Arizona Animal Welfare League - PetSmart 24th Street and Baseline Road
Together, We Bring Them Home
At the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL), our mission is to provide excellent care, protection, and loving compassion for the life of the animals entrusted to us while promoting humane values for all. We believe in a future where every animal receives the support they need to thrive within a compassionate, no-kill community.
A Legacy of Saving Lives
Founded in 1971 by a group of animal lovers including Gunsmoke actress Amanda Blake, we have grown into Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. Over the past 55+ years, we have evolved from a small volunteer-based rescue into a full-service welfare organization serving the Phoenix community and rural areas across the state.
Our Commitment to Compassionate Care
AAWL operates as a limited-intake facility, meaning we manage our population carefully so that every pet receives the time, medical attention, and behavior support they deserve. Our main shelter in Phoenix is home to dogs and cats who are medically evaluated and ready for their next chapter. This work is made possible by our dedicated team and a robust network of foster families who provide temporary, loving homes for pets needing extra care.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Adoption is a joyful partnership, and our counselors are here to help you find the pet that fits your unique lifestyle and home. Whether this is your first pet or your fifth, we focus on thoughtful, individual matching to ensure a lasting connection. We even offer a Slumber Party program, allowing you to try a trial sleepover before making it official.
Start Your Journey Today
Your new best friend is waiting for you to walk through our doors. We invite you to browse our online gallery of adoptable pets or visit our main shelter and Chandler Fashion Center locations to meet our residents in person. Together, we can keep the story going—one adoption at a time.
Trust Assessment
GoldRated Nov 5, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 50+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Efficient adoption process
- Communication breakdown
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How we assessRecent Videos
11/5 - Ready to level up your dog’s manners? 🐾 We have openings in our Basic Obedience 1 class! Over four weeks, you and your dog will work on essential skills like sit, down, wait, come and loose-leash walking. Led by an AAWL Behavior Specialist and a Certified Dog Trainer, this class will help you build a stronger bond with your dog while learning tools you can continue practicing at home long after class ends. Spots are available! Sign up through the link in our bio and start learning together.
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11/4 - Meet Cash! 💸 This 5-year-old sweetheart is looking for an active family to keep up with his energy! Need a new run club buddy? Cash is your guy. He loves playing fetch, hanging with doggy friends, and making new besties once he warms up. He’s also potty trained and has lived in a home before! Meet Cash at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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11/3 - We first met Geodude when he was a tiny puppy, and although he’s grown quite a bit, he’ll always be a baby in our eyes! He’s got a whole life ahead of him, and we’d love to see him spend it with a family again! Available at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St Phoenix, AZ
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10/30 - TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to register online! We’re just 2 days away from our 28th Annual Walk to Save Animals, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! By registering today, you’ll get a WTSA T-shirt and help fund our shelter and community programs. Can’t register online before the deadline? No worries! You can still register in person on event day, and the event is FREE to attend for everyone, with or without registration! 🎃 Dress your pups in their cutest Halloween costumes 🍬 Enjoy trick-or-treating 🐾 Take part in fun activities for your dogs and the whole family 💙 Support animals and the community that cares for them A special thank you to our presenting sponsor @petsmartcharities ! Visit walktosaveanimals.org or the link in our bio to register! We’ll see you Saturday, October 31st, at Tempe Beach Park!
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10/29 - Happy National Cat Day from our kitties to yours! 🫶 Enjoy a little extra cuteness from our adoptable cats today! See a kitty you love? Come meet them in person at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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10/27 - Meet Gamble! She’s a one-year-old pup who may seem shy and timid in her kennel, but once she’s out, her quirky, energetic personality starts to shine! Shelter life can be overwhelming, and being in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by new sights, sounds, and smells can make it hard for some dogs to show their true personalities. That’s why it’s so important not to judge a dog by what you see in their kennel! Give pups like Gamble a chance to show you who they really are. You might just meet your new best friend! Meet Gamble at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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10/25 - Meet Gollum, a distinguished gentleman ready to steal your heart! This sweet senior has mastered the art of being cozy, taking naps, and being the ultimate cuddle buddy. He may be a little shy at first, but once he warms up, he’ll be melting into your arms! AND HERE’S THE BEST PART: Gollum’s adoption fee is WAIVED during our Paws Off adoption event, October 25th, thanks to Zeke & Ginger’s Furkid Fund! All pets 6 months and older qualify! Come meet your new cuddle companion at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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10/25 - Kiwi is at her happiest when there are TOYS! This 5 year old girl is also a certified cuddle bug, a fast learner, and always ready to play, play, PLAY! She’s looking for a home with middle school-aged kiddos or older, and any potential dog siblings will need to meet her first to make sure it’s a perfect match! Her adoption fees are waived thanks to our Paws off adoption fees event until Sunday, October 25th! Come meet this toy-loving cutie at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ
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10/24 - It’s National Pitbull Day! Come meet our cute pitties (or fall in love with another cutie 👀) because our Paws Off adoption fees event is happening NOW! 🐾 Pets 6 months and older have WAIVED adoption fees, so consider this your sign to add a new bestie to the family.
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10/23 - We’re SO excited for our Paws Off Adoption Event happening TODAY through Sunday, October 25! Adoption fees are waived for pets 6 months and older, thanks to Zeke & Ginger’s Furkind Fund! If you’ve been thinking about growing your family, this is your sign to come and meet your new best friend! Plus, adopters will receive this year’s exclusive AAWL Alumni bandana AND 50% off registration for our 2026 Walk to Save Animals! SHARE THIS with someone looking to grow their family! Their perfect match could be waiting right now. Visit aawl.org to see who is waiting for a home.
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10/23 - WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We have a litter of 10 puppies who need foster homes to help them grow big, strong, and healthy! If you’ve been thinking about fostering, this is your sign to take the leap! A little love and a safe place to grow can make all the difference for these little ones. We provide everything you need to care for them. All you need to provide is the love! If you're interested in fostering a couple of these puppies, email fosterrecruiter@aawl.org.
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10/21 - Here’s what we can tell you about our mystery man: 🐾 Sweet with his people, but may need time to warm up. 🐾 Best with elementary-aged kids and older who understand he can be startled by sudden movements and loud noises. 🐾 Needs meet-and-greets with any potential dog siblings. 🐾 Once he trusts you, he’s ready to play! Meet Tipton at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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10/16 - Vet care shouldn’t be out of reach for the families who love their pets. With your support, AAWL can help more families access affordable veterinary care, keeping pets healthy, happy, and where they belong: at home. Your support can help make essential vet care more accessible to our community. Donate today and help us reach even more families. Click the link in bio to donate!
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10/15 - Manko’s spa day included freshly painted nails, bubbles floating through the air, and plenty of time to relax away from his kennel! (Even though he’s the best boy in there too) But he doesn’t need fancy treatments to shine, just a family that loves him.🩵 Arizona let’s get Manko adopted!! 🙌 #adopt #arizona #explorepage #shelterdog
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