Mesa, AZ (April 17, 2024) – Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) will open its new 84,000 square-foot East Valley Animal Care Center to the public on May 2 in Mesa.
The new shelter will feature 346 kennels and 21 yards and will replace the County’s old East Valley animal shelter located at Loop 101 and Rio Salado Parkway, which is scheduled to close permanently on April 22.
“For years, the team at Animal Care & Control has worked hard to move the new East Valley Animal Care Center to the finish line and the completed facility is truly outstanding,” said Chairman Jack Sellers, representing the District 1 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. “The County will now be better prepared to serve the animals that come into our care and find them safe and loving long-term homes.”
The shelter is designed to prioritize animal health and welfare and aligns with the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Standards of Care Guidelines to provide a better overall experience for dogs, staff, volunteers, and the public.
“East Valley residents have been asking for an updated facility for years and they will soon be able to reap the many benefits of this modern and spacious campus,” said Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin, District 2. This new shelter will boost employee morale, improve staff and volunteer recruitment and retention, and make dogs more comfortable while in MCACC’s care.”
The new shelter was thoughtfully designed to include smaller groups of kennels with indoor and outdoor access and a large, angled layout that prevents overstimulation, keeps dogs relaxed, and lowers the noise level. The campus will also feature a yard with enrichment activities, a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, and a separate clinical isolation area to proactively stop the spread of disease.
“In 2023, MCACC served more than 16,000 pets, and by 2024, we are on track to serve just as many, if not more,” said MCACC Director, Debbie McKnight. “This new facility will make a huge difference in the quality of care our staff and volunteers can provide. We look forward to welcoming the public and helping families find their new furry family members.”
The new East Valley Animal Care Center is located at 1920 South Lewis, Mesa, AZ 85210. Regular business hours are 12 pm – 6 pm Monday through Friday, 12 pm – 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Special activities will be held for the public during the grand opening of “Unleashing Our Potential” on Saturday, May 4. Information: www.maricopa.gov/newshelter.
MCACC is a municipal shelter dedicated to finding positive outcomes for all animals that enter the shelter, while also providing valuable resources for pet owners in Maricopa County. More than 20,000 animals have arrived at MCACC since January 2023 and more than 13,000 have been adopted into their forever homes, more than 2,000 have been transferred to designated rescue organizations, and 2,300 have been returned to their owners. MCACC maintains an average 95% save rate.
For more information about MCACC, visit Maricopa.gov/Pets.
