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NEWS
MEDIA ADVISORY
MARICOPA COUNTY
Animal Care & Control
2500 S. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Media Contact: Melissa Gable, (602) 506-3471
(602) 525-4780, Mobile
- More -
ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL LAUNCHES “PETS AND VETS” IN CELEBRATION
OF U.S. VETERANS
(Phoenix, AZ – November 4, 2015) –In recognition and appreciation of U.S. veterans’ service
to our country, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) will waive veterans’
adoption fee through its “Pets and Vets” program beginning November 4, 2015.
With Veterans Day just around the corner, the program was approved this morning at the Board
of Supervisors’ Veterans Day ceremony. After a recommendation from a local veteran,
Chairman Steve Chucri’s office reached out to MCACC to create a program that would benefit
war heroes in the community.
“We want a government that listens and this idea came from a citizen,” Board Chairman Steve
Chucri said. “We start today with the “Pets and Vets” program that will make pet ownership
easier for our veterans. This is going to be an opportunity for a lot of happy endings. “
“Pets and Vets” benefits veterans by waiving their adoption fees for all animals at any of
MCACC’s three valley locations or offsite adoption events. Adopters will be responsible for
paying the $17 licensing fee for adopted dogs (there is no licensing fee for cats). Adopters will
also have the option to pay for additional services such as microchipping, additional diagnostic
tests, etc.
The program will offer services upon verification of veteran, reservist or active duty status.
Verification documents must show veteran status as honorable, general, general under
honorable conditions or discharged and released under conditions other than dishonorable.
MCACC will accept the following verification documents:
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is a full service animal welfare agency with shelter, adoptions,
field services, licensing and education programs. Our mission is to promote and protect the health, safety,
and welfare of people and pets in Maricopa County.
.
Military ID
DD214 Military Discharge Certificate, or;
Honorable Discharge Certificate, or;
Letter for the U.S. Military Center in St. Louis, Missouri, or;
Letter from the Maryland Veterans Administration Service Program
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs up to 30% of returning soldiers suffer from
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).The VA acknowledges that owning a pet can reduce
stress and aid in mood lifting making pets a great option for anyone, including returning soldiers,
or those with PTSD.
“We are excited to be able to give back to the veterans in our community,” Shelter Division
Manager Linda Soto said. “They have given so much for our country and we are happy to offer
reduced cost services for pets who may aid them in adjusting back to life at home or simply be a
furry companion.”
Upon its launch in early November, the waived adoption fee for veterans will be available at all
MCACC off-site events and any of MCACC’s three valley locations:
West Valley Care Center: 2500 S. 27th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009
East Valley Care Center: 2630 E. Rio Salado Parkway Mesa, AZ 85201
PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center: 4380 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale, AZ
85251
All pets are spayed and neutered, and dogs over three months of age are rabies vaccinated and
go home with their County dog license.
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