AAWL takes unusual step to protect shelter dogs from hot weather

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - With record temperatures in the forecast for this weekend, the state's oldest and largest no-kill shelter is doing something unprecedented to keep their dogs safe.

The Arizona Animal Welfare League will be closing their shelter on June 19 so staffers and volunteers can take the dogs home for the day. The shelter is also renting additional cooling units to join the ones they already have.

Since the shelter will be closed on Sunday, on June 17th and 18th, they'll run an adoption special.

"They will have an adoption fee that is then current outside temperature. They'll have a little thermometer on their kennel and that means if you come earlier in the morning, your adoption fee can be as low as $85 to $90 or if you come later in the day, it goes up, but it's still gonna be a discounted adoption fee," explained AAWL's Michael Morefield.

The shelter is also asking for cooling mats, a portable swamp cooler, large fans or donations for these items.

For more information about the shelter and adoptable dogs, go to www.aawl.org, or call 602-273-6852.