Shelter & Adoptions

Call us : 505-753-8662

Clinic

Call us : 505-753-0228

Spay/Neuter
Clinic

Our spay/neuter clinic is currently open by appointment only by calling our clinic at 505-753-8662, ext.111

Fees

Due to staffing shortages, we can only offer free services to Rio Arriba residents. In-service area pets require refundable deposits. Here’s how it works:

Española Humane Service Area (Rio Arriba County, Pueblos of Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, and Ildefonso): Pets require a $30 refundable deposit. These deposits will be refundable only after your pet arrives for the appointment. Deposits from those who fail to make the appointment will be considered donations.

If you need to reschedule, it must be done within 48 hours of the appointment. Please leave a message to reschedule.

Schedule Appointment

Vaccine Clinics

Our free and low-cost vaccine clinics are monthly. Please check our calendar of events to determine the date and time of the next clinic. Low-cost vaccines are available at the Santa Fe Petco, 2006 Cerrillos Road, every first and third Saturday by appointment. Please text 505-490-5566.

Check Calendar Listing

Benefits

There are benefits to spaying (female) or neutering (male) your pets.

What is TNR?

As part of our mission to improve lives, we offer Trap-Neuter-Return services for anyone caring for community cats. The program includes free spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations.

Learn More

We perform surgery on pets as young as 2 months old and over 2 pounds. If females have surgery before their first heat, breast cancer can be almost completely eliminated. Younger pets recover more quickly and experience less pain following surgery than older pets.

  • No food after 10 p.m., water is ok at all times. Pets under 4 months of age need to have a teaspoon of food the morning of the surgery.
  • Animals must be in good health. If your pet shows any signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, or diarrhea, they will be declined surgery.
  • You will be given pre-surgery instructions.
  • Leave all pets in a vehicle, and come into the building to check-in. Bring vaccination records when checking in.
  • Drop-off time starts at 7:45-8:30 a.m. at the clinic. All animals have different drop-off times; Large animals start at 7:45 a.m., medium animals at 8 a.m., and small animals start at 8:15 a.m. Cats are dropped off at 8:30 a.m.
  • Cats must be in carriers that are labeled. Dogs must be on secure leashes.
  • Pick-up time is between 2-4 p.m. The time varies depending upon the recuperation of the animals, the veterinarian technicians will give you an exact time after they do an exam. Clients should have their cellphones available at all times in case the veterinarian or clinic staff needs to contact you regarding any health concerns of your pet at the time of surgery and in case your pet needs to be picked up earlier.
  • Pets need to be kept indoors where they can stay clean, dry, and comfortable. Please limit their activity; no climbing stairs, running, jumping, rowdy play, swimming, or other strenuous activity during the 14-day recovery period.
  • No bathing or grooming during this period.
  • Please check the incision site daily. Do not allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision site. Slight redness at the incision may be normal for a few days after surgery. However, if you notice irritation, discharge, swelling, a gap in the incision, or worsening redness, please contact the clinic at 505-753-8662 ext.111 or ext.112.

It is recommended that moms are spayed two weeks after their offspring have been weaned off. Offspring can start weaning at six weeks old. In some cases, such as for outdoor cats, it can be done earlier if the mom is in danger of becoming pregnant again. It is not recommended that moms return to nursing after their spay.

Females should be spayed before the first heat, usually at 5-6 months of age. Pregnancy significantly strains a young animal’s body and can result in birth defects. Early spaying also prevents later problems, including mammary tumors, uterine infections, and uterine tumors.

Yes, but we provide all pets with effective pain medication that lasts 24 hours after surgery. In addition, we offer additional take-home pain medication if needed for the pet.

The tattoo is a permanent identification that your pet has been spayed or neutered. It is part of the national Spay-Neuter Task Force guidelines that ensure all pets are treated safely and effectively.