PHOENIX -- Since more animals are lost on the Fourth of July weekend compared to any other time of year, animal shelters fill up very quickly within a matter of days.
Typically, shelters are open seven days a week for drop off and adoption, but this holiday weekend is forcing them to close temporarily to avoid overcapacity.
Maricopa County animal shelters will be closed Saturday July 4.
Officials with
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is asking the community to cooperate with the animal shelters by waiting to turn in a dog or cat until after the weekend so they are not forced to start euthanizing animals because of lack of space.
To prevent pets from getting lost, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Max Wilson suggests that animals should be kept safe at home, not taken to fireworks displays.
“If animals are left outdoors, they might get anxious and run away,” Wilson said.
To ensure your pet’s safety, make sure that dogs and cats are always wearing an appropriately fitting collar, which has either a dog license or identification tag attached to it.
If your pet does become lost, visit MCACC’s Animal Care Centers located at 2500 South 27th Avenue in Phoenix between Lower Buckeye Road and Durango Street and 2630 West 8th Street in Mesa near Price Road.
Also, you can post information about your pet on the
Pets 911 website.
