CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — Three weeks after closing its doors to manage overcrowding and overhaul operations, the City of Grants Animal Care Center says it will reopen to the public on Saturday, Nov. 1, with an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In a 2 p.m. update on Oct. 27, Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte reported the shelter is now caring for 39 animals and credited sustained transport and placement work—led with the support of Best Friends Animal Society— for the turnaround. “Stop by to meet our adoptable pets and find your next forever friend,” she said.
The month began with a temporary closure on Oct. 6, as city staff focused on stabilizing a shelter that had swelled to triple-digit numbers.
By Oct. 14, Monte said the population had fallen from 117 to 60 without any euthanasia, citing a coordinated push with rescue partners to move animals into safe placements. On Oct. 20, she told the Citizen the facility was housing 52 dogs and that Dog Is My Co-Pilot had flown out 31 animals from the shelter and foster network that day.
Hours later on Oct. 20, the city announced the dismissal of the Animal Shelter director and extended the pause on live-animal intake through Oct. 31 to complete deep cleaning, repairs, and compliance work. Juan Lopez was named interim shelter supervisor to guide day-to-day operations during the transition while the city begins a formal search for new leadership. Personnel specifics were referred to Human Resources; no further HR detail was provided by press time.
Mayor Erik Garcia, in a conversation that afternoon, explained that Grants is not a kill shelter and said the goal has been to create “success stories” by moving animals with full documentation to vetted partners. He described a rapid effort to tighten standard operating procedures, invest in the facility—including HVAC upgrades he said would be aided by newly awarded funding—and bring the shelter back online at a smaller, sustainable population.
Monday’s update marks the steepest drop yet, to 39 animals on site, with the city pointing to continued transports and rehoming as the driver. Monte said the open house on Nov. 1 will give residents a chance to see the progress, learn about fostering and adoption, and, if they’re ready, take home a pet.
Until reopening, emergency response continues for dangerous or seriously injured animals through dispatch, and adoptions and fostering remain available by appointment at 505-2854012. The city has said it will keep the public informed as hiring advances and procedural updates are finalized.