Arizona Animal Rescue Mission, Inc is a 501(c)3 founded in 2015 by Courtney Zoellner and Lisa Klimczak in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our Mission:
To support dogs and cats in Maricopa County
Our Vision:
A world there are no more homeless, abused, or neglected animals
Our Values:
We believe that keeping pets with their owners is the best way to reduce the amount of homeless animals in our community. We
want to provide pet owners with the necessary tools and knowledge to increase the odds of staying together. We fostered and found forever homes for 37 animals from 2015 to 2016. In that year, we learned a lot about the animal welfare community. Ultimately, AARM realized that it could impact a greater number of animals by evolving its mission. The 1st Mission Evolution
From February 2017 to December 2018, AARM joined forces with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) to provide lifesaving items for the shelter cats and dogs. With 28,000+ animals entering MCACC in 2018 alone, we made an impact on thousands upon thousands of dogs. We provided medical support at the shelter (ie. Brevecto) and pulled dogs to get treatment beyond the shelters ability at an outside vet. We sponsored several free adoption days to encourage the community to come experience their local shelter. Enrichment items such as bones, treats, and toys kept the dogs healthy, happy and sane while they waited for their new family. The transport program was boosted by our financial incentives for other shelters to take in some big dogs, the financial support for transport volunteers and staff (lodging, gas, etc), and the donation of 2 cargo vans for transports to partnering shelters in other cities and surrounding states. Lastly, we provided the foster care program with “Adopt Me” leashes and collars, sponsored adoptions, and other necessary supplies for the foster families to care for the dogs and cats. The Realization
AARM’s time at MCACC provided us a lot of insight and education into the plight of animal homelessness in Maricopa County, AZ. The amount of work we were able to complete was just a small drop in the bucket of needs at the shelter. We realized that no matter the amount of good done at the shelters, the animals will continue to enter the system at an alarming rate. Intake and release rates will never become manageable unless something in the community changes. It became very apparent that reducing the intake at the shelter is absolutely necessary to improve the lives of dogs in our county. AARM’s mission evolved again based on the community’s need. Most dogs that enter the shelter system do not have any identification on them - name tag or microchip. Owners don’t know where to find their missing dogs, and the dogs never see their owners again. It’s a non-stop, heartbreaking cycle. The Need and Our Answer
In 2011, the ASPCA published research that proved local shelter intake can decrease by providing dogs a name tag and a collar fitted by an experienced handler (https://www.aspcapro.org/research/retention-pet-id-tags). The collars stayed on the dog at a higher rate than if the owner provided one themselves...or not at all. Microchips also increase the odds of dogs getting home. After we explored and learned from reputable, massive change-making local animal welfare groups, AARM found no programs for this very large need. These established groups who focus on medical care, vaccines and spay/neuter programs just don’t have the resources...but this AARMy does! As of January 1, 2019, AARM is 100% focused on our newest community program:
“TAG! EDUCATE!”
We have events scheduled in high need areas to engrave personalized name tags for dogs in real time while the dog also gets properly fitted for their new collar and leash. The owner can choose to get their dog microchipped as well. There is no cost for any of these services for participating dog owners in targeted zip codes. At the end of the event, the owners are also provided with a spay/neuter voucher, if wanted, and some other educational materials on dog ownership and care. The Future
We know owners from all walks of life, from mansions and ranches to apartments or the streets, love their dog the same - fiercely and deeply. A lot of us rely on our furry family member for unconditional love and support. This is why AARM aims to be a trusted resource for pet owners in the community. A place they can contact if faced with losing their pet due to lack of resources: adequate fencing, food, medical care, etc. By being kind and providing something as simple as a name tag now, we establish the friendships needed to be remembered during any future crisis. Stayed tuned for upcoming partnership announcements with the aforementioned reputable animal welfare programs that are currently in development. There is a cultural shift in the near future animal welfare in Maricopa County. Okay AARMy, it’s time to “TAG!
