Consider what you would do for your best friend.
Would you drive a few extra miles out of your way for a visit? Would you prepare a dish of something scrumptious to eat?
Maricopa County’s Animal Care and Control Services would like to encourage you to consider volunteering to help some of their best canine and feline friends urgently in need of assistance.
“Volunteers can literally do whatever it is their heart desires, in regard to volunteer work at our shelters,” said Animal Care and Control Services Public Information Officer José Santiago. “Some of our volunteers like to work directly with the animals, while others prefer the business office, social media or marketing efforts to offer their support.”
The Maricopa Animal Care and Control centers recently hosted Calming the Canines. During the event, volunteers came into the shelter during the July Fourth holiday to help keep the animals calm during nearby fireworks display times. The soothing voices and comforting faces of the volunteers was greatly beneficial to the anxious dogs and cats.
“I think we made some great friends that day,” said José. “We’ve got some people who actually saw the results of their efforts to calm the animals and want to come back and help again.”
If you would like to volunteer at the East Valley Animal Care and Control Center, located at 2630 W. Rio Salado Parkway, in Mesa, contact Samantha Spinelle at (602) 526-0320.
In addition to volunteering, the shelters could always use supply donations, such as puppy pads, newspapers, dog food and toys to occupy a canine’s mind. If you would like to donate tangible items, please consider sending or dropping off the items at the Phoenix location, 2500 S. 27th Ave., in Phoenix. To view the wish list for items needed, visit azhumane.org.
Because there is a misconception that the Maricopa County animal shelters are fully supported by the government, financial donations are also needed, and greatly appreciated. It takes $1.6 million per year to operate the shelter, with $750,000 of that cost provided by the county. If you’d like to make a financial donation to help the animals, you can do so online at donations@pets.maricopa.gov.
For more information about the services of the shelter, visit maricopa.gov/2360/animal-care-and-control.