ON THE FRONTLINES OF FIGHTING PET OVERPOPULATION PAGE 4
JUSTICE AFTER THE CHANDLER 55 RESCUE PAGE 5
YOUR OLD RIDE CAN SAVE LIVES PAGE 7
Our Mission To save the most vulnerable animals and enrich the lives of pets and people.
Our Values Innovation, Compassion & Excellence
Dr. Steven R. Hansen President & CEO
2026 AHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Committee
Suzanne Hensing Chair
Julie Johnson Vice Chair
Yvonne A Betts Secretary
Board Members
Bryan Albue
Andrea Claus
Mark Cushing
Ann Damiano
Dr. Stephen Fisher
Julie Gable
Dyan Getz
Chad Makovsky Treasurer
Suzy Juneau Governance Chair
Dr. Craig Thatcher Past Chair
Dr. Ingrid Haas
Susanne Ingold
Ricki Dee Jennings
Phyllis Kirk
Andrea Marconi
Patrick Ray
Ann Siner
Kristin Slyker
Patricia Tate
COMPASSION FORWARD: HOW WE’RE BUILDING THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN ARIZONA
At the Arizona Humane Society, compassion for pets and the people who love them fuels bold action and big dreams. With the support of our community, we’ve embarked on an exciting new chapter by launching our 10-Year Vision Roadmap to guide the future of animal welfare in Arizona.
To begin, the Roadmap outlines key initiatives in 2026–27 that are designed to build the foundation needed to meet growing challenges and evolving community needs.
We’re already seeing meaningful progress. In December, we opened after-hours Urgent Pet Care at our Papago Park Campus, expanding access to critical veterinary services when pets need them most. This spring, we’ll unveil the newly remodeled Marge Wright Veterinary
Clinic at our Sunnyslope Campus. By increasing access to veterinary care, we can help keep pets healthy, housed and out of shelters all while reimagining our spaces to better serve a growing Arizona community.
Together, we are shaping a more compassionate future for animals across Arizona. As our 10-Year Vision Roadmap continues to take shape, we’re grateful for the community that makes this work possible and are inspired by what lies ahead.
FIGHTING PET OVERPOPULATION, ONE SNIP AT A TIME
This month, in honor of World Spay Day, we’re celebrating the lifesaving impact accessible spay and neuter services have on our community.
From owned pets to community cats and the large-breed female dogs we affectionately call our “Big Mommas”, these numbers show how your support helps reduce overpopulation and gives every animal a healthier, brighter future.
IN 2025, WE SPAYED AND NEUTERED…
24,916 PETS
INCLUDING:
6,192 COMMUNITY CATS AND PETS from financially vulnerable families thanks to our Circle of Friends, our most dedicated spay and neuter advocates
2,430 PETS across our Margaret McCallister Brock Veterinary Clinic’s high-volume spay/neuter days, thanks in part to the McS Charitable Foundation’s generous “What Would Mary Do?” Grant
255 PIT BULLS with help from our friends at One Love AZ
Thanks to visionary donors Ann Siner and the Mug-Z-Moo Foundation, we will soon announce plans for a spay/neuter strategy like our Valley has never seen.
Stay tuned for an exciting opportunity to have your donations for spay/neuter matched!
‘ THE WORST MEDICAL CONDITIONS WE’VE EVER SEEN’
JUSTICE AFTER THE CHANDLER 55 RESCUE
April McLaughlin, the individual at the center of the Chandler 55 animal cruelty case, has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison, seven years of probation and is prohibited from owning or caring for animals. While the sentence fell short of the maximum allowed under law, it marks an important step toward accountability.
September 22, 2023, was a day many at the Arizona Humane Society will never forget. That evening, 55 special-needs dogs were seized from McLaughlin’s home by the Chandler Police Department; five deceased dogs were also discovered in her freezer. Our Animal Rescue & Cruelty Team rushed the surviving dogs to our trauma hospital, where they received urgent medical care and compassion throughout a lengthy legal process.
“In my career, this case is poignant for me as the worst medical conditions we have ever seen. We deal with cases of animal hoarding on a regular basis, but in this case, every single pet was in horrific condition.”
—Ruthie Jesus, Field Operations Manager
This case had a profound impact on our community, but with it also came meaningful change. Chandler 55 helped catalyze the passage of Jerry’s Law (SB 1658) last year, strengthening Arizona’s animal cruelty statutes. While more progress is needed, this moment is a powerful reminder of why advocacy matters and why your support is so vital to our mission to save the most vulnerable animals.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: PAUL AND DIANA SMITH
For two decades, Paul and Diana Smith have been devoted supporters of the Arizona Humane Society, giving generously as donors, advocates and board leaders.
Since 2004, their connection has been shaped by deep trust in the organization and the people behind the mission. “The employees and leadership here are superb,” Paul shares. “They’re knowledgeable, compassionate and we know the job is being done right.”
That confidence fuels their long-standing commitment to life-saving programs. While Paul says it’s “difficult to select just one favorite initiative because they’re all wonderful in their own area,” Diana is especially moved by programs that keep pets and people together, like Project Home Away From Home. “People shouldn’t have to choose between their safety and their pets,” she shares — a belief that perfectly reflects the couple’s values.
From supporting major capital projects to gifting us with a new warehouse forklift and donating luxurious spa towels — collected through partnerships with local resorts — the Smiths believe every contribution helps elevate the level of care animals receive. Just as important, they say, is giving time and raising awareness. “It becomes personal,” Diana notes, “You can really see the difference you’re making.”
That personal connection grew even stronger in 2021 when Paul and Diana adopted Arizona Humane Society alum Millie, a rescue dog who quickly became a beloved part of the family. Today, the Smiths continue to inspire friends and community members to get involved however they can. Their message is simple: “Support with what you have, whether it’s resources, time or love, and know it truly matters.”
DONATE YOUR VEHICLE AND FUEL FOREVERS FOR FURRY FRIENDS
At the Arizona Humane Society compassion is at the heart of everything we do. One meaningful way to join us in making a difference is by turning your old vehicle into a life-saving gift for the Valley’s most vulnerable pets.
When you donate your used car, truck, motorcycle or boat to pets in need, you’re doing so much more than freeing up space in your driveway. You’re helping us provide critical care for sick, injured and abused animals as they heal and begin their journey to loving, forever homes.
Donating your vehicle is simple and impactful:
• We accept vehicles in any condition, running or not.
• We repair and sell vehicles directly rather than using a third party, resulting in a higher sale price in many situations. That means more money for the animals and a bigger tax deduction for you.
• We take care of all the paperwork, so you can avoid the MVD, a notary, or a tow.
Instead of letting an unused vehicle sit idle, let it create hope and second chances for homeless pets. It’s your generosity that gives them the care, comfort and future they deserve.
Start the process today by visiting azhumane.org/donate-your-vehicle Thank you for helping us drive change.
“ The process was seamless and the service exceptional; after completing the online forms and submitting the title, our car was picked up within a week. We received our tax documents shortly thereafter and avoided the hassle of selling a car. We are thrilled that 100% of the proceeds of our donation benefited the animals, and we highly recommend this service to others looking to donate to the Arizona Humane Society.”
— Laura Goff
5501 E. Van Buren Street Phoenix, AZ 85008 azhumane.org
ADVOCACY UPDATE:
EXPANDING ARIZONA’S VETERINARY WORKFORCE
With the 2026 legislative session underway, we’re pleased to partner with Senator Bolick on SB1144, creating an alternate path to become a Certified Veterinary Technician through supervised, on-the-job training. This approach will help address Arizona’s veterinary workforce shortage, especially in rural and underserved communities, while reducing financial barriers. Strengthening access to veterinary care ensures pets statewide receive timely, quality treatment. The Arizona Humane Society’s existing teaching hospital will serve as an ideal location for training through this alternate pathway, supporting career advancement and ultimately helping retain more veterinary technicians in the profession. Learn more and get involved at azhumane.org/advocacy.
Thanks to your compassion, we cared for more than 25,000 sick, injured, abused and homeless animals last year. Our report captures the moments, milestones and meaningful change your generosity inspired. Explore the difference you made — and the future you’re helping build for pets and people across Arizona.
