GRANTS, N.M. – According to Sheri Baisden at the Grants Animal Care Center, in Grants, New Mexico, the facility has always faced overcrowding. At this time, they hold upwards of 70-plus animals in their care. With such an influx of strays, space can be difficult to manage. The animal care center is a no-kill shelter. This means they don’t euthanize animals and have limited space; the shelter relies on adoptions and transports to animal rescues in order to keep up with animals coming in. Until they are able to transport, they have no choice but to make room for any new animals. Volunteers at the shelter used to be able to take puppies to the local farmer’s market on the weekends to help with adoption numbers. However, since COVID, there has been a decline in volunteers at the shelter and staff are always busy with cleaning and tending to the many animals in their care.
The City of Grants takes care of the shelter and provides essentials like food and cleaning supplies. However, there are still ways that the community can help. The Animal Care Center still accepts volunteers to spend time with the animals and walk dogs. Volunteers are a big part of helping stray animals become ready for adoption, or transporting them to rescues. People who want to assist the shelter can ask for a volunteer form at the front desk. Students under 17-yearsold will need an adult to accompany them. The shelter also accepts donations of towels, blankets, sheets, toys, and treats.
Those interested in adoption may fill out a form at the front desk. There is a $50 dollar fee that will cover the cost of getting the animal spayed or neutered and its rabies shot. If adopting a puppy, additional vaccinations will be required from a vet. An appointment will need to be set for spaying or neutering at the time of adoption. The Animal Care Center is located at 722 Redondo Road in Grants, N.M. Their phone number is (505)285-4012.