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HSSA Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Nizhoni

Monday, June 21st, 2021

“Hi, friends! My name is Nizhoni, and just like my name I am a rare find. I am a 2 year old Shepherd mix and have been looking for my forever family for quite some time, but I won’t lose hope! I know my perfect family is out there and I can’t wait to meet you. I had a rough start in life, but HSSA has helped me so much and now I just love to take things easy and really smell the roses, you know? What can I say, I’m a sensitive soul! In my down time, I enjoy getting soft pets from my people and relaxing. I know I may look a little different, but that’s my favorite thing about me! I'm unique and proud of it. I’m gentle and sweet and LOVE playing with my doggy and human friends. I have so much love to give, and I just know that when my family finds me they will look at me and know that I am the one. I’m ready to light up your life! Come meet me at HSSA's Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. or call an adoption counselor today to learn more about me! Call 520-327-6088, ext. 173."

See all adoptable pets here

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Toads with Toxicity

The Colorado River Toad season is upon us, and these seemingly harmless amphibians pack a dangerous punch of toxicity that can immensely harm your dog. What to know and how to keep your dog safe.

Monday, June 14th, 2021

Here in the great Southwest we have the honor of sharing a home with some incredible, but deadly, wild animals. What almost immediately comes to mind are scorpions and rattlesnakes, right? You’re not wrong, however, there is a sneaky amphibian that is almost always forgotten, but has the ability to be fatal to your dog just as easily as a rattlesnake; the Colorado River Toad (also known as the Sonoran Desert Toad). 

Dawning from the Sonoran Desert, found from Central Arizona to southwestern New Mexico  and even down in Mexico, this impressive amphibian holds the accolade as one of the largest toads native to North America. Sporting an all-over greenish-gray coloring with a cream colored belly, the Colorado River Toad is most active from the end of May into September, and is nocturnal during the hotter summer months. You can be sure of one thing when the presence of the Colorado River Toad is made known... Summer monsoons are rolling in. 

In addition to its impressive size, this monsoon mainstay also packs quite a punch of tremendously potent toxins. This toxin is their best line of defense against predators, and is expelled from numerous glands within the skin. Whether it’s an innocently curious dog or a predator looking for its next meal, the moment these toads feel threatened this toxin is released, and when I say it packs a punch, it is not an exaggeration. The toxin is more than potent enough to be fatal to even a fully grown dog. 

As we approach the summer rainy season, and the most active time for the Colorado River Toad, we encourage dog owners to be extra cautious in their outings with their dog and offer an opportunity to further protect them with the HSSA Colorado River Toad Avoidance Training classes. In these classes dogs and their owners will acquire valuable and potentially life-saving training in Colorado River Toad avoidance. Each class lasts only 15-minutes, and has the potential to prevent an expensive, painful, and potentially fatal encounter with a Colorado River Toad. 

Being proactive in protecting our dogs through training classes and understanding the dangers of the Colorado River Toad, we are enabled with the ability to respect these impressive amphibians; providing them the space they deserve in their home, and keeping our beloved dogs safe from harm. 

 

Information Sources

Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum | www.desertmuseum.org

ASPCA | www.aspca.org

Sign up for your Toad Avoidance Class here

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HSSA Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Diesel

Monday, June 7th, 2021

"Hi friends! My name is Diesel and I am a 3 year old lab mix that acts like a small lap dog trapped in a large dog’s body. I will do anything and everything that I can to make it onto your lap and into your heart. At 65lbs it can be a very uncomfortable situation for my owners, but when I gaze into your eyes, I like to think it makes me feel lighter in your lap. I live for attention and affection and I will work hard to prove to you how good of a dog that I am. I will take some patience and some consistent training, but the energy you put into me will result in the best friend you can have!"

If you are interested in meeting Diesel, please contact HSSA at 520 327 6088 ext.173.

See all adoptable pets here

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A community unified by science and a passion for pets

University of Arizona and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) come together to form a powerful partnership that will create change in animal welfare

Thursday, June 3rd, 2021

Our ancestral bonds with other species had humble beginnings as our ancient relatives came to understand the profound connection humans and animals share. This connection has not only evolved into something more beautiful, it has also injected our lives with rich purpose. Throughout our history, animals often served humans in a myriad of ways, including hunting, protection, and companionship. Over time we’ve grown to understand that we must also serve and protect our animals because their presence in our lives is vital, and we are obligated to return the favor. Education and research are key components in achieving that reality.

Your Humane Society of Southern Arizona has made a promise to our community to enrich the lives of pets and the people who love them. We are holding true to that promise in the expansion of our education program in our new Education and Behavioral Center. Soaring forward into a brighter future for pets and a currently underserved community, this building will breathe new life into our mission by reinforcing our focus on providing pet families with the tools they need to find solutions to pet behavioral issues while strengthening the bond they share with their pets. This building will be the epicenter of our youth-centered humane education program, inspiring young minds while educating the powerful animal advocates of tomorrow, as well as a state-of-the-art behavioral research space designed to support our instrumental partnership with the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine and Arizona Canine Cognition Center as they pursue a deeper understanding of the human-animal bond.

Establishing a partnership with the University of Arizona is perhaps one of the most monumental strides in our journey thus far. Steve Farley, CEO of HSSA, explains that, “our collaboration with the University of Arizona marks an important step forward for HSSA as we assist in new discoveries on how dogs and cats think, and what they think about us.” He continues, “These breakthroughs will deepen our relationships with our pets and help us understand how we can better communicate with one another.”

Evan MacLean, Director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center at the University of Arizona, is one of the researchers who will be utilizing the new center to further his groundbreaking research, published in the leading scientific journal, Current Biology, that will provide unprecedented insight into just how deeply embedded in a dog’s biology is their understanding of human body language. In observing what are sure to be the most adorable research subjects, puppies, MacLean and his colleagues are documenting their responses to human gestures, such as hand pointing. Puppies are important in this research because if, in fact, dogs do have an innate understanding of the reasoning behind complex human gestures, they will exhibit this understanding at a very young age, prior to being extensively socialized. That is what MacLean and his colleagues have uncovered.

Studying dogs is far from just a job for MacLean. There is a great deal of heart behind his work. “If we do things well, we not only produce new knowledge, but we gain insights into how that knowledge can be translated meaningfully for dogs and the people who care for them.” MacLean says, “Working together with HSSA presents an amazing opportunity to collaborate with a team who understands the challenges and opportunities in our local community, and who is committed to developing innovative solutions in this space.”

There is an immense range of research yet to be conducted in order to gain a full understanding of the science behind how dogs became the perfect candidate for human companionship. Do they understand us so intrinsically because it’s encoded in their DNA, or is it a learned trait through simply interacting with us? These are the questions that MacLean and his team are aiming to answer at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s new Education and Behavior Center, which will not only have a positive impact on the scientific community, but the lives of our shelter pets as well. MacLean emphasizes that, “another major benefit of working with HSSA is that our research can provide enrichment opportunities for the dogs. All of our studies are designed as games for the pups, who enjoy the opportunity to interact with people and solve puzzles.” MacLean concludes humbly, “if we can be the bright spot in a dog’s day, while also answering scientific questions about dog minds, that’s a total win-win situation.”

HSSA's new Behavior and Education Center is being built on the west side of the Main Campus, 635 W. Roger Rd., and is expected to be open to the public in Spring 2022. To learn more about this innovative project and to get involved please contact HSSA's Chief Development Officer, Diana Cannon, at 520-327-6088, ext. 117.

 

Check out the University of Arizona's UANews story on the study to learn more!

View the official Current Biology publication here!

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Humane Society of Southern Arizona Thrift Store moves to new location with Grand Opening event on July 17, 2021

A new, forever, home

Tuesday, June 1st, 2021

Saturday, July 17, 2021, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona Thrift Store will launch the opening of its new, forever, home with a public Grand Opening event from 10:00am to 6:00pm. The Grand Opening event will boast fun games and giveaways, Pet VIP therapy teams, a live mariachi band, and a chance for guests to be the very first to experience shopping in the new space. 

The new building, located at 1010 S. Wilmot Rd., will house a myriad of items ranging from books and homeware to high quality Sam Levitz furniture at low prices. The goal in the design and structure of this new store is to marry the elements of its current store with the fan-favorite aspects of its previous store and create a space that is fitted to every thirfter’s style, needs, and wants. 

With a new, larger space, the new Humane Society of Southern Arizona Thrift Store will be able to expand its efforts in helping homeless and at-risk pets in our community and the people who love them through hosting vaccination clinics and on-site adoption events. Additionally, the proceeds from the store will continue to flow directly back into the organization to provide support for the programs and services of HSSA that save thousands of lives every year. 

To successfully move inventory and prepare for the Grand Opening, the current store, located inside Park Place Mall, will be officially closing on June 30th - including the donation center. 

Learn more at www.hssaz.org/thrift

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HSSA and Cochise County in talks to collaborate on state-of-the-art animal shelter

A life-changing and life-saving opportunity for the pets of Cochise County

Monday, May 24th, 2021

Tuesday, May 18, Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) CEO, Steve Farley, traveled to Bisbee, AZ to present a proposal of a $2 million project that will transform what was previously a juvenile detention center into a cutting-edge veterinary clinic and animal shelter with 20 dog kennels and 30 cat kennels. The proposal was a preliminary step in what will hopefully become a valuable partnership between HSSA and Cochise County. 

Working with diminutive funding and space, the animal care shelters of Cochise County have long been attempting to save as many pets as they can in cramped, small spaces; inadequate for the sheer number of pets they serve. With a yearly intake of over 1,000 animals, this lack of space and resources has forced these shelters to implement very high euthanasia rates, but the prospect of a county partnership with HSSA offers a new hope for the large community of supporters and animal care workers within the county. If brought to life, this endeavor is slated with the potential to save 10,000 animals from euthanasia in its first five years of operation. 

Project coordinators are optimistic funding will come through the state and county levels, and there is also an effort to seek funding on a federal level. There is hope for support in these avenues, however, in the event that these options fail to gain traction, Farley is still confident in the donor base and volunteer program HSSA has cultivated to help push the project forward. 

Through this partnership, HSSA is hoping to honor its mission and name by authentically becoming the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. “By expanding comprehensive animal services to southern Arizona beyond Tucson, HSSA saves hundreds of lives each year while living up to its name in every way,” said Farley. This is a monumental movement for homeless and at-risk pets in Southern Arizona, and Farley is hopeful the idea will become an inspiration and guide to those in similar situations across the country stating that, “this could be a model template for other rural areas of the country.” 

For more details, read the full article here.

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M*A*S*H Clinic for Community Cats

For the Love of Cats

Monday, April 12th, 2021

IN JANUARY, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program hosted its first M.A.S.H. (Multiple Animal Surgical Hospital) clinic. Cats from communities across Southern Arizona and tribal lands received spay or neuter surgeries during the clinic. The Trap-Neuter-Return program serves community cat colonies by providing these surgeries to help stem the tide of homeless pet populations. Under the direction of Clara Lee Arnold, the Community Cat Coordinator, HSSA’s TNR program is now able to provide these services to neighboring shelters and animal rescue groups.

When asked what prompted the ambitious goal of holding this M.A.S.H. clinic, Clara Lee explains, “Cochise County Humane Society (CCHS) had discovered a large cat colony of fifty or more cats and had been requesting help. I reached out to transport these cats to HSSA’s Spay & Neuter Clinic in order to handle that number all at once. They said ‘yes’.” Soon after, two more organizations, the San Carlos Apache-run Geronimo Animal Rescue Group (GART), and Border Animal Rescue (BAR) signed-on as well.

It’s hard to catch Clara Lee standing still. During the hectic 4-hour surgery session she could be found carrying cats in pet carriers — one in each hand — to and from the surgical bays, changing out the laundry to ensure there were plenty of clean towels and blankets for all the cats, or quickly answering questions coming from several people at once.

The entire Spay & Neuter Clinic was abuzz during the event. Each participating shelter and organization were scheduled in waves to allow for the clinic to adequately provide for the number of cats attending the clinic. HSSA and volunteer veterinarians, led by HSSA Medical Director Dr. Kathryn Halstead, each worked at a surgical table accompanied by veterinary students while clinic staff prepped and moved each cat in and out of the surgical bays. Other staff, including Angeline Fahey, HSSA’s Community Cat Specialist, massaged and soothed cats post-surgery. At first glance the hum of activity from the nearly two-dozen people appeared chaotic. In reality, the whole affair was a well-oiled machine with each person involved expertly performing their roles.

“We provided spay and neuter surgeries to 73 cats. The surgery time was only four hours, but it took literally days of coordinating and many hours the weekend before to prepare the clinic, obtain supplies, schedule volunteers, and many more things,” Clara Lee explains regarding the incredible work involved, “The surgery gets all the glory, and they deserve it for what they accomplished, but there are always many, many hours of non-glory!”

Providing surgical sterilization services for large numbers of community cats in a single session is an essential approach to reducing the number of cats in colonies before they have the opportunity to reproduce. For the shelters that participated in the M.A.S.H. clinic, being able to provide the cats in their care with these crucial services relieves the financial and emotional burdens these organizations face.

This project is a perfect example of what we can achieve as a region if we work together, and HSSA is committed to collaborating with other rescues and shelters to compassionately serve pets and the people who love them.

Asked if the success of the M.A.S.H. clinic means there will be more opportunities to serve the cats in these communities, Clara Lee beams, “If we can get enough sponsorships and volunteers, we would ideally love to be able to do four or five of these a year."

Donate to Community Cats

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HSSA takes in 35 dogs from Mazatlan Animal Rescue in Mexico

Through collaborative efforts, HSSA and other Arizona shelters help give Mazatlan shelter pets a second chance at life.

Monday, May 17th, 2021

On the afternoon of Friday, May 14th, over 60 shelter pets, 59 dogs and 6 cats, from Mazatlan Animal Rescue (MAR) arrived at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) after an over 13 hour drive from Mazatlan, Mexico to begin their new journey in finding their forever home. HSSA's Admissions team carefully escorted the dogs from the transport bus and promptly performed health exams on the traveled pets. They were then given any needed vaccinations and microchips before being led to their safe and calm kennels.

Through an amazing collaborative effort between MAR and several Arizona shelters, these dogs and cats now have a second chance at life. Alongside HSSA, Tucson Rescue Now (TRN), Arizona Humane Society (AHS), Pet Knot, and Never Forgotten, provided MAR with the space they needed to transport these deserving animals from their shelter in Sinaloa, MX to Arizona. 

Among the over 60 animals, HSSA took in 35 dogs, TRN took in 5 of the more elderly and medically dependent dogs, AHS took in the 6 cats, and the remaining dogs were taken in by Never Forgotten and Pet Knot. 

This was an incredible team effort by all of the shelters involved, and HSSA is proud to be among them. Collaboration is the key to making a real difference in the lives of shelter pets and pets in need in our communities, and HSSA is dedicated to continuing this work with fellow animal shelters, whether they are our direct neighbors or across a border line. 

See all adoptable pets here

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Dog's Day Out

Volunteers take dogs out on the town

Monday, May 17th, 2021

Our wonderful volunteers really go above and beyond when it comes to socializing HSSA shelter dogs. As part of our FAST (Foster Adoptions on the Streets of Tucson) program, this compassionate group of dog walker volunteers commit their time to dogs in need of connection, enrichment, excitement and fun! The weather couldn’t be more perfect for a day outing with our dogs’ favorite volunteers.

In order to give our long-time shelter residents a break from the shelter, and increase their visibility to a broader range of possible adopters, our most dedicated volunteers pick up shelter dogs and take them on special hikes, or even just hang out on the patio of a coffee shop.

The dogs featured in these photos got to visit Catalina State Park for a day of new smells, new friends, sunshine and exercise. These outings are planned and executed by HSSA’s Canine Enrichment Specialist but are only possible thanks to the volunteers that make that promise to the dogs.

This is just one way that HSSA goes above and beyond for the pets we look after. If you’d like to join us and become an HSSA volunteer please learn more at HSSAZ.org/volunteer. To make a donation and help us continue this enrichment work please give now by visiting the link below.

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It's Puppy and Kitten Season

What it means and how you can help

Monday, May 10th, 2021

Our work at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona often changes with the seasons. During monsoon, we educate people and pets on the dangers posed by river toads. In May and June, it’s so hot that only the early risers can make it to the shelter in time to exercise our pets, while at other times everyone wants to be a volunteer dog-walker at all times of the day because the weather is so nice. One of the toughest times of the year for any animal shelter is mating season for cats and dogs. In early spring and continuing throughout the summer, litters of puppies and kindles of kittens, born to homeless pets, are brought to animal shelters across the country in huge numbers.

This influx of thousands of newborn animals can quickly overwhelm shelters and foster care resources. Well-intentioned concerned citizens who find newborn kittens or puppies hidden away under their porch or in their backyard often fear that, without intervention, these young animals are in danger. Many people who bring these litters to HSSA are surprised to learn that the best option is usually to not disturb them at all.

While many assume these newborns have been abandoned by their mother and are in need of rescuing, mother cats and dogs tend to stay with their litters most of the time. Jay Carmona, HSSA’s Foster Care Coordinator is quick to point out that when kittens and puppies are very young, their best chance of survival is to remain with their mother. “If you find a litter of kittens or puppies out in the elements, leave them be. Keep an eye on them from afar, make sure they are safe and not in danger from the elements or other animals.”

Often the mother cat or dog is nearby, searching for food, or has been momentarily startled away by the people approaching the area. “Keep an eye on them for 24 hours. If after that you do not see a mother, then you should safely take them in.”

After taking in an abandoned litter it can be critical to care for them as long as possible before bringing them to a shelter. “The biggest help during kitten season is for people who have taken in litters to care for them as long as they can before bringing them into a shelter. If people can do that, we provide them with instructions and bottles and formula to help. This prevents our bottle-baby fosters from becoming overwhelmed with the numbers of pets who need nursing and care.”

In many cases the person who has taken in a litter is not capable of the time or space commitment required to adequately care for these animals. This is where HSSA’s Foster Care volunteers step in — experienced caregivers who are trained specifically in the care of neonates (very young kittens and puppies).

Kitten and puppy season require additional foster care volunteers and supplies. Many people who would like to help these precious, tiny pets but cannot directly care for them still support HSSA’s Foster Care programs by donating items and supplies found on the Foster Care Amazon wish list. This list is updated with the most currently needed supplies by the Foster Care office and has an immediate, positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable animals being cared for by HSSA. You can view the wish list and learn more about HSSA’s Foster Care program by visiting the link below.

Learn more!

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What to do if you lose your pet

Bring your pet home faster with these 5 tips!

Thursday, May 6th, 2021

Losing a pet. It’s a fear that rests, not so subtly, in the back of every pet parent’s mind, and, unfortunately, it does happen a lot more often than we’d like to believe. According to the American Humane Association (AHA), an estimated 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen from their homes each year here in the U.S., and many end up in our shelters. Of those pets, only 22% of dogs and less than 2% of cats were able to be reunited with their families without the help of microchips or ID tags. It’s a heartbreaking statistic. 

We do our very best as pet parent’s to keep our beloved furry family members safe at all times, but there are situations that even we can’t prepare for. Thinking about the safety of our pets can sometimes become overwhelming, especially when we aren’t sure what we would do in that situation. Here are 5 things you should do if you lose your pet:

Ditch the guilt

When a pet gets out or becomes lost, often the first emotion that floods in is guilt. It’s inevitable and nearly impossible to shake. This is why, the number one, most important, step to overcome when losing a pet is the guilt. Let me be very clear. Losing your beloved pet does not, in any way, make you a bad or irresponsible pet owner. So, kick that thought to the curb because this can happen to anyone. 

Check in with your local animal shelters

One of the first things you should do is file a lost pet report with every animal shelter within 60 mile radius of your home. This allows you to cover more ground should your pet happen to wander a farther distance than you can physically search. Visiting and/or calling the shelters daily to check if your pet has been brought in gives you a better chance of finding your pet sooner and reducing their stay period within the shelter; a very stressful environment for any pet. Another crucial aspect of this step is to call the microchip company your pet’s chip is from and double check that all of your information is accurate and up-to-date. These companies also often provide additional tools and resources for you to find your pet. *If you believe your pet may have stolen, also be sure to alert your local police department! 

Recruit some friends and search the neighborhood

It seems incredibly daunting to attempt to search on foot for your lost pet, but it really is effective. Ask for help, the animal-lovers of your community can’t say no when a pet is in trouble, and they will come. In troves! Make sure everyone has treats and some sort of leash or carrier and take the search to the streets. An added boost to this method is to hang up flyers as you go around the neighborhoods and in as many local establishments as you can. They should have a current photo of your pet, their name, and your contact information. Simple, but really gets the word out. 

Check the internet

One of the greatest tools at your disposal in this day and age is the internet. Social media channels have the capability to disseminate information not only at rapid speeds, but also to a much larger group of people. Post your lost pet on any social media platform and it will be shared and more people will be looking out for your pet. There are also a lot of websites to look into such as Pawboost, Petco Love Lost, Pet FBI, Center for Lost Pets, Nextdoor lost and found pages and posts, and even Craigslist. The internet is an invaluable tool in finding lost pets, use it!

Never stop looking

No matter how long it takes, how fatigued you become, hold onto your hope and keep searching. There is no one else your pet would rather be than with you, and vice versa. You hold so much power to reunite with your lost pet, and it’s important to never give that up. They are counting on you. We’ve all seen the stories of pets who have been lost for years reuniting with their families and that moment is worth every ounce of heartache. Never. Give. Up. 

HSSA is determined to keep pets out of the shelters and safe in their homes. With our newest lost pet initiative, Volunteer Pet Detectives, we are putting our volunteers in the mix to help support pet parents in the community who may have lost a pet. Through research and monitoring various tools, our volunteers are matching lost pet information with found pet information and helping to reunite families with their lost pet whether they have come to the shelter or not. Join the mission and become a Volunteer Pet Detective!

 

 

Information Sources

Pet Finder | www.petfinder.com

Humane Society of the United States | www.humanesociety.org

Become a Pet Detective

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HSSA Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Comet

Monday, May 3rd, 2021

Comet is a stunning and petite young cat who enjoys the company of people and other pets! Comet is 2 years old and loves to play with anything that has strings or feathers on it. He likes to perch himself on a nice window sill and watch the world go by. Comet is social and affectionate and would love to meet you today! You can see Comet in action right here!

Come say hello to Comet at HSSA’s Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. or give us a call at (520) 327-6088 ext 173.

See all adoptable pets here

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Preparing for flea and tick season

These pesky parasites are ready to pounce and your pet may be their next target

Friday, April 30th, 2021

It’s that blissful time of year again here in the Southwest where temperatures begin to heat up astronomically, cultivating an ideal playground for pesky pests like fleas and ticks. As two of the most common concerns for pet-parents, we want to be sure you are equipped with the tools and information you need to keep your pet safe from these parasites. 

So, what exactly are fleas and ticks?

Let’s talk about ‘em! Fleas. These wingless nuisances plague an enormous number of companion pets each year. The most common type of fleas found on dogs and cats are known as “cat fleas” and are only able to survive and reproduce by living off the blood of their animal host. Fleas can look very similar to other small insects, and one simple way of identifying them is by seeing if they jump. Yes, really. Fleas may be wingless, but they are skilled jumpers, able to jump 100 to 200 times their size.

Similar to fleas, ticks are also parasites that feed on the blood of a host animal, however, they differ in that they don’t need to make their animal host home base. These parasites are arachnids and can carry and transmit many diseases to their host through their bite. Ticks prefer a humid and warm environment which is why you typically find them in the ears, underarms, between the toes, and other commonly warm areas of an animal. 

Know the signs.

One of the first signs that your pet may have fleas is that they are constantly scratching or chewing at their fur. Your pet reacts this way because not only do fleas produce a sharp pain when they bite, but they also have an ingredient in their salivary glands that irritates the skin. In addition, you can often see fleas or ticks on your pet in areas where fur is less prominent. Fleas are small and copper-colored and can be identified by their jumping nature. Oftentimes, you will also be able to notice what is called “flea dirt”, these are deposits from the fleas that show up as small dark dots, but turn red when rehydrated. When looking for ticks, feel for uneven areas on your pet. If you feel a bump that shouldn’t be there, it could be a tick, and the quicker you remove it the less likely it is that your pet will contract an illness from the tick bite. 

How to keep your pet safe.

When it comes to keeping your pet safe and healthy from these parasites, the best method of defense is prevention. Administering a year-round flea and tick preventative medication to your pet is an excellent option, and by consulting with your veterinarian you can easily determine which option will be most effective and safest for your pet. It’s also important to regularly inspect your pets and your home for signs that fleas and/or ticks may be present. If either are detected, be sure to treat ALL pets in the home as well as the surrounding environment. 

These warmer, summer months are the most common times of the year for flea and tick season, and for most states that is true, in our wonderfully warm state of Arizona, however, flea and tick season really does last on a year-round basis. This is why it is so important to be vigilant in inspecting your pets and your home for these pests as well as taking advantage of preventative medication for your pet. Keeping them healthy and happy is the only goal! 

Here at HSSA we care deeply about the health and wellbeing of every pet in our community and the HSSA Clinic is here to serve you and yours. We offer walk-in, low-cost vaccinations two times a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays where you are also able to purchase preventative medication like Heartguard and flea and tick prevention.

 

 

Information Sources

American Kennel Club | www.akc.org

ASPCA | www.aspca.org

Pets Web MD | pets.webmd.om

Learn more about our low-cost vaccinations

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HSSA Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Gabriel

Monday, April 26th, 2021

7 year old Gabriel is a cuddly little lovebug who wants nothing more than special person of his own to love and adore. Gabriel wears booties on his paws to protect his sensitive skin. He loves to play, sniff, and lounge around outside in the sun. Gabriel will do anything for a tasty treat, and walks great on a leash! He has lived with other dogs before and would do best in a low-key and laid back household.

Meet Gabriel at HSSA’s Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. or call (520) 327-6088 ext 173 for more information.

See all adoptable pets here

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Join our Adopters Facebook Group

We Love to Keep in Touch!

Monday, April 26th, 2021

When you adopt from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, you’re not just adding a furry four-legged friend to your family, you’re joining HSSA’s forever family as well. We compassionately support pets and the people who love them, and one of the ways we do that is by staying in touch with families who adopt from our shelter.

Everyone who adopts from HSSA is invited to join the “HSSA Adopters Group” on Facebook where adopters can share stories, photos, and advice with other adopters, shelter staff, and volunteers. Social media is an important tool for staying connected, especially during the times we’re living in right now. Whether supporting a person who has already adopted a pet or finding a very special home for a pet in need, social media helps us connect with pet lovers in our community.

The 50,000 followers on the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Facebook page make it one of the most effective forms of communication we have to find forever families. Through likes, shares, and comments, one photo of a dog or cat is able to reach thousands of potential adopters and hopefully make its way to that one special person who can give that pet the loving forever home they deserve.

Follow Us, Adopters!

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University of Arizona students assist Pet Detectives program

Lost. Found. Shelter. Home.

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021

It’s a sad but well-known fact that millions of pets are lost in the United States each year, and the majority of them end up in the nation’s animal shelters. Here, at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA), we strive to keep pets out of the shelters as much as possible by finding new and innovative ways to end pet homelessness. 

Volunteer Pet Detectives assembles volunteers to help reunite lost pets with their families, all from the comfort of their homes. As an extension of HSSA’s Lost and Found Department, this remote volunteer service utilizes the magic of social media and the internet to find potential lost and found matches. By comparing shelter reports filed by owners and social media posts about lost pets to shelter intake and found reports across various platforms, volunteers are able to cross-reference a pet’s characteristics and determine if there is a match. Finding a match means finding a lost pet and identifying their family; reuniting them faster and significantly reducing the stress level of the pet. 

Our new program is the brainchild of our very own, Jennifer Stones, an HSSA Lost and Found Technician, who founded it out of an understanding of the need to keep pets out of shelters and in their homes. She believes this program is important in helping lost pets because it is “taking us [HSSA] out of the equation.” She explains that, “it gets pets home faster and is going to keep them out of the shelter setting entirely, which is less traumatizing for the animal.” When lost pets enter the shelter they are already scared, confused, and stressed, and as hard as we work to keep our shelter calm and comfortable for all of our pets, it’s still a shelter and will never be as comforting as a home. “Keeping them out of here is the goal of what we do”, says Jennifer. 

In an effort to jumpstart this enterprise our team has partnered with students at the University of Arizona who are working on a few different projects that will lay the groundwork for an effective and sustainable program. One of the groups, Blue Chip, is working on a two-part project that could transform this fledgling lost pet initiative into something huge. Part one is networking. By connecting with various clubs on campus, their first goal is to establish partnerships and build a permanent volunteer base. Acquiring volunteers is the only way we can really have an impact, and this group of students is on its way to that. Part two is a coding element. The students will be utilizing their skillset to create easily accessible information web pages that will assist in maximizing the effectiveness of the initiative. The final group is working as volunteers, experiencing Pet Detectives first-hand and providing valuable feedback that will help us create a strong, robust, community-serving program. 

The impact these students have on the longevity of this program is incomparable. Having support from the University of Arizona students who can provide fresh ideas and a diverse pool of insight to help construct Pet Detectives into a strong service, provides us with a greater chance at really having a positive effect on the number of lost pets entering the shelter. When asked what her goal is for this program in working with the students, Jennifer said she hopes to, “successfully lay the foundation of a program that is able to grow and become long-lasting.” 

GET INVOLVED! For this program to truly create change in our community, we need volunteers. This work is so important in ensuring lost pets make it home quicker and in the least stressful way possible; foregoing the shelter. The more eyes we have out there, the better chance we have to get more pets home safely. It’s a tough task, the effort you put in won’t always match the output, there is no guarantee you’ll find a match every time, but, by being proactive, every second you spend looking to find a match is one less second a scared, confused, lost pet has to spend away from their safe space, their family, their home. 

Get involved!

More ways to help pets

Geronimo Animal Rescue Team

Where Passion Meets Purpose

Monday, April 19th, 2021

Geronimo Animal Rescue Team brought more than forty cats to the TNR M.A.S.H. clinic in January. Working to help the pets and pet owners who reside within the San Carlos Apache Nation. What started five years ago with Dorothea Stevens transporting sick, injured, and abandoned pets to receive medical care has grown into a team of passionate animal lovers doing this important work regularly.

Since the start of the pandemic, the San Carlos Apache Nation has been without veterinary services. Dorothea and her team are working to change this. Filing for 501c status, the rescue team wants to establish animal welfare and veterinarian services full-time for the tribe. “We work along with animal control. We just don’t have the vets that we need and we don’t have the enforcement as far as animal abuse,” Dorothea explains, “that’s something we will be working on.”

Another goal of the group is to provide education and outreach to help teach children basic humane principles. “As Apaches we respect all animals and we were raised that way a long time ago but we don’t see this happening anymore. We want to start with the little ones so they can teach the adults.”

Regarding the impact services like the M.A.S.H. provide to the people and pets in her community, Dorothea can’t hide her excitement. “This is so important! It’s already having an impact on Facebook with people requesting help with community cats in their area, so this is a really good start. Even just the little steps of getting your cat fixed and ending family in-breeding - that’s just one step but that goes a long way!”

If you would like to help support the Geronimo Animal Rescue Team’s efforts, visit the link below!

Support Geronimo Animal Rescue Team

More ways to help pets

Dorothea Stevens | Geronimo Animal Rescue Team