospital.
- 650 pets are in temporary foster homes, with another 100 awaiting placement.
- Adoptions have remained steady, but larger dogs are languishing in kennels, with some like Brutus waiting over 100 days to find a home.
- AHS’s rescue teams are responding to 250 calls a day, a 25% increase, as they address cases of cruelty, neglect, and desperate pet owners forced to relinquish their animals.
- The wait time for owner surrender appointments is now six months due to shelter overcrowding.
“Our staff is exhausted, and it’s taking a significant emotional toll,” Hansen said. “But our commitment to our mission remains stronger than ever. We are incredibly grateful to our donors, volunteers, Foster Heroes, and rescue partners. We need everyone’s help to get through this.”
AHS is urging the community to take immediate action by adopting, fostering, or volunteering. For more information on how you can help, visit the Arizona Humane Society’s website.
