I took my senior dog, Sadie, here this morning for a vet checkup since she is recovering from Valley Fever and has arthritis. I had a great experience with Dr Gamill, a relief veterinary doctor, who took care of Sadie. I needed 2 to 4 x-rays which were running between $70 to $90 per x-ray all over the Valley. Sadie has arthritis and the x-rays needed to be done to see how extensive it is and if it was caused by her Valley Fever. The x-rays here are $60.00 each compared to the other vets. I thought it was a bargain. I had 3 x-rays done at $60.00 a piece and had a titer performed because of her Valley Fever.
The veterinary clinic is small but provides everything that a regular veterinary practice provides but at lower cost AND the money goes back to the shelter. I can't think of a better way to help the Arizona Animal Welfare League besides volunteering and direct donations. The fees run about 40% less than private veterinary clinics. If AAWL does not perform the vet services you need, you can simply go to another veterinary clinic. It's a non-issue.
I'm attending a volunteer orientation for AAWL this month so I can become a regular volunteer.
As for the negative reviews of AAWL, I'm not sure what people are expecting for an animal shelter. Animal shelters all over the country are operating on low budgets and have mostly volunteers and limited paid staff. Maricopa County has one of the highest euthanasia rates in the country second to Los Angeles County and AAWL is one of the only no-kill shelters in Phoenix. Please manage your expectations when going to any animal shelter. The absolute best thing you can do to help homeless pets is to: spay/neuter, foster or adopt, volunteer or donate.