Pima Animal Care Center – A Lifeline for Pets

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is more than just a shelter. It’s a place where hope meets action, where abandoned pets find new homes, and where the community comes together to care for its furry friends. Let’s dive into what makes PACC tick and how it’s changing lives, one paw at a time.

Introduction to PACC

Tucked away in Tucson, Arizona, PACC is the largest animal welfare organization in Pima County. It’s not your average pound – it’s a bustling hub of activity, saving over 90% of the 17,000 homeless pets that come through its doors each year[6]. That’s a lot of wagging tails and happy meows!

PACC isn’t just about finding homes for pets. It’s about creating a community where every animal is valued and every pet owner has the support they need. From stray kittens to senior dogs, PACC is there to lend a helping hand – or paw.

Services and Programs

PACC offers a whole bunch of services that go way beyond just housing pets. They’re all about keeping tails wagging and families together.

First up, there’s adoption. PACC has a huge selection of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens waiting to meet their forever families[9]. But they don’t stop there. They also run a foster care program, giving pets a break from shelter life and a chance to shine in a home environment.

PACC’s community outreach is pretty impressive too. They’ve got a pet support center that handles a whopping 8,000 calls for help every month[6]. That’s a lot of worried pet parents getting the advice they need!

One of their coolest programs is called ‘Keeping Families Together’. It’s all about preventing pet surrenders by offering counseling and support to pet owners who are struggling[6]. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little help to keep a family – furry members included – together.

Facility and Location

PACC isn’t housed in some dingy old building. Nope, they’ve got a state-of-the-art facility that’s designed with animal care in mind. We’re talking indoor/outdoor dog housing, group cat housing, and even isolation spaces for better disease control[3].

You’ll find PACC at 4000 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745[4]. It’s right in the heart of the beautiful Sonoran Desert, making it a pretty nice spot for both the animals and the humans who care for them.

The facility has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Originally built in the 1960s as a rabies control “pound”, it’s now a modern animal care center thanks to a $22 million upgrade approved by voters in 2014[3]. Talk about a glow-up!

What animals does PACC care for?

PACC isn’t picky when it comes to helping animals. They’re an open-admission shelter, which means they take in all sorts of critters that need help.

Dogs and cats are the most common residents, of course. But PACC has been known to care for other animals too. While they don’t typically have ducks, they sometimes get them in[4]. So if you’re looking for a feathered friend, it’s worth keeping an eye on their social media pages.

From tiny kittens to big ol’ dogs, senior pets to energetic youngsters, PACC provides care for a diverse array of animals. They even help out with community cats through their Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program[7].

Adoption Process and Fees

Ready to add a furry friend to your family? PACC’s got you covered. Their adoption process is designed to be straightforward and adopter-friendly.

First, you’ll want to check out the available pets. PACC updates their pet listings every 15 minutes, so you’re always seeing the most current information[2]. But keep in mind, just because a pet is listed doesn’t guarantee they’ll still be available when you arrive. These cuties can get snatched up fast!

When you find a pet you’re interested in, you’ll fill out an adopter survey. This helps PACC understand what kind of pet would be the best fit for your lifestyle[7]. Then, you’ll complete an adoption agreement and pay the adoption fee.

Speaking of fees, they can vary depending on the animal. If you’re not sure about the fee for a specific pet, just ask the foster coordinator[7]. For dogs, there’s also a $19 licensing fee to factor in[7].

Volunteer Opportunities

PACC runs on people power, and they’re always looking for more hands to help out. With over 1,137 volunteers contributing more than 88,000 hours annually, it’s like having an extra 42 full-time staff members[8]. That’s a lot of love and care!

There are volunteer opportunities for all sorts of skills and interests. Dog walkers, cat cuddlers, adoption counselors – you name it, they need it. They even have roles for folks who prefer to stay behind the scenes, like administrative support and outreach volunteers[8].

And don’t worry if you’re not an adult yet. Kids as young as 12 can volunteer with a parent or guardian. Once you hit 16, you can volunteer solo after completing the orientation and getting a parent’s signature[8].

How does PACC handle stray animals?

PACC takes its role as a community resource seriously, especially when it comes to stray animals. They’re the go-to place for lost and found pets in Pima County.

When a stray animal comes in, PACC holds them for a certain period to give owners a chance to reclaim their pets. During this time, they provide necessary care and start assessing the animal’s health and behavior.

If no one claims the animal, they become available for adoption. But PACC doesn’t just wait for adopters to come to them. They actively work to get these animals into loving homes through various adoption events and promotions.

For community cats, PACC takes a different approach. They run a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, which helps manage the feral cat population humanely[7]. It’s all about finding the right solution for each animal’s situation.

Operating Hours and Contact Information

PACC is open seven days a week, making it easy for the community to access their services. While their exact hours can vary, you can always find the most up-to-date information on their website or by giving them a call[4].

Need to reach out? You can contact PACC at (520) 724-5900[4]. Whether you’re looking to adopt, need advice about your pet, or want to report a stray animal, they’re there to help.

For those who prefer digital communication, PACC is pretty active on social media too. It’s a great way to stay updated on their latest events, see newly available pets, and get helpful pet care tips.

Community Events and Initiatives

PACC isn’t just about what happens inside their walls. They’re all about getting out into the community and making a difference.

They regularly host adoption events, giving pets a chance to meet potential families in a more relaxed setting. These events are also great opportunities for the community to learn more about responsible pet ownership and PACC’s services.

PACC also runs outreach programs targeting the most vulnerable pets and people in Pima County. This includes helping people facing homelessness and other life crises to keep their pets[6]. It’s all part of their philosophy that recognizing the bond between pets and their people is key to the future of animal welfare.

Conclusion

Pima Animal Care Center is more than just a shelter – it’s a community lifeline for pets and their people. From adoptions to outreach, from volunteer opportunities to vital pet services, PACC is working tirelessly to create a better world for animals in Pima County.

Whether you’re looking to adopt a new family member, need help with your current pet, or want to lend a helping hand, PACC is there for you. They’re proving every day that with a little love, a lot of hard work, and a community that cares, we can make a world of difference for our furry, feathered, and scaly friends.

So next time you’re in Tucson, why not stop by PACC? Who knows, you might just meet your new best friend. After all, in the world of animal welfare, every day is an opportunity to save a life and make a difference.