In an effort to support shelter pets, Maricopa County has inaugurated a critical initiative in the form of a new nonprofit. Dubbed the Friends of Animal Care and Control, this organization aims to raise funds for enhancing the well-being of pets within the community and simultaneously aims to reduce the burden on public funds. "I want to build a community where every dog has a home," Chairman Thomas Galvin of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors expressed to Maricopa County News.
The Board of Supervisors approved an increase to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control’s Donation Fund, raising the cap to $350,000. This will help MCACC explore establishing the Friends of Animal Care and Control. Director Debbie McKnight said the nonprofit will allow closer work with donors and access to grants available only to nonprofits.
The Friends of Animal Care and Control builds on MCACC’s ongoing efforts to enhance animal welfare. Earlier this year, they launched the Evaluation & Enrichment Team, which ensures dogs receive adequate enrichment both inside and outside their kennels.
In addition to the Friends initiative, MCACC has launched several other programs. The Everyday Adoption Center (EAC) opened in March inside the PetSmart in Old Town Scottsdale, housing more than 40 dogs. By November, over 1,000 adoptions had been recorded. Adoption hours were expanded in July, and in August, 202 dogs were adopted in a single day. MCACC’s largest Care on the Go event in November provided over 800 pets with free vaccines, microchips, and licensing at State Farm Stadium.
MCACC has maintained a save rate above 90% for eight consecutive years, successfully placing most pets in loving, permanent homes.
