Common Questions & Resources

You must be 18 years old to adopt.

Our gallery is updated throughout the day as new pets become available for adoption, so make sure to check back often, because the right one might show up when you least expect it.

Every pet goes home ready for their next chapter:

• Spay/Neuter Surgery
• Current on vaccinations
• Microchip with free lifetime updates
• Lifetime 15% off AAWL training classes for dog adoptions
• Access to our support team and behavior helpline for the life of your pet

Ask about our Slumber Party program. Bring a potential new family member home for a trial sleepover and see how everyone settles in before making it official.

Plan for about an hour, though wait times may vary depending on how busy we are.

Our adoption support team reaches out regularly to check in to see how your new family member is settling in, however, you can contact them at any time. Their information is in your adoption packet.

We offer waived adoption fee events throughout the year, and we typically have pets available with a $0 adoption fee at any given time. Don’t let cost be the barrier, reach out and we’ll help find a way.

Every pet adopted from AAWL is always welcome back. If things don’t work out, whether that’s right away or years down the road, you can bring them back to us. A courtesy call is appreciated but not required. We’ll take it from there.

If you’re unsure, give it a little time. Most pets follow what’s known as the 3-3-3 rule: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the routine and 3 months to truly feel at home. A little patience in those early weeks can make a big difference.

You can find our current hours on our contact page.

We aren’t able to hold animals for adoption. All pets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must be 18 years or older to volunteer.

We aren’t able to accommodate court-ordered community service at this time.

There is a one-time $15 onboarding fee that covers insurance and your initial volunteer gear. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to us at volunteer@aawl.org — we don’t want that to stand in the way.

We offer a variety of group volunteer opportunities designed for teams and organizations. Learn more here.

We encourage volunteers to come in weekly to stay current on shelter processes, but weekly shifts aren’t required. Volunteers need a minimum of 15 hours per quarter to remain active.

We’re always welcoming new foster homes. Fill out an application and complete your online orientation here, our foster team will be in touch to help find the right match for your home.

Fostering is completely free. We provide everything your foster pet needs, you provide the space and love.

We ask that our fosters commit to fostering for at least two weeks at a time, but you can take breaks in between depending on your availability.

Of course! We do ask that you keep your foster pet separated from your own pets for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of illness. Our foster team will walk you through everything.

You can book your appointment online for vaccines, wellness exams or technician services. Need help? Our team can also assist by phone or email.

We offer a limited number of walk-in spots each week based on availability. You can also schedule follow-up or booster appointments during checkout.

A $5 deposit helps us reduce last-minute cancellations and keep appointments available for those who need them.

If you need to reschedule ahead of time, we’ll transfer your deposit to a future appointment.

Missed appointments without notice are treated as a donation, helping expand access to care for other pets.

If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your scheduled time, we’ll need to reschedule your visit.

Appointment times are carefully planned so every pet gets the attention they deserve. Arriving on time helps us stay on track and provide the best care possible.

If something comes up, just reach out — we’re happy to help you find a new time.

We’ve got you covered. Whether you need help booking an appointment, refilling a prescription or figuring out next steps, you can reach out through our contact form.

Our clinic team operates on limited hours, so responses may take a few business days, but we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

We do offer a limited number of walk-in appointments each week, depending on availability.

For the best experience and shorter wait times, we recommend scheduling ahead whenever possible.

We focus on preventative care like vaccines, wellness exams and basic treatments.

Our goal is to help pets stay healthy and catch concerns early through accessible, routine care.

No, we are not a full-service clinic.

We specialize in wellness and preventative services, and we’re not equipped for emergencies, surgery beyond routine procedures or advanced diagnostics. If your pet needs more specialized care, we’ll help guide you to the right resources.

We do not provide emergency or urgent care.

If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please contact a full-service veterinary hospital or emergency clinic right away. Two nearby options include Veterinary Emergency Group and Arizona Humane Society Urgent Care.

Please bring any previous medical records if you have them, along with a list of current medications.

Dogs should be on a leash and cats should be in a secure carrier to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Our services are designed to support pet owners looking for low cost, accessible care. We cannot treat chronic conditions (allergies, Valley Fever, etc.), masses, limping or provide bloodwork, urine analysis, x-rays, or ultrasounds.

Whether you’re keeping up with routine wellness or just need a little extra support, we’re here to help you care for your pet.

When you arrive for your appointment, call our team at (602) 358-7267 and we can check you in while you remain in your car until your appointment time.

Whether you’re keeping up with routine wellness or just need a little extra support, we’re here to help you care for your pet.

You can submit a request here. If you need to update the credit card on file, please call us at (602) 784-0450.

Yes! AAWL appreciates all in-kind donations. We ask that any items donated be new or gently used (no stains or tears) and any food be unopened. Any brand of pet food is acceptable!

Unfortunately, AAWL does not qualify for the Arizona State tax credit, so we do not have a QCO code. We are a 501 c(3) and your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult with your tax advisor.

Visit our Host an Event page or contact us at events@aawl.org for more information.

Please contact us at development@aawl.org or (602) 784-0450 for sponsorship and naming opportunities!

Yes, but we require them to demonstrate those skills in a private consultation before class begins. Please email our Dog Training Team at dogtraining@aawl.org for more information.

If you find a sick or injured stray animal or suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, you can call Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Animal Medical Team (EAMT) 602-997-7585 ext. 2073, or you can report suspected animal cruelty on their website. After business hours, the injured animal can be brought to an Emergency Vet clinic, who will care for the animal until AHS can pick them up the next day.

For more information on AAWL’s Last Litter program, click here.

AAWL’s low-cost community vet clinic offers wellness examinations, vaccines, nail trims, and more. Click here for information on our low-cost vet clinic. The Arizona Pet Project offers a variety of resources, including access to vet care, pet deposits and personalized human service counseling, click here to request assistance.

Visit PetHousingHelpAZ.org or Pets of the Homeless for more information on local pet food banks.

AAWL isn’t able to take in strays but Arizona Humane Society and Maricopa County Animal Control’s have resources to help you search. Maricopa County Animal Control has an interactive map. Click on the map to see if your pet is listed.

If you have questions or need assistance with a cat colony in your community, you can call Animal Defense League of Arizona’s Spay Neuter Hotline at 602-265-7729.