Maricopa County has announced the creation of a new nonprofit organization aimed at supporting pets in the region. The Friends of Animal Care and Control will focus on raising funds to provide additional resources for animals, while reducing the strain on public funding.
“I want to build a community where every dog has a home,” said Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, District 2. “Providing a funding source for county animal shelters beyond what’s allocated in the general fund not only enables better care for animals in need, but it also saves taxpayer money. It’s a win-win for both our two-and four-legged residents.”
The Board of Supervisors recently approved an increase in expenditure authority for Maricopa County Animal Care and Control’s (MCACC) Donation Fund up to $350,000. This change will allow MCACC to move forward with plans to establish the Friends of Animal Care and Control.
“While we are able to accept donations currently, The Friends of Animal Care and Control will allow MCACC to work more closely with donors, and it will provide opportunities for grants that are only available to non-profits,” said MCACC Director Debbie McKnight. “This new non-profit will have a singular goal: funding programs and services that directly or indirectly serve the homeless pet population.”
MCACC has introduced several initiatives this year aimed at improving animal welfare. The Evaluation & Enrichment Team was launched to ensure dogs receive enrichment activities both inside and outside their kennels.
In March, MCACC opened the Everyday Adoption Center (EAC) at PetSmart in Old Town Scottsdale. The center can accommodate over 40 dogs and reached 1,000 adoptions by November.
Adoption hours were expanded by two hours daily in July to make it easier for people with busy schedules to adopt pets. In August, MCACC had its highest single-day adoption number with 202 adoptions.
Additionally, in November, MCACC organized its largest Care on the Go event at State Farm Stadium parking lot where more than 800 pets received free vaccines, microchips, and licensing services.
MCACC reports that it finds positive outcomes or permanent homes for most animals under its care and has maintained a save rate above 90% over the past eight years.
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