PACC offering $0 adoptions for adult pets

PIMA COUNTY – Pets 4 months or older will have a $0 adoption fee, thanks to a new adoption promotion at Pima Animal Care Center. The $20 licensing fee per adopted dog that cannot be waived. Kittens and puppies will still cost $50 each. The sale starts April 19 and continues through April 30.

“Summertime is a busy time at PACC,” said Monica Dangler, Interim Director of Animal Services. “We are seeing an increase in strays, kittens, and pets in need of medical care for injuries and illnesses. Our shelter starts to get busy in the spring time, and it doesn’t slow down until the fall, so we encourage anyone thinking of adopting a pet to take advantage of this great promotion.”

Potential adopters will need to make an appointment to meet pets at the shelter. This can be done at pima.gov/adopt. Once adopters see a pet they like, they should fill out either a cat survey or dog survey. After they send in the survey, they should get a reply email where they can choose a time to come into the shelter. People can also make an appointment to walk through the kennels. All visitors must wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose while at the shelter.

PACC is also reminding the public to not panic when they see kittens. Most likely, they are not abandoned and mom is nearby. Remember that mom takes several breaks throughout the day to hunt and feed herself, so that she can feed her babies.

Last week, someone dropped off a litter of kittens that were so young they had umbilical cords still attached. When kittens are this young and without their mother, they have an increased chance of dying.

“Removing kittens from their mother, although well-intentioned, can do more harm than good,” Dangler said. “Even with the round-the-clock care that our staffers and volunteers provide, kittens need their mothers. It’s the best situation for their survival.” So, what can people do when they see a group of kittens?

• Monitor them.
• Sprinkle a circle of baking soda around them. Check back in 24 hours. If the circle is disturbed, then mom is caring for them. If it is intact, call 724-5900 and press 4 to make a report so that our Animal Protection Officers can come get them.
• You can also contact our Trap/Neuter/Return team. Once they are old enough, the team will spay and neuter the cats.

Pima Animal Care Center is open Monday to Friday, noon to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. To see a list of available pets and services, head to pima.gov/animalcare.