PetSmart adoption center closing for renovations

The adoption center in Yuma’s PetSmart store will be closed today for renovations expected to take four to six weeks, the Humane Society of Yuma said on Friday.

HSOY spokeswoman Lana Shapiro said adoptable cats will be available for very limited hours during the week and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during this period, with the exception of Easter on April 16.

Residents who want to adopt a pet are highly encouraged to go down to the shelter at 4050 S Avenue 4 1/2 E, which will be open for normal hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with kennels opening from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“This renovation is needed to improve the experience for the animals and the adopters. In the meantime, the Humane Society of Yuma would like to encourage people to come to the shelter to check out all of the amazing animals we have available for adoption,” she said.

In 2016, the PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center at the Yuma Palms store adopted out over 1,200 animals and was named the eighth-highest location nationwide for adoptions. The store gives homeless animals more exposure, via foot traffic, than they typically get at the shelter.

“We are in the midst of spring, which is typically a time that we have an influx of animals coming through our doors and we anticipate struggling with space without the help of space at PetSmart,” Shapiro said, adding HSOY is also asking for the community to help foster animals, donate to the shelter or try to find alternate solutions for any pets they can’t keep.

“Please don’t forget that the Humane Society of Yuma is still here and will need Yuma’s assistance with keeping up with adoptions during the renovation,” she said.

For more information, call (928) 782-1621 or visit www.hsoyuma.com.