Two-week dog fosters needed at Pima Animal Care during July 4 holiday

PIMA COUNTY, (June 28, 2024) – Pima Animal Care Center pets are hoping to declare their independence from kennels ahead of what is traditionally the shelter’s busiest week of the year.

Specifically, PACC is looking for two-week fosters for dogs during the July 4 holiday as part of a “400 by the 4th” campaign. The goal: reduce the shelter census from today’s 516 dogs to 400 dogs by the holiday to ensure that there will be enough empty kennels for the hundreds of stray dogs expected to come in the week following July 4.

“PACC sees a massive influx of dogs come into the shelter every year after being spooked by fireworks,” said PACC’s Director, Monica Dangler. “Helping us clear a kennel space for these incoming dogs will help us accommodate them without putting our current shelter residents at risk.”

PACC will be offering free crates and food to all fosters who take dogs that are 40 pounds or larger starting today through July 3. In addition, fosters taking in dogs for a full two weeks will be eligible for a $5 a day stipend, thanks to the Click Family Foundation and Friends of Pima Animal Care Center. PACC’s foster coordinators can work with families to find the best fit for their home environment and to host introductions between owned and potential foster dogs.

For those who cannot foster or adopt, PACC is asking for donations of durable toys like Kongs and Nylabones to keep shelter dogs occupied during the firework festivities. These items can be ordered and shipped directly to PACC via the shelter’s Amazon wish list.

In addition, PACC urges the community to prepare their pets for the holiday. Any pet can be lost, and more pets go missing during the July 4 holiday than any other day of the year. Pets should be kept safely indoors during fireworks. If they are lost, all pets should be microchipped and wearing a collar with up-to-date tag information. For those who may need either of these services, PACC is offering a free microchip and tag clinic at the shelter from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. Custom pet tags are also available at PACC for free for anyone who needs them whenever the shelter is open.

Those interested in providing a foster or adoptive home for a dog should come to PACC during open hours. All dogs and puppies are currently free to adopt and come spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. A $20 licensing fee may apply to adult dogs.

PACC is located at 4000 N. Silverbell Road and is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 7 p.m., on Wednesday from 1:30 – 7 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To see all available pets and services, please visit pima.gov/animalcare.