That’s a marketing campaign that Tucsonans are going to start seeing as part of a communitywide effort to encourage people to adopt, instead of buy, their next dog or cat.
It’s one of the initiatives by the Pima Alliance for Animal Welfare, known as PAAW. The group started with just a few people in November 2012 to discuss “the staggering number of companion animals” ending up at local shelters.
PAAW’s members include animal shelters and more than a dozen rescue groups, along with local businesses, veterinarians, responsible breeders, donors, and individuals who want to help address community-wide animal welfare issues.
“PAAW is a hugely positive force in our community. They’re getting everyone together from different groups — everyone’s talking and working together to solve problems,” said Karen Hollish, Pima Animal Care Center’s development director.
PAAW is an initiative of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. Here are its three top initiatives:
• Increase spay and neuter opportunities in the community, which include efforts to sterilize, vaccinate and return feral and “free-roaming” local cats.
• Embed animal welfare into existing social services, especially those serving low-income seniors. That could include help obtaining dog food and transportation to vet visits.
• The public awareness campaign will culminate in a mega adoption event on April 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tucson Expo Center on Tucson’s south side. Admission will be free, with dozens of local animal rescue groups taking part, along with petcentric vendors, entertainment and demonstrations. Organizers hope to draw more than 4,000 people and make it an annual event.
PAAW already hosts free lectures throughout the year. The Oct. 14 lecture with the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona filled quickly, prompting a second one to be added on Nov. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Community Foundation, 2250 E. Broadway. RSVP to Kelly Huber at khuber@cfsaz.org or call 209-2858.
