'Empty the Shelters': Arizona Animal Welfare League waives adoption fees for pets older than a year
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) is currently making dreams come true for pet lovers by waiving adoption fees for furry friends aged over one year.
According to az family, this initiative, part of the Bissell Pet Foundation's annual 'Empty the Shelters' campaign, aims to facilitate the adoption of pets in need of loving homes without the financial burden for future pet parents.
Thanks to the sponsorship by the Bissell Pet Foundation, there will be no expenses for prospective pet owners! The foundation supports the yearly 'Empty the Shelters' program. Currently, around 300 dogs are in search of their permanent homes.
“Adoption is one of our key life-saving programs. It’s something you, as a pet owner, can do at home to save a life. Usually, adoption fees can be about a couple hundred dollars, so no charge,” said Alessandra Navidad, President and CEO of AAWL.
Who runs Arizona Animal Welfare League?
Under the leadership of President and CEO Alessandra Navidad, AAWL stands as the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in Arizona.
Their 'no-kill' policy prioritizes the well-being of animals, avoiding euthanasia except in cases of terminal illness or public safety concerns.
AAWL operates as a registered 501c3 non-profit organization, making donations tax-deductible.
The shelter's mission extends beyond adoption, focusing on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming over 4,000 abandoned or surrendered dogs and cats annually.
AAWL rescues animals from shelters in Maricopa County that face the risk of euthanasia due to limited resources elsewhere.
How does AAWL ensure medical support for animals in need?
According to AAWL, the shelter accommodates about 140 cats and 190 dogs at any given time and operates a foster parent network providing care for young animals and those in recovery.
All animals available for adoption undergo thorough medical care, including spaying or neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations.
Medical treatments and evaluations are diligently performed by AAWL's veterinary and behavior departments.
Founded in 1971, AAWL has grown significantly, originally initiated by concerned animal lovers led by Amanda Blake, known as 'Miss Kitty' from Gunsmoke.
From its humble beginnings, AAWL has evolved into a comprehensive animal welfare organization.
Over the years, the shelter expanded its services, offering veterinary care, behavior training, and community outreach programs.
In 2007, AAWL merged with the Arizona Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and later rebranded as the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
Today, AAWL focuses on strengthening its position as a community-based animal welfare group, removing the SPCA name in 2023 to emphasize its local roots.
Despite the legal name including SPCA, AAWL remains a beacon of hope for animals in need across Arizona.
This adoption fee waiver initiative serves as a testament to their dedication to finding loving homes for pets and promoting animal welfare within the community.