PHOENIX—Rep. Greg Stanton, Rep. David Schweikert and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego today joined together to urge Valley residents to consider adopting a pet as Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is at max capacity with at least 700 animals in its kennels.
Animal shelters are not immune from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and are looking for Valley residents to adopt pets to avoid large-scale euthanizing.
The three officials said that animals can be especially comforting to those practicing personal distancing or isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Dogs and cats are great companions, reduce loneliness and anxiety, and improve your overall mood and outlook,” said Rep. Greg Stanton. “Our shelters need support. During a time when many Arizonans are going to be at home for an extended period, I urge families and individuals to consider adopting a pet. This is a rare opportunity to spend time at home with a new pet—to train and build a relationship—and it could offer a bright spot during a challenging time.”
“As many of us begin to stay home from work and school, I encourage everyone who is healthy to help our local shelters and consider adopting a pet,” said Rep. David Schweikert. “Having a companion during these times of reduced social contact can be a great way for individuals and families to find comfort at home. We are living in a time of unknown, but we can all agree that animals have a positive impact on our well-being.”
“I encourage all Phoenix residents who are in the position to adopt an animal to consider this time to do so,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “While individuals and families are staying home to stop the spread of COVID-19, they may benefit from the companionship of a pet—and those animals need good homes during this time, too.”
The National Institutes of Health is working on a range of studies to measure the health benefits of pet ownership for adults and children. The organization reports that “interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.” [Source]
The Centers for Disease Control similarly reports numerous research-backed health benefits to pet ownership including decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol levels, decreased triglyceride levels, decreased feelings of loneliness, increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, and increased opportunities for socialization. [Source]
Today, Tuesday, March 17, all pet adoptions at MCACC’s East Valley location in Mesa and its West Valley location in Phoenix are 50 percent off from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Large adoption events have been canceled.
For more information about the adoption process, visit https://www.maricopa.gov/214/Adopt-a-Pet.
For adoption center locations visit https://www.maricopa.gov/220/Locations-Hours.
If you feel sick or are experiencing any symptoms, do not visit the shelter.