Although volunteers rushed to sign up for the Pima Animal Care Center’s 4th of July Community Dog Walk, the shelter is still looking for community members who can help out year-round.
In a matter of days, volunteers filled the 100 open slots for the event, and the shelter staff is encouraging others to assist even if events are not taking place.
“We have 520 pets out here at our shelter alone, so it’s our most challenging time of the year,” said Karen Hollish, director of development and marketing. “We’re full and if you can help us out by adopting, volunteering or donating it makes a big difference right now.”
Hollish added that the summer heat doesn’t help the situation.
According to a PACC press release, the shelter cares for about 20,000 pets each year, is open-admission and the only shelter in the county that doesn’t turns away a pet in need.
Community members can visit the center’s website to find how to help at the facility, donate, foster a pet or adopt almost every day of the year. The center also has posted an Amazon wish list for items needed for animal care.
When a person decides to adopt, fees range from free to $50 depending on the age of the pet and if the center is running an adoption special at the time. Each pet will include a microchip, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery and a free vet visit.
Events like the dog walk are one of the many annual efforts to make it easier for families to find a pet.
“We really wanted to open up our organization to the community and make it easy for folks to come out and help a homeless pet, that’s how the holiday dog walks were born,” Hollish said.
The community support does make a difference in the lives of animals, and volunteers also have an awesome time helping out, she said.
“We try to work really hard to find every pet a home, (but) some of our pets stay with us a long time,” Hollish said, “So walks like this help them stay emotionally happy and physically healthy and it’s just very meaningful for the pets and the people who come out for these events.”
