PHX Reporter

Dozens of local leaders, animal welfare advocates, and VIPs gathered at the ribbon-cutting event for the new East Valley Animal Care Center in Mesa, which officially opens to the public on May 2. Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a great day for our community, particularly people passionate about animal welfare.”

During the ceremony, Chairman Sellers highlighted the significance of the new facility in serving homeless animals, noting the Board's commitment to their wellbeing. Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin emphasized the improvements in the shelter, mentioning, “This new shelter will house dogs in bigger kennels with better lighting and easier in and out access.”

The unique ribbon-cutting ceremony featured a special participant – a shelter dog named Palm, who marked the moment by biting through a link of hotdogs after the official cutting with elected leaders. The new East Valley Animal Care Center boasts a stress-and-noise reducing layout and various thoughtfully designed features for the comfort of the animals.

Director of Animal Care and Control, Debbie McKnight, highlighted the shelter's alignment with the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Standards of Care Guidelines, ensuring a positive experience for dogs, staff, volunteers, and the public. McKnight expressed that the shelter will be a great place for dogs to wait for their new homes and for community members to find their next best friend.

In conjunction with the grand opening, the BISSELL Pet Foundation is running an "Empty the Shelters" event until May 15, where adoption fees for dogs six months and older are waived, and puppies five months and younger are available for $150. Cathy Bissell, founder of the foundation, emphasized the importance of finding homes for pets in need.

To further celebrate the opening of the East Valley Animal Care Center, a "Unleashing Our Potential" Grand Opening event will be held on May 4 for the public. Attendees can learn about fostering or volunteering with MCACC, seek advice from pet trainers, and enjoy various activities and giveaways.

For more information on the East Valley Animal Care Center and services provided by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, visit Maricopa.gov/newshelter and Maricopa.gov/pets, respectively.