In December, Maricopa County announced a new nonprofit that will benefit pets throughout the region. The Friends of Animal Care and Control will raise funds to enhance the resources available to pets in the community, while easing the pressure on public resources.
“I want to build a community where every dog has a home,” said Thomas Galvin 2025 chairman of the Board of Supervisors, District 2. “Providing a funding source for county animal shelters beyond what’s allocated in the general fund not only enables better care for animals in need, but it also saves taxpayer money. It’s a win-win for both our two-and four-legged residents.”
On Dec. 10, the Board of Supervisors voted to increase the expenditure authority for Maricopa County Animal Care and Control’s (MCACC) Donation Fund up to $350,000, which will allow MCACC to explore the formation of the Friends of Animal Care and Control.
“The Friends of Animal Care and Control will allow MCACC to work more closely with donors, and it will provide opportunities for grants that are only available to nonprofits,” said MCACC director Debbie McKnight. “This new nonprofit will have a singular goal: funding programs and services that directly or indirectly serve the homeless pet population.”
This new endeavor is one of several ways MCACC says it is working to improve care for animals in the community.
This year, MCACC also launched their Evaluation & Enrichment Team, which helps ensure dogs receive both in-kennel and out-of-kennel enrichment – everything from stuffed Kongs to playgroups. In March, MCACC opened the Everyday Adoption Center (EAC) inside the PetSmart in Old Town Scottsdale (www.maricopa.gov/6155/ACC-adoption-center). The EAC can house more than 40 dogs, and the convenient location has helped more animals find homes. By November, the center hit 1,000 adoptions. And in July, MCACC expanded adoption hours by two hours every day of the week, giving customers more time during their busy schedules to come find their forever friend.
Learn more about Maricopa County Animal Care and Control by visiting www.maricopa.gov/5268/animal-care-and-control.
