2008-2009AnnuAl RepoRt

ImpactIng the communItyArizona Humane Society is a private, independent, non-profit

animal welfare agency that has been serving the community

since 1957. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors,

employ over 150 staff members and lean on our 1,400 volunteers

to care for the nearly 45,000 animals we serve every year. Our

organization created and now operates the only Emergency

Animal Medical TechnicianTM program in the United States and

the largest shelter-based trauma center for homeless animals in

the Southwest, Second Chance Animal HospitalTM. We receive no

goverment funding, relying solely on donations and service fees

to operate. We are proud that an astounding 84 cents from every

dollar received goes directly to our programs and

services for homeless animals.

contentS

Letter from the Executive Director 4

Board of Directors 5

Our Mission 7

Successes in 2009 8

Admissions 9

Field Operations 10

Second Chance Animal HospitalTM 11

Spay, Neuter & Wellness 12

Euthanasia 13

Adoptions 14

Alternative Placement 15

Volunteers 16

Community Outreach & Humane Education 17

Retail 18

Events 19

Giving 20

Financials 21

Goals for 2010 23

Dear FrIenDS oF arIzona humane SocIety,

When I first accepted my position at the Arizona Humane Society, never did I imagine I would become part of an organization that impacts our community in the way AHS does. Nor did I imagine that I would be working alongside an amazing group of people – both employees and volunteers – who embody passion and dedication to animals in need each day. And certainly, we have a committed group of supporters who ensure that AHS is a vibrant organization and has the resources to assist homeless, neglected, abused, unwanted and abandoned animals.

I don’t know whether great pets make great people or if great people result in great pets. Nonetheless, we’re extremely fortunate to have all of you “great people” who do so much for the Arizona Humane Society. Thanks to your generous support, in the past year:

• We placed 12,916 animals into loving forever homes – more than 500 animals adopted than the previous year. • Our Second Chance Animal Hospital™ cared for 11,508 dogs, cats and critters – a 33% increase over the previous year. • Our EAMTs™ answered 22,837 calls for help – 28% more than last year.

Clearly, the work of the Arizona Humane Society goes beyond adoptions, covering a broad spectrum of animal welfare concerns. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and generosity to this extraordinary organization. The Arizona Humane Society is here because of your support. Together, we will continue to make a difference for the thousands of animals who rely on us each year. Please join us as we endeavor to be a leading animal welfare agency in the state of Arizona.

Sincerely,

Executive Director

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angelS on BoarDWithout our board members we

could not do what we do. They

offer us clarity in the fog, a shoulder

to lean on when we struggle with

some of the difficult decisions we

must make and a pat on the back

as we make a deep impact in the

lives of animals. Our board plays an

important role for our organization,

generating bright ideas and

tirelessly supporting our lofty goals

for future projects.

BoarD oF DIrectorSMaureen Beyers, ChairEd Troell, Chair-electSusan Wissink, Chair EmeritusDaryl Weil, Chair EmeritusRob Kort, Vice Chair, Legislative Action & Government RelationsPaul Bjorklund, Vice Chair, Finance & AuditBob Carr, Vice Chair, Development & EndowmentPatty Withycombe, Vice Chair, Board RelationsRobert Koons, Vice Chair, Strategic PlanningJoette Schmidt, Vice Chair, MarketingKelly Flood, Secretary

BoarD memBerS at largeMark BriggsJanet CusslerCraig DoyleMelinda Morrison GulickMike LenderinkCindy MartinKimberlee Reimann PadillaLinda ParkisMary Frances RayAnthony SalcitoDave ShennanNancy WelchJeff Williamson

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“We envision a world in which all people regard companion animals as lifelong, valued family members.”

our mISSIonTo improve the lives of animals, alleviate their

suffering and elevate their status in society.

We safeguard, rescue, shelter, heal, adopt and

advocate for animals in need while inspiring

community action and compassion on their behalf.7

WE ARE PROuD TO SAy» Second Chance Animal HospitalTM cared for 11,508 animals -

a 33% increase over last year

» Emergency Animal Medical TechniciansTM (EAMTsTM) answered

22,837 calls to rescue sick or injured animals and to investigate

animal cruelty, 28% more than last year

» Our Alternative Placement department gave second chances to

8,931 animals by placing them in foster and forever homes

» We adopted out 12,916 dogs, cats and critters - 544 more than

last year

» Euthanasia decreased by 1,221 animals - a decline for the

second consecutive year

» We partnered with Westcor to open Petique, a high-end retail and

adoptions location at Biltmore Fashion Park

» We reintroduced our Humane Education program, offering day

camps aimed at children ages seven to 14

Forever homeSThis year, both of our shelters saw

a steady increase in adoptions of

dogs, cats and critters who are now

in forever homes.

The collection and publication of data in this report is sponsored by Maddie’s Fund®8

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000

Dogs & Puppies

Cats & Kittens

Critters

open armSThis year, we took in lost, scared, abandoned, sick and injured animals

by the tens of thousands. We accept all animals with open arms,

regardless of their breed, age, gender or medical condition.

» 13,302 dogs

» 18,549 cats

» 1,359 others (critters and wildlife)

» 323 Project Reach Out pets

» 224 New Hope pets

» 92 medical transfers (MCACC)

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WHAT iS AN EAMTtm?Our Emergency Animal Medical

TechniciansTM (“pet paramedics”)

are the designated responders

for animals in distress in Arizona.

They provide triage on scene and

stabilize animals to be transported

to our Second Chance Animal

HospitalTM for treatment. EAMTs

also provide technical rescue

assistance to animals caught in

life-threatening situations and play

a key role in the investigation of

suspected cases of animal cruelty

and neglect, which frequently

require their expert testimony

during trial. We have yet to lose a

case in which we were involved.

FIrSt reSponSeArizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technicianstm rush to the aid of sick and injured animals who are often the

victims of animal cruelty, which is against the law in Arizona and punishable as

a felony in some cases. Our EAMTs respond to calls for dogs who wandered

onto freeways or cats who climbed too high in the trees, but they also see a lot

worse. Hoarding cases in which there are as many as a hundred animals in one

house. Dogs with collars so tight, they become embedded in the dogs’ necks.

Animals abused to the point of broken legs or fractured skulls, left for dead

because their owners refuse to get them medical treatment. Sometimes the

call comes too late to save the animal in distress, which is heartbreaking to say

the least. But our EAMTs do everything in their power to get to these animals,

to give them the medical care they so desperately need and to safely transport

them back to our Second Chance Animal Hospitaltm where they

can receive the full spectrum of treatment their conditions require.

moSt common reScue callS1. Injured dog or cat2. Sick dog or cat3. Rescue of animal in danger (traffic, roof, tree, etc.)

moSt common cruelty InveStIgatIonS1. Abandonment2. Welfare check3. No water

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SeconD chanceOur Second Chance Animal Hospitaltm is the largest shelter-

based trauma center in the Southwest dedicated to helping sick and injured

animals who have no one else to help them. The medical staff is comprised

of experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians and, thanks to the

generosity of our donors, the hospital houses necessary medical equipment

for life-saving surgery, as well as medications, veterinary supplies and other

equipment to provide a high level of care for our special patients. This year,

Second Chance cared for 11,508 animals.

maggIe may toDayAnimal cruelty comes in all forms

- just ask Maggie May. This two-

year-old longhair Chihuahua had

her feet and snout duct taped. She

also had a plastic bag taped over

her head and was tossed into an

empty lot. The temperature hit the

mid-90s the day our EAMTs found

Maggie and her body temperature

reached 107 degrees. Had our

EAMTs not been called to the

scene, she would have suffered

until her final moments. Today,

she’s enjoying the care and love

she deserves in her forever home.

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“We envision a world in which all people embrace their responsibility for the welfare of animals.”SPAy, NEuTER & WELLNESSBecause of the overwhelming number of homeless pets in our

community, we are committed to providing affordable spay and

neuter services to all pet owners to help lead the effort in the pet

overpopulation crisis. We also spay and neuter every adoptable animal

before they are put up for adoption in our shelters. Additionally, we offer

vaccinations, heartworm testing/medication, microchipping and flea/tick

prevention because we believe these services should be affordable and

accessible for everyone.

Our clinics provide spay, neuter and wellness services for companion

animals in our shelters, as well as owned animals who come to us

through the Marge Wright Low-Cost Clinic at Sunnyslope

and the Margaret McAllister Brock Low-Cost Clinic at

the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion. For pet owners who

cannot access these clinics, our Mobile Clinic travels throughout the

Valley to provide low-cost, high quality spay and neuter services.

» 19,334 total spay/neuter surgeries

» 8,615 spay/neuter surgeries at our public clinics

» 10,637 owned animals who received wellness services12

“We envision a world in which all people embrace their responsibility for the welfare of animals.”

peaceFul DepartureSThe reality of operating an open intake facility unfortunately means

that some animals arrive too late for hope of recovery. Often, these

animals are brought in by our EAMTsTM who responded to an

emergency call from a worried neighbor, family member or a Good

Samaritan. Because many pet owners cannot afford veterinary

office euthanasia charges, we also make this service available for

people whose pets are suffering due to illness or age. Although

euthanasia is always a last resort, it is often the only option to

reduce further suffering and alleviate pain for the animal.

For the second year in a row, we saw a remarkable decrease in euthanasia, from 23,148 to 21,927, while we saw an

increase in the number of ill or aged family pets brought in for

owner-requested euthanasia.

» 10,621 due to severe medical conditions

» 7,235 due to extreme behavior issues

» 4,071 owner-requested

For those that wish to memorialize their pets forever, our Pet

Columbarium provides a beautiful and peaceful resting place in the

Leo J. Czaplicki Memorial Garden at South Mountain.

reScue partnerSBy working with other local rescue

groups, we can save more lives.

Rochelle, a two-year old Boxer,

came to our shelter with a severe

skin condition. Given our limited

resources, we decided to work with

Boxer Luv Rescue, a breed-specific

rescue group that frequently

works with medical providers

specializing in Boxer care. Thanks

to our working relationship with

Boxer Luv, Rochelle is a happy,

affectionate dog who loves to play

fetch, go for walks and take car

rides with her new family.

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crItterS countCats and dogs aren’t the only

adoptable four-legged, furry

friends at AHS. We have smaller

adoptable animals whom we like to

call “critters” - rabbits, guinea pigs,

mice, gerbils, hamsters, rats and

an occasional chinchilla. They all

enjoy supervised time outside of

their cages and, like cats and dogs,

have lovable, unique personalities

that endear them to us. Best of

all, critters make great first pets

for children, helping them to learn

responsible pet ownership.

happy enDIngSWe commit to finding a forever home for every healthy, adoptable animal who

comes through our shelter. Our adoption counselors carefully screen potential

adopters to try to ensure loving, comfortable, permanent living situations with

owners who appreciate and cherish animals as much as we do.

» 5,077 animals adopted from our Sunnyslope shelter

» 5,924 animals adopted from our Campus for Compassion shelter

» 1,915 animals adopted from offsite locations and events

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alternatIve placementOur alternative placement team makes sure that every animal gets a

second chance through means other than traditional adoption. We find

foster homes for animals who are recovering from illness or injury until

they are healthy and adoptable. We also offer many programs to help

those in our community when situations arise that leave them temporarily

unable to care for their pets. And we help reunite lost pets with their very

worried and anxious owners through our alternative placement team.

What you may not know is that we also work with local animal welfare

agencies to meet the specific needs of these homeless animals, whether

we are transferring dogs to breed-specific rescue organizations that

can better place them with the right families or releasing wild animals to

organizations that specialize in wildlife rescue.

» 2,221 animals transferred to partner rescue organizations

» 378 animals released to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control

» 67 animals released to wildlife rescue organizations

» 32 animals released to finder

» 899 animals returned to owner

unIque programSAll of our alternative placement programs

are unique, but they share one common

goal - to provide a safe place for animals

until they are either ready to be returned to

their owners or placed for adoption.

» Foster Program - temporary placement in a foster home, outside of the kennel/hospital environment due to medical or behavioral concerns» SaFe - temporary placement of adoptable animals unable to adjust to the kennel environment in a foster home until they are adopted» Project Safehouse - foster care for up to 30 days for the pet(s) of an individual entering a domestic violence shelter» Project Active Duty - foster care for the pet(s) of military personnel being deployed for active duty for the duration of their deployment» Project Assist - foster care for the pet(s) of individuals who are hospitalized or in an emergency situation» Project Reach Out - allows us to accept dogs from other animal welfare agencies that are running out of kennel space» New Hope Program - allows us to select and transport animals from MCACC for adoption at our shelters when kennel space permits» Agnes Program - medical care for the pet(s) of patients being treated for HIV/AIDS» Next of Kin Assistance - cares for the pet(s) of violent crime victims while their loved ones grieve and until they decide where to home the animal(s)» Disaster Relief - cares for displaced animals after a fire, flood or auto accident for up to seven days to allow the owner to recover and get things in order» Adoption Partners - pre-approved animal welfare organizations that will take animals we are unable to place for adoption in hopes of a second chance

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“We envision a world in which all people respect, value and protect the animals with

whom we share this earth.”

a legacy oF ServIcePets on Parade, Arizona’s longest

running locally produced television

show, recently celebrated 50

years. Marge Wright hosted Pets

on Parade for most of those 50

years and continues to make

regular appearances on the

weekly show. No volunteer has

logged as many years as Marge

and we just can’t get enough

of her sweet, enthusiastic and

compassionate attitude. She is truly

an ambassador for animals and a

wonderful supporter of AHS.

helpIng hanDSOur volunteers come from all different walks of life, but they all have

one thing in common: compassion for animals. Our thoughtful

and dedicated volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization and our

accomplishments are not possible without them. We are grateful for their

unwavering support and cherish the time they devote to the organization

and the animals in our care.

» 1,328 total volunteers (672 foster volunteers)

» 335,174 total volunteer hours (274,560 foster hours)

» Volunteer time equivalent to 161 full-time employees

» 4,667 animals cared for in foster care

TOP 4 vOLuNTEER AREAS1. Foster care2. Dog adoptions & socialization3. Retail4. Cat adoptions & socialization

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“We envision a world in which all people respect, value and protect the animals with

whom we share this earth.”

communIty outreachEqually important to our mission of improving the lives of animals is reaching

out to our community. Through shelter tours, public information booths and

speaking engagements with civic organizations, schools and other community

groups we share the humane message about responsible pet ownership and

the importance of treating all living beings with compassion and respect.

humane eDucatIonChildren in our community can experience an engaging afternoon at the

Campus for Compassion as they learn the importance of responsibility through

our Humane Ed-venture Camp, a blend of character and humane education.

Each themed camp provides children with the opportunity to become

acquainted with the shelter animals, promote a Shelter Buddy and learn about

animal care firsthand from our veterinarians and animal care professionals. Our

Humane Education program, staffed by our amazing volunteers, also offers

other activities throughout the year that are designed to

engage school-age children.

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retaIlBetween our Pet Emporium, our Thrift Stores and now Petique at Biltmore

Fashion Park, we offer many options to help you shop with true purpose.

Every purchase from our retail stores supports our organization’s programs

and services.

» $110,262 raised from Pet Emporium sales

» $213,724 raised from Thrift Store sales

» $25,464 raised from retail sales online and onsite at events

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NEWMAN’S NEW HOPEA Good Samaritan found Newman,

a four-year-old Labrador retriever,

after he’d been hit by a car and

rushed him to the Arizona Humane

Society where our Second Chance

Animal HospitalTM veterinarians

cared for him. After spending

time in foster care, Newman had

the good fortune of being one of

the first animals adopted from

our Petique location. He found a

wonderful forever family who loves

the way he welcomes them home

each day.

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eventSWe have two signature events each year, Compassion with Fashion

and Pet Telethon, along with a host of smaller, diverse events that benefit

our organization.

Compassion with Fashion is a lighthearted, fun, crowd-

pleasing perennial favorite. Nearly 1,000 of the Valley’s most influential

and prominent citizens gather to enjoy a luncheon, silent auction, raffle,

fabulous costume fashion show and adoptable pets at one of Phoenix’s

most glamorous and visible venues.

Our largest fundraiser of the year is also our most exciting as we air live on

ABC Channel 15 in an effort to raise funds and awareness for homeless

animals. The Pet Telethon is an annual summer event that encourages

participants to make a positive impact in our community.

Many supporters take it upon themselves to create and organize events

that benefit our organization. Through these valuable partnerships, our

followers assist us in raising awareness and funds without exhausting our

limited financial resources.

guyS & DogSEach year our signature event,

Compassion with Fashion, features

notable Arizonans and their pets

in a unique costume fashion show.

The theme for this year’s event was

Guys & Dogs. Dudley Merkel, a

prominent Sedona realtor, and his

Labradoodle, Larry, stole the show

as Dorothy and Toto. This pair

truly represents our organization

as Larry was one of our very own

shelter animals until Dudley and his

wife, Sue, adopted him three years

ago. Dudley and Sue serve on the

Sedona Humane Society board.

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gIvIngEvery single dollar makes a difference for the dogs, cats and critters in our care.

We are so very grateful for the generous, thoughtful support we receive through

our many giving opportunities.

gIFtS oF caSh We celebrate and recognize benefactors’ support through giving societies such as the

President’s Circle (annual gift of $25,000 - $99,999), the Leadership Circle (annual

gift of $5,000 - $24,999), the Compassion Circle (annual gift of $2,500 - $4,999),

Top Dog donors (annual gift of $1,000 - $2,499) and the Circle of Friends (donors

who support spay and neuter efforts with gifts of $1,000 to $5,000). Our cash donors also

remember us monthly via an automatic debit, providing consistent funding for the thousands of

animals in our care.

Many supporters choose to honor or memorialize loved ones, both human and furry, through

the purchase of a tribute letter or a brick in our Compassion Walkway. Others choose

our Columbarium as the final resting place for their beloved animals. Through our

commemorative opportunities, donors have chosen to name “Doggie Dens” and “Cat Casitas,”

dog play fields, rooms, buildings and even barns. These permanent tributes make a powerful

statement about the donors’ love of animals.

planneD gIvIngThe Legacy Circle recognizes those who include us in their estate plans. These members

support our mission of compassion well into the future, while ensuring that their love of

animals is remembered and lives forever. They remember AHS by naming us as a beneficiary

in a will or living trust, naming us as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement

account, creating a charitable remainder trust and by giving cash or appreciated securities to

establish a charitable gift annuity.

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your gIFt to ahSWhether you choose to remember

the Arizona Humane Society with

a monthly gift, through your estate

plans or by commemorating a

building on one of our campuses,

you can feel confident that your

gift is thoughtfully and carefully

put to use. With 84 cents of every

dollar received supporting our

programs and services, your gift

directly impacts the rescue, healing

and adoption of companion animals

in Arizona.

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IncomePublic Support $10,438,193 72%Service Revenues $3,101,317 21%Special Events $612,905 4%Other $467,719 3%Total $14,620,134

expenSeSPrograms & Services $9,952,346 84%Fundraising $1,350,938 11%Administration $608,295 5%Total $11,911,579

FInancIalS

Public Support72%

Special Events4%

Other3%

Service Revenues21%

Programs & Services84%

Fundraising11%

Administration5%

SponSorShIpSMany of our supporters sponsor shelter pets, as well as spay/neuter special events, like Spay Day. With gifts running the gamut from

$295 (the average cost of preparing pets for adoption) to $9,000 (the cost of a spay/neuter week), there’s an opportunity for every giver.

GOODS AND iN-KiNDGenerous benefactors purchase or collect food, toys, beds and other items from our Shelter Wish List. With nearly 45,000 animals

coming through our doors each year, these gifts are critical.

eventSEvent sponsorship is a powerful way to gain valuable recognition for your organization through branding opportunities. Often donors

choose to underwrite, which allows us to host amazing events without experiencing the large expense that often accompanies them.

Many of our participants donate gifts in-kind that add value to silent auction and raffle portions of our major annual events.

“The purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals.”

ONWARD & uPWARDAs long as there are homeless animals in Arizona,

our work is not done. These animals require

shelter, healing and love. We strive to accomplish

the following this year:

» Educate the community on the issue of pet

overpopulation and the importance of spay and neuter

» increase adoptions by building greater awareness of

the wonderful pets we have available in our shelters

» Develop a veterinary service program that allows

pet owners to access low-cost veterinary care,

lessening the need for owner surrenders due to lack

of funds to care for their animal’s condition

» Expand Humane Education to include regular

classroom visits, partnerships with local educators and

civic organizations and promote responsible

pet ownership

» Engage the community to become part of our brand

by fostering long-term relationships with adopters, clinic

users and donors

» Strengthen existing relationships and cultivate new

connections with local media outlets, civic organizations

and city governments in an effort to build awareness

of our organization and its many valuable programs

and services

» Build and strengthen our relationships with

local animal welfare agencies to give pets the best

opportunity at life

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PETIQUE aT BILTMORE FaSHION PaRK2502 e Camelback Rd, phoenix, AZ 85016

(602) 957-3113

SUNNYSLOPE9226 n 13th Ave, phoenix, AZ 85021

(602) 997-7585

NINa MaSON PULLIaM CaMPUS FOR COMPaSSION1521 W Dobbins Rd, phoenix, AZ 85041

(602) 997-7586

azhumane.org