For its efforts to avoid euthanizing animals, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control has been recognized as a no-kill shelter for the seventh straight year.
Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit that’s been working with shelters across the country for decades. It considers a shelter "no-kill" if its save rate is at least 90%.
“We're proud to say that we averaged a save rate around 95%,” said Kim Powell, communications officer for Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. “We have an incredible staff that cares for our dogs. We have hardworking volunteers who not only help us care for our dogs, but they also network our dogs for us, help us find their homes.”
In 2023, the county took in 16,342 animals. Of those, 10,828 were adopted, 1,931 were pets safely returned home and1,698 were sent to rescue groups.
“Our rescue partners take in dogs who are either struggling behaviorally or medically. Because of them, they take in these dogs that we would unfortunately have to put down and they take them and give them a second chance,” Powell said.
She said most animals they receive are lost.
“They don't have a microchip or a collar with an ID tag, and when that happens, that means we can't get in touch with their owners, so they have a 72-hour stray hold and then they're evaluated,” Powell said. “If The dog does have a microchip or some form of ID, they have a minimum stray hold of five days.”
For people considering giving up their pets, the county has navigators to help them find resources, like low cost veterinary care and training.
