SUMMER HEAT INTENSIFIES CAPACITY CHALLENGES
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THE VIRTUAL VET WILL SEE YOU NOW
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INSIDE LOOK: DISASTER RESPONSE PREPARATION
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SEEKING JUSTICE FOR ABUSED PETS
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URGENT SUMMER EDITION | 2025
Deepa Lohse, Treasurer
Dr. Craig Thatcher, Past Chair
Susanne Ingold
Ricki Dee Jennings
Suzy Juneau
Phyllis Kirk
Chad Makovsky
Andrea Marconi
Ann Siner
Kristin Slyker
Patricia Tate
Summer is a critical time at the Arizona Humane Society. As extreme heat becomes deadly, pets enter our care at a higher rate. This seasonal variability is always a stress on our organization, but this year it’s especially difficult. We’re still navigating the effects unpredictable factors have on Arizona’s pets, like rising costs, housing instability and access to veterinary care. Our kennels are full before the hottest months are upon us, and every day our resources are stretched thinner.
This capacity crisis demands immediate action. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve:
Expanded 24/7 care in our ICUs at our Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital. As an animal hospital first, this round-the-clock attention allows us to manage cases that other animal welfare organizations across the Valley cannot.
Hired additional hands, enabling our Bottle Baby ICU to nurture 100 more fragile felines today than at the same time last summer.
Diligently recruited, trained and equipped additional Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™, ensuring more boots on the ground to respond to the surge in cruelty calls.
We’re proud of the strides we’ve made with you by our side. With your continued generosity, we can face these challenges head on and give every animal the second chance they deserve.
We broke a decades-long record in 2024 when 22,000 pets entered our doors. Halfway through 2025, we’re on pace to break that record again by 10 percent. As we expect thousands more pets, your support makes this lifesaving work possible.
— DR. STEVEN HANSEN, PRESIDENT & CEO
Total animal intake:
10,418 UP 9%
22,882
Total pets who received care across our mobile and veterinary clinics, including spay/neuter surgeries: UP 55%
Total animals placed in foster care:
2,701 UP 12%
8,892
Total pets treated in our Trauma Hospital: UP 9%
2,561
Total pets cared for in our specialized ICUs: UP 17%
Total pets who found forever homes through adoption and placement programs: UP 13%
7,848
Cost and inability to access veterinary care are the top reasons pets are surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society, and we’re working hard to change that reality. HERE’S HOW:
We’re proud to be the first animal welfare organization to offer Telemedicine services thanks to a special gift from Jeff Fontana and the Patricia L. Fontana Family. Telemedicine removes barriers to care by providing safe, effective and timely veterinary support remotely. This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without SB 1053, championed by the Arizona Humane Society and signed into law in 2023, which allows veterinarians in Arizona to establish a veterinary-client relationship via telemedicine. Whether it’s long wait times for in-person appointments, challenges transporting a pet or mobility issues faced by pet owners, telemedicine plays a vital role in expanding access to care and keeping pets with the families who love them. Schedule your appointment today at azhumane.org/telemedicine
Beyond the Valley, we’re taking our compassion on the road thanks to an incredibly generous $179,000 grant and $70,000 worth of supplies from the Banfield Foundation. This gift will allow our Healthy Tails Mobile Clinic to spend 42 days on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation this year, providing an estimated 1,440 pets from this underserved community with spay/neuter surgeries and wellness care.
Arizona continues to face a critical shortage of veterinarians, which underscores the urgent need to inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals. In July, we’re excited to take a meaningful step toward addressing this issue by welcoming a veterinary intern from the University of Arizona.
Thanks to a generous grant from PetSmart Charities, construction will begin at our Sunnyslope Campus this summer! While our teams have already expanded the veterinary services offered to the public at this tried-and-true location, the physical footprint of the original shelter remains. The revitalization of this space will allow us to better accommodate our pets, staff and community.
In 2021, Kumar and his wife Viji felt inspired to do more for pets in need. After discovering the impact of our life-saving programs, they joined our President’s Club as cherished members. With their sweet pup, Dulce, and son, Tejas, by their side, Kumar and Viji shine as an example of compassion and generosity, supporting not only the Valley’s most vulnerable pets but also children with special needs through their very own Samanvitha Foundation.
Q: What initially inspired you both to join our President’s Club?
A: We were inspired by our daughter, Sanjana, and her unconditional love for animals. She would share all about Valley pets who were lost, abandoned, injured or abused, and we wanted to help. We looked for organizations that took action, and that’s how we found AHS.
Q: What resonated the most with you after touring our Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus?
A: It was a huge eye opener for us. Your sincerity, your dedication, the transparency with which you operate and the way you comprehensively support pets throughout your entire System of Care was amazing to see. Witnessing the tireless dedication firsthand gave us the confidence we needed to go all in and offer our support.
Q: What would you say to someone who is hesitant to get involved with AHS?
A: It’s simple. Whether you adopt, volunteer, donate or even just spread awareness, you’re helping to change a vulnerable animal’s life. These animals have so much to give. They just need someone to believe in them. Don’t wait to get involved. Small or big — every bit of kindness makes a difference.
As the state’s designated responder for animals in distress during natural disasters, our Emergency Response Team deploys to assist in the rescue, treatment and shelter of animals affected by these crises across Arizona. Their advanced training allows them to provide help where it is needed the most. Thanks to your contributions, no team is better prepared to assist our neighbors during disasters.
25 Emergency Response Team Members
A combined 3,000 hours of intensive Federal Emergency Management Agency approved training, including Wildland Fire, Hazmat Awareness and Animal Decontamination
A designated trailer able to pull 900 pounds of emergency supplies and equipment like wire kennels, flood lights and industrial fans
15 Disasters responded to since inception in 2002
The Arizona Humane Society is working tirelessly to pass SB1658, which better defines animal cruelty laws. SB1658 establishes the bare minimum standard of care required for pets by defining food, water, shelter and failure to treat. This legislative session threw a number of curveballs, making what should be commonsense law nearly impossible. We used every resource in our advocacy toolbox, and you made our most effective efforts possible.
By calling and emailing your elected officials and sharing our social media posts, you have been a force in fighting to make Arizona a better place for pets. SB1658, sponsored by Senator Bolick and 10 bipartisan co-sponsors, passed in the Senate with a 22-4 vote and is currently awaiting a vote on the House floor. Sign up for advocacy alerts by visiting azhumane.org/be-an-advocate to stay in the know!
Some shade present can be argued as adequate shelter according to current Arizona state law.
This muddy water is considered adequate drinking water according to current Arizona state law.
5501 E. Van Buren Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008
azhumane.org
Ever describe your pet as your soulmate? Science backs that up! A study from Social Indicators Research found that having a pet to keep you company can boost your wellbeing as much as marrying the love of your life or maintaining strong friendships. In other words, true love knows no species!
We’re delighted to announce the opening of the Hungry Hound Café at our Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus! Now serving up compassion fuel for staff and visitors and tail-wagging snacks for pets. Stop by with your two and four-legged friends today!
