Community members call for change as an effort to save more dogs in Pima County

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News)—As Pima Animal Care Center takes in more dogs in its shelters, some foster parents are asking for the process to be more open and accessible.

Katie O’Brien has been fostering dogs on deadline at PACC for the past six months.

“I think the issue is a community issue,” O’Brien said. “We are in crisis, and I, as well as the community, had no idea.”

According to O’Brien, many in the community spend hours posting on social media, making calls, and reaching out to anyone who can help.

However, just like any foster or adoption, the process of rescuing a dog can be stressful and timely, a time crucial for a dog on the euthanasia list, O’Brien said.

“I have five deadline dogs right now,” O’Brien said. “I’m trying to plug leaks, but every time you plug one another, one pops up.”

Zeus is the newest addition to the family. O’Brien tells 13 News the four-year-old blue pittie mix was facing death when Lend A Bone Rescue stepped in to help.

“At the end of the day, the dogs are the ones who are suffering,” O’Brien said.”

According to PACC spokeswoman Kayleigh Murdock, every dog put on the euthanasia list has either five or three days, depending on the situation, to be adopted or fostered by 3 p.m. on the deadline day.

PACC officials said this gives everyone the appropriate time to meet and determine whether the adoption is a good fit, which is crucial not only for the dog but also for the potential family.

Right now, PACC is open Monday & Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

However, because of the window between PACC’s hours of operation and its 3:00 o’clock deadline is so short many potential fosters/ adopters don’t get a chance to help, O’Brien said.

“There is not enough space, there is not enough resources and there is definitely not enough fosters,” O’Brien said. “I don’t think people realize all programs they have either.”

According to Kim Powell with Maricopa County Animal Care, dogs on deadline have until the end of the business day to be adopted or fostered.

“Our rescue partners can request a pool for a dog through an online system. They don’t have to come here in person,” Powell said. “Our adopters have until the business on the day of their deadlines. They have until 6:00 p.m. typically. We are open until 5:00 p.m. on the weekend.”

O’Brien believes this can make a big difference.

Even though she calls for changes, O’Brien said this isn’t about pointing fingers but coming together and finding solutions.

“This isn’t a criticism; I don’t want to be an adversary to PACC,” O’Brien said. “I want to be a friend and part of the solution.”

O’Brien said at the end of the day, this is a community-wide issue that requires community-wide solutions.

Bongo can be adopted or fostered through PACC, and Zeus through Lend A Bone Rescue.

Diesel, a 6-year-old sable and brown Pit Bull Terrier, has a deadline of 3:00 p.m. on May 28.

Officials at PACC said that even if you aren’t able to rescue a dog from the deadline list, adopting or fostering helps the shelter by providing space that may save a different dog.