Aug. 21 Adopt-a-thon aims to place nearly 200 animals in permanent homes in 12 hours

As part of their quest to stop the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of homeless pets in Maricopa County each week, the state’s two largest no-kill organizations - Arizona Animal Welfare League and HALO Animal Rescue - will try to place 180 animals at special adoption prices during a joint event next month.

Who: Arizona Animal Welfare League and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL & SPCA) and HALO (Helping Animals Live On) Animal Rescue
What: Empty the Shelter 12-hour Adopt-a-thon Challenge
When: Sat., August 21, 10 AM - 10 PM
Where: AAWL & SPCA shelter
30 N. 40th Place, Phoenix (just north of Washington Street and east of 40th Street)
Public parking will be available on the NE and NW corners of 40th & Washington streets

“Our goal is to adopt out all shelter animals on this day,” says Shannon Blizzard, Director of Operations for AAWL & SPCA. “To do that, we’re offering the best prices of the year on dogs, puppies, kittens and cats.”

During the event, adoption fees for dogs will be $25, $50 for puppies, $5 for cats, and $25 for kittens. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and have at least one set of vaccinations.

While it’s unusual for two animal welfare organizations to do a joint adoption event, Blizzard notes that they have a common mission in eliminating euthanasia as the solution to Maricopa County’s pet overpopulation problem.

“More than 1,000 animals are being killed each week because open-intake shelters do not have the resources or space to keep them alive,” she says. “Most of these animals are healthy or have very treatable problems and could make wonderful companions.”

“By emptying our shelters and sending these animals to loving homes, we’ll make room for many more adoptable pets that are at risk of dying needlessly,” adds Blizzard.

The 12-hour Adopt-a-thon Challenge will also feature:

• A special holding area for adopters to bring their own pets in order to introduce them to new members of the family
• A cooled outdoor area provided by Typhoon Cooling
• Goodie bags to the first 100 people
• Food, drinks, music and a raffle

For more information, visit www.AAWL.org or call 602-273-6852, ext 116.