Thousands of pets in Arizona may be at risk of being surrendered to animal shelters by the families who love them but might be forced to choose between finding a place to live and keeping their pets due to the COVID-19 pandemic once the eviction moratorium lifts at the end of December. It is estimated that between 22% and 39% of renters will be affected, along with an estimated 5,000 pets each month.

In an attempt to keep pets and people together, several Arizona animal welfare organizations have formed the Pet Housing Help AZ Task Force in order to collectively offer community-wide solutions for pet owners in need. The task force efforts include expanding internal foster care programs, enhancing surrender and crisis prevention programs, increasing partnerships with human and health service agencies, and developing and launching www.pethousinghelpaz.org, a community-wide website highlighting resources and a network that connects people in need of help directly with other Valley residents to rehome or find temporary housing for their pets.

For more information, visit www.pethousinghelpaz.org.