La Plata County Humane Society

Background Statement

The La Plata County Humane Society (LPCHS) was established as a 501(c) 3 animal shelter in 1973. The Thrift Store was established in 1990 to raise monies for what is now, our current facility, and continues to be a main source of revenue for our yearly operating budget for the organization. In 2000, we added a veterinarian to staff to insure that all animals are spayed or neutered and have all veterinarian care/needs before leaving our facility.

The Shelter is directed by nine elected volunteer board members. The Humane Society currently has the capacity to shelter 50 dogs and 40 cats. In 2020, we took in over 2,700 pets. Each animal receives a comprehensive medical exam, is treated for illness, injuries and dental issues. Every adopted animal leaves our shelter spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped!

We have a robust community outreach program that regularly collaborates with local social service agencies. We offer low cost spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchips to the public. We hold a summer camp for kids which focuses on humane education and proper animal care. Our Read-to-a-dog program helps elementary school students who may have difficulty reading to public. We bring humane education presentations to local elementary schools. We have over 100volunteer foster families who shelter and socialize puppies, kittens, seniors, medical or behavioral animals who may not be ready for adoption. LPCHS offers emergency medical loans to low-income pet owners in need of emergency veterinary treatment for their beloved companions. We collaborate with the Women's Resource Center to arrange free temporary boarding for pets in homes in which domestic violence is present. We bring pets to senior centers and offer free services to elderly and disabled folks who require assistance caring for their pets.

We work closely with other shelters and rescues in the Four Corners area. We regularly transfer pets from high euthanasia shelters in New Mexico and on First Nation lands. We provide training, resources, and support for many under-served/under-funded areas. We are regarded as a model shelter for best practices around the region, state, and nationally because of our innovative programs and highly trained staff.

Through our outstanding adoption program, our organization is literally part of 1000's of families in La Plata County and throughout the region.