The Humane Society Of Southern Arizona Inc

What The Humane Society Of Southern Arizona Inc does

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona Inc (HSSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1944 and headquartered at 635 W. Roger Road, Tucson, Arizona. As the oldest and largest animal shelter operator in Southern Arizona, HSSA has placed more than 1 million pets over its 80+ year history and currently serves approximately 3,000 homeless and lost pets and over 10,000 families annually, achieving a 90% average rescue rate. Its operational footprint includes the main Roger Road campus, an in-shelter medical clinic (Max's MASH Unit), a low-cost veterinary clinic, the 16,000 sq ft HSSA Thrift Store, the PAWSH retail adoption concept, the Freeman Education and Behavioral Center (housing the University of Arizona's Canine Cognition Institute), and a 4,952-surgery-per-year spay/neuter program.

HSSA's program portfolio spans pet adoption, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services, Trap-Neuter-Return for community cats, foster care, behavioral training (Love Stays Home, rattlesnake avoidance), humane education, the Pet Pantry food-assistance program, and the Second Chance Medical Fund. The organization operates no proprietary technology platform beyond standard shelter data and reporting software; its competitive position rests on community embedding, volunteer/foster networks, and grant-funded programmatic depth.

Revenue is generated across eight streams: individual and corporate donations, adoption fees, low-cost clinic service fees, thrift store and PAWSH retail sales, foundation grants (notably Maddie's Fund $1.92M, Best Friends $100K, Petco Love $5K, PetSmart Charities), special-event fundraising (March Muttness, Cover Dog Contest), and in-kind donations via Amazon/Chewy wishlists. Distribution occurs primarily through physical Tucson locations, the Adoptapet.com listing platform, off-site adoption events (e.g., at Tucson Subaru), and multi-state animal transport partnerships with Wings of Rescue and Dog Is My Copilot. Recent leadership (CEO Dr. Kristin Barney, May 2024; CPO Michele Figueroa, October 2024; CVO Dr. Karyn Carlson, April 2025) has repositioned the organization around three pillars: Lifesaving Programs, Animal Care and Well-being, and Community Engagement and Support.

Name

The Humane Society Of Southern Arizona Inc

Legal name

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona Inc

Website

https://hssaz.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1944

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1944 in Tucson, Arizona, operating shelter, adoption, low-cost veterinary clinic, thrift store, and community support programs for pets and families across Southern Arizona.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Welfare and Shelter Services

NAICS

Veterinary Services (54194), Temporary Shelters (624221), Pet and Pet Supplies Retailers (459910), Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (812910)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Low-Cost & Community Veterinary Clinics (HLAMAAAE), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Animal shelter services
• Pet adoption programs
• Low-cost veterinary care
• Spay and neuter services
• Community animal welfare

Headquarters

HQ city

Tucson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: HSSA operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relying primarily on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations. The organization receives monetary donations through its website, mail, and in-person at facilities. Tax ID: 86-0112798.
2. Adoption Fees: Revenue from pet adoptions. Adoption fees vary and are sometimes subsidized or waived during promotional events. All adopted pets receive spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping.
3. Clinic Services Revenue: Low-cost veterinary services including spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, and preventive care generate revenue while serving the community.
4. HSSA Thrift Store: Retail thrift store selling donated merchandise. Proceeds support HSSA programs and services. Located at 1010 S Wilmot Road, Tucson.
5. PAWSH Retail Stores: PAWSH adoption centers are nonprofit pet supply stores where shopping is tax-free. All proceeds support HSSA operations.
6. Grants and Foundation Funding: HSSA receives grants from organizations including Petco Love ($5,000 for Max's MASH Unit in 2026), Maddie's Fund ($1.92 million three-year grant in 2025), Best Friends Animal Society ($100,000 in 2024), and PetSmart Charities (previously funded veterinarian positions).
7. Special Events and Campaigns: Fundraising events including March Muttness competition, Cover Dog Calendar Contest ($25 entry fee), 5050 Raffle, and Wish for a Full Dish pet food drives.
8. Pet Food Assistance Program Donations: Community can donate pet food directly at HSSA locations or through Amazon Wishlist for distribution to families in need via Pet Pantry program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that shelters and adopts out homeless pets, operates a low-cost veterinary clinic providing spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and Trap-Neuter-Return services, and runs community programs including pet training, foster care, pet food assistance (Pet Pantry), and the Second Chance Medical Fund. The organization supplements program funding through an on-site thrift store and PAWSH pet supply retail stores, and receives institutional grants from Maddie's Fund, Best Friends Animal Society, Petco Love, and PetSmart Charities.

Product overview

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is a nonprofit animal welfare organization offering a comprehensive suite of animal sheltering and community support services. The organization operates as a single integrated platform of programs rather than a modular product architecture. Core services include pet adoptions, low-cost clinic services (spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, TNR), foster care, and lost/found pet services. Community support offerings include the Pet Pantry food assistance program, Second Chance Medical Fund for sick/injured pets, and training programs (Love Stays Home, Rattlesnake Avoidance). Retail operations include the HSSA Thrift Store and PAWSH adoption centers. The organization also runs fundraising initiatives including March Muttness and Cover Dog Contest. Recent additions include Max's MASH Unit in-shelter medical clinic (2025) and expanded strategic partnership with PACC through Maddie's Fund grant.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PAWSH: Nonprofit pet supply stores and adoption centers offering tax-free shopping with all proceeds supporting HSSA. Locations include PAWSH at Roger Road Main Campus.
• Max's MASH Unit
• March Muttness
• Pet Pantry
• Love Stays Home Training Program
• Second Chance Medical Fund

Products and services

• Pet Adoptions Facilitates adoption of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and small animals from the Tucson main campus and adoption centers. Each adopted pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and adopters receive a free initial vet visit.
• Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic Services Affordable veterinary services for community pet owners including spay/neuter surgeries (by appointment), walk-in vaccinations and preventive care ($18-$39 per vaccine), microchipping, and Trap-Neuter-Return for community cats.
• Love Stays Home Training Program Dog training program offering behavior support, enrichment, and basic manners and life skills training to prevent pet surrenders and strengthen pet-owner bonds.
• Pet Pantry Community food and supplies assistance program distributing donated pet food to families facing financial hardship to prevent pets from being surrendered to shelters.
• Second Chance Medical Fund Donor-funded medical program providing lifesaving veterinary care including surgeries, testing, and medications for sick and injured shelter pets.
• Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program Provides spay/neuter, vaccination, ear-tipping, and return-to-colony services for feral and community cats to humanely manage outdoor cat populations in Southern Arizona.
• Foster Care Program Volunteer-based temporary foster care placement for shelter pets needing socialization, recovery, or home-based care. Includes partnership with The Haven treatment center for therapeutic placements.
• Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Training classes designed to teach dogs to recognize and avoid rattlesnakes, reducing the risk of potentially deadly snake strikes in Southern Arizona.
• Pet VIP Therapy and Visitation Therapy pet visitation program that provides emotional support visits to facilities and offers virtual visit options for those unable to host in-person visits.
• HSSA Thrift Store Nonprofit thrift store selling donated merchandise tax-free, with all proceeds supporting HSSA's animal welfare programs. Located at 1010 S Wilmot Road, Tucson.
• PAWSH Adoption Centers Nonprofit pet supply stores offering tax-free shopping on pet supplies (leashes, collars, toys, treats) with adoptable pets on-site; proceeds support HSSA.
• Humane Education Programs Educational offerings for youth and adults including literacy programs with shelter pets, humane education classes and camps, and pet safety and first aid classes.
• Lost and Found Pets Services Services reuniting lost pets with owners including intake, lost pet reports, and the Southern Arizona Pet Detectives social-media-based matching program.
• End of Life Services / Euthanasia Compassionate end-of-life and euthanasia services for pets performed by HSSA's veterinary staff.
• March Muttness Fundraising Tournament Annual virtual bracket-style fundraising tournament for animal shelters, founded and organized by HSSA, raising critical funds for participating shelters including HSSA itself.
• Cover Dog Contest Annual competition where Tucson dog owners enter their dogs ($25 entry fee, $1 per additional vote) to be featured on the cover of Tucson Lifestyle Magazine while raising funds for HSSA.
• Max's MASH Unit (In-Shelter Medical Clinic) In-shelter urgent care clinic providing medical treatment for sick and injured shelter pets, staffed by HSSA's veterinary team including the Chief Veterinary Officer.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% rescue rate for pets in care
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major, core and unique.

• Hill's Pet NutritionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 June 2026Provided data for HSSA's big dog adoption support campaign. Reported large dogs were 26% of 2.8 million dogs entering US shelters in 2025 but had longest median stays and smallest share of adoptions.
• Tucson SubaruminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 December 2025Sponsored first 100 adoption fees for Home for Pawlidays December 2025 event. Hosted off-site adoption event at dealership with select pets available for meet-and-greet. Offered holiday elf delivery service for adopted pets.
• Soñhe Farms Animal RescueminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 December 2025Co-sponsored Home for Pawlidays adoption event December 2025 with Tucson Subaru and HSSA.
• Arizona Humane SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 December 2025Partnership with PACC and HSSA to rescue 70+ dogs from California wildfire areas in January 2025. Coordinated Wings of Rescue transport flights. HSSA received 30 of the transferred dogs.
• Wings of RescuemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2025Nonprofit providing air transport for homeless pets. Coordinated multi-state rescue flights transferring nearly 50 animals from Tucson to Colorado and Nebraska. Also flew 70+ dogs from California wildfire areas with AHS and PACC.
• Pima Animal Care Center (PACC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 January 2025Primary regional partner. Joint adoption events, animal transfers to relieve overcrowding, and collaboration on Maddie's Fund Pet Support Center. Agreement establishing baseline number of pets HSSA accepts from PACC jurisdictions annually. Both operate at capacity during adoption crisis.
• Dog Is My CopilotmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 January 2025Partnered with HSSA, Best Friends, and Petco Love for multi-state transport flights. Provides flight services for relocating shelter animals to areas with higher adoption demand.
• Best Friends Animal SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2024$100,000 grant awarded October 2024 to advance HSSA's regional lifesaving strategy. Funds Lifesaving Outcomes Coordinator position for pathway planning implementation. Collaboration on multi-state animal transports. Co-sponsored March Muttness competition. Partnered on California wildfire animal rescue mission.
• Pima Community College Veterinary Technician ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 May 2024Student assistance provided for baby rat rescue (134 animals requiring care). Students helped with enrichment and daily care of rescued animals.
• Orange Grove Animal HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 May 2024Dr. Walter Merker, DVM donated time and expertise to enhance care plans for baby rat rescue. Small and exotic animal veterinarian provided specialized consultation.
• San Diego Humane SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 November 2023Joint investigation into August 2023 animal transfer situation. Both organizations committed to improving systems for animal transfers and protecting small pets. Mutual commitment to transparency and legal action when warranted.
• The HavenuniqueStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 August 2022Substance use treatment center provides temporary foster homes for shelter dogs needing socialization or recovery time. Benefits clients' recovery through animal interaction while providing respite for shelter animals. Program includes dogs recovering from Valley Fever, dental surgery, and behavioral decline.
• Town of MaranacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContracts with HSSA for animal services including sheltering homeless and lost pets. Partnered on baby rat rescue (158 animals) in April 2024. Town crew built habitats for rescued animals. Partnership active for seven years.
• University of Arizona Canine Cognition InstituteuniqueStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership housed in Freeman Education and Behavioral Center. Collaborates on behavior research with College of Veterinary Medicine. Space includes state-of-the-art behavior research rooms.
• Greater Good CharitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting HSSA's mission to serve pets and people.
• Community Food BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner in southern Arizona helping address food insecurity including pet food assistance.
• Pima Council on AgingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting senior citizens and their pets in Pima County.
• Cody's FriendsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal animal welfare partner supporting HSSA programs.
• Tucson Lifestyle MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Cover Dog Contest partnership. Magazine features winning dog on annual cover.
• TEP (Tucson Electric Power)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner supporting HSSA through corporate giving programs.
• Humane World for AnimalsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvocated for Arizona SB 1582 to prevent HOA pet restrictions. Expressed gratitude for HSSA's big dog adoption support program.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Arizona Humane Society: Phoenix-based animal welfare nonprofit operating shelter, clinic, and adoption services across Arizona. Directly comparable as a state-level peer also engaging in multi-state animal transfer partnerships (e.g., the California wildfire rescue collaboration with HSSA).
• Pima Animal Care Center: Municipal animal shelter serving Pima County with whom HSSA operates the joint Pet Support Center under Maddie's Fund. Closest geographic peer and direct operational collaborator on adoption events, transfers, and capacity relief.
• Austin Pets Alive!: Texas-based regional animal welfare nonprofit with similar model: sheltering, low-cost clinic, foster network, and innovative programs. Operates at comparable scale and pursues the same no-kill outcome metrics as HSSA.
• Seattle Humane: Regional animal welfare nonprofit in the Pacific Northwest offering adoption, low-cost veterinary, and behavior/training programs. Directly comparable service mix and donation-funded operating model.
• San Diego Humane Society: Large regional animal welfare nonprofit offering adoption, veterinary, and community programs. Comparable in scale, service mix, and formal partnership profile — HSSA and SDHS even co-investigated the 2023 animal transfer incident together.
• Animal Humane Society: Minnesota-based multi-site animal welfare nonprofit operating shelters, clinics, and adoption services. Comparable in scope and lifecycle service delivery, with similar diversified revenue and volunteer-driven model.
• PAWS Chicago: Large regional humane organization with adoption, clinic, and community programs in Chicago. Comparable as a multi-program nonprofit reliant on donations, grants, and retail/thrift revenue at similar annual intake scale.
• Humane Society of Boulder Valley: Colorado-based animal welfare nonprofit with shelter, clinic, and community programs. Comparable as a regional no-kill operator of similar mid-scale size relying on donations, grants, and retail proceeds.

Broad incumbents

• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): National animal welfare advocacy and grantmaking organization. Comparable as a sector umbrella body that influences policy (e.g., SB 1582 HOAs) and supports local shelters, but operates at a much larger scale and is not a direct sheltering peer.
• Best Friends Animal Society: National no-kill advocacy leader and major grantmaker for regional shelters. Comparable because it funds HSSA's lifesaving strategy and shares board-level executive alumni; broader in scope as a national organization rather than a single regional operator.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HumaneSocietyofSouthernArizona
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/humane-society-of-southern-arizona

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Humane Society Of Southern Arizona Inc