Maricopa animal shelters have been overcrowded for 7 months

PHOENIX – An employee of Maricopa County Animal Care & Control posted on Nextdoor, writing that his shelters are “full to the point of breaking” and in desperate need of donations.

Animal Care and Control Communications Officer Monica Gery confirmed this information, saying her shelters have been operating at full capacity for 7 consecutive months.

“We have been at full capacity since April and had to use our overflow shelter in Mesa,” Gery said. “We average about 500 dogs and cats at the West Shelter and 200 dogs at the East Shelter.”

Gery said the shelters were dangerously on the verge of overcapacity.

“We are, so we are really asking for the support of the community,” she said.

With capacity issues come a great need for donations.

“We are always in need of donations, especially treats for our dogs and cats, we have a great list on our Amazon Wish List on our website, we also need things like blankets and towels and everything is listed on the website. “

During the height of the pandemic, many people were buying and then ditching their pets for financial reasons, but Gery doesn’t think this recent influx is related to that.

“We are back to pre-pandemic levels, we have 50 to 70 dogs a day,” she explained. “This is why we really need the support of the community with donations, foster families, adoptions and volunteering.”

Gery said they are especially in need of volunteers on weekdays.

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