Puppy at the Pima Animal Care Center.Listen
The Pima Animal Care Center has seen more than 1,000 dogs and cats go through the shelter in the last two weeks, putting the facility well over capacity, officials said Wednesday.
On July 1, there were 751 dogs and cats at the center, more than on any one previous day, "and that sure is concerning," said Kim Janes, manager of Pima Animal Care Center.
"We will do all we can to take care of all of them," he said.
More than 500 dogs of all ages and sizes are sheltered in 233 kennels and cages, adding to an already stressful and unsettling environment for many animals, Janes said.
"The situation is such that there is no rehabilitation space or isolation space for the next pet that presents an illness, injury or treatable behavior challenge," he said.
The animals at the shelter are either strays picked up by animal center officers or family dogs that get dropped off because owners can no longer care for them.
Despite the overflow, Janes said no animal will be turned away. The philosophy at the shelter is to euthanize as "an absolute last resort," and so far in July about 300 sick or injured pets have been euthanized.
"We wish we did not have to do that," Janes said. "We would never euthanize a healthy adoptable pet. We would do our best to find a home for it."
All animals are available for a flat $13 adoption fee and animals with special needs are free as long as the owner pledges to provide appropriate treatment.
Cats at Pima Animal Care Center
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