PHX Reporter

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) and Best Friends Animal Society recently joined forces for a Sept. 16-18 adoption campaign to encourage more pet adoptions.

It was announced that the County’s animal control department would partner with Best Friends for National Adoption Weekend, a recent release from Maricopa County said. The goal of the effort was to “combat the growing shelter crisis,” as many shelters are over capacity.

“Our shelter locations have been at critical capacity for months,” Kim Powell of Maricopa County Animal Control said in the release. “This weekend, September 16th-18th, adoption fees for animals 5 months and older are sponsored through Best Friends Animal Society. We hope members of the community consider adopting a shelter dog or cat.” 

Best Friends reported that animal shelters have seen both an increase in animals and a decrease in adoptions, causing a “crisis in the animal welfare community” and also resulting in many shelters running above capacity.

Powell noted that this is one good reason to adopt, in addition to quality companionship.

“Not only can they be great pets, but it will also help free up kennel space for animals coming into our shelters as they wait for their forever home,” she said.

Since the start of September, MCACC has taken in more than 600 animals, including strays and animals surrendered by owners; the release said. During that time, there have been less than 360 adoptions.

"There is a growing shelter crisis across the country and the animal welfare community won’t just sit by and let innocent pets die,” Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends, said in the release. "In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We’re joining forces with our vast network of shelters and rescues across the country to host our third National Adoption Weekend since May to incentivize people to get out and adopt.”

Castle added that previous events similar to the adoption weekend have produced increased adoptions.

“We have proof that national promotions like the first two adoption weekends we did in May and July work,” she said. “Our July National Adoption Weekend saw close to 10,000 animals adopted in a three-day period.”

For those who can’t adopt, fostering is also a helpful option, Powell added.

"When we’re at critical capacity, that means some dogs have to share a kennel space or kennels are split in half to add space,” she said. "It also means difficult decisions need to be made. This is not ideal for anyone. If you’re not ready to adopt, fostering an animal is a great option and can make a big difference in helping that pet and MCACC.”