PIMA COUNTY – Pima Animal Care Center will relieve overcrowding at its shelter by taking about a dozen dogs to the Best Friends® Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. The pets hit the road Wednesday at 6:30 in the morning. The sanctuary is home to nearly 1,600 homeless animals. PACC’s official nonprofit partner, Friends of PACC, is paying for the trip. The group is covering the cost of renting the van, gas, and hotel stay. This idea of transporting animals there came from a staffer’s recent training with Maddie’s Fund®. Liz Cardarelli, PACC’s Rescue Coordinator, recently attended the Hands Up Hub and Spoke Transport Model Apprenticeship at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey, to work on creating a network of partners and a transport program for PACC. Best Friends® is taking 10-12 dogs. PACC officials hope to create a transport program and schedule future trips as the shelter starts to get crowded. The warmer months tend to be the busiest at PACC so the staff is preparing for the increase.
Anyone who would like to help the shelter clear space for incoming pets can do so by adopting or fostering. Those interested in fostering can sign up online or visit the shelter in person. Through April 30, PACC is waiving adoption fees for all “Volunteer Favorites.” Look for signs on the kennel that say “I’m a PACC Volunteer Pick!” PACC is located at 4000 N. Silverbell Road, open Monday through Friday, noon-7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. All pets adopted will come spayed or neutered, with age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip and a free vet visit. A $19 licensing fee will apply to dogs.