With scorching temperatures in the forecast for next week, officials at the Pima Animal Care Center are taking emergency measures to protect dogs housed in the shelter’s overflow tent.
To help reduce PACC’s existing population of 540 pets, the shelter is offering a Heat Wave Adoption Special through Wednesday for all dogs ages 6 months and up, with adopters only paying the standard $17 adoption fee.
“With a triple-digit heat wave on its way, we really need the community’s help to keep our tent dogs healthy and safe,” said Karen Hollish, director of development and marketing. “If you’ve thought about adopting, fostering or donating, now is the time.”
To keep the dogs housed in the tent as cool as possible, employees are installing extra fans and air-conditioning units and increasing the electrical capacity. PACC will also be limiting access for all staff, volunteers and members of the public, to help the existing cooling system run at its maximum efficiency.
Dogs who are susceptible to heat exhaustion, including those who are overweight, elderly, heavy coated and short-nosed, will be moved into the main shelter, and the remaining tent dogs will receive cooling and enrichment treats.
“We want to optimize the health and safety of the pets in our custody as well as protect the volunteers and staff who support them,” said Justin Gallick, director of community engagement. “We ask for the public’s patience and collaboration as we tackle this summer season.”
During the heat wave, PACC is encouraging pet owners to bring their pets indoors and make sure plenty of water is available at all times.
To reduce the number of new surrenders at the shelter, PACC will continue to use its Pet Support Center, which provides dog owners with alternatives to surrendering their dogs and resources to keep their pets in their homes. The Pet Support Center can be reached at 724-PACC.
