Emergency fosters needed for dogs before start of May 6 construction project

PIMA COUNTY, April 30, 2024 – Pima Animal Care Center is seeking short-term fosters for at least 130 dogs ahead of a two-weeklong construction project that will mean intense noise and hammering in the kennel area.

The project, funded by PACC’s nonprofit partner, Friends of PACC, involves installing noise-dampening panels throughout the indoor kennel area, which will help mute the regular chorus of barking dogs. That will be a relief once the panels are in place, said Monica Dangler, PACC’s director of animal services, but – in the meantime — the daily construction will be noisy and stressful for animals.

“The construction noise is going to be pretty intense,” Dangler said. “And the construction itself may pose a safety issue for our staff and volunteers when handling stressed dogs. That’s why we really need to get dogs out of there until we get through this construction phase.”

PACC will be offering free crates and food to all fosters who take dogs that are 40 pounds or larger starting today through May 17. In addition, fosters taking in dogs for that time period will be eligible for a $5 a day stipend when fostering over that period, thanks to support from Friends of PACC.

Those who can’t adopt or foster can always help by hanging on to any healthy, friendly lost or stray dogs. Data shows the best way to reunite those dogs with their families is to make a report on PetcoLove Lost, which allows the owner or finder of a lost pet to upload the pet’s photo into the free-to-use PetcoLove Lost system.

Those interested in providing a foster or adoptive home for a dog in need should come to PACC during open hours. All dogs and puppies are currently free to adopt. A $20 licensing fee applies 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