Maricopa County shelters at max capacity, in need of pet adoptions

PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelters are at maximum capacity and are looking for residents to adopt or foster animals.

The West Valley and East Valley shelters are holding more than 800 dogs and have had to double up kennels, which adds stress to the animals, according to a press release.

“We never take our community partners and our residents for granted because it is truly is a partnership,” Jessie Caraveo, a senior communications officer with Maricopa County, said.

“We can’t do our job well without the help from the community. So at this time, we’re just really hoping that the community will help us out and come adopt a furry friend so that they can be part of your family and we can make some space for other animals in need.”

Caraveo said an uptick of people have returned animals to the shelter due for economic reasons.

The shelters are offering lower rates, as residents can adopt a dog older than five months old for $25, while it costs $150 for puppies and kittens five months and younger. The costs include spay or neuter surgeries, microchips, vaccinations and licenses, according to the release.

“These dogs that we’re adopting out are dogs that need a home desperately,” Caraveo said. “If they are unable to adopt a dog, we also have a foster program, which is very helpful because it helps with our capacity issue at the shelter.”

Volunteers can choose between three fostering options: day, overnight and medical.

The most traditional is overnight fostering where animals stay in one’s home, typically between 1 to 30 days.

Animal Care and Control accepts all stray dogs and has a 95% save rate, according to Caraveo.

Adoptions are available every day, and hours at each shelter are posted online.

Balin Overstolz-McNair contributed to this report.