News and Publications

TUCSON, AZ – (September 22nd 2020)

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) took in 17 dogs today from a home where nearly 100 dogs were discovered. Around 90 dogs were found alive in the 700-square foot Casa Grande home and were voluntarily surrendered to the City of Casa Grande Animal Care and Adoption Center by the owner. The investigation is ongoing.

Staff members from HSSA transferred 17 dogs out of the Casa Grande shelter after being asked to assist. The dogs arrived at HSSA in decent health, but were scared, thin, and covered in feces.

The dogs will be processed and given thorough medical and behavior evaluations before eventually going up for adoption. Kim Ward, HSSA Animal Services Supervisor, says, “First things first, they are getting a bath. After that we will do their medical assessments and vaccinations. When they are ready for adoption, these dogs will need patience and time to adjust to a normal life where they don’t have to fight 90 other dogs for food. They’ll need time to learn that humans aren’t scary and can be a safety net for them.”

See Video in Media Kit.

Media Kit: Photos, video, logos, text files and other media assets can be found here: www.HSSAZ.org/MediaKit
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=323017032119237&extid=VsoIJBxdiGaIZELQ
MP4 download link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/f748o10pnsgzg7y/9-22-2020%20hoarding%20case%20transfer.mp4?dl=0

For additional information contact:
Hannah Terpening
Marketing Manager, Humane Society of Southern Arizona
520-327-6088, ext. 146
Hterpening@hssaz.org

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has served over 1 million pets since 1944. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets who might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.

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TUCSON, AZ – (September 17th, 2020) – The Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s (HSSA) Pet VIP Therapy Teams are now available for virtual visits! The need for unconditional love, support, and acceptance that is provided by HSSA’s therapy pet teams is rapidly increasing during these uncertain times, and HSSA is inviting anyone who feels they would benefit from a virtual visitation to sign up.

The virtual visitations will be offered via Zoom, and will last for a duration of 15-20 minutes. Participants will need to have an internet connected device such as a laptop, tablet, or smart phone with a working microphone and camera.

Veronica Zimmerman, HSSA Pet VIP Lead says, “Unfortunately, the current circumstances we all face on a daily basis, with social distancing, wearing protective gear, and using caution in our daily interactions, many of the facilities we normally offer our support through regular visitations have been forced to take protective measures to ensure the safety of their clients and avoid any visitations.”

For more information and to request a virtual visitation, visit www.HSSAZ.org/PetVIP

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona Selling Fun and Protective Face Masks

TUCSON, AZ – (8-24-2020) – For Immediate Release

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) is encouraging community members to show their support to homeless pets while keeping themselves safe during the spread of COVID-19 by purchasing a cloth face mask from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona store.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

HSSA cloth face coverings come in three different varieties: Dog, Cat, and Rabbit. An individual mask costs $14, or you can buy the whole set for $35.

HSSA’s Public Relations Coordinator Hannah Carl says, “Our hope is that the fun and unique designs of these masks will encourage people to wear them, and keep themselves and others safe and healthy. Every purchase helps us provide care to homeless pets here in Southern Arizona, so you can support a worthy cause and stay safe.”

Masks can be purchased online at: www.hssaz.org/store or in person at PAWSH at Park Place Mall located at 5870 E Broadway Boulevard.

Media Kit:
Photos, video, logos, text files and other media assets can be found here:
www.HSSAZ.org/MediaKit

For additional information contact:
Hannah Carl
Public Relations Coordinator
Hcarl@hssaz.org
(520) 327-6088 ext 128.

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has served over 1 million pets since 1944. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets who might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.

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For Immediate Release
Monique Conway
Marketing and Public Relations Lead
(520) 327-6088, ext. 164
mconway@hssaz.org

TUCSON, AZ – (August 11, 2020) – The Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Trap Neuter Return program is dedicated to reducing feral cat overpopulation and improving quality of life for community cats.

Feral cats are frequently the forgotten animals. Feral cats are not homeless or abandoned domestic cats - they are community cats who are born outdoors and live without any substantial human contact. They are afraid of people; you can’t hold them or pet them, and they must be caught using a humane trap. Most wildlife organizations do not work with feral cats because they are considered to be a domestic pet. On the other hand, animal shelters find them difficult to manage in a shelter to adopt environment. HSSA is making a difference in the life of community cats through a Trap-Neuter-Return Program.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the humane trapping of feral cats to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and medically treated by veterinarians. Once treatment is complete adult feral cats are returned to their residence. If kittens are young enough, they can be taken off the streets and placed into a foster or adoption program, decreasing the number of cats living on the streets. Research has shown that TNR helps to gradually reduce feral cat colony size over time and helps feral cats to live healthier lives. As a result, TNR helps feral cats be better neighbors to the humans around them and ensures these cats are vaccinated helps community cats against diseases that are a public health concern, such as Rabies.

Bringing cats in to HSSA’s TNR program takes a lot of patience and dedication. Clara Lee Arnold, HSSA’s TNR Specialist, works odd hours often over the weekend and late in the afternoon. Some days she finds herself hanging out by smelly garbage cans. Other days she crawls into places that leave her covered in dirt and grease. Along the way Clara Lee has met amazing partners, like Pima Paws for Life, AWASA and Spay and Neuter Solutions, who team up to make a bigger impact.

“Throughout my career, I have always loved working with these “forgotten”animals. And it brings me joy to see how many feral cat colony caretakers look out for the cats in their colony, and how important those cats are to them, no matter how wild. The TNR program at HSSA allows these cats an opportunity at a healthier and happier life, and brings help and assurance to the people that try to aid them,” says Clara Lee Arnold, HSSA’s TNR Specialist.

“Clara Lee has been instrumental in helping HSSA perform outreach to underserved areas and folks in need of TNR. Her skill, knowledge and experience have been vital to the increase in numbers of feral cats the HSSA Clinic have been able to help," says Dr. Kathryn Halstead, HSSA Veterinarian, Clinic Medical Director and Lead Spay Neuter Surgeon.

For more information on HSSA’s TNR Program visit www.HSSAZ.org/TNR or call HSSA’s Clinic at 520-881-0321. Show your support for HSSA’s TNR Program by making a donation at www.HSSAZ.org/Donate

Media Kit:
Photos, video, logos, text files and other media assets can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/obyiu0kgsblsrau/AABsyEbw5evVwejkcRuMGfnTa?dl=0
Please contact Monique Conway for any additional materials: mconway@hssaz.org

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has served over 1 million pets since 1944. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets who might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.

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For Immediate Release
Hannah Terpening
Marketing Manager
(520) 327-6088, ext. 146
(520) 906-9484
hterpening@hssaz.org

TUCSON, AZ – (July 7, 2020) – The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) launched its first ever virtual kitten adoptions. It’s kitten season and HSSA’s shelter and foster families are inundated with adorable kittens looking for forever homes. As of today HSSA currently has 240 cats and kittens in their care and there’s never been a better time to bring a loving feline into your home!

In observance of social distancing guidelines HSSA is now offering ZOOM adoption counseling meetings. After chatting with an HSSA Adoption Counselor you will be given an appointment to pick up your cat from HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd.

“If you’re interested in adding a cat to your home now is the time! They are waiting for you. If you are looking for a kitten but want to keep your family as safe as possible during these uncertain times the Virtual Kitten Adoption is definitely the way to go. ” said Morgan Treiber, HSSA’s Adoption Supervisor.

HSSA’s Adoption Counselors will go through basic kitten care and help you prepare your homes for your incoming feline. You can also purchase any needed kitten care items at HSSA’s PAWSH merchandise store when you pick up your new cat! To learn more and to see adoptable kittens online please visit www.HSSAZ.org/Virtual

Every summer animal shelters across the state are filled to the brim with kittens and puppies, and HSSA proudly announced that this June they adopted out more cats than in any other month since June 2015. They attribute this to the dedication of our community in opening their homes to pets in need and the resilience of HSSA’s family of staff and volunteers who have really stepped up­ through this pandemic to help pets and the people who love them. With this new Virtual Kitten Adoption program, July will break even more records.

To see all HSSA’s adoptable pets please visit www.hssaz.org/adopt and to learn more about virtual kitten adoptions please visit www.hssaz.org/virtual

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has served over 1 million pets since 1944. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets who might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.

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For Immediate Release
Randy Peterson
Director of Development, Marketing and Communications
(520) 321-3704 - EXT 116
rpeterson@hssaz.org

TUCSON, AZ – (July 25th 2020) – On Wednesday, July 29th, The Humane Society of Southern Arizona will be hosting the 4th annual “Woofdown Wednesday” to raise money for homeless pets in need. Local restaurants will host simultaneous events to raise money for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Dine in or take out at local participating restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all three!

Restaurants such as Vero Amore, Village Bakehouse, Firehouse Subs and more will be donating a percentage of their profits from the day to the Humane Society. If you don't feel like leaving the house, but want to support HSSA and participating local restaurants, you can simply make a donation. All money donated will be used to purchase gift cards at the participating restaurants.
“Woofdown Wednesday has always presented a tasty way for people to support the work of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. This year also presents a great opportunity to try a new restaurant or to support a long-time favorite that might be struggling during the pandemic.”, says Randy Peterson, Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications.
Those who want to support are encouraged to visit the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s event web page to see the full list of participating restaurants at: www.hssaz.org/woofdown.

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:

Since its founding in 1944, the non-profit Humane Society of Southern Arizona has undergone a steady evolution in becoming the full-service animal welfare organization it is today. Acting with compassion and responsible stewardship through innovative programs that serve pets and the people who love them, HSSA is built on three pillars: shelter and placement, prevention, and education and outreach. With a vision that Tucson and Southern Arizona becomes a community in which all pets are cared for and loved, HSSA is proud to be a leader in developing and using best practices that advance the standards of animal welfare in our community and the nation. For more information please visit www.hssaz.org
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For Immediate Release
Steve Farley
520-327-6088, ext. 183
sfarley@hssaz.org

TUCSON, AZ – (April 1, 2020) – The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) is dedicated to helping pets and the people who love them during these difficult times. In response to the economic burden that the current pandemic has placed on Tucsonans, HSSA will continue to provide food for pets in need through our monthly Pet Food Distribution Program. In order to assure we have sufficient supplies to meet the increased need, we are asking the community to help collect pet food donations.

How can I help? Make a donation of unopened pet food to HSSA between 9AM-4PM on Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th. These donations will then be offered ¬at our monthly pet food distribution date to families in need of assistance.

Donations will be accepted at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. and also at HSSA Thrift Store at 5311 E. Speedway Blvd. HSSA Thrift Store is not open for business at this time and HSSA Main Campus is open for appointments only. Gate attendants will help donors with their pet food donation.

Steve Farley, Chief Executive Officer at HSSA, explained, “At HSSA we are proud of the fact that we serve pets AND the people who love them. Now is the time for us to come together to help those in need. We hope you will join us in easing the burden of community members in crisis by keeping their pets fed in the upcoming weeks.”
HSSA faces reduced revenue due to suspended services, cancelled events and more. Help HSSA continue this important work ahead by making a donation at www.HSSAZ.org/DONATE.

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has saved over 1 million pets in our 73 years. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets who might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.

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For Immediate Release
Randy Peterson
Director of Development and Marketing & Communications
(520) 327-6088, ext. 116
rpeterson@hssaz.org

TUCSON, AZ – (March 20, 2020) – The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) along with many animal shelters across the nation have had to cancel prominent fundraising events due to the Covid-19 outbreak. In light of this unfortunate event HSSA is proud to introduce a virtual fundraiser where you can support animal shelters and groups throughout the country!

Eight Excellent Shelters from across the United States will compete to raise the most for the pets in their care! This is an online fundraising event, so we hope to virtually gather hundreds of donors to rally to our cause. Participating shelters include Spay-Neuter Animal Project (MI), Animal Rescue Foundation (AL), Paws Humane Society (GA), Chautauqua County Humane Society (NY), YOUR Humane Society SPCA (FL), Seattle Humane (WA), Friends of Strays (FL) as well as The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (AZ).

The team that raises the most money over a 3-day period will move on to the next round until a champion is crowned in early April. The champion shelter will receive an additional $1,000 prize!

But win or lose, every shelter can earn money to support their pets. That's a lot of donations to animal shelters country wide that need your SUPPORT MORE THAN EVER NOW!

March Muttness will start with a Warm Up Round running Saturday, March 21st at 11am EST through Tuesday, March 24th at 11pm EST. All eight participating animal welfare groups will be able to raise money at that time, which will help determine their seeding and matchups when the “games” start on Thursday, March 26th. This ensures that each of the eight shelters will have two full fundraising opportunities, raising even more money to support their pets and programs.

Director of Development and Marketing and Communications, Randy Peterson, gave us this comment about the idea behind March Muttness. “We wanted to find a way to fundraise for the pets in our care while also acknowledging the toll this outbreak has had on all animal shelters across the nation. We hope this virtual fundraiser is a fun way to bring dollars back to the pets in need.”

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s share of the proceeds will benefit the Second Chance Medical Fund which is taking the biggest hit with our annual gala being postponed. HSSA’s Second Chance Medical Fund is reserved for pets that need life-saving surgeries and treatments. From amputations, to antibiotics and any other medical necessity a pet may need, the Second Chance Medical Fund provides for our most vulnerable animals. To make a gift now visit www.hssaz.org/donate

How can you help?
Make a donation to the shelter you'd like to support by visiting www.marchmuttness.org and be a cheerleader for your favorite shelters by SHARING this virtual event via email and on social media. A preliminary seeding round will be live now through Tuesday while we drive up interest for this important fundraiser. The shelter with the most donations by Tuesday at 11pm EST will receive a seeding round gift of $500! Visit www.marchmuttness.com and help us make up the difference for pets that need us the most!

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has served over 1 million pets in our 75 years. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets who might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.
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For Immediate Release
Steve Farley
Chief Executive Officer
(520) 327-6088 ext. 183
sfarley@hssaz.org

TUCSON, AZ – (March 19, 2020) – Message from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona Chief Executive Officer, Steve Farley. For further comment please reach out with the info above.

In order to assure the safety of the public, our staff, and our volunteers, while meeting the needs of the animals who depend on us, we at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona have decided to adjust our public services as listed below starting today, March 19, 2020, until further notice.

• Adoptions will be open to the public by appointment only. Please visit our website at www.HSSAZ.org to find your future best friend, and call (520)327-6088 to set up a time to meet them.

• Public spay and neuter services are suspended until future notice, and anyone with a current appointment will be called for rescheduling.

• Public vaccination services are suspended until further notice.

• We encourage voluntary owner surrenders to postpone until we are through the current situation.

• Certain other admissions services may be available by appointment only, call (520)327-6088 for more information.

• The Humane Society Thrift Store will be closed for both shoppers and donations.

• Pawsh Park Place will be closed for both retail sales and adoptions.

• Dog walking and cat enrichment volunteers are still welcome to come to Roger Road whenever you can to help keep our animals happy and healthy.

• If you are a foster or want to become a foster to our shelter pets, we have work for you too! Call (520)327-6088 for more information.

We will continue working closely with local, state, and federal public health leaders to monitor the situation and will let you know when we can safely re-open these services, or if there are any other changes.

As always, our mission is to serve pets and the people who love them. Rest assured that our shelter animals will be well taken care of by staff, and for as long as possible volunteers during this trying time. If you would like to help support our mission financially as we are confronting reduced revenues from reduced services and donations, we would be grateful. You can contribute any amount at www.hssaz.org/donate .

Please take care of yourself as well. If you feel sick, please stay home. Wash your hands, constantly. Practice social distancing. And be kind to every creature you meet – we will all get through this together.

Thanks for all you do for our animals and the people who love them,

Steve Farley, CEO Humane Society of Southern Arizona

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has saved over 1 million pets in our 73 years. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets who might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.

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For Immediate Release
Monique Conway
Marketing and Public Relations Lead
(520) 327-6088, ext. 164
mconway@hssaz.org

TUCSON, AZ – (January 13, 2020) – Meet Garth Stein, bestselling author of the contemporary classic, The Art of Racing the Rain, on Saturday, February 8th at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s (HSSA) Annual Impact Lunch.

The Art of Racing the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it. It is a heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope. The Art of Racing in the Rain has sold more 6 million copies world-wide, been translated into 36 languages and spent more than three years on the New York Times bestseller list. The book was adapted in to a popular 2019 film starring Kevin Costner, Milo Ventimiglia and Amanda Seyfried.

HSSA’s Annual Impact Lunch will take place at the DoubleTree Hilton - Reid Park at 445 South Alvernon Way. During lunch Garth Stein will discuss his book in detail. After lunch follow us over to a very exclusive 21 and over event at Wayne's Toys - Tucson Classic Car Museum at 990 S Cherry Ave. At this VIP event you will have an opportunity to have your photo taken with Garth Stein and receive an autographed copy of his book or DVD. There will be a selection of beer and wine along with hors d'oeuvres provided by Iron Chef Tucson 2019 winner, Chef Wendy of Chef Chic.

“We’re lucky to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with such a well-known author and pet enthusiast. This unique event will highlight the achievements of HSSA and allow us to continue to work towards a better future for all pets,” says Diana Cannon, Chief Development Officer.

Tickets are limited and start as low as $30. For more information and to purchase your tickets visit www.HSSAZ.org/Garth

Media Kit:
Photos, video, logos, text files and other media assets can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b7255021z3wxnv4/AAAhMV61MZVPRhdC4d_PRy2ua?dl=0
Please contact Monique Conway for any additional materials: mconway@hssaz.org

About The Humane Society of Southern Arizona:
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has served over 1 million pets since 1944. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets that might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.

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For Immediate Release

Contact:

Matt Russell
Russell Public Communications
(520) 232-9840
mrussell@russellpublic.com

Humane Society of Southern Arizona Prepares for Diamond Anniversary
CBS Television Star Brandon McMillan to Keynote Banquet Dinner

Tucson, AZ (May 30, 2019) — On July 13th, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) will celebrate their 75th Anniversary with a Banquet Dinner at the Hilton El Conquistador that will commemorate three quarters of a century of service and honor those who have worked to maximize the organization’s success in serving more than 1,000,000 pets since it opened in 1944.

Celebrity dog trainer and television personality Brandon McMillan, host of the CBS series “Lucky Dog,” will keynote the event, which will also feature unique live and silent auction items ranging from original artwork by local artist Diana Madaras to an autographed Rolling Stones guitar.

One of the HSSA programs that will receive special recognition at the event is their innovative New Beginnings Canine Program. The program pairs dogs that have arrived at the shelter after facing adverse living conditions, neglect, abuse, or other trauma with selected Department of Corrections crew members who work with the dogs through an eight-week course to improve their adoptability and socialization skills. Local singer and songwriter Amber Norgaard will also debut a song at the event that she wrote to celebrate the New Beginnings Canine program.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the fact that we are celebrating 75 years of animal welfare, public education, and advocacy, as well as compassionately connecting Southern Arizonans with animals in need,” stated Diana Cannon, Chief Development Officer for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

“From humble beginnings as the Tucson Humane Society on Kelvin Boulevard to our amazing new facility on Roger Road, we’ve led the way in adoptions, low-cost veterinary services, education, microchipping, therapy, and now, with our New Beginnings Canine Program, a wonderful opportunity to help at-risk animals and crew members from the Department of Corrections. We invite the public to join us on this special evening to commemorate 75 years of service and community commitment, and to discover that our impactful work goes beyond the critical service of adoptions,” she concluded.

The 75th Anniversary Banquet gets underway at 5:00 pm on Saturday, July 13, at the Hilton El Conquistador at 10000 N. Oracle Road. For tickets and more information, please visit https://hssaz.org/75

About the Humane Society of Southern Arizona

Since its founding in 1944, the non-profit Humane Society of Southern Arizona has undergone a steady evolution in becoming the full-service animal welfare organization it is today. Acting with compassion and responsible stewardship through innovative programs that serve pets and the people who love them, HSSA is built on three pillars: shelter and placement, prevention, and education and outreach. With a vision that Tucson and Southern Arizona becomes a community in which all pets are cared for and loved, HSSA is proud to be a leader in developing and using best practices that advance the standards of animal welfare in our community and the nation. For more information please visit https://hssaz.org
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