Poverty's Pets

Poverty's Pets Poverty's Pets supports under-served communities with a focus on spay/neuter & community education.

Poverty’s Pets was incorporated in 2005 under the direction of the Founder and Animal Advocate, Kate Sivolella and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. With a mission of aiding abandoned, neglected, and abused companion animals in low-income and underserved communities, Poverty’s Pets also provides education programs and veterinary care services (including spay/neuter) to families in the low-incom

e areas of Phoenix, AZ. In addition to these initiatives, Poverty’s Pets partners with local schools to educate students on the respect and welfare for all beings, and to promote positive interactions between the dogs and students. Since 2008, Poverty’s Pets has facilitated the adoption of over 1000 animals, provides medical services (including spay and neuter) to over 800 each year. With a compassionate volunteer network, it is Poverty’s Pets goal to end animal cruelty, suffering, overpopulation and homelessness.

05/31/2026

Sunday Funday at the Columbus House!

Rango and Sunshine are enjoying the cool morning weather and some quality time together. We had originally deemed Rango an only-dog kind of guy, but it turns out we had him all wrong. Rango is a laid-back senior who truly enjoys the companionship of other respectful pooches.

Sometimes all a dog needs is the right match.

These situations are always difficult, and far too common.“I don’t want them,” is what the owner kept telling us. Their ...
05/30/2026

These situations are always difficult, and far too common.

“I don’t want them,” is what the owner kept telling us. Their living space was filled with f***s and flies. The dogs have shade under a porch, and the owner provides a pool, but it sits in the sun and quickly becomes dirty and murky.

We have two options we can offer: we will sponsor sterilizations, knowing aftercare may be a concern, but at least the cycle of litters will stop. Or we can turn the dogs over to county. These situations are never easy.

As we encounter so many dogs and cats living in survival mode, we do our best to improve conditions and provide education. The City of Phoenix simply does not offer enough resources or meaningful, enforceable laws to curb the nonstop backyard breeding.

We are currently focused on 4–5 blocks near 37th Avenue and Polk. The level of suffering is overwhelming. So many dogs and cats are born into neglect and hardship. Those few blocks alone keep us very busy.


Tonight we visited a feral cat colony and spoke with the caregiver. There are more than 20 cats living there, and none h...
05/28/2026

Tonight we visited a feral cat colony and spoke with the caregiver. There are more than 20 cats living there, and none have been spayed or neutered.

We receive a constant stream of requests for help with feral cats, while also maintaining a mile-long list of families in our targeted underserved communities that are in desperate need of TNR services.

The feral cat population is a community issue, yet resources for community cats and TNR programs are few and far between in Phoenix. The suffering is immense, and the emotional and financial burden placed on caregivers is heartbreaking and never ending.

The cats pictured here are among the lucky ones because someone shows up every single day to feed and provide fresh water. But the colony has now grown to more than 20 cats and kittens, and more continue to appear. Without accessible spay and neuter programs, the cycle simply continues...in lighting fast fashion.

Soon all these cats will be sterilized. We are not saving the world, but to this caregiver, having these cats spayed and neuter means the world to him.


It is a difficult day for many Americans today as we think of their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice. We honor...
05/25/2026

It is a difficult day for many Americans today as we think of their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice. We honor and remember you, your families, and the many brave dogs who also served alongside them with such loyalty and courage. Happy Memorial Day.

Oh Gordy! What a sweet, lovable grouch he is!The first ten minutes after meeting Gordy, he does not sell himself well. B...
05/22/2026

Oh Gordy! What a sweet, lovable grouch he is!

The first ten minutes after meeting Gordy, he does not sell himself well. But then, for the rest of your life — and his — he becomes the most devoted, loving, sweet, hilarious companion.

Gordy came into our care back in January. He was humanely trapped, and he was nervous, insecure, and very fearful.

Gordy has been thriving in a very unique situation. Volunteers come multiple times a day to care for him. He has so many friends now, even though he was initially terrified of each one of his caregivers.

Now Gordy is a champ on the leash, loves to go cruisin’, and does great at local drinking establishments.

All Gordy needs is a patient (cat-less) person who understands that it may not be love at first sight with him… but it will be for the rest of his life.

You build it, they will come.  Yesterday we hosted our free community spay and neuter clinic. Spay and neuter days are b...
05/20/2026

You build it, they will come. Yesterday we hosted our free community spay and neuter clinic. Spay and neuter days are by far the most important work we do. We see many dogs living outside 24/7, and many others who are deeply loved companion animals living safely inside their homes. But the majority share one thing in common — at some point, they were strays.

We are grateful to the folks who continue opening their homes and hearts to a never-ending stream of street dogs and cats, making sure they are sterilized, cared for, and given a chance at a better life. Yesterday was a good day! We built it, and they came.

e are doing our most important work:PREVENTION!  We are busy hosting our free community spay and neuter clinic. You buil...
05/19/2026

e are doing our most important work:
PREVENTION! We are busy hosting our free community spay and neuter clinic. You build it, they will come!

It is not feasible to physically respond to all the requests we receive to help animals in need. Powering those who reac...
05/17/2026

It is not feasible to physically respond to all the requests we receive to help animals in need. Powering those who reach out to us with education and resources is often our only option.

Yesterday, the good Samaritan who reached out had panic in her voice. There were originally four puppies — now there are three. They were staying dangerously close to traffic, and she was deeply concerned. She had been feeding them daily, but they needed more.

We were able to scoop up the the three puppies and they are now in the care of the Arizona Humane Society. They were in need of medical attention, and we hope to see them healthy and available for adoption soon.

As for mama, she was nowhere to be found. We will continue searching for her. She deserves safety, care, and the chance to finally be off the streets too. If you are in the area of 59th Ave and West Lamar Road, keep an eye out for her. It is an industrial area. It pains us that she was left behind. That was not our intention.

05/13/2026

Passing out flyers for up coming spay and neuter clinic.



Address

PO Box 40112
Phoenix, AZ
85067

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