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Pinal Pupdate

August 2026

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Director Update - Extreme Heat Can Harm Your Pet Within Hours

"This summer has been awful for animal neglect cases and deceased dogs. In the last three months, PCACC has responded to approximately 200 neglect cases. Sadly, six dogs have died from extreme heat, lack of or no water, or inadequate shelter.

Please remember: an animal cannot get itself water or free itself if it becomes entangled. Dogs need to be indoors with their families during extreme heat and should never be tied up outside when temperatures are over 90 degrees.

It is against the law to fail to provide your dog with adequate food, water, and proper shelter. Fines can be steep, and PCACC will cite owners who do not follow the law. Please remember that dogs are outside in the same heat we are—and their fur coats make it even harder for them to cool down. Be responsible. They depend on you." - Audra Michael, Animal Care and Control Director.

Public Walking Hours Moved to Night Walks to

Beat the Heat

Thank you to everyone who made our recent evening public dog walk such a huge success! With about 30 community members joining us, it was a fantastic way for folks who can't visit in the mornings to get some exercise and meet our amazing dogs.

We were excited to host more evening walks on July 31 and August 1; however, with the forecast predicting 107-degree weather, we are officially canceling these upcoming events. It is simply too hot to safely walk the dogs, and their well-being is our top priority.

Don't put away those comfy walking shoes just yet! We will schedule another night walk as soon as the temperatures cool down. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for future dates. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our pups safe!

This month’s Volunteer Spotlight shines on Patty Heflin, whose lifelong passion for animals has shaped her entire post-retirement lifestyle. After an impressive 30-year career at General Motors, Patty dedicated her next chapter to animal welfare. She brings incredible experience to PCACC, having spent a decade as an Animal Care Technician at the Arizona Humane Society and nine years (and counting!) at the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

Patty goes above and beyond to ensure our shelter pets feel comfortable and loved. She handcrafts cozy beds for the dogs and cats, and as a certified Small Animal Massage Practitioner, she uses her unique skills to help our dogs relax.

Since joining the PCACC volunteer family last August, Patty has become an integral part of our team. After mastering the yarding process, she has helped countless dogs enjoy fresh air, walks, and one-on-one affection. Patty appreciates our welcoming staff, transparent leadership, and how accessible our volunteer program is to the public.



Her advocacy extends far beyond our walls. Patty also volunteers at Aimee's Farm Animal Sanctuary, fosters for Mini Mighty Mutts (including a recent PCACC pup!), and shares her home with three rescue dogs of her own.

Thank you, Patty, for sharing your time, compassion, and countless talents with the animals in our care. You make an incredible difference, and we are so grateful to have you in the PCACC family!

Joseph’s story is beautiful proof that patience, kindness, and a little hope can completely change a life.

When he arrived at the shelter with his two siblings in August 2025, he was a frightened, semi-feral puppy. He didn't know how to walk on a leash, shrank away from being touched, and viewed the world as a terrifying place. But just look at him now!

Today, Joseph has blossomed into one of our absolute favorite walking buddies. He adores going on hikes, shines during our public walking events, and has made plenty of doggie friends along the way. While he might still be a little shy when meeting someone new, it only takes a moment for his sweet, gentle personality to shine through.

Joseph has done the hard work. He has learned how to trust, how to embrace adventure, and how to enjoy life. Now, he is just waiting for the one thing a shelter can’t give him: a forever family.

After nearly a year of waiting, let's not let Joseph’s journey end behind kennel doors. Come meet this handsome boy and give him the home he has worked so hard to be ready for!

A July to Remember: Over 140 Pets Find Homes During BISSELL's 'Empty the Shelters' Event

Every July, Pinal County Animal Care and Control (PCACC) is incredibly fortunate to be selected as a partner for the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s "Empty the Shelters" event. This year, our community's turnout was nothing short of spectacular, resulting in over 140 adoptions of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.

Because the BISSELL Pet Foundation generously sponsors all adoption fees during this nationwide event, families were able to welcome a new pet home by paying only the standard dog license fee. This vital financial support helps remove barriers to adoption, allowing us to match so many deserving animals with loving families.

Perhaps the most heartwarming success of the weekend was seeing three of our longest-staying residents finally get their happily ever afters. As pictured above, we celebrated the long-awaited adoptions of Raven (188 days in the shelter), Sheena (161 days), and Cardoman (151 days). Watching these special dogs walk out our doors with their new families is exactly why these events are so important to our shelter.

We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who opened their hearts and homes to a new family member this month. Your compassion makes our life-saving work possible.

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