PACC Enlists Nonprofit To Fly At-Risk Pets To Safety

TUCSON, AZ — The Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is teaming up with GreaterGood.org and the nonprofit Wings of Rescue to fly at-risk pets from PACC to rescue partners and other shelters across the U.S.

The reason behind the flights is sheer numbers: PACC typically has at least 1,000 dogs and cats in foster care and at its Tucson shelter daily, according to a news release. And the shelter’s April-to-October peak intake timeframe is approaching, said Kristen Hassen, PACC’s director of animal services.

“A partnership like this [with Wings of Rescue] will be tremendously helpful for PACC during the busy spring and summer months when we struggle to house all of the pets that need us,” said Hassen. “We take in 50 or more pets per day, and the numbers can be overwhelming. This will be a lifesaver.”

The first PACC animal flight departs Friday at 11 a.m. from the Tucson airport with more than 50 pets aboard. In the cockpit will be a pilot from Wings of Rescue, an organization that has flown more than 40,000 pets from disaster areas and overcrowded shelters to shelters with empty kennels.

Going forward, PACC officials hope that Wings of Rescue can fly 100 to 200 pets monthly from PACC to other U.S. pet-care organizations.

Such moves are expected to save PACC thousands of dollars spent in feeding, cleaning and treating pets, while making room for PACC’s 50 to 100 pet daily intake, a news release said.

Community members who want to assist with pet flights, items needed at PACC or outreach can donate to the shelter via the nonprofit Friends of Pima Animal Care Center’s website.

To see pets available for adoption, access PACC's website or stop by the shelter at 4000 N. Silverbell Road. To learn more about PACC’s upcoming pet adoption events and other happenings, visit the shelter’s Facebook page.

PACC’s pet adoption fees cover spay or neuter, microchipping and vaccinations. Each dog adoption additionally requires a $20 licensing fee.