Deemed a pillar for pet-loving families within Pima County, the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) continues to blaze trails with services aimed to bolster the bonds between pets and their owners. Rooted in community support, PACC released a triumphant report for the 2023-24 fiscal year, reflecting on strides taken to preserve these cherished animal-human relationships. Through a lens of compassion and practicality, PACC's efforts are tailored to actively respond to challenges many pet owners face, most notably in the arena of affordable vet care.
In a mission to make these essential services more accessible, PACC's clinic team has managed to perform 547 free spay and neuter surgeries, along with administering 1,461 vaccines at no cost, as noted on PACC's official release. The target has been to dramatically extend reach, especially to touch rural and historically underserved communities. PACC's pragmatic approach also saw the Pet Support Center answer over 50,000 calls from residents in search of aid, forging a lifeline for those at the crossroads of distress and the love for their pet companions.
The Keeping Families Together fund stands out as a beacon of hope, offering monetary relief to pet owners swallowed by the rising tides of their furry friends' medical bills. It comes in tandem with the Safety Net foster program, which provides temporary havens for pets as their human counterparts navigate through the stormy seas of personal crisis. The result is a heartwarming tally of near 1,500 pets that have remained in their homes, escaping the often sorrow-laden fate of surrender and separation.
PACC recognizes that sometimes the difference between a pet staying at home or being surrendered can be as simple as having the necessary supplies. Thus, PACC has taken to freely distributing essentials like pet food, litter, and microchips across various community events. "In the 2023-24 fiscal year, PACC hosted 50 community events where we provided free pet food, essential care supplies like crates, cat litter, and puppy pads, microchips, and collars with custom ID tags," as stated in their fiscal year report. Even amid goodbyes, as PACC prepares to bid farewell to their director, Monica Dangler, the outcomes of the past year have painted a promising picture of continued dedication and innovation in animal welfare.
The report is a testament to the dedication of PACC's staff and over 1,000 volunteers, whose tireless efforts not only kept families together but also facilitated 10,607 pets in finding new loving homes. As Dangler prepares to join Outcomes for Pets Consulting, the legacy of her four-year leadership simmers in the countless stories of companionship preserved and nurtured under PACC's care.
