The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) has announced the reopening of its Chandler Adoption Center on March 1 following the completion of a $105,000 renovation. The newly updated facility located inside the Chandler Fashion Center now features brand-new kennels and a refreshed look that incorporates AAWL’s new logo and brand colors. Since replacing a puppy mill store in 2012, the Chandler Adoption Center has helped find homes for over 13,000 animals in the Valley.
“We are so fortunate to have received a $35,000 grant from PetSmart Charities that inspired hundreds of other animals lovers across Phoenix to make generous donations to close the funding gap and make this latest renovation to the Chandler center possible,” said Alessandra Navidad, president and CEO. “With the support and generosity of our community, we can continue to offer a safe, comfortable environment for animals in need while they await their forever home.”
When AAWL first opened the Chandler Adoption Center following the closure of a puppy mill store, the organization’s goal was to find loving homes for vulnerable animals in the community and break down stereotypes around shelter animals. Over a decade later, the Chandler location is the Valley’s largest adoption center located inside a mall. Nearly half of the lives saved at the Chandler Adoption Center are animals rescued with the help of AAWL’s rural rescue partners.
Prior to the remodel, the kennels were beginning to deteriorate, as they were original to the space and over 20 years old. The center will now feature brand-new condos and kennels for enhanced comfort and sanitation. Additionally, the space has been refreshed to reflect AAWL’s recent rebranding.
The renovation is a part of AAWL’s continued commitment to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home vulnerable animals in the Valley. As part of this goal, AAWL recently introduced a full-time adoption support coordinator who is dedicated to following up with adopters for the first four months after adoption and beyond. The program hopes to ease the transition for pets into their new home and ultimately decrease the chance that a pet is returned to the shelter. In addition, AAWL provides low-cost dog training and preventative wellness care for adopters.
To learn more about AAWL or the Chandler Adoption Center, visit aawl.org.
