The Santa Fe Animal Shelter is in the midst of what's traditionally its busiest month of the year, and the shelter is looking for assistance to keep up with the increased number of animals they'll serve and families who'll open their hearts to a new pet.
June is not only peak puppy and kitten season, but it's also a big season for strays, especially animals that go into heat: Two big reasons why the no-kill shelter is "a huge advocate" for spaying and neutering animals.
"The first three days of June, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter had 65 animals come through our doors," Murad Kirdar, Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society Public Relations Officer, told the New Mexico Sun. "When an animal arrives, each of them are given an exam by our medical team and provided with vaccinations, and that is usually on day one."
On average, more than 550 homeless animals are admitted to the shelter during June.
"Our No. 1 goal is to support these animals while they are with us," Kirdar said. "It takes a village to care for the 150 plus animals in our care right now. Luckily we are welcoming back volunteers. We definitely missed them during the pandemic."
The shelter relaunched its volunteer program after it was suspended for 15 months due to COVID-19. They say it's a great way for people to help the animals if they can't adopt one themselves.
"Volunteers play an important role in the operation of the shelter, and staff is looking forward to welcoming community members back to the shelter," Kirdar said. "The more enrichment and attention animals get, the more likely they are to be adopted. The volunteer program is incredibly rewarding because you see that transition from an animal that came in helpless to one that is trusting and loving."
The Santa Fe Animal Shelter is a private non-profit organization that relies on donations and other funding sources to maintain its operations.
Donations of $100 or more made up to June 30 will be entered into a random drawing to win a two-night stay at the Inn of the Governors in downtown Santa Fe.
Each year the shelter helps save an average of 5,000 neglected, injured and homeless animals. The average cost of each homeless animal's care is $650.