Variants of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) are expected. Viruses change through mutation, and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some variants emerge and disappear while others persist. CDC and other public health organizations monitor SARS-CoV-2 variants in the United States and globally.

Some variants may spread more easily than others, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. Even if a variant causes less severe illness, an increase in the overall number of cases could cause an increase in hospitalizations, which could put more strain on healthcare resources and potentially lead to more deaths.

CDC and Maricopa County Public Health are monitoring the spread of an omicron subvariant called XBB1.5, which appears highly infectious. There is no evidence that XBB1.5 causes more severe illness. Still, it’s a good reminder to get vaccinated or boosted if you haven’t already.

Find a vaccine near you.

Animal Care and Control Close to Capacity.

-Post holidays are an especially busy time for our shelters.

-Since December 27^th, Animal Care and Control has taken in 459 animals.

-Find an animal to adopt.

-Find an animal to foster.

NEWS BITES

Low and No Cost Services

Our Public Health Department has a list of 1500 resources that give you access to low and no cost housing, utilities, parenting, healthcare, mental health, dental, food, clothing, transportation, domestic violence and legal.

Find resources here.

Sign Up for the Maricopa County Fire Pit Program

Maricopa County’s winter weather is perfect for cozying up to a propane fire pit! Sign up for the Maricopa County Fire Pit program to receive up to $75 towards purchasing a propane fire pit in a participating Home Depot store near you!

Visit CleanAirMakeMore.com/firepit to learn more.

Start a Healthy Habit this Year!

Start a new healthy habit this year. The American Heart Association Recommends 2.5 hours of physical activity per week, and it may be as simple as a daily walk. Enjoy a change of scenery this weekend by visiting one of our Maricopa County Parks!

Get Covered Arizona

Don’t delay, enroll today! Get insurance through the marketplace for 2023. You have until January 15^th to enroll. Call 1-800-377-3536 or visit coveraz.org

Find Your Lost Pet

Have you lost your pet recently? They may be at one of our shelters. We often see an increase in lost pets around the New Year.

Here are some tips from Animal Care and Control to help reunite you with your pet:

-Search your neighborhood immediately.

-Create a lost report for your pet at 602-372- 4598.

-Search for your lost pet on 24PetConnect.com

-Put a public post on social media and the NextDoor app.

-Hang flyers in the area where your pet was last seen.

PETS AND PLACES

Pet of the Week

JC has been at the shelter since November and can’t think of a better way to start 2023 than in a new home! He loves to play fetch with not one, but two balls at a time! When he’s tuckered himself out, he’ll happily sit next to you for pets and soak in all the love and sunshine. JC’s adoption fee is $25 and he is already neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and he can go home today!

View All Adoptable Pets & Find A Forever Friend

Happy Tails

Share you own "Happy Tail"!

Job of the Week

Do you enjoy working with your hands and being outdoors? Then we have an exciting career opportunity for you! Apply to become a Park Maintenance Worker for Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful scenery and get the opportunity to enrich visitors’ experience through your work.

Apply here.