Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) is set to inaugurate its newest facility, the East Valley Animal Care Center, to the public on May 2nd in Mesa. Spanning an impressive 84,000 square feet, the center represents a significant upgrade from the County’s previous East Valley shelter, situated at Loop 101 and Rio Salado Parkway, slated for permanent closure on April 22nd.
Chairman Jack Sellers, representing District 1 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, commended the dedicated efforts of the Animal Care & Control team, emphasizing the exceptional quality of the completed facility. Sellers expressed confidence that the new center will enhance the County’s capacity to provide compassionate care to animals, facilitating their transition to safe and loving permanent homes.
Designed with a paramount focus on animal welfare, the shelter adheres closely to the Standards of Care Guidelines outlined by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. This commitment ensures an improved experience for dogs, staff, volunteers, and the community at large.
Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin, representing District 2, highlighted the longstanding demand from East Valley residents for an updated facility. Galvin emphasized the manifold benefits of the modern and spacious campus, citing its potential to boost morale among employees, enhance recruitment and retention efforts, and foster a more comfortable environment for dogs under MCACC’s care.
The thoughtful design of the new shelter includes smaller clusters of kennels with both indoor and outdoor access, alongside a spacious layout aimed at minimizing overstimulation and reducing noise levels, thereby promoting relaxation among the animals. Additionally, the campus boasts a dedicated yard equipped with enrichment activities, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic, and a separate isolation area to proactively combat the spread of disease.
MCACC Director Debbie McKnight underscored the significant impact of the new facility on the quality of care provided by staff and volunteers. With MCACC projected to serve a comparable number of pets in 2024 as it did in the previous year—exceeding 16,000—McKnight emphasized the transformative role of the center in facilitating positive outcomes for animals and families alike.
The opening of the East Valley Animal Care Center marks a milestone in Maricopa County’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare, promising a brighter future for the region’s furry residents and prospective adoptive families alike.
