Reducing the Noise: How Friends of PACC is Transforming Pima Animal Care Center

The image above was the final social media post graphic of the day for Friends of PACC’s “Decimate the Decibels” 2022 Giving Tuesday campaign. Starting May 6, 2024, funds raised that day will finally be used to help reduce the deafening noise in the PACC kennels.

Amid the sounds of the upcoming construction at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC), there will be an echoing story of community-driven change led by Friends of PACC, PACC’s dedicated nonprofit partner. This change stems from the overwhelming need to improve the quality of life for the shelter's canine residents and their human caretakers.

A Noisy Problem Addressed by a Community Solution

During Giving Tuesday 2022, Friends of PACC launched the ambitious "Decimate the Decibels" campaign, aimed at funding significant noise-reduction improvements within PACC’s dog kennels. For dogs and humans alike, the shelter environment's noise levels were not just disruptive but hazardous. Measured at a staggering 119 decibels—comparable to a rock concert or a jet engine—these levels posed serious health risks, including potential hearing loss for both dogs and humans, as highlighted by noise and health experts including Dr. Ted Glattke, Professor Emeritus at the University of Arizona.

The Science Behind the Silence

Scientific studies and agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have pointed out the dangers inherent in such noisy environments. These studies underscore the urgency of implementing noise-dampening solutions to protect and improve the well-being of everyone in the shelter. "Imagine the stress and discomfort of living, working, or volunteering surrounded by such intense noise every day," noted Dr. Glattke.

A Decibel App shows the severity of the noise.

Earplug dispensers are installed around the kennels for the safety of staff, volunteers, and community members.

The Role of Friends of PACC

Thanks to the funding secured through the "Decimate the Decibels" campaign, Friends of PACC is now seeing their efforts come to fruition. The upcoming construction project at PACC, which will begin on May 6, 2024, involves installing noise-dampening panels in the ‘Phase 2’ kennel area. These improvements aim to create a calmer, more inviting environment conducive to animal welfare and effective shelter operations.

How You Can Help Today

While these enhancements promise a quieter future, the immediate need for short-term foster homes for over 130 dogs remains critical due to the disruptive nature of the construction work. PACC offers free crates, food, and a stipend to support fosters, making this a rewarding opportunity to aid in a crucial transition period.

Those interested in providing a foster or adoptive home for a dog in need should come to PACC during open hours. All dogs and puppies are currently free to adopt. A $20 licensing fee applies to adult dogs. PACC is located at 4000 N. Silverbell Road and is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 7 p.m., on Wednesday from 1:30 – 7 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To see all available pets and services, please visit pima.gov/animalcare.

Join the Mission

Community support has been pivotal in turning this vision into reality. You can contribute by fostering a dog, volunteering, or continuing to support Friends of PACC in their efforts to improve shelter conditions. Please consider becoming a monthly donor via our Lifesaving League. Lifesaving League members will soon enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes content sent to their email inboxes every quarter. Click the button below and select the donation frequency to monthly. Even five dollars a month goes a long way!

Thank you to all who fundraised and donated to the 2022 Decimate the Decibels Giving Tuesday Campaign.