KitKat and other pets will be up for adoption at Phoenix area shelters

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million pets enter shelters across the country each year. Of these, about 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.

Each week, The Arizona Republic highlights several pets available for adoption at Valley shelters. To check the status of a specific animal, contact the shelter directly.

Samuel: a happy, fluffy Siberian husky.

Samuel is one lucky pup to survive the Arizona summer heat. This is a tough and intelligent four-year-old Siberian Husky eager to find his forever home. A gorgeous pup was rescued after being found in distress and suffering from the heat at a local gas station and has been given a new lease of life thanks to the dedicated team at the Arizona Humane Society’s trauma hospital.

After treatment for stomach problems and the removal of several problematic teeth, this brave pup made a remarkable recovery. Initially shy, Samuel’s true personality comes out with a little patience and tasty treats. As is typical of his breed, this husky is a smart boy who has already learned to sit and shake.

Samuel excels at socializing and enjoys being in the company of his people, but prefers to snuggle from afar rather than be a lapdog. Active and loves to play with all types of toys, Samuel will appreciate nothing more than a family who loves to brush his big furry self and keep his coat in tip-top shape!

How to take: Interested adopters can meet sweet Samuel at the AHS Papago Park campus. Samuel’s adoption fee includes neutering, up-to-date vaccinations, a microchip, and a follow-up physical at VCA Animal Hospital. To see all the pets available for adoption at AHS, visit azhhumane.org/adopt for more information.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Tigger: Handsome Tubby loves to spend time on the couch

When he’s not vying to be the next model for cat food brands (just look at this beautiful photo!), Tigger enjoys being a lap cat and enjoying all that indoor life has to offer. Originally rescued as an injured stray by a Good Samaritan who took him in, the handsome nine-year-old tabby came to the Arizona Humane Society as an owner surrender.

Unfortunately, the new person who moved into the house was found to be allergic to the cute kitten, leading to this big boy looking for another forever home. Tigger, who weighed nearly 17 pounds, was found to be slightly overweight and needed a diet and exercise plan with his future family to help him reach a healthier weight. While being treated for AHS, the tabby underwent dental surgery at the shelter’s trauma hospital, where he had several problem teeth removed and growths removed.

Now that he’s recovered and feeling much better, Tigger would love a family that would allow him to snuggle on the couch with them while they watch their favorite shows together. Never one to hide his need for attention, the gorgeous tabby sits in his favorite cat tree and watches the birds when he’s not around.

How to take: Interested adopters can meet the amazing Tigger at the AHS Papago Park campus. Tigger’s adoption fee includes neutering, up-to-date vaccinations, a microchip and a follow-up physical at VCA Animal Hospital. To see all the pets available for adoption at AHS, visit azhhumane.org/adopt for more information.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

KitKat: Sweet as candy

KitKat is a sweet boy! He is a one and a half year old domestic shorthaired gray and white tabby cat with light green eyes. Kit Kat is very affectionate and does what we call cat love bites, so keep petting him. Not strong bites, but “biting”. The previous owner didn’t like it and gave it up. He is calm and gets along with other cats. He is a kitten at heart and loves to play and climb cat trees. KitKat loves to be petted and brushed. It will be a great addition to your loving home.

How to take: Meet KitKat and all his friends at the Youngtown Adoption Center. Address: 11129 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 1, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During these hours, you can call for more information at 623-876-8778. You can also see more cats and kittens available at our Peoria location, 10807 N. 96th Ave., the same days and hours, their number is 623-773-2246, and finally at Surprise PetSmart located at 13764 W. Bell. Road.

— Deb Hayes, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Moonwalker: A medium sized puppy with a big heart.

Lunokhod is an 11-month-old, 29-pound happy guy who came to Friends for Life Animal Rescue through the county shelter. This adorable little dude is easy to handle. He walked a lot with his Penn Buddy volunteers, who raved about his love of road trips and nose for adventure – always curious, but very chilled! With his impeccable leash skills, he is a social butterfly, greeting every person like an old friend. Plus, he’s a superstar who thrives in human company. It has the image of a big dog in a small dog package.

How to take: Moonwalker lives at the Friends for Life adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. The Moonwalker will do best in a home with a yard and will be your only canine companion. He is neutered, licensed, microchipped and vaccinated. His adoption fee is $225. To learn more about Moonwalker or other dogs and cats looking for homes, call 480-497-8296 or visit the website.