Petmatch Adoption Center

We adopted both of our dogs from this location. It was a smooth process with friendly staff who helped us know exactly what we were supposed to expect, both the first time as new pet owners and the second as a «here’s what to do if they don’t get along at first» primer.
The place is clean, the animals are treated in a great fashion, and if I were to get a third dog, it’d definitely be from the Chandler AAWL Petmatch!

We had an ok experience with this place in the mall. I do like how they appear to be a pet store, it’s clean and the dogs appear very well taken care of and happy.
We found a great puppy to take home and the process was smooth and easy. Our German loves him and they are getting along great.
The one thing that was frustrating was the young girl worker who would not let go of this puppy and would not stop telling us how to take care of a puppy after we had just explained how we had raised multiple. We didn’t really get to spend good time with the pup in the store because she was so paranoid and didn’t want to leave the room or let the pup walk around.
I kind of understand because of all the different folks they probably see that want a puppy but it almost turned us away and we had no «red flags.»
All in all — this little guy has a great home now and a new best friend.

An edited review after being contacted by the Director of Shelter Operations for AAWL concerning our experience at this location:
«Dogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive, let go of the past, and live each day joyously. It’s something the rest of us strive for.»
― Jennifer Skiff, The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man’s Best Friend
…and so shall I.
My wife and I were extended an apology for our experience of which the details have been removed as I do not want it to affect the chance of a pet finding its furever home. AAWL does care greatly about the animals and it shows here. This particular location actually used to be a mall pet store so the environment is similar with the kennels with the glass so you can fully see the pups and kitties and very clean facilities. The location consists of playpens and «meet and greet» rooms, small rooms that you can quietly get to know your potential new best friend. They sell pet toys (Ripple’s personal favorite being a slingshot for tennis balls), normal treats, gourmet treats, and various other pet paraphernalia that I think is tax free. This adoption center normally carries more of the smaller breed dogs and young puppies as well as cats, if you are looking for a larger breed dog I would recommend the main AAWL adoption center.
«A dog is not a thing. A thing is replaceable. A dog is not. A thing is disposable. A dog is not. A thing doesn’t have a heart. A dog’s heart is bigger than any „thing“ you can ever own.»
― Elizabeth Parker, Paw Prints in the Sand

Within the last month or two I have regularly visited because I have been getting ready to move into a new house, and plan on bringing a new pet into my family. Up until tonight there has not been a specific pet that has captured my attention in a special way. I was immediately drawn to, and was very eager to meet and greet with a certain small dog. When politely asking one of the girls working if I could borrow a room to interact with Stitch, she was very rude, short and uneager to help me although I was entirely willing to fill out any necessary paperwork to show my serious interest. She kept telling me, «all of our rooms are full and it’s going to take a really long time. I mean I can let you meet him but yeah. It’s gonna be a long time.» There was only one room that was occupied at the moment. She said, «and besides, we stop adoptions at 8.» It was 7:30. I bluntly asked her if this was a yes or no since she would not give me a straight answer. and she said once again, «I mean… it’s gonna be a long time.» I hope this person doesn’t do this to people often because i see that she entirely blocked this animal’s opportunity to find his forever home because of her crap attitude and laziness. If I do not get a chance to come back fairly soon to meet this dog, I truly wish the best for him and that he gets a fair chance at a loving home.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I sometimes volunteer at this location.
I’ve seen the faces of people who visit animal shelters to adopt. They’re upset by the loud barking, saddened by the stressed animals and turned off by the prison-​like setting.
And that’s why Petmatch is so important. It looks like a pet store. Each animal has a comfortable space. The dogs are walked regularly. The staff is friendly. The facilities are clean, and they entire storefront is welcoming.
I hope more shelters and rescue groups follow the revolutionary example set by Petmatch.

About a year ago Petsmart Charities and the Arizona Animal Welfare League opened up this mall location to help potential adopters find their furever friends. AAWL brings both smaller dogs and cats over from their main Phoenix shelter for adoption. This store is clean and staffed 100% by AAWL volunteers who obviously LOVE what they do. Dogs get daily walks and can play in two separate play areas and cats have plenty of space to play in as well. All pets have a warm bed, food and water and plenty of toys. It’s wonderful to see these pets in need of a loving home be so well taken care of in the meantime. All adoptions include micropchipping, vaccinations, and spaying/​neutering so please consider adopting from this shelter and not a pet store that works for profit.