Now that temperatures are rising, animal shelters and rescue organizations are desperate for the help of volunteers and fosters.

Rescue organizations like Boxer luv are kept running solely from the hard work of their volunteers, and as the summer is approaching many volunteers choose to no longer take part because of the uncomfortable temperatures, or because they are returning home for the summer.

Shelters and rescues are burdened even further because during the spring and summer months, puppies and kittens come pouring in.

“It’s ridiculous that people breed their pets to try and make money.  You can’t really make money from breeding pets, not if you do it right.  The cost of vaccinations and spay/neuter fees will typically outweigh the cost you get from adoptions,” Toni Landin, a volunteer at Boxer luv, said.

Due to the extreme temperatures in Arizona, rescues like Boxer luv only allow volunteers attend to the animals early in the mornings, allowing each animal approximately 20 minutes outside of their kennel, 5 days per week.

However, animals in recues like this are the lucky ones. As a result of the severe lack of volunteers, some rescues and animal shelters cannot manage to allow their animals any time outside of the kennels, which can result in increased aggression, depression and restless behavior.  Some of the dogs and cats are left in these conditions for years.

There are so many ways anyone concerned about the welfare of animals can make a difference for shelter animals, regardless of their circumstances.   Volunteers can donate their time, money, or even contribute by bringing some of their un-wanted belongings to one of Phoenix’s many animal welfare thrift shops.  They can also make an incredible difference in an animal’s life by taking a dog out of the shelter as a foster.  It’s the perfect option for someone that wants a companion, but doesn’t feel they are ready for a long-term commitment.  The shelter organizers will work with any potential foster to find the perfect dog for their household.

Approximately 8 million animals that enter U.S. shelters and rescues every year, and most are constantly filled to capacity.