Monthly Update

November is "Adopt-A-Senior Pet" Month

To celebrate "Adopt-a-Senior Pet" Month, PCACC will offer fee-waived adoptions for senior dogs all throughout the month, and all adopted senior dogs will be sent to their new homes with a free dog bed and chew toys! Learn more about all November adoption specials here.

Director Michael Works to Increase Support

for Community Programs

In August, Pinal County Animal Care & Control Director Audra Michael was invited to be a guest speaker at the Best Friends Animal Society’s National Conference in Houston. Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization that saves animals from euthanasia in shelters. They are known for bettering standards in animal shelters, running innovative programs, and leading the No-Kill 2025 Movement.

At the conference, Director Michael spoke on implementing progressive community outreach programs and the effects of running such programs in a municipal shelter. Community programs run at PCACC include a pet food bank, trap-neuter-release of feral cats, spay/neuter vouchers, low-cost vaccines, building dog runs and fixing fences for pet owners, providing free dog houses, implanting free pet microchips, and helping owners with veterinary care when able.

The shelter’s statistics show the positive effects of running these programs; however, due to limited resources, many programs can only be offered periodically. The shelter is looking to grow support for its community programs to assist citizens in need in Pinal County better.

Learn More About Community Programs

Shelter Sees Influx of Abandoned Pets in

Pinal County

Pinal County Animal Care & Control has seen a large influx of abandoned animals over the past few weeks. Recently, a couple was seen dropping off cats in a rural area of Coolidge, the couple was later identified and arrested by PSCO on multiple counts of Cruelty to Animals.

A few weeks later, a family was caught on camera pulling into the shelter parking lot and leaving three fearful dogs in a yard meant for meet-and-greets. One of the dogs was also injured. The owners of the dogs were later found & and billed. Thankfully, the abandoned cats have all been adopted, and the three dogs are currently coming around to staff and will hopefully be adopted soon.

Pinal County Animal Care and Control encourages pet owners to surrender pets responsibly should they be faced with that difficult decision. The shelter accepts owner surrenders with a fee and appointment and offers pet retention assistance.

Hear a message from Sheriff Lamb regarding a recent abandoned animal case.

Pet Surrender Resources

Renovations Underway at the Shelter

The Animal Care and Control Shelter is currently undergoing a renovation that will include the building of a new front office, cat room, vet clinic, new kennel doors, drainage, shade structures, and more!

During this 12–18-month process, there will be no changes to PCACC services, but front office staff will temporarily be moved to work out of a mobile unit on the shelter grounds. The public visiting the shelter still has access to the south side of the parking lot. More updates to come!

Citizens still have access to the south side of the shelter parking lot, pictured above.

Shelter Launches New Cat Pawsitive Program

Pictured above: PCACC Cat Pawsitive program members, Jodi, Sienna, Beth, Mercedes, and Miles.

Shelter staff and volunteers are piloting a new program called 'Cat Pawsitive.' The program focuses on improving the quality of life for shelter cats, increasing their chances of getting adopted.

Cat Pawsitive is a program developed by The Jackson Galaxy Project and Greater Good Charities and prioritizes working with stressed and fearful cats. Staff is hoping to grow the program in the coming months amongst other staff and volunteers.

Pinal Pet of the Month

Meet Matty B!

November is Adopt a Senior Pet month! We would like to introduce you to Matty B, who is an approximately 12-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix! Matty B came to the shelter in poor health with multiple wounds & and infections. Now, Maty B is healed and waiting to be adopted into the perfect home to spend his golden years! If you're interested in adopting Matty B, contact the shelter today at 520-509-3555.

Matty B's original intake picture from May 15th, 2023.

Matty B is pictured all healed up and enjoying a ride along on August 18th, 2023.

Learn More About Matty B

Barca Residency Academy soccer players, pictured above, have been volunteering at the shelter weekly, walking dogs.

Community Shoutout

PCACC has been lucky to have multiple school volunteer groups at the shelter to help with various tasks, such as dog walking, deep cleaning, treat enrichment, crafts, and painting dog houses.

A special thank you to Cactus Middle School's National Junior Honor Society, Barça Residency Academy, and Mission Heights Prep for your dedication and hard work!