HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona provides services to the people and communities of four Southern Arizona counties, with our work focused on Tucson and Pima County, Arizona.

HSSAZ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

PROGRAMS

NEW BEGINNINGS CANINE: HSSA has been participating with the AZ Department of Corrections since 2011, as a work release partner agency. The relationship has had a positive impact on the long-term operations for HSSA, allowing us to focus valuable staff time and resources on programmatic enhancement. In late 2017, Tom and Linda Grissom approached HSSA leadership about an inmate/dog training program they witnessed in California. They were so moved by the positive impact the dogs had made on the inmate’s lives, they knew they wanted to bring a similar program to HSSA. This unique training is designed for dogs in need of special behavioral attention such as fearfulness, lack of confidence, anxious or under-socialized. Many of the dogs we encounter at HSSA come from difficult situations. Some are strays; some come from neglectful, or even abusive, living environments. The dogs are paired with a DOC team member to work on crate training, eye contact, leash walking, agility training, playgroup etiquette, and basic commands. The course is designed to last 8 weeks, and upon graduation, the participating dogs will receive a certificate to be presented to their adoptive family. While this program is highly beneficial for the dogs in our care, it was built to be enriching for the DOC team members involved with their transformation. There is a sense of accomplishment and overall well-being for these men, to be truly providing a second chance to our most faithful canine companions.

SAFE HAVEN PROGRAM: In early 1998, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona created Tucson’s first and only program designed to specifically aid the animal victims of domestic violence. Since a battered spouse is less likely to leave an abusive environment if they have to leave the pets behind, it was important to give these victims a safe, temporary solution for the refuge and rehabilitation of their cats and dogs. The Safe Haven Program will provide the animal with any necessary medical care, physical therapy, etc. This is a confidential program intended to provide the animal with as much security as a human shelter would offer to women and children. No information about the location of the animal will be released to the client or any other individual under any circumstance. HSSA has dedicated support to victims of domestic violence by providing temporary housing for owned pets who are often victims as well.

RED CROSS PROGRAM: In 2015, HSSA established a partnership with the American Red Cross Veterans Program to provide services such as spay/neuter and vaccinations to pets of homeless veterans. In addition, we provide temporary housing at our shelter for veteran-owned pets that are transitioning to permanent housing.

PET FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: The Food Assistance Program provides free pet food to those who could not otherwise feed their pets. The donations are meant to be a last resort, to give families the option of keeping their pets during financial hardship. Food is distributed on the first Sunday of each month.

PET VIP PROGRAM: HSSA’s Pet VIP teams bring their trained and certified pets to people of all ages in more than 100 facilities and at various events every year. Pet VIP allows us to share unconditional love with those who need it most. We screen, train, evaluate, and qualify owners and their well-behaved pets as certified Animal Assisted Activity and Animal Assisted Therapy team. Pet visitation is a wonderful, therapeutic way to promote and maintain wellness for people of all ages.

COMFORT DOG PROGRAM: HSSA Comfort Dog program provides comfort, encouragement, and compassion using canine-assisted support to people affected by the crisis. Our goal is to bring comfort to individuals and families suffering from pain or loss by promoting the human-animal bond. HSSA’s Comfort Dog program is an extension of HSSA's Pet VIP visitation program.

FOSTER CARE PROGRAM: Our foster care families provide care to hundreds of sick, injured, or otherwise vulnerable shelter pets every year. Typical foster animals are kittens or puppies under 3 months of age, elderly or sick animals, or any animal that may need a foster family to provide temporary love and care for them. Donations help keep our Foster Care Program running so we can provide formula, toys, blankets, towels, puppy pads, cat litter, leashes, collars, and more. A complete list of needed supplies can be found on our Amazon Wish list page.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

HUMANE EDUCATION IN THE CLASSROOM: HSSA teaches kindness, compassion, and respect for people and animals to prevent over-population, and create a community in which all pets are cared for and loved. Lessons match the teachers' curriculum and presentations are 100% free.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS: Six weeks of youth camps with an aim to help all southern Arizonans learn about proper pet care, pet first aid, safe handling, why humane animal treatment can improve the lives of people and pets, and the importance of spaying and neutering and vaccinating pets to help control diseases. Campers are introduced to our special HSSA pets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, ball pythons, birds, lizards, cats, and dogs. We use a variety of activities that stress an appreciation for our environment and preservation of our natural world: classroom activities, creative and artistic exercises, hands-on animal care, great games, and character-building lessons. Youth education camps are also offered during the fall break.

HAND IN PAW KIDS CLUB: The club is a great opportunity for children (ages 6-11) to learn about proper animal care, safe handling, respect for wild animals as well as pets. The club promotes kindness, compassion, and empathy for all animals and living beings. Kid’s events run during the school year and are held monthly. Events are either free or at a discounted fee for HIP members. HIP members also receive discounts for our numerous camps.

HAND IN PAW YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: This program is designed for the young person (ages 12-18) who has a serious interest in animals and animal welfare, as well as being a role model to younger children. The program provides practical volunteer experience for those planning on either pursuing a career with animals or children.

PAWS AND PAGES LITERACY PROGRAM: This program aims to give children (ages 5-11) the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of shelter animals while building confidence and improving reading skills. Children, under adult supervision, will read to shy dogs and cats as well as sick dogs who are long-term residents with limited human interaction. Participants receive an HSSA bookmark upon completing the training. Incentives are earned upon completing 2 hours, 5 hours, and 10 hours of reading to our shelter pets.

RATTLESNAKE AVOIDANCE TRAINING AND COLORADO RIVER TOAD TRAINING: HSSA provides valuable and life-saving rattlesnake avoidance and Colorado river toad avoidance training classes throughout the spring and fall. Each avoidance training class gives dogs the necessary training to help prevent an expensive and potentially deadly snakebite or exposure to Colorado river toads.

ANIMAL CRUELTY PREVENTION: HSSA’s animal cruelty investigator works hand-in-hand with law enforcement, including all local agencies, fire departments, Arizona Livestock Investigators, and local animal services agencies to provide a seamless response to cruelty calls. Services offered include professional training seminars, public outreach, law enforcement support services, emergency medical care and fostering for abused animals, and evidence collection.

Our program allows the public to provide information on suspected cruelty and neglect, as well as concerns about irresponsible breeders, animal vendors, and other related issues. Our educational program provides a variety of programs for adults and juveniles to address these concerns. We also offer court-mandated courses about proper care and treatment of animals, a critical step in stopping the cycle of harm to pets.

PET SAFETY AND FIRST AID: Participants (ages 15 and up) will learn how to prevent emergencies; how to assist their vet in treating their pet; keep animals safe from local environmental hazards; avoid poisonous plants and household dangers, and identify and react to cruelty and neglect issues. And most importantly, lots of prevention!

DOCENT PROGRAM: Docents are trained to assist the staff at schools and classroom visits; present HSSA information at a variety of events throughout the community; participate in a variety of children’s events and activities; represent HSSA at seminars; conduct tours of our new facility and educate all ages about the time and care that goes into each animal and the types of animals that HSSA care for.