October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Fall brings a slowdown in pet adoptions.   Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) can see up to 200 animals come through the doors every day. Last year, over 57,000 were brought to MCACC. While some of these animals are reunited with their owners, many healthy, happy dogs and cats are left sitting in kennels waiting for a loving home.

MCACC is trying to find these sweet animals’ homes, and hopes to educate the public about the many ways that responsible pet guardianship can reduce pet overpopulation. The entire month of October, MCACC has lowered the cost of adoptions at both Animal Care Centers (2500 S. 27^th Ave. in Phoenix and 2630 W. 8^th St. in Mesa). All dogs are $50 and all cats are $25. The fee includes spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination (if over three months), dog license (if over three months) and an adoption starter kit.

Adopting a dog or cat not only saves a life, it brings love and companionship into your home. And who doesn’t need a little more love in their lives? So come in and adopt an adorable, cuddly animal (or two). Maricopa County Supervisors’ Chairman Max Wilson encourages individuals and families to adopt this month. “Get out there and save a life,” he said. “Consider a shelter pet as the next addition to your household.”

If you are already a pet owner, you can help by being a responsible one. Spay or neuter your pets. It greatly reduces the urge to fight, spray and roam. It also cuts down on the number of unwanted pets in Maricopa County. Keep your pets inside or safely enclosed in the back yard. Walk your dog on a leash at all times. Keep a dog license on your dog’s collar and an ID tag on your cat. Consider a microchip for your pets. Provide daily food, water and care to your pets. Of course, you can also add to your family by adopting another dog or cat!