My Nonprofit Reviews
shutterrescues
Review for Arizona Animal Welfare League, Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA
In the 90s, a new concept hit the animal shelter community – the ‘No Kill’ movement. Shelters such as the San Francisco SPCA worked to change the status quo in their community. Little did the country know, but the Arizona Animal Welfare League was already operating a No Kill shelter. The AAWL has always advocated for animal welfare and has developed programs and services designed educate the public, bring awareness of the pet overpopulation problem and provide needed public services to the community they serve. Combined, these efforts are contributing to ending the needless euthanasia of animals.
This advocacy is seen every day with the dedicated staff and army of volunteers who work tirelessly to save animals. They don’t say the dog or cat is too old or unhealthily but rather, they work to save every life they can. The shelter is a partner with the Maddie’s project as well as having strong collaborative relationships with other Valley rescue groups and pet affiliations.
I have seen this personally as a volunteer, donor and adopter of four dogs from the AAWL. As a volunteer, I work with the medical staff. The vet and vets techs are all professional and compassionate. Emergencies are addressed with the utmost professionalism and with the animals’ comfort and safety in mind. The adoption counselors take the extra time to work with potential adopters so they understand the animal’s history. The education and volunteer departments have a monumental task but are always willing to answer questions. The management team has a vision for the shelter and works to solicit donations as well as being the front face of the shelter. The training department has developed programs that differentiate AAWL from other Valley shelters.
These actions don’t go unnoticed because with the help of an anonymous donation, the shelter is embarking on building a new adoption center in order to increase the life saving potential. That is also why your help is needed. If you are considering an organization to make a donation, volunteer your time, looking for a companion animal or just want to get involved in the animal welfare community, please consider the AAWL.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
as a volunteer, donor and adopter of four dogs from the AAWL
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Communication is always a challenge. From an outsider's perspective, it appears that communication between departments is not always fluent. For example, a dog can be put on the adoption floor but the website is not updated. That could be a breakdown of communication or a process breakdown, so I would recommend reviewing current processes to ensure efficiency as well as potentials for streamline (maybe through automation using the microchip #)
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Quite well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
What is unique about this organization?
When Kitty (from Gunsmoke) started this organization in 1971, I wonder if she thought it would grow to the organization it has today? It could be that she was a visionary person that believed a 'No Kill' society was attainable. That is what AAWL is, the Valley's Largest and Oldest No Kill shelter so perhaps she wanted to change the status quo and embark on a bold and revolutionary approach to animal sheltering and rescue.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
1997
