PHOENIX — Our pets make us better people. It’s through their care that we learn and appreciate unconditional love, responsibility and even exercise! It’s no wonder that the world takes some time to celebrate animals.
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is recognizing World Animal Week with reduced adoption fees on most adult dogs and cats. The adoption special runs from Friday, Oct. 4 through Monday, Oct. 7 at both shelters in Phoenix and Mesa.
“This is the perfect time to adopt a dog or cat for your family,” said Mary Martin, the shelter’s director. “The weather is cooling and there’s nothing better than to have a dog at your side for a walk, hike or even to watch football.”
The highlight of World Animal Week is World Animal Day, celebrated on Oct. 4, which is also Saint Francis of Assisi feast day, the patron saint of animals. This mission of the day is to bring awareness about animal welfare standards and make the world a better and safer place for all animals
Adopting from either of the shelters this weekend will help reduce the numbers at the shelters and allow staff and volunteers to care for even more lost, abandoned or stray animals. The shelters are currently at overcapacity with more than 775 dogs. The shelters can comfortably care for 675 dogs.
“Adopting even one dog means you are saving the lives of two dogs,” Martin noted, “opening up critical kennel space for other dogs. Plus, a dog or cat brings so much to the family.”
This four-day adoption event includes most adult dogs and cats, and runs during regular adoption hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends at both facilities, 2500 S. 27th Ave, Phoenix, 85009 and 2630 W Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, 85201
The Adoption fee for dogs 21 pounds and more is $25; the fee for dogs 20 pounds and less is $50. Adult cats are $25; kittens are $50. The special pricing does not include Shelter Super Heroes or puppies.
All adoptable dogs and cats come altered, vaccinated and microchipped. To view a list of adoptable dogs and cats, please visit pets.maricopa.gov; for more information call 602-506-PETS (7387).