In celebration of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) has announced they have been recognized for its live-saving rate for animals in its care with a national award from Best Friends Animal Society for the sixth year in a row.
“There couldn’t be a better week to honor and recognize the MCACC team for their commitment to protecting the animals at our shelters,” said MCACC Communications Supervisor Kim Powell.
Best Friends Animal Society presents this award annually to commemorate organizations that enter an elite group across the country that are saving 90% or more of the animals in their care. MCACC had a live-release rate of 94% for the calendar year 2022 and is on track to have an above-90% live-save rate this year as well.
Best Friends calculated MCACC’s live release rate through the Shelter Pet Data Alliance platform, which is designed to give shelter professionals insight into local and national trends and compare shelter data. This data also indicated MCACC’s 66% adoption rate, far higher than the 49% rate for comparable shelters in the nation.
Maricopa County often gets more than 70 animals into its shelters each day. MCACC’s staff works vigilantly to do everything they can to care for its animals and ensure they find a forever home. However, tending to animals is a team effort. It is with the help of the community, non-profits, fosters and adopters that positive trends can continue.
“I’m proud to be part of this team that is so dedicated to the thousands of animals that come into our care every year,” said MCACC Director Debbie McKnight. “I’m grateful to everyone involved with ensuring positive outcomes, from our kennel staff and clinic team to our volunteers and rescue partners. It truly does take a village.”
Those interested in fostering or adopting a pet may visit MCACC’s East and West shelters at 2500 S 27th Ave, Phoenix, Arizona and 2630 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, Arizona. Both shelters are open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. All adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations.
To find out more information and see all available pets, visit Maricopa.gov/pets.