As PACC Reaches 'Critical Capacity', Pet Owners Urged to Keep Pets Indoors This New Year's Eve

The Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is taking preventive measures against a potential surge in lost pets during the New Year celebrations in Tucson. The shelter is offering free microchipping services and encourages pet owners to keep their dogs and cats indoors on New Year’s Eve to avoid the distress caused by fireworks.

PACC officials reported that the shelter is currently at “critical capacity” for dogs, while the cat kennels are full due to a recent intake of 91 cats. “We need the community’s assistance to keep pets safe at home with their families,” the officials stated.

Steve Kozachik, PACC’s interim director, highlighted how sensitive dogs are to loud noises. “Their acute sense of hearing makes them especially prone to anxiety during events like fireworks,” he explained. He urged pet owners to provide a calm environment with background noise, such as music or a fan, to help soothe anxious animals during the celebrations.

Historically, the days following New Year’s Eve see a significant increase in shelter intake. Last January, PACC received 256 dogs and 63 cats in just one week. To combat this trend, the shelter is providing free microchipping and ID tags for pets, available until January 5, in hopes of reuniting lost animals with their owners swiftly.

In addition to microchipping, PACC suggests pet owners use toys filled with treats to distract their dogs and consider playing white noise or music to mask the sounds of fireworks. Should a pet become lost, the organization encourages reporting via Petco Love Lost, an image recognition platform designed to help reunite lost pets with their families. Strategies like walking the neighborhood, posting on social media, and putting up flyers can also aid in finding missing companions.

PACC is located at 4000 N. Silverbell Road, open Monday through Friday and weekends at designated times. On New Year’s Eve, the shelter will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. but will be closed on New Year’s Day. Emergency services will be accessible during this time. For more information on available pets or services, visit pima.gov/animalcare.