New Tax Laws Benefit You

What do new tax laws mean for me as an individual donor?
Starting in 2026, individuals will be able to deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) in charitable gifts even if you don’t itemize—making it easier than ever to receive a tax benefit for giving.

How does this benefit you as an AAWL donor?

More accessible giving- you don’t need to itemize to benefit.
Potential tax savings- your donation may reduce your taxable income.
No matter the size, there is financial benefit to supporting AAWL!

How does this benefit AAWL?
$1000 supports an incoming animal’s arrival to AAWL including medical care, microchipping, vaccinations, and behavioral support – in 2025, 3700 animals made this journey. It can also cover costs of a Rural Rescue trip, giving vulnerable animals a second chance – in 2025, 76 trips were made to 12 Rural Rescue partners and 754 animals made the trip.

$2000 allows AAWL to provide above and beyond medical care to animals in need – in 2025, AAWL performed 2882 surgeries. It can also provide resources so pets can stay in their homes instead of come to – or come back to – the stressful shelter.

You can now support AAWL AND receive tax benefits without any itemizing required!

Questions? Contact Philanthropic Advisor and fellow animal lover, Braden Cope, braden.cope@edwardjones.com (623) 544-1412

Test Your Luck at the Ale Wagger Beer Can

For the First Time Ever… Test Your Luck at the Ale Wagger Beer Can

Our AAWL x Turnout Beverage (Formerly Walter Station Brewery) collaboration is back for our sixth year! And for the first time ever, we’re opening this opportunity up to everyone, giving you the chance to feature your beloved pet front and center on thousands of Ale Wagger cans.

Now through April 7th, you can purchase one raffle ticket for $50 or three tickets for $100 for a chance to see your adorable pet on our custom beer can!

Plus, you’d get to celebrate in style with your friends and family at the launch party later this year – a fun day filled with beer, food, and puppies! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity!

Here’s How it Works

1. Click the link here

2. Buy raffle tickets for your chance to win

3. Every ticket directly supports AAWL’s life-saving programs

Missing Pet Scam

Community Alert:

Please be aware of this troubling scam that is impacting families who are searching for their missing pets.

Scammers are contacting owners of missing pets online and falsely claiming to be from the Arizona Animal Welfare League or another animal rescue organization. They tell families their pet has been found and needs emergency care, then demand payment over the phone.

We understand how stressful and emotional it is when a pet goes missing, which is why we want to help our community stay informed and avoid potential scams.

Please know that the Arizona Animal Welfare League doesn’t take in strays and will refer people to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control or Arizona Humane Society. Also, we would NEVER demand money over the phone.

If you do receive a suspicious call or text like this, please do not send money and contact your local law enforcement agency to report the scam.

The Arizona Humane Society has also seen a rise in this scam and has issued their statement here.

Please help spread the word and thank you for helping protect pet families in our community.

AAWL Receives Large Grant From The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

Arizona Animal Shelters Announce Major Donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Expand Lifesaving Community Programs

Phoenix, Ariz. (Dec. 16, 2025) – A coalition of Arizona animal shelters is celebrating a significant donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to advance animal welfare and community well-being. The funds will strengthen critical programs that keep pets healthy, safe, and with the families who love them.

The surprise $1.3 million donation will support multiple shelters across the state, including two organizations whose community-based services have become essential lifelines for pet owners facing hardship: the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) will receive $500,000, and Lost Our Home Pet Rescue (LOH) will receive $250,000.

“Pets are family. We all know the comfort a pet can bring during difficult times,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “These organizations make sure families don’t have to choose between stability and the dogs and cats who mean so much to them.”

AAWL will use the funding to expand its low-cost, community-based vet care services in East Maryvale, which is considered a veterinary desert. For pet families in Maryvale, accessible and affordable vet care is nearly impossible to find, and families are often just one unexpected veterinary bill away from heartbreak. To respond to these needs, AAWL launched mobile vaccine clinics in schools and community centers and transitioned to a preventative wellness model at their on-site community vet clinic to be able to keep pet families together.

Over the last three years, AAWL has prioritized supporting Latino pet families in East Maryvale and Central City Phoenix, guided by a survey of more than 700 primarily Spanish-speaking pet owners who said they struggled to find veterinary care sensitive to their language and culture.

This year alone, AAWL provided nearly 4,000 pets from those underserved communities with much needed vaccines and wellness care. This transformative donation will allow AAWL to reach even more pet families by increasing the number of mobile wellness/preventative clinics and other vital services in Maryvale, improving health outcomes for pets, and helping prevent more animals from entering the shelter system

“Every family deserves the joy a pet brings, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Alessandra Navidad, president and CEO of the Arizona Animal Welfare League. “The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation’s investment into our community protects the human-animal bond and families won’t have to choose between meeting their basic needs and keeping their beloved pets.”

Lost Our Home (LOH) will use the funding for its crisis-response programs. The love of a pet can keep someone from going to a shelter, hospital or other if pets are not allowed, forcing them to surrender or place their pet in danger. Over 45 percent of domestic violence survivors delay escaping for this reason. LOH’s Temporary Care Program (TCP) removes that barrier by providing up to 4 months of safe shelter and medical care for pets, at no cost, giving people a path to safety and stability while protecting the pets they love.

LOH’s Pet Food Bank is a lifeline for families struggling to afford the basics. Many people skip meals, stretch medications, or sacrifice their own needs so their pets won’t go hungry. Some feel the only option is to surrender their beloved pet. LOH’s Pet Food Bank prevents these heartbreaking outcomes and helps families stay together.

LOH is a no-kill shelter which has provided 155,000 safe days through the TCP, and—with its 24/7 First Responder Program—reunited 2,200 pets with their families. LOH also provided 1.27 million Food Bank meals and adopted 12,300 homeless pets into families.

“Our programs keep families together during their most difficult moments,” said Jodi Polanski, founder of LOH. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift, which comes at a critical time. Rising needs for our services along with increasing costs of supplies and care keep outpacing our resources. Together, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, along with much needed community support, will help us continue serving the families and pets that depend on us, strengthening families, pets, and the community.”

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation donation comes at a crucial time as shelters statewide face increased surrender requests and economic pressures affecting pet-owning households. By investing in prevention-focused programs, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is helping reduce shelter overcrowding and strengthening the human-animal bond across Arizona communities.

“Some of the most meaningful work in our community happens quietly,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “These small organizations don’t just save pets, they support the people who love them.”

Meet Farah – Treats Are Her Love Language

Hey, I’m Farah

– Your new best friend may not be so far away! (I’m right here!)
– I hope you like playing with toys, because that’s my specialty!
– Don’t I have the cutest, most irresistible face?
– I have mixed feelings when meeting other dogs, so I would need to meet any potential dog siblings to ensure a good fit.
– I can be pretty bouncy, so I would do best in a home with kids aged Elementary+ who can keep up with me!
– I like to call myself a weekend athlete! Yeah I love my toys, and my daily walks, but I also love chilling out with my favorite people!

Come meet me at AAWL’s Main Shelter on 40th Street and Washington.

We Encourage Arizonans to Adopt New Pet During National Adoption Week

We are honored to announce we have received a $25,000 grant from PetSmart Charities® to help more vulnerable animals in the Valley find forever homes. During PetSmart Charities® first National Adoption Week of 2025, taking place March 24-30, we will bring adoptable pets to the 24th Street and Baseline PetSmart location. We will be celebrating National Adoption Week by hosting a special pop-up event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, featuring adoptable puppies and kittens. We hope to find forever homes for six to 12 pets during the event.

Each year, approximately 4 million pets enter U.S. shelters. In Phoenix, we currently have 305 animals in its care, including various adoption locations and in foster care. The PetSmart Charities grant will directly support our in-store adoptions program at the Baseline store with a goal of finding homes for 350 pets in 2025.

“As a nonprofit organization that is fully funded by the generosity of our community, we’re grateful for the support of PetSmart Charities,” said Alessandra Navidad, CEO of AAWL. “In recent years, we have seen a substantial increase in the number of pet surrenders due to the rising cost of living in Arizona. As a result, AAWL and other local shelters are at full capacity. We encourage the Phoenix community to save a life and make space for other vulnerable animals by adopting an animal and being its forever family.”

PetSmart Charities connects adoption partners such as AAWL with local PetSmart stores to bring adoptable pets in for adoption events and meet and greets. These include pets of all ages, breeds, temperaments, and energy levels. Staff and volunteers are available to help make ideal matches considering lifestyle and other preferences such as energy levels, personalities, sizes, etc.

“Our local shelter and rescue partners are overflowing with animals looking for people to love. Adopting or fostering a pet not only enriches your life but is the best way to support your community and local partners like AAWL in their lifesaving work,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities. “There is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet! Please stop by your neighborhood PetSmart store and meet your new best friend.”

Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and PetSmart location:

WHEN: March 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The 24th St and Baseline PetSmart location (2475 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042)

Syrup’s 2 Year Anniversary at AAWL

Syrup’s tale is one that has not concluded yet, but let’s take you back to the beginning. The date is December 20, 2022 when a frightened, shy, and nervous dog arrived at AAWL… that would be Syrup! You’ve probably heard of him, he’s our longest resident at the shelter with 731 days and counting under his belt. He hopes and dreams of finally having a home to call his own, it might just be his very first one.

While we don’t know much about where Syrup came from, what we do know is that while at AAWL he has blossomed into his best self and continues to surprise us with his amazing progress. He started off as a scared pup who thought the world was working against him and is now infamous around the shelter for his one-of-a-kind smile. It’s also common knowledge that being in his circle of trust is an honor and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger every day!

If you don’t believe us, hear it firsthand from the people who have worked with him since the day he got here. Jen, an incredible cattery volunteer, couldn’t help but fall in love with Syrup’s cat-like personality. While she is a cat person through and through, Syrup is the exception! “While it takes time & effort to win his trust, he is so very worthwhile. He’s the epitome of dog as co-pilot, with everything made better for having him around… After fostering Syrup, I miss him terribly. Every part of my day is made better when we’re hanging out.”

Or from our longtime volunteer, Bob, with over 20 years of experience volunteering at AAWL! He has cared for so many vulnerable pets and Syrup is definitely one that has left a paw shaped mark on his heart. “He is the ultimate rescue dog – – from the streets to the shelter to various fosters to, ultimately, his forever home. Each stop along the way he has adapted and thrived to become a sweet, loving, and loyal companion… Am I biased about Syrup? Absolutely. But it wouldn’t take long for anyone to be once they see his smile, his tricks, his hiking abilities, his ball skills, his pool awareness, his car rides . . . oh, I could go on and on.”

Let’s not forget his current foster family that adores him in every way! While being at AAWL we learned so much about his personality but being in a foster home gave us much more insight into who he truly is. “He’s a quiet gentleman in the house, he can be left alone uncrated, and he is not destructive, he just like a nice bed to snooze on. He loves to sleep on the end of the bed with you or cuddle on the couch… When you are in the circle of trust and you come home from running errands or a day at work, he gives you the best smiles”

Help us spread the word about this loving boy as he comes up on his 2-year anniversary with us. No one could put it better than Syrup’s favorite person, Bob, “he could be the subject of a full-length movie, with a planned sequel since his story is far from over… and we’re barely scratching the surface.”

Join Our Board of Directors

Be part of a team that is helping pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1971, the Arizona Animal Welfare League is the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in the state of Arizona. Starting as a small sanctuary for homeless animals, we have grown over the past 53 years to become a statewide animal welfare organization providing a full range of community services from adoptions and behavioral assessments to community education and low-cost veterinary services.

Our Board of Directors recently adopted a new strategic focus in response to an increase in the number of pet owners who surrender their animals because of housing struggles and limited access to affordable veterinary or behavior care. Under the guidance of our management team and Board, we are working to expand programs to help keep pets in their homes where they belong.

As part of our efforts to monitor the implementation of that plan and ensure it’s solving these animal welfare challenges, we are seeking volunteer leaders to join our dynamic Board of Directors. We are looking for Board members who are strategic and committed to AAWL’s mission to provide excellent care, protection, and loving compassion for the life of the animals entrusted to us and to take a leadership role in promoting humane values for the benefit of all animals and people.

Based on our recent review of board skills, connections and lived experiences among current Board members, we are seeking board members who will help broaden our current board. For this reason, we encourage applications from people who have experience with:

Corporations with strong roots in Phoenix, established social impact initiatives, active employee resource groups that focus on community impact and making a difference in their local communities
Medical/Health Administration, including operations and/or administration experience
Fundraising and building strong connections with leadership-level donors (10k+) who have a passion for supporting both animals and the people who love them and direct experience supporting, expanding community-centered programs that prevent the relinquishment of animals into shelters

Board members are actively involved in organizational governance, and are expected to attend monthly board meetings, contribute Annual Board Dues of $500, make a personal financial contribution and/or purchase/raise a minimum of one $3,500 sponsorship for Evenings to Paws (April) or the Walk to Save Animals (November}, and bring four prospective donors, volunteers or fosters each year to tour the shelter or to attend an AAWL event.

The Nominating Committee is accepting letters of interest until end of 2025. Please send inquires to Marketing@aawl.org with the subject line – Board of Directors Opportunity.

Learn More About AAWL’s Strategic Plan Here

Keep Your Dog Safe by the Water this Summer!

With triple digits upon us, everyday seems like a great day to spend by the water with your dog and keeping cool. All of us know we must be mindful of our kids when they are around water, especially if we have a pool in our backyard, but did you know our pets can be at risk too?

If you have a backyard pool or want to take your dog out to the lake, here are some important water safety tips to ensure you keep your pets safe in and around water this summer.

Never Leave Your Dog Alone in Water

Contrary to popular belief, your dog does not naturally know how to swim or get out of the pool. You should never let your dog near your pool if you aren’t outside with them.

If you have a doggie door, you should make sure that your pool is secured behind a fence and that your dog doesn’t have access to it. Otherwise, your dog may fall into the pool when you aren’t outside or even home, and they may not know how to get out on their own.

Practice Getting In and Out of the Pool Together

If you have a pool in your backyard, you need to show your dog how to get out of the pool using the steps. You should practice getting out of the pool together until your dog learns how to get out on their own. This way if they fall in accidentally, then they will have a better chance of getting out safely.

Be Mindful of Their Personality

If you want to teach your dog how to swim and enjoy the pool, you want to mindful of your dog’s personality and age. Make sure to start small and to always be in the water with your dog when they are swimming, and never force them into the water if they don’t want to go in.

Dogs with short snouts like bulldogs or dogs with short legs like dachshunds, will have a harder time keeping themselves above water, so exercise extreme caution when they are near water.

Make the Investment

If your dog will be around water often, either near a pool or on a boat on a lake, it might be worth investing in a life vest for your dog, so you can ensure that they won’t go under water if they fall in accidentally or if they tire easily.

It’s also a great idea to learn dog CPR, so that you are prepared in case anything happens. The Red Cross offers an online cat and dog first aid class, which includes how to perform CPR on your cat or dog.

Keep Your Dog Healthy

Don’t let your pet drink the pool or lake water, to prevent them from ingesting chemicals or parasites. You also want to rinse them down after they have been in the water and dry their ears after to prevent irritation or an infection.

These are just a few things to keep in mind as you enjoy this season with your pup. It can be quite entertaining to watch your dog play in water, but it’s important to do it safely!

Exercise & Enrichment for Your Pup

Most dogs need regular exercise, no matter how big or small they are, but did you know that mental exercise can be just as good for them as physical exercise? Especially, during the long summer months here in Arizona. Here are some tips to keep your pup burn some of their energy if you don’t have time to take them for a walk!

Enrichment Tips:

Scavenger Hunt: Hide their favorite treats around the house and let your dog use their nose to find them.
Solve puzzles: Puzzle toys are a great way to stimulate your pet’s mind. You can buy a puzzle toy, or create your own!
Fold in the ends of an empty toilet paper roll or paper towel roll, fill it with treats, and close the other end. Give this to your dog and let them figure out how to get the treats!
Take a cardboard box, fill it with crumpled-up paper, and sprinkle kibble or treats all over. Give this to your dog and let them use their nose to find the food.
Make A Tug Tie: Using some of the fleece or towel strips, make a braided toys for your dog and tuck little dried treats into the creases of the braid. Make sure that you watch your dog with this activity in case they get confused and think this entire toy is edible!

Games to Play:

Fetch can be fun both outside and inside, just make sure you use a soft toy inside to avoid breaking anything!
Tug-of-war is a fun exercise for you and your pup!
Hide-and-seek: If your dog finds you, reward them with belly rubs, a treat, or their favorite toy
Read together: Studies show that reading to your pets may help keep them feel calm and less anxious. Sit down with your dog and your favorite book and read out loud to them!