The Humane
Society of Tucson was incorporated in August of 1944 by a
group of concerned individuals led by the organization’s
first president, Mrs. Guerin Wilson. From 1944 to 1958 the
society operated at the old Pima County Animal Control facility
at 802 West Speedway.
In 1958 the society obtained the land at 3450 North Kelvin Boulevard in Tucson and erected the original building. The addition of the Cat Isolation room, Receiving Room 2 and the back part of Kennel 1 took place in 1961. Added during the 1970s were the Feed Room, Kennel 2 (better known as the Dog Adoption Kennel) and the mobile home that currently houses our Spay/Neuter clinic.
The main building was renovated in 1989-1990 with the addition of attractive, comfortable Receiving and Adoption areas. This latest improvement to the main facility created an inviting atmosphere in which to conduct adoptions, and resulted in a noticeable increase in the number of animals adopted.
In 1995 the Humane Society was presented with an offer it found difficult to refuse. The generous cooperation of our retiring neighbor to the south enabled us to arrange purchase of that parcel of land and existing buildings. This property is the future site of an expanded and modernized Spay/Neuter Clinic and administration offices.
Adopt a Friend for Life at the Humane Society of Tucson! The Humane Society of Tucson’s Adoption Center is open seven days a week: Monday - Friday -- 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.; Saturday & Sunday -- 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
(PetsMart Luv-A-Pet Adoption Center hours vary; please call for schedule)
Adoption Donations: Dogs $60. (plus $6.50 license fee); Cats $40.
The Humane Society does not "sell" pets; nor is the adoption donation the "price" of an animal. Our shelter animals are released to the lifelong care of responsible, loving homes after an application and screening process. Adoption donations help to cover the cost of housing and caring for the many animals in our shelter. They defray only a part of the actual cost of services provided for each animal adopted from us.
Included with each adoption are the initial upper-respiratory/distemper inoculation for cats, and parvovirus, coronavirus, and intranasal bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations for dogs. All dogs adopted from HST receive a free 4-week basic obedience course through Pima Dog Club, and a discount on additional classes. Spay or neuter surgery is also included with each adoption, as well as rabies vaccinations for each animal old enough to receive them. Dogs receive a collar, leash, and ID tag; cats go home in a sturdy cardboard carrier. Many veterinarians in town will provide free initial examinations for pets recently adopted from the Humane Society upon presentation of your adoption contract.
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic:
The Humane Society of Tucson operates a low-cost Spay and Neuter
Clinic that is open to the public seven days a week by
appointment only. Appointments may be made by calling (520)
881-0321 between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., seven days a week.
Canine Spay or Neuter: $40. - $80. (actual cost depends on size and age of animal); Feline Spay: $40. -- Feline Neuter: $20. Please note that there may be additional fees for surgical complications (pregnant, in heat, etc.) as determined by the veterinarian. Reduced-Cost Vaccinations, Dog Licenses, Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus testing and Microchip Identification are all available at the time of spay/neuter surgery for an additional charge.
Vaccination Clinics:
Low-cost vaccination clinics are held at the Humane Society on
the first and third Saturdays of each month, weather permitting,
between 7:00 A.M. and 8:30 A.M. only. Dogs must be leashed; Cats
must be in carriers. All vaccinations are $8. each
Vaccinations offered are as follows:
Cats: Rabies, FVRCP (distemper/upper respiratory combination),
Feline Leukemia*
Dogs: Rabies, DA2PPVL (distemper/upper respiratory/parvovirus
combination), Coronavirus
Also Available at our Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic: Microchip Identification -- $22. (Permanent, Positive, Painless...Lifetime identification that can't be lost or removed.)
Lost & Found Services:
The Humane Society does everything possible to return lost pets
to their rightful owners. We operate a telephone service and
computer database whereby descriptions of lost and found animals
of all types may be matched. Callers are instructed to visit the
Humane Society shelter in person to avoid a possible description
mistake.
Receiving the Lost & Unwanted:
The Humane Society of Tucson offers the community temporary
shelter for animals they may find roaming lost and in danger. The
public may also bring in those companion animals for which they
can no longer provide housing or care. Please note that we are
unable to provide animal pick-up services.
Foster Care Program:
The Humane Society of Tucson’s Foster Care Program allows
animals that are too young for adoption, are recovering from
surgery or illness, or are in need of other special care, stay in
private homes until they are able to be placed into adoptions.
Volunteer foster homes provide a safe place for the animals to
stay, nutritious food, socialization and health care to their
animal guests, allowing us to save animals that may otherwise
have to be euthanized.
Special Needs Programs:
We are often presented with animals that are the victims of
cruelty, exceptional neglect, or accidents, and must make the
decision whether we are able to provide long-term care and
rehabilitation of these animals to allow their placement into new
homes or return to their owners. We are also frequently asked to
care for animals belonging to local residents while they are
hospitalized or otherwise temporarily unable to care for them.
Each of these situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis,
and whenever possible we arrange for care of the animals.
Community Education:
Education is the key to ending animal cruelty, irresponsible pet
care, and pet overpopulation. Our education department is
available for speaking engagements to schools and civic
organizations on numerous topics relating to animals and the
services offered by the Humane Society of Tucson. The Humane
Society invites educators to seek our assistance in incorporating
Humane education into existing classroom curriculum.
EMail us at: humane@azstarnet.com