What is the difference between Pima County Animal Care & Control and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona?
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is a private nonprofit organization, which receives and adopts homeless animals. Our goal is to find homes for every animal brought to us. Pima County Animal Care is a governmental agency of Pima County, which serves to protect the safety and health of the residents of Pima County from dangerous and vicious animals.

What dogs are best with children?
There are many breeds of dogs that are great with children. Almost all dogs that grow up as puppies with children do great with kids. Breeds such retrievers frequently make wonderful companions for families with small children. Mixed breed dogs also have many wonderful family traits that would make them excellent family dogs. Please visit your local library and read all you can about the breed(s) you are interested in. You can also research online about dog breeds at sites like Dog Owner's Guide.

Who is the shelter manager?
Our Shelter Manager is Corina Rodriguez. You may reach her by calling the shelter or by email.

Who is the director?
Our Director is Amy Eades. You can reach her at 520.321.3704 ext. 122 or, by email.

Why should I keep my cat indoors?
There are many reasons to keep your cat indoors. In our desert terrain it is not uncommon to find native predators such as coyotes wandering our city. Coyotes are opportunists that will readily prey on cats. Indoor cats tend to live longer since they are not exposed to diseases that occur in outdoor felines. In addition, outdoor cats also can be hit by cars, breed uncontrollably, ingest poisonous plants or fall prey to individuals in our society that would wish to do them harm.

How do you keep a cat indoors?
Don't open the door. Spay or neuter your pet to help control their natural instincts to go outside to breed. Also create for your cat(s) an interesting and stimulating inside environment using toys that will keep them happy and playful.

How do I stop a dog from jumping over or digging under a fence?
Please call us at 327-6088 for information on this or other challenging types of behavior problem.

How long do you keep animals before you euthanize them?
We have no set time limit at HSSA. We make every effort to find a suitable home for each animal in our care. However, at times to make space for adoptable animals coming in, poor health or temperament, some animals will be humanely euthanized.

When animals are brought in together can you guarantee that they will be placed together?
We will try our best to find a home where both animals can be adopted together, this is not always possible. We will always try to place animals in the best available home.

Do you give out medical advice for animals?
We cannot provide veterinary advice over the phone or in person. However, we can provide you with basic pet care advice and instructions over the phone and are more than happy to take the time to help you in caring for your pet.

Do I have to spay or neuter a pet I adopt?
Yes, all animals adopted from our facility are spayed or neutered before they are released to their new owners. The cost of the surgery is included in the adoption fee. Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in Tucson and the United States. We believe that the best solution to the pet overpopulation problem is to spay or neuter your pet.

Can I come in and place an order on your wish list for a specific breed or type of pet?(Companion Connection)
Yes. Although we have no way of knowing exactly what animals will be released to us, we do maintain a waiting list for people interested in specific breeds or types of animals. Of course, some breeds are in great demand and may be available only rarely. We make every effort to place each animal into the most appropriate home so we do ask that you come to our facility or download and complete an adoption profile before you are placed on the list. For more information please call 327.6088.

Will you come and pick up my animal?
No. We do not offer pet pick up service when you find an animal, or wish to relinquish your animal to us. Please bring the animal to us. We are located at 3450 N Kelvin Blvd, Tucson, Arizona. For a stray or injured animal please phone Pima County Animal Care at 520.743.7550.

Do you have poodles?
We receive in and adopt out many dogs and cats each day. We feel we have the best selection of dogs and cats in Southern Arizona. Although we have no way of knowing exactly what animals will be released to us, we do get a wide selection of purebreds and mix breed dogs. Feel free to view our adoptable animals.

Can you hold an animal for me?
No. We cannot hold animals without them being adopted. Our pets are available on a first come basis. If you have chosen a dog or cat and wish to adopt it, upon payment of the adoption fee we will hold the animal until you can pick it up. All adoption fees are nonrefundable.

Can I bring in my dog to meet the dog I want to adopt?
Yes you can. We can hold a "Meet and Greet" session with your current family pet and the new pet you wish to adopt. No scheduling is necessary, just bring in your pet when you come.

Do you have a trial adoption period?
No. Adopting a pet is a life long commitment you will make to the new family member. We do not offer a trial adoption.

What is the difference between HSSA and national organizations like PETA or HSUS?
National pet humane and protection societies work on a national level to support the humane treatment of animals. HSSA is your local animal adoption organization and works without support from national organizations. Unlike national pet protection agencies we do house animals for adoption.

If I give to a national organization will you receive any of the funds?
No we will not receive any of the funds you contribute to national organizations. It is great that you wish to support the humane treatment of animals. We hope you find it in your heart to help the homeless animals in your own community by donating to The Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Where does the money come to support HSSA?
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is a private nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization funded by donations from concerned and caring citizens of our community and grant funding. We do not receive any monies from national humane associations nor are we a United Way Agency.

Does HSSA sell animals for use in scientific experiments?
No, absolutely not. All individuals who wish to adopt from us fill out a adoption profile and are interviewed by a adoption counselor. We do not knowingly adopt animals to anyone who would in any way mistreat the animal.

Is there really a pet over population problem in Tucson?
Yes, like the rest of the United States we have an overpopulation of unwanted and homeless animals right here in Tucson, Arizona. Two uncontrolled dogs or cats and their offspring who have not been spayed or neutered can produce up to 12,680 offspring in 5 years. If you are looking for a companion animal for your family please think of adopting from The Humane Society of Southern Arizona first.

What are the fees to reclaim my pet if it was lost?
To reclaim your lost pet that was turned into us the following fees will be assessed:

Note: There may be additional charges of emergency injury/medical fee, if applicable. If your pet was unlicensed when brought in you will also be responsible for all licensing fees.

Can I adopt a pet I found and brought to the Humane Society?
Yes. If you have found a pet which you have brought to us the animals will be available for adoption 3 days after we receive it. First, every effort will be made to contact the pet's owner. If the owner does not claim the animal then you will be eligible to adopt the animal. You must complete an adoption profile and speak to an adoption counselor at the time you release the animal to us.

I know you adopt and receive dogs and cats there. What other services do you have?
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona also provides pet vaccinations and spay and neuter services to all pets in Southern Arizona. We also can license your pet with Pima Animal Control and microchip your pet so if lost it can be returned to you. There are minimal fees involved in the above services. We also have an education department, lost and found department, grief counseling, training advice and cremation and euthanasia services.

What days and hours are you open?
Our shelter is open 7 days a week from 9:00AM to 6:00 PM for adopting and receiving animals. Our Spay Neuter Clinic is open 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday from by appointment only for spay and neuter services. Our vaccination clinics are held every Saturday (weather permitting) from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM, and Monday evenings at 6:00 to 7:00 PM. We are closed on major holidays.

How much does it cost to spay or neuter my pet?
We offer a very low cost spay and neuter service which is open to the public. Please see our Spay & Neuter Services Page.

I lost my dog or cat, what should I do next?
Act immediately. Download a lost pet packet. It will give you all the information you will need to start the search for your lost Fluffy or Fido. Go to Pima Animal Care & Control and The Humane Society of Southern Arizona at least every other day to see if your pet has been found.

Would you recommend declawing an indoors only cat?
No. We do not recommend declawing cats.

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