AHS reopens Sunnyslope adoption center as Valley shelters grapple with overcrowding
Oct 2, 2024, 2:00 PM | Updated: 2:06 pm
PHOENIX — Animal nonprofit leaders have long been sounding the alarm about overcrowding in Valley shelters.
Right now, space is so limited that the Arizona Humane Society is reopening an old shelter it tried to outgrow earlier this year.
That would be the 67-year-old Sunnyslope campus located near 13th Avenue and Hatcher Road, which was replaced by the new Papago Park Campus in March.
AHS officially announced the reopening of adoption and foster operations at their old campus on Wednesday.
“Due to the overwhelming need in our community, we found ourselves back home at Sunnyslope,” AHS Foster Manager Carrie Hughes said in a YouTube video.
In addition to expanding operations to help as many animals as possible, AHS is also part of an ongoing Empty the Shelters event.
Who’s participating in Empty the Shelters event to reduce overcrowding in shelters?
The BISSELL Pet Foundation sponsors this nationwide adoption event. Over 360 shelters in 43 states are taking part in it.
The nationwide nonprofit throws multiple events per year to support adoptions. It often gives shelters fees to cover adoption costs so people can adopt dogs and cats for reduced prices — or even for free.
Each participating shelter in the Valley is offering its own adoption special during the event, with fees reduced or waived.
In addition to AHS, the following Arizona shelters are participating:
- Arizona Animal Welfare League
- Chino Valley Animal Shelter
- Friends of Pima Animal Care Center
- Humane Society of Central Arizona
- Humane Society of Sedona
- Humane Society Of Yuma, Inc.
- Maricopa County Animal Care and Control
- Pinal County Animal Care and Control
Although BISSELL’s nationwide Fall Empty the Shelters event runs Oct. 1-15, the dates vary by each specific shelter.
For instance, AHS is waiving adoption fees for all dogs and critters through Sunday.
Those ready to bring a new furry friend home can browse all adoptable pets online.
Those who want to become an AHS foster can apply online.