The Arizona Humane Society is raising urgent concerns about a worsening pet overpopulation crisis in the Valley and beyond, as shelters continue to see record-breaking intake numbers and rising strain on resources. In 2025, the organization took in more than 25,000 dogs and cats - the highest intake in over a decade - and projects that number could rise to 28,000 animals in 2026 if intervention efforts are not expanded.
Officials say the surge reflects a combination of factors including the long-term impact of paused spay and neuter services during the COVID-19 pandemic, rising veterinary care costs and ongoing irresponsible breeding practices.
Across the country, shelters suspended routine sterilization procedures during 2020, a disruption that continues to have lasting effects. At the same time, veterinary costs have increased by approximately 40 percent, placing financial pressure on pet owners and, in some cases, leading to pet surrenders when families can no longer afford care. For comparison, Maricopa County shelters reported intake of approximately 9,000 pets last year alone, underscoring the scale of the growing regional challenge.
“The reality is that we cannot adopt our way out of this crisis,” Valley Philanthropist Ann Siner said. “The only true solution is spay and neuter. If these numbers continue to rise unchecked, more pets across Arizona will face euthanasia simply because there is nowhere for them to go.”
In response, Siner has pledged $600,000 to launch a matching donation campaign aimed at expanding spay and neuter access across the state. As part of the initiative, she will match individual donations of $1,000 or more up to the full $600,000 goal.
“It breaks my heart to see so many pets in need with nowhere to go, so I decided to give $600,000 and challenge people in Arizona to step up and help,” Siner said.
The program will prioritize dogs weighing 40 pounds or more in zip codes with low sterilization rates, offering free spay and neuter vouchers to qualified pet owners in an effort to reduce unwanted litters and shelter intake.
“The Arizona Humane Society is so grateful for Ann’s long-time support and vision for spay/neuter as the most proactive way to end animal suffering,” said Lauren Martich, VP of Development for the organization. “Ann has generously supported us and spay/neuter programs for over 30 years in the Valley. Her commitment to animals is inspiring.”
AHS says the initiative is intended to spark statewide action to address the root causes of pet homelessness before shelters reach even greater capacity. Residents seeking assistance with free or low-cost spay and neuter services can contact the organization’s veterinary clinics or visit azhumane.org.
