The newly opened Eastside PACC Adoption Center in Tucson, constructed with over $1 million in community donations, celebrated its grand opening last month. Since a soft opening in June, the center has facilitated adoptions for more than 350 pets. This facility spans 5,382 square feet and can house up to 50 pets simultaneously, aiming to support an additional 2,400 adoptions annually, as reported by the Pima Animal Care Center.
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Located at 7225 E. Broadway Blvd., the center successfully placed 17 dogs and six cats into new homes on its first day. The initiative stemmed from a recognized need for expanded adoption services on the east side of Tucson, where the main PACC shelter is located at Grant and Silverbell on the west side. Tori Chisholm, CEO of Friends of Pima Animal Care Center, discussed the need for this expansion with PACC director Steve Kozachik about 15 months ago. Friends of PACC has supported PACC for the past decade.
Chisholm emphasized the importance of community investment in animal welfare: "To make an investment as a community of people who care about pets was kind of a no-brainer. There’s always been a mindset that we needed animal welfare services on the east side of town."
Currently, the main shelter has an open admission policy and receives between 19,000 and 23,000 pets each year. However, from January to July, while intake numbers remained stable compared to the previous year, adoptions decreased by an average of 5.9%, with June seeing the largest drop at 14.1%. The Westside location continues to face challenges with overcrowding. Chisholm hopes the Eastside center will help eliminate barriers for families who find traveling to the west side difficult.
The center is designed with specific facilities for different animals, including 13 rooms for medium to large dogs and a larger space for smaller animals. There are also meet-and-greet areas and a gated play yard for the pets. Friends of PACC has committed approximately $1.3 million to ensure the center's success over the next few years, funding everything through donations.
During the grand opening, Wade Schultz, the animal placement manager for the Eastside center, thanked the community: "This would not be here without your support. We are so happy to be a part of your community."
County Supervisor Steve Christy also recognized the community's efforts, praising the passion of volunteers and supporters. On opening day, the center adopted out 23 dogs and 17 cats, marking a successful start. The Eastside PACC Adoption Center operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adoption fees are waived for dogs four months and older and for cats over five years.