The Animal Marketing Podcast, The Daily Independent, KJZZ & more: AHS’ President and CEO on Supporting Pets and People During a Pandemic

With the coronavirus pandemic taking its toll on the state and around the world, the Arizona Humane Society is ensuring people, their pets and stray animals have access to critical services. The AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital, which serves between 12,000 and 13,000 animals each year, has moved to a 24/7 model by splitting staff into two teams that don’t cross each other and deep clean areas before switching shifts. “By doing 24/7 we were able to divide them into teams, keep them separated, spread the workload out, so we have less people in the hospital at any given time,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, CEO and president of the Arizona Humane Society. “And thereby increase the safety for our staff members while making sure the most vulnerable animals in the Valley get the care that they absolutely must have. “Our team members have really stepped up and are quite willing to work the shifts.” Dr. Hansen, who is also a veterinarian and board-certified toxicologist, says COVID-19 has affected the way the AHS manages animals, the way they interact with the public, and the way they manage cruelty cases. Fundraising and revenue generation have also taken a hit. At the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion, near 19th Avenue and Dobbins Road, staff has moved to a seven-day model with a primary focus in urgent care. “These are the animals that require immediate care for pain or serious disease,” Dr. Hansen said. “That hospital is booked out. We are very busy serving the community, and it has allowed us to do that.” In addition, AHS field teams are still out in the Valley, investigating cruelty cases and bringing in sick or injured animals. Call center staff are working from home and are sending out field members as needed. Read full story. 

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