2 Valley animal rescue groups offering free pet adoptions during Empty the Shelters event

PHOENIX — As animal shelters across the state are over capacity, two Valley rescue groups are offering free adoptions to help clear up space.

The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) are participating in the Empty the Shelters National Holiday Hope Adoption Event.

AAWL is waiving adoption fees for all dogs and cats at its main shelter near 40th and Washington streets from Tuesday through Dec. 15.

MCACC’s free adoptions are for all dogs 6 months and older, with the offer running through Sunday (Dec. 7). The county special is good at three venues: the West Shelter at 2500 S. 27th Ave. in Phoenix, the East Shelter at 1920 S. Lewis in Mesa and the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center at 4380 N. Miller Road in Scottsdale.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on Nov. 28, 2025.

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