Valley kennels prepare for busiest time of year

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Hundreds of barks fill Maricopa County's kennels in Mesa, but it's about to get even louder.

With more than 1,000 animals expected to make the county's two shelters their home this summer.

"Summer is really our busiest time of the year," said Melissa Gable, of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. "Fourth of July is crazy, but May is the signal of puppy and kitten season."

Gable says they'll soon see hundreds of new faces every single day, but there are animals, like Osha, who have been here for months, including breeds like Pitbulls and Chihuahuas that many people tend to pass over.

"That's what's frustrating," Gable said. "you see a dog like Osha and you know she's a sweetheart. You know she's a wonderful family pet, but because of her breed, because she's not a puppy, they don't give them a second chance or even a second look."

To make room for the animals that will make their way here soon, the shelter is offering adoption specials for all Chihuahuas and Pitbulls more than 6-months-old.

You can take one home for only $20.

That includes their spay, neuter, rabies vaccination and their dog license, which is good for one year.

It's an incentive to ease the summer overcrowding and give deserving dogs a forever home.