Throughout this uncertain time HSSA is here for pets and the people who love them.
Many things in the world are changing and there seems to be something new to consider and adjustments to make every day.
HSSA recognized in the early days of the pandemic that the safety and well being of not just the pets we serve, but also the people who love them would require huge and quick shifts in the way our organization operates.
Under the leadership of our new CEO, Steve Farley, measures were swiftly taken to ensure that every pet in our care would continue to receive the shelter, food, medical treatment, and nurturing that they needed while at the same time safeguarding the health of our staff, volunteers, and clients.
We made the decision to institute adoptions by appointment only. Many other programs and services had to be suspended as our PAWSH retail operations and HSSA Thrift Store was temporarily closed. Major fundraising events like Puttin’ On the Dog were postponed or canceled.
HSSA’s CFO Al Clark describes some of the proactive strategies that enabled us to be able to successfully carry on our vital work:
“As HSSA went into the COVID period, we were very concerned about our ability to fund operations because our major annual fundraiser had to be postponed. However, our special fundraising efforts and additional community and donor support substantially closed the gap and have allowed us to hold on to all employees and to fund operations that have continued throughout due to our essential service designation.”
That is not to say staff have had it easy. Frontline staff has been tasked with additional cleaning duties, implementing new safety precautions, and ensuring each and every pet is provided with the utmost care. Every single day, these staff members have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of this crisis.
Meanwhile, staff in other departments within the organization had to quickly adapt to working from home for the first time, important fundraising events like Puttin’ on the Dog had to be postponed, and our clinic services had to be put on hold. Several of our outreach initiatives had to be canceled or re-imagined as digital alternatives. In short, very little at HSSA has been left untouched by the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, but quick action by our staff and the generosity of our donors and volunteers enabled us to move our mission forward.
After instituting thorough deep cleanings and extra safety precautions for staff and customers alike, including the requirement of face coverings in the stores, HSSA’s recently renovated Thrift Store and PAWSH Park Place have re-opened. HSSA Spay/Neuter Clinic has resumed providing important surgeries and vaccinations to the public. HSSA has also redoubled initiatives like the pet food distribution program and partnered with other local non-profit organizations in order to help as many pets and people in Southern Arizona. Thanks to the amazing support HSSA has received from caring individuals, the unwavering commitment of frontline staff members and the dedication of volunteers, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona has weathered this storm and is here to help.
Throughout this uncertain time HSSA has been here for our pets and members of the public through adoptions, end of life services, lost and found, and more. Thank you to our totally dedicated staff for continuing our mission. If you would like to show your gratitude to HSSA’s essential workers please make a donation at www.HSSAZ.org/DONATE
Support homeless pets at HSSA by purchasing a dog, cat, or rabbit themed face covering at PAWSH Park Place or online at www.HSSAZ.org/Store
*Face coverings available in adult and children sizes.