At Desert Dog Project, we focus on Arizona’s most vulnerable dogs: the ones who end up in municipal (government run) shelters. They are the most vulnerable as public shelters are often underfunded and don’t have the luxury of turning away dogs when they are at capacity (as private shelters do), so unfortunately have to euthanize for space.

In Maricopa County, this shelter is Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC), which is where the dogs you see us post about are kenneled.

By far, the best way you can help (besides donating to DDP and other rescues/non-profits that support MCACC) is to become a foster or volunteer with MCACC. It is truly one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time, doing everything from walking dogs to helping prepare enrichment, kennel cleaning, assisting the public, and more. If you become a volunteer and are able to walk the dogs, you also can provide day foster experiences, which are super beneficial to the dogs. It gives them a chance to decompress, while also the chance for the volunteer to get to know about the dog, take photos/videos to spread awareness and advocate for the dog.

There is also the option to become a long term foster through MCACC. They are called fosters “heroes” for a reason. You really are saving a 2 lives by fostering; 1 by taking in the dog, and another by opening a kennel space for another. This can greatly reduce euthanasia rates and increase the chances of a dog being adopted, as it’s much easier to get to know the personality of a dog, as well as help with training and getting them ready for their furever home, in a loving home environment (rather than at the loud, stressful shelter).

We are happy to provide guidance on any of the steps above, and if you volunteer, foster or day foster MCACC dogs, please contact us and we will post about the dog to help spread awareness/visibility. Please remember that dogs need time to decompress and adjust, and to give them that grace before making judgements!

Here are some things that potential adopters like to know about in dogs (which short and long term fostering make possible):

• How is the dog in the house?

• What is their personality like? Silly? Energetic? A couch hippo?

• Any notes on their interactions with you, new people, other dogs (any introductions need to be done slowly and carefully), children, etc

• Anything that makes them uniquely them

• Are they house trained? Do they do well in a home environment?

If you are interested in adopting a dog we post about on social media, please visit MCACC’s website here.

MCACC dogs can be found at the following shelter locations:

East Shelter: 1920 S. Lewis in Mesa

West Shelter: 2500 S. 27th Avenue in Phoenix

Heidi's Village: 600 N. 40th Street in Phoenix