A Day in the life of an Animal Shelter

Animal Shelter
A man coaxes a reluctant Border Collie mix into the lobby of the Arizona Humane Society ( Sunnyslope location), where he plans to surrender two dogs to the already over crowded facility.
Animal Shelter
The Az Humane Society doors open at 9:00 a.m., and by 9:03 all of the kennels in the front were full with new canine turn-ins. Maricopa County has the second highest turn in rate of unwanted animals in the United States.
Animal Shelter
A nervous pit bull mix awaits his fate at the turn in counter. The total number of animals taken in on this " slow" Saturday came to 212.
Animal Shelter
A woman cries as she surrenders her dog to the Az Humane Society in Phoenix.
Animal Shelter
Animal behavior assessor Andy Gallo checks on a new arrival. A general health and temperament test is given to each pet. Considerations of space, activity requirements and temperament need to be considered before bringing home a new family member.
Animal Shelter
The tired eyes of an older cat peer through the bars, while being held in the critical care unit of the Second Chance hospital at the Az Humane Society.
Animal Shelter
Foster Care Coordinator Sheila Lampert lends a hand to vet tech Adam Buscemi, as he bandages the bullet wounds of a dog, shot by his owner. The dog later had to be put down due to the severity of the injuries.
Animal Shelter
Two puppies fostered by Vet Barbara Capwell peer over the door to view a new Sharpei mix arrival. Many staff members foster intakes until they are healthy or old enough to go onto the adoption floor.
Animal Shelter
Humane Society staff member Suzanne Jacoby hugs her dog as he prepares to have a cyst removed at the Second Chance hospital.
Animal Shelter
"Cuddles" was turned in as a stray and had to have her left leg amputated due to injury.
Animal Shelter
A boy covers his ears to muffle the loud barks of dogs in the adoption kennels. The accumulated nervous energy of all the homeless pets fills the air.
Animal Shelter
A kitten ready for adoption is one of the combined 850 cats and kittens the facility has been receiving each week. One reason why so many felines are being surrendered, dumped and abandoned is out of control breeding. In seven years, one cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens.

A Day in the life of an Animal Shelter

Maricopa County has the second highest turn in rate of unwanted animals in the United States. The total number of animals taken in on this “slow” Saturday at the Arizona Humane Society came to 212. Failure to spay and neuter results in too many unwanted animals waiting for a loving home. For more information on how you can help homeless pets go to: http://www.humanesociety.org