TUCSON, Arizona – The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States and Distinguished Professor at the University of Arizona, has been named the Animal Ambassador Circle Spokesperson, joining the fundraising effort to help HSSA build a new animal welfare center. The new building will be located at 635 W. Roger Rd.
“Our pets become part of our families,” says Dr. Carmona, “and often provide health benefits to all that interact with them.”
“Dr. Carmona’s involvement highlights the need to make sure our animals are properly housed and cared for, especially from a community health perspective,” says Diana Cannon, Chief Development Director. “Our current facility is 72 years old, and we have outgrown it, not only in terms of the numbers of animals we want to be able to help every year, but also in terms of making sure we are able to put into practice the latest animal welfare best practices - like making sure we have the proper air exchange to help prevent the spread of airborne disease.”
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is the oldest nonprofit in Southern Arizona serving pets and the people who love them, HSSA is a No-Kill shelter, whose mission is to act with compassion and responsible stewardship through innovative programs, community education, prevention initiatives and helping pets find their forever homes. HSSA has saved the lives of over 1 million animals in Southern Arizona.
HSSA has raised over $7.1 million and needs to raise an additional $2.9 million to cover the costs of the project. Building permits have been issued, and construction at the site has already begun. Those wishing to make a donation may do so online at hssaz.org/building, or contact Diana Cannon for further information at [email protected] or 520-321-3704 x 117.
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) broke ground at the site of their new location, 635 W Roger Rd, Tucson Arizona, December 14th. HSSA staff and volunteers were joined by dignitaries from the city and state. The new campus design includes innovative and green building practices, including jumbo dog runs, several large off-leash play yards, a designated dog walking path, indoor/screened outdoor cat habitats, solar covered parking, the use of existing native plant life in landscaping, and rainwater harvesting.