Since 1939, Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society has been dedicated to the care and support of domestic animals in Northern New Mexico. They're the largest non-profit, no-kill, open-admission shelter in the area. They accept all companion animals in desperate need of both medical attention and a safe place to call home.
Understanding that the over-population problem in the area is a multifaceted issue, Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society aims to reduce the number of animals needlessly suffering each year through several important community services:
Due to the ever-increasing numbers of admissions, the shelter moved its premises to a new location in 2005. The new shelter is built on a 100-acre campus, which includes walking trails and play yards for all the lucky canines in their care. They also have a “cuddle room” (what a treat!) where you can spend some quality time petting and getting to get to know your new feline friends. The room is designed to simulate a cozy home environment so the cats feel calm and relaxed and you don’t feel rushed to find your favorite.
Make sure you check out all of the adoptable animals on the shelter’s website. Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society recommend filling out their survey and application form before your visit, which helps speed up the adoption process and can also clarify which type of pet might make a great match for you.
To help you find your ideal companion, you'll be paired with an Adoption Counselor, and your Counselor can help explain the adoption process either in person or over the phone.
Have your heart set on a particular furry friend you saw online? Just call the shelter to see if they're still available and learn more!
Adoption fees at Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society are as follows:
Your adoption fee covers spay and neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, and microchipping.
Our writing team is hard at work researching this shelter's adoption process and fees, so this page will be updated soon!
In the meantime, here's some nice-to-know info that applies to nearly every animal shelter, humane society, and rescue.
Because shelter dogs are full of love!
Is it because they know you saved them and love you harder for it?
I can't say for certain, but yes.
Jokes aside, there are three things all shelter dogs need to thrive in their new home:
Older shelter dogs, generally 1+ years old, may have experienced a lot of trauma, which often results in one of 8 common behavioral issues:
These issues are correctable! Your dog isn't broken, they're just damaged. You can fix them with enough love, patience, and a good training plan.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, finding good dog trainers can be hard. Like everything else, dog training is moving only. but there are great online dog trainers that are proven to work and can help get your new pup on the right path.
You can learn a lot about an animal welfare organization just by looking at their name.
Adoption processes vary drastically from organization to organization, but here are some general tips that apply in most instances. Note that we'll use the term "shelters" here for simplicity but it includes all types of rescue organizations.
If you have any questions about adopting an animal (what you'll need, what to expect, etc.) feel free to contact the PetLists team!
If you're looking to adopt a new dog, our Dog Adoption Guide is a must-read. It has everything you need to know about bringing a shelter dog home:
And we're adding new guides all the time.