Valley shelter waiving adoption fees for most adult dogs

PHOENIX — Those looking to welcome a furry new family member to their homes can do so for free if they go to the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL).

Thanks to donors, the nonprofit is waiving adoption fees for dogs who are 1 year old or older as of Tuesday.

Animal lovers just have to visit AAWL’s main shelter at 25 N. 40th St. to take a dog home for free.

There’s no expiration date for the free dog adoption event, which means the dogs will be free to take home until they’re all adopted.

What kinds of pets are available in AAWL’s free dog adoption event in Phoenix?

Some of the dogs with waived fees are Monte and Gabe, a bonded pair. Gabe is 5 years old and Monte is 1 year old.

The two dogs have lived in a home all their lives and already know commands like sit, stay and shake. They love belly rubs, playing fetch, going on walks and playing together.

Another one of the dogs who animal lovers can take home for free is Syrup, who was rescued in December 2022 and is described by rescuers as a sweet, loving and loyal companion.

How to get pets for free through AAWL’s free dog adoption event

Taking a dog home can free up valuable shelter space for the hundreds of homeless animals filling up shelters across Maricopa County.

The Arizona Humane Society alone is seeing rising numbers of dogs, cats and other animals seeking shelter. Not only that, but the nonprofit’s director of field operations told the state Senate that AHS is seeking a sharp rise in calls for service related to animal cruelty.

Adopting dogs at AAWL, AHS and other services frees up space for injured, abused and homeless animals. It’s critically important because Maricopa County shelters are often overcrowded, meaning there often isn’t enough room for animals in need.

Adopting dogs can save the lives of other animals in need

The list of adoptable dogs can be found online.

All of the dogs who are free have a label that says “fee-waived adoption.”

The free dog adoption event includes spay and neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccinations, a microchip with free lifetime updates and access to AAWL’s behavior helpline. It also includes a free week of online dog training and 20% off training classes throughout the animal’s lifetime.

Related

Arizona police locate stolen French bulldog with license plate recognition technologyWith Valley rattlesnake season starting, here's how to stay safe around the venomous creaturesNew tiger exhibit debuts at Wildlife World ZooMain roadway between Maricopa and metro Phoenix closed after fatal incidentArizona voters to choose Republican and Democratic nominees for top education positionRetired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancer