Dixie says: Adopt me! - courtesy BARK, Tucson

Pima Animal Care Center (county pound) is where people take their unwanted pets or where unwanted pets often end up after being found on the streets and desert, abandoned in foreclosed homes, from hoarding situations and who knows what. According to their website, here are some statistics:

Though many people are responsible pet owners, some are not. In an average year:
Approximately 18,000 animals are handled by the Pima Animal Care Center (stray, sick, injured).
Approximately 13,000 animals are put to sleep.
Approximately 5,000 dead animals are picked up.
Approximately 3,000 bites are investigated.
Approximately 1,800 cruelty and neglect investigations are conducted.

These figures are shocking but very real in our community. PACC cannot do it alone and fortunately there are excellent non-profit organizations in Tucson that come to the rescue to pull some lucky dogs from the euthanasia list.

Here are some of the front line groups who work side by side with PACC to save dogs. Check out these groups – they all are in dire need of volunteers, foster homes <– this is critical because foster homes allow for more dogs and cats to be rescued, and donations of money and other supplies.

In reverse alpha order – all 520 area code

Tucson Cold Wet Noses
Tucson Cold Wet Noses is a non-profit dog rescue and adoption organization founded by a group of local dog lovers whose goal is to rescue dogs from the local pound (Pima Animal Care Center or PACC) and find them their perfect homes through successful adoptions. Phone: 235-6309

SAFE
Saving Animals from Euthanasia is a registered non-profit which saves dogs and cats from many situations; including kill shelters, euthanasia lists, retired breeders, owner surrenders, and strays found by good Samaritans. Phone: 349-8637

PAKS
People Assisting Kindred Spirits is a small rescue group started in 2003, by a group of friends whose purpose is to make the lives of puppy mill dogs have meaning other than profit for the greed of their breeders. While our main focus has been to rescue, rehabilitate and place puppy mill dogs, we have been involved in numerous other rescues and placements. Phone: 490-0401

Little League Rescue
Located in Sierra Vista; Phone: 255-1288

In the Arms of Angels
In the Arms of Angels is a 501 (c) 3 status pending all breed dog rescue located in Tucson. The dedicated volunteers work hard to save the lives of dogs that would be euthanized in overcrowded shelters all over the United States. Phone: 429-8030 (Green Valley)

FAIR
Foundation for Animals at Risk is a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue organization that is committed to rescuing animals from kill shelters and finding them permanent homes, and more… Phone: 664 -5239

BARK
Baby Animal Rescue Koalition is a non-profit, no kill, all volunteer rescue organization whose purpose is to address the problem of over population of companion animals in Pima County in two ways – provide foster home care and adoption services primarily for pregnant and nursing mothers and young animals and — promote education and provide low cost spay/neuter subsidy to the public to prevent the birth of so many unwanted pets. Phone: 825-6719

ARF
Animal Rescue Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity dedicated to reducing euthanasia of adoptable pets through foster care and shelter adoption programs, helping to bring a quality life to all abandoned, abused and neglected animals in Tucson. ARF provides support to the community through our hotline and adoption events. Phone: 319-9292

Here is a more expanded list of rescue groups partnering with PACC including breed rescues.

Follow PACC on Facebook.

Copyright @ Karyn Zoldan. Reprint permitted if credit of authorship is provided, as well as a link back to the source.

(Photo is courtesy – BARK – Baby Animal Rescue Koalition)

Take me for a walk!

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) has a dire need for volunteers to walk dogs on Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday.

With summer vacations and snowbirds absent, there are many dogs to be walked (100+) and not enough walkers.

This activity is good for people who want to get some exercise before going to work or on their way to work; for teens 16+ who need to do something meaningful before school starts; for anyone who wants to exercise and help dogs; or fill in the blank. If you don’t have a dog of your own to walk — this is the next best thing.

There are two types of dogs that need walking:

–Dogs whose vaccinations have not kicked in yet and who cannot leave the property so they are walked on the property and need people to socialize them with mini meet & greets. This activity is suitable for people who cannot walk far or are not confident in taking a dog off the property.

–Dogs who can leave PACC and walk on the grass vs. the pavement at nearby Christopher Columbus Park. Dog walkers follow a designated route and walk for approximately 15 minutes per dog.

If you are interested in walking dogs — come to PACC on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 7:30 – 8 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes, old clothes, and a hat, and bring water. Enter through the south side entrance/ask for Jenny or Norma. First timers will require to complete an application and have a short orientation. Volunteers will determine which dogs are suitable for you to walk.

PACC is located at 4000 N. Silverbell (near the I-10 between Prince Road & Ruthrauff Rd). You can call Norma for more info (743-2283) or just show up.

(Photo is courtesy of PACC)