The Arizona Pet Project

What does it really mean to be "pet-friendly"?

A recent Multifamily Executive article challenges the rental housing industry to move beyond simply allowing pets and instead create truly pet-inclusive communities. The article highlights how restrictions like breed bans, weight limits, and excessive fees can make it difficult for families to find housing that welcomes their pets—and in some cases, can even lead to pet surrender.

At The Arizona Pet Project, we see the impact of these barriers every day. Housing challenges remain one of the leading reasons families face the heartbreaking possibility of losing a beloved pet.

That's why we work to keep pets with the people who love them by helping families navigate housing obstacles, access resources, and stay together during times of crisis. We also advocate for more pet-inclusive policies that recognize pets as family—not an inconvenience.

When communities remove unnecessary barriers and support responsible pet ownership, everyone benefits: families stay together, pets stay in loving homes, and shelters see fewer animals entering their doors. 🐾💙

Read the article here: https://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/property-management/rethinking-pet-friendly-multifamily

At The Arizona Pet Project, we believe no family should have to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their pets. 🐾💙

Our mission is to keep vulnerable pets and their families together by providing resources and support when they need it most. Through dedicated social workers and community partnerships, we help families access non-emergency veterinary care, vaccines, pet deposits, supplies, resources, and case management services.

By removing barriers to care, we're creating a safer, healthier community for both people and pets while keeping thousands of animals out of shelters every year.

Want to make a difference? Join us by donating, volunteering, or sharing our mission.

Learn more: azpetproject.org

☀️ Summer in Arizona means more than just rising temperatures—it’s also the perfect time to make sure your pets are healthy, protected, and ready for the season ahead.

A recent USA TODAY article highlighted the importance of summer veterinary care, including wellness exams, parasite prevention, vaccinations, dental health, and heat safety precautions. Veterinary experts also stress the importance of microchipping, heartworm prevention, and recognizing signs of heat-related illness before they become emergencies.

At The Arizona Pet Project, we know that access to preventive care can be the difference between a family staying together and facing the heartbreaking decision to surrender a beloved pet. Through our programs and community partnerships, we help pet families access resources that keep pets healthy, safe, and at home where they belong.

As temperatures climb, remember:
🐾 Schedule wellness checkups
🐾 Stay current on vaccines and parasite prevention
🐾 Make sure your pet's microchip information is up to date
🐾 Avoid hot pavement and peak heat hours
🐾 Never leave pets in parked vehicles
🐾 Keep fresh water and shade available at all times

Preventive care saves lives—and helps keep families together. ❤️

Read more here:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/pets-animals/2026/06/09/summer-vet-checklist-heres-what-to-get-done-when-it-heats-up/90480467007

Arizona summers can turn dangerous fast. ☀️

Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke could save a life.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, cool pale skin, and a rapid weak pulse. Heat stroke is even more serious and may include confusion, a body temperature above 103°F, hot dry skin, and a rapid strong pulse. If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

For many Arizona families, staying safe during extreme heat isn't just about awareness—it's about access. Access to cooling centers, transportation, water, pet supplies, and community support can make all the difference.

At The Arizona Pet Project, we're committed to helping families keep their pets safe, healthy, and at home by connecting them with critical resources before emergencies happen. As temperatures continue to rise, we encourage everyone to check on neighbors, loved ones, and pets, and share life-saving heat safety information throughout their communities. 🐾💙

Together, we can help ensure that no family—or pet—is left to face Arizona's extreme heat alone.

Yesterday, we shared one of the most significant challenges facing Arizona families – housing insecurity and housing loss.

70% of our clients say they fear they may not be able to pay rent over the next several months, and believe eviction is imminent.

100% of those same clients stated that, in a crisis, they would use their rent money to pay for pet-related expenses, like food and urgent veterinary care, leaving them even more vulnerable to eviction.

While we applaud this devotion to their beloved four-legged family members, The Arizona Pet Project is dedicated to ensuring fewer people are forced to make those devastating choices.

Supporters like you help us achieve our goals. And last year, a major supporter joined our efforts – the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)! 🐾💙

Learn more about how this flexible funding enabled The Arizona Pet Project to prevent evictions and help people regain housing in today's blog: https://azpetproject.org/turning-grant-funding-into-a-lifeline-for-arizona-families-and-pets

Every single day, people across Arizona reach out to our social workers and share the heartbreaking choices they face each month as their available cash shrinks and their expenses grow. Affordability is a word that is on the tip of everyone’s tongue these days, but for many, it’s not a new issue.

Since 2022, the amount Arizonans spend on rent and basic needs has exploded, and so too have evictions.

In 2024 alone, a record 87,000 households were evicted just in Maricopa County.

Alongside these families were their pets. While we all know how critical pets are to the well-being of their people, for those facing financial crises or life-altering circumstances they are even more important. However, pets can also present unique challenges to those facing housing instability.

Learn more about the impact of the affordability and housing crises on pets by reading today's blog: https://azpetproject.org/impact-of-housing-crisis-on-pets

When military service members are called to deploy or attend training, one of their biggest concerns is often the pets they leave behind.

Military Families Magazine recently highlighted Operation Foster, a program that connects military families with temporary foster homes so their beloved pets can stay safe and cared for until they return home. Since its launch, the program has helped thousands of pets avoid shelter surrender while keeping families together through challenging life transitions.

At The Arizona Pet Project, we see this same need every day. Whether it's military deployment, a medical crisis, housing instability, or another unexpected hardship, temporary support can make the difference between a family staying together and a pet entering the shelter system.

Our mission is rooted in prevention—providing resources, support, and solutions that keep pets with the people who love them. Because when we help families through difficult times, we help pets too.

❤️ Keeping pets out of shelters.
❤️ Keeping families together.
❤️ Building a stronger, more compassionate community.

Read more here: https://militaryfamilies.com/military-deployment-reintegration/operation-foster-gives-military-pet-owners-peace-of-mind-during-deployment-training/

When Vickie rescued her dog, Buddy, from an abusive situation years ago, she knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy.

The trauma Buddy experienced left deep emotional and physical scars, making it difficult for him to trust people. Fortunately, through patience, love, and unwavering dedication, Vickie helped Buddy learn what every dog deserves to know: safety, comfort, and unconditional love.

As a result, Buddy became the sweetest, most affectionate companion Vickie could ever ask for.

Like many pet parents, though, Vickie faced financial challenges. When Buddy's vaccines came due, she worried about how she would afford the care he needed to stay healthy.

That's where The Arizona Pet Project—and supporters like YOU—made all the difference.

Because of your generosity, Buddy received the preventative vaccines he needed to continue living a happy, healthy life by Vickie's side.

Vickie expressed sincere gratitude, knowing that keeping Buddy healthy meant more years of companionship, love, and second chances.

Thank you for helping keep families together and ensuring pets like Buddy get the care they need to stay out of shelters and right where they belong: at home with the people who love them most. 🐾💙

Before heading outdoors this summer, make sure you know the signs of heat-related illness—for both people and pets. ☀️💙

Extreme Arizona temperatures can quickly become dangerous, especially for families already facing barriers to safe shelter, transportation, cooling, and veterinary care. That's why heat relief accessibility matters. Every family deserves access to cooling resources, hydration, and the information needed to stay safe during the hottest months of the year.

At The Arizona Pet Project, we work to keep pets and the people who love them together by helping families access critical resources before a crisis occurs. Through community partnerships, outreach, and support services, we're committed to ensuring vulnerable families and their pets have the tools they need to weather Arizona's extreme heat safely.

Take a moment to review the signs of heat-related illness and share this information with your community. Awareness can save lives. The attached flyer outlines symptoms and treatments for heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, as well as local resources for cooling centers and water assistance.

Did you know that the bond between people and their pets can have powerful mental health benefits?

A recent article from Parade featuring insights from a psychologist highlights how dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety, provide emotional support during difficult times, encourage healthy routines, and even strengthen social connections. 🐾💙

At The Arizona Pet Project, we see these benefits every day. When families face challenges, keeping beloved pets with the people who love them isn't just good for the animal—it's good for the entire family. That's why we're committed to preventing unnecessary pet separation and helping people and pets stay together through life's toughest moments.

Because sometimes, protecting a pet also means protecting someone's emotional well-being.

Read more here: https://parade.com/living/psychological-benefits-of-owning-dog-according-to-psychologist