SANTA FE ANIMAL SHELTER AND HUMANE SOCIETY

100 Caja del Rio Road

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507

Located in Santa Fe County

(505) 983-4309

Adoption Process

If you have thoughtfully decided to welcome a companion animal into your life, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter likely has a dog, cat, kitten, puppy, ferret, rabbit, guinea pig, or other small animal that will suit your home and lifestyle. Our adoption process emphasizes the importance of matchmaking, and we take pride in assisting potential pet owners in finding a companion that aligns with their way of life. Before selecting your new pet, consider how much time you can dedicate to them, as a healthy puppy can live for 15 to 20 years. Keep in mind that introducing a new four-legged family member may require time for adjustment. Additionally, like us, your companion animal will need food, supplies, and occasional veterinary care. We welcome you to visit our animals at the Shelter, at our satellite adoption facility inside PetSmart located at 3561 Zafarano Drive, or online. Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, one of our adoption counselors will meet with you to discuss which of our animals may be the best fit for you. All animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and receive age-appropriate vaccinations before adoption. For your convenience, required licenses for City and County residents are available at the Shelter at the time of adoption. Adoption is a collaborative partnership among the adopter, the Shelter, and the animal. We are dedicated to ensuring that this partnership is successful for everyone involved. Dog and Cat Adoption Fees Adoption fees for dogs and cats range from fee-waived options, made possible by our generous donors, to $400. These fees help cover the costs of evaluation, housing, feeding, and medical care for the many animals that enter our care. We strive to keep our adoption fees reasonable while generating necessary funds to support the well-being of all animals until they find loving homes. The adoption fee for each animal varies based on factors such as age, size, behavior, medical condition, and public demand. All animals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Holds can be placed when the animal is ready for adoption. Please refer to our guidelines on how to place an animal on hold. Shelter Heroes Some of the animals in our adoption center are designated as Shelter Heroes. These dogs and cats are in high demand and typically find homes quickly. You will notice that the adoption fees for these Shelter Heroes are higher; this is because they contribute financially to support other animals in our care who may require extensive medical treatment or more time to find a home. Shelter Heroes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and paid holds are permitted when the animal is ready for adoption.

Service Areas

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society in Santa Fe, NM

The Santa Fe Animal Shelter is the largest animal shelter and care facility in northern New Mexico, assisting over 10,000 lost, stray, abandoned, or injured animals each year. As a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we rely primarily on funding from private donors within our community and beyond. While we have contracts with the City and County of Santa Fe to care for homeless and stray animals, we also accept animals from any source. Our mission includes reuniting lost pets with their owners and facilitating the adoption of unclaimed animals. We address community overpopulation issues through low- and no-cost spay/neuter programs and provide humane education in local schools to teach children about respecting and caring for all living beings. In partnership with our community, we strive to improve the lives of companion animals and end animal suffering. The Santa Fe Animal Shelter relocated on July 18, 2005, after 66 years in its original building, which had served thousands of animals. The move was necessary to meet the growing needs of our community and was made possible through a partnership with the City of Santa Fe and the Bureau of Land Management. Our new 100-acre campus features hiking trails, dog walking areas, and stunning sunsets. Following a multi-year fundraising campaign, we completed the first phase of development, which includes two state-of-the-art buildings that enhance our ability to care for the animals. The Lapides Adoption Center is designed for the comfort and health of adoptable animals, featuring amenities such as tiled benches in dog kennels, spacious cat colony rooms, radiant floor heating, and "cuddle" rooms for potential adopters to interact with animals in a home-like setting. The Robin Sommers Animal Receiving & Care Center provides additional space for stray and abandoned animals, equipped with advanced ventilation systems to help control contagious diseases and improve treatment effectiveness. In the summer of 2013, we expanded further with the Clare Eddy Thaw Hospital, enhancing our capacity to serve the community. We invite you to visit our facility, which includes two five-acre dog parks, making it not just a place for adoptions or reunions, but a community resource for enjoyment with animals. Our staff at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter brings extensive experience in animal welfare and related fields. For more information, please reach out to the appropriate contact below.