Arizona no-kill shelter offering free adoptions before closing due to virus

PHOENIX — The largest no-kill shelter in Arizona is offering free adoptions at its main location before closing it for two weeks because of coronavirus.

The Arizona Animal Welfare League is taking appointments for adoptions at its 40th and Washington streets locations until 6 p.m. on Sunday, the shelter said in a press release.

It will then be closed until at least April 7. The shelter’s medical clinic, MDPet Care, will remain open by appointment only.

The shelter on Thursday closed its adoption center at Chandler Fashion Center until further notice because of the virus.

The adoptions fees have been waived because of a donation from car dealership Chapman BMW.

“Like most businesses, the Arizona Animal Welfare League is responding to the fast-changing situation with the coronavirus and information and instructions from health experts,” Judith Gardner, the shelter’s executive director, said in the release. “AAWL has the health of its staff, volunteers and customers and the animals we care for, as well as our overall community health and safety, as our top priorities.”

The Arizona Humane Society also announced modifications to its adoption process because of the virus.

Adoptions are only being held at the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion located near 15th Avenue and Dobbins Road until further notice.

The shelter is asking potential adopters to look at animals online before coming in to expedite the process.

The Humane Society also adopted increased sanitation policies to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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