Arizona Humane Society reopens newly renovated Sunnyslope trauma hospital

The Arizona Humane Society has reopened the trauma hospital at its original Sunnyslope campus, an expansion the organization says will allow it to treat about 3,000 additional homeless pets each year.

The renovated Phoenix facility on Hatcher Road doubles the size of the previous trauma space and includes two new surgery suites, updated medical equipment and isolation units designed to limit the spread of disease.

The organization moved its main shelter operations from Sunnyslope to its Papago Park campus in early 2024. But demand for animal medical care has grown so quickly that the nonprofit needed to bring the older trauma hospital back online just two years later.

Arizona Humane Society expects record demand in 2026

The Arizona Humane Society expects to take in more than 28,000 animals in 2026, its highest intake in more than a decade.

The reopened hospital will ease the strain on the Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital at the Papago Park campus. The organization also expects it to shorten response times for rescue calls in the West Valley.

“This campus will give us better access to the West Valley, and we’ve done so much here to improve our ability to deliver medical care,” Dr. Steven Hansen, the organization’s president and CEO, said in a video news release. “We are a modern trauma hospital here in Sunnyslope.”

The hospital treats sick, injured and abused animals without owners. That includes strays hit by cars and pets rescued from cruelty cases.

Hansen said rising costs, housing instability and limited access to spay and neuter services continue to push more pets into the organization’s care.

“We hope the community is really proud that this facility is here, and that we will make a difference for many years to come,” Hansen said.

The Arizona Humane Society is asking residents to support the expansion by adopting, fostering, donating or volunteering. Details can be found on the organization’s website.

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