Summer is typically the busiest season for animal shelters across the country, but MCACC has yet to provide a “seasonal benchmark” for this winter.
PHOENIX — More than 840 dogs. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control — 200 more dogs than the organization's 640-dog capacity.
On average, MCACC sees 40 to 45 dogs lost or surrendered to the organization. However, after the New Year celebrations, MCACC observed 50 to 60 dogs per day for several days at a time.
RELATED: Maricopa County shelter expects more lost dogs after New Year's celebration
“The sad reality is how many dogs come in every day,” said Kim Powell, communications specialist at MCACC. “They pick up a dog, immediately clean the kennel, and then put the lost dog in the kennel. So it's a never-ending cycle.”
Powell said the majority of dogs that come to MCACC are not microchipped or have identification tags. When unidentified lost dogs arrive at the shelter, they are kept for 72 hours and then put up for adoption.
If your dog has either a microchip or identification tag, it will be held for 5 days before being put up for adoption.
“It's really a revolving door,” Powell said. “It's a cycle.”
Powell said MCACC also did not see the typical seasonal decline. During the summer, the number of animals caught increases and usually decreases during the winter. MCACC did not see the usual “seasonal standards” in 2023.
“When you're over capacity like this, it's really hard on our staff,” Powell said. “We’re pretty stretched thin right now.”
Powell said there are several reasons for the increase. One could be pets that were adopted during the pandemic and surrendered when people returned to the office. Powell said dogs adopted during the pandemic and not spayed or neutered may be contributing to the influx as well.
“If a dog is not modified, it can potentially produce hundreds, if not thousands, of puppies over time,” Powell said.
Powell said the economy also influences the number of animals brought in. When people move or are evicted from their apartments, they may not be able to keep their pets.
“It's heartbreaking across the board,” Powell said.
If you or someone you know is considering relinquishing a pet, Powell said owners can talk to MCACC's shelter diversion navigators who can help you find pet-friendly apartments, pet supplies stockpiles and other resources. He said he could provide a list.
With MCACC operating at capacity, this is one way community members can volunteer, Powell said. From walking and playing dogs to helping with laundry, MCACC has many volunteer opportunities.
“This is a struggle and it's exhausting, so community support means everything,” Powell said.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering and fostering dogs, please Visit the MCACC website.
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