The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is celebrating the grand opening of its new adoption center today in the Park Place mall.
It's the first time since incorporating 65 years ago that the local animal shelter has opened a new, permanent adoption site. The nonprofit has been been working out of its main site on North Kelvin Boulevard since the late 1940s.
"We're limited in space at the shelter and limited in the people who come to the shelter. Shelters can be a tough place for some people," said shelter manager Dana Yost on Friday at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new site. "Malls are known for pet stores and this is an alternative."
The small, brightly decorated space has nine kitty display cases that can accommodate as many as 17 cats and kittens, an enclosure in the front window for up to four puppies and dogs awaiting homes and a plethora of critter gear, green cleaning products, treats and original artwork.
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"Dollars spent here today are buying dog food at the shelter," said Yost.
Since opening a month ago, 79 animals featured at the new HSSA site have found homes. The goal for the location is four adoptions per day.
"It's the first time we've branched out like this," HSSA spokeswoman Sheena Stewart said. "GGP mall management is using this as a test for future malls instead of putting (animals) in pet stores."
