Arizona Humane Society receives 400-500 pet surrenders per month: Here’s how you can get help

PHOENIX – The Arizona Humane Society is seeing 400 to 500 pet surrender applications per month and wants pet owners to know how they can get help.

While the statistics may seem staggering, people from all walks of life are being affected by financial hardships, causing them to turn to pet surrender applications, Kelsey Dickerson, spokesperson for the Humane Society, said.

“So really, it’s people who have exhausted every resource or have hit a major (obstacle) that they’re just not able to overcome,” Dickerson said on the Chris and Joe Show on KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday. “Because sometimes it’s between … paying your rent or putting food on the table or maybe paying an emergency bill for your child versus being able to care for your pet.”

According to the Arizona Humane Society, population growth, a volatile real estate market, evictions and expensive pet care were all contributing factors that saw more than 22,000 animals taken in by the shelter in 2024 — the most in more than a decade.

Dickerson said the shelter is projecting to bring in approximately 2,000 more animals this year than they did last year as well.

Surrender fees sit at $90 per pet or $90 per litter of puppies or kittens under 6 months old, but the shelter wants pet owners to know there are plenty of resources available before someone has to go through the difficult process of giving up their pet.

“We would much rather be able to talk with pet owners and hopefully be able to keep their furry friends in with their loving family and out of our already overcrowded shelters,” Dickerson said.

How the Arizona Humane Society can help someone keep their pet

The shelter’s pet resource center takes in approximately 100,000 calls a year, not only from people who find distressed pets but also from people in difficult situations looking to keep their pets, Dickerson said.

The shelter said it will help point pet owners in the right direction to help them find low cost or free veterinary care, as well as to pet food pantries. In addition, the Arizona Humane Society can help pet owners find pet-friendly housing.

The Arizona Humane Society can help pet owners with personal issues find resources such as counseling, according to Dickerson.

“If you are struggling with your animals, reach out to us because we’d much rather be able to get to the point where we’re able to address the problem early on versus getting to the point where you have exhausted all of your options, you’re living in your car, and you’re not able to care for your pet, which of course is definitely something that we see and it’s really, really tough,” Dickerson said.

“And that’s why we are a judgment-free zone because most people want to do right by their pet.”

Pet owners can find resources online.

Related

Arizona Humane Society takes in 7 puppies abandoned in plastic binArizona Humane Society says animal cruelty service calls on the riseCien Agaves Tacos & Tequila expands with new East Valley location“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie begs for “someone to come forward” in her mother’s disappearanceGreat Wolf Lodge looks to expand resort with additional towerMaricopa County Library District celebrates opening of new West Valley branch