Our urban desert environment is not welcoming to lost pets or strays. The scorching-hot pavement, record-breaking temperatures and a consistent drought make it hard for the toughest cat or dog to live on the streets. We’ve seen strays roaming our neighborhoods and daily commutes and we wonder how to help. Thankfully, Phoenix provides many easily accessible resources to help animals in need but it's our duty to take the first steps for them. These critters can't dial a phone or ask for help, so be a pet pal and lend a hand when you can.

If you see a stray dog give the Maricopa County Animal Care Center (MCACC) a call at 602-506-PETS (7387). They will send one of their trained Animal Care Officers and manage the situation. If the dog is obviously friendly and you can do so safely, check for a collar with a possible phone number to reach the owner. If you have a smart phone or access to a computer, we suggest checking FidoFinder.com -- a great website that helps connect those who have found and lost pets all over the U.S. Through a simple search, you can narrow down the breed and area of the pooch you've found to see if the owner has put a call out for them. Other sites like Craiglists.com and PetHarbor.com aid in the search in a similar way.

If you've found a newborn or healthy dog less than three months old, try giving them a new chance with the Arizona Humane Society. They are not legally able to take in a healthy dog over the age of three months; those must be handled by MCACC. The AHS will accept and rescue any dogs that are neglected, ill or injured of any age. Contact them at (602) 997-7585 ext. 2073 to reach a dispatcher who can assist you. A $35 donation is required upon surrendering of a dog, cat or rabbit to help with care costs for the facility. The AHS is a non-profit so your surrender fee will be put to great use.

One of the best ways to help animals in need in your community is to volunteer your time. Places like the AHS, MCACC and other shelters are always in need of helping hands. Whether it's taking a dog for a walk, filing paperwork or helping at their thrift stores, the organizations listed below would be thrilled to hear from you.