These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what happened
You can ask"Did you lose a pet, find an animal, or do you need to find a new home for your pet?"
You can ask"Is anyone hurt? Was anyone bitten?"
Someone was bitten or scratched: wash it well with soap and water and see a doctor. See the guide "Bitten by a snake, dog or other animal, or stung by a scorpion or spider".
A hurt, sick or dangerous animal in the road: call animal control. Don't grab it.
2Lost a pet
Call or visit the shelter right away, and keep checking every few days. Animals picked up in town and in the county go there.
High Desert Humane Society
Animal shelter (strays, impounds, adoptions)
575-538-9261
3050 S Cougar Way, Silver City · Lobby Tue-Sat 8:30 am-5:30 pm; animal viewing from 11 am; closed Sun-Mon
Town of Silver City - Code Enforcement / Animal Control
Code enforcement and animal control (report)
575-388-8840
Silver City · 24/7
Town of Hurley Police Department
Police and animal control
575-537-3220
101 Cortez Ave, Hurley · Office Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Post a photo free on Petco Love Lost (petcolove.org/lost). It matches photos of lost and found pets. Also post on local lost-pet Facebook pages.
Bring
- A photo of the pet
- their microchip number or vet records if they have them
3Found a stray
Ask a vet or the shelter to scan for a microchip. It is free and quick.
Report it to the shelter or animal control so the owner can find it, even if they keep it for now.
High Desert Humane Society
Animal shelter (strays, impounds, adoptions)
575-538-9261
3050 S Cougar Way, Silver City · Lobby Tue-Sat 8:30 am-5:30 pm; animal viewing from 11 am; closed Sun-Mon
Gila Animal Clinic
Veterinary care and pet boarding
575-388-2581
2435 Hwy 180 E, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-12pm and 1:30-5:30pm (closed 12-1:30 for lunch); closed weekends (call to confirm)
Post a photo on Petco Love Lost as a found pet.
4Has to give up a pet
You can ask"What would help you keep your pet? Food, vet care, or a pet-friendly place to stay?"
Many people can keep their pet with a little help. See the guide "Has a pet and can't feed it or needs vet care".
Valley Pet Food Pantry
Free pet food pantry (Arenas Valley)
575-538-9311
19 Racetrack Rd, Arenas Valley · 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, 11 am to 1 pm
High Desert Humane Society
Animal shelter, HALT spay/neuter help and shot clinics
575-538-9261
3050 S Cougar Way, Silver City · Lobby Tue-Sat 8:30 am-5:30 pm; closed Sun-Mon. Drive-through vaccination clinics on announced Saturdays 9 am-noon
If they still must give it up, they can rehome it to someone they trust, or post it free on Adopt-a-Pet Rehome (rehome.adoptapet.com).
The shelter takes owner surrenders when it has room. Call first before bringing the animal.
High Desert Humane Society
Animal shelter (strays, impounds, adoptions)
575-538-9261
3050 S Cougar Way, Silver City · Lobby Tue-Sat 8:30 am-5:30 pm; animal viewing from 11 am; closed Sun-Mon
New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition (NM BARC)
Volunteer: foster, walk and transport rescue animals
575-284-4087
Silver City
5Pets and shelter or housing
Leaving abuse or losing housing with a pet? There is help to keep them together.
RedRover Relief
Safe Escape grants: pet boarding for domestic violence survivors
916-429-2457
· Reviewed Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm Pacific
Animal Welfare Institute - Safe Havens for Pets
Directory of pet sheltering for domestic violence survivors and unhoused people
· Online 24/7
See the guide "Has a pet and no shelter will take them".
Service animals are allowed in most places. See the guide "Needs a disabled parking placard or has a service animal question".
More help like this
Has a pet and can't feed it or needs vet careUse when someone needs pet food, vet care, help keeping their pet while homeless or leaving abuse, or a safe place for the animal.Has a pet and no shelter will take themUse when someone has nowhere to sleep and will not go to a shelter because they would have to give up their dog, cat or other pet.Saw a bear, mountain lion, rattlesnake or other dangerous animalUse when someone meets a bear, mountain lion, rattlesnake, javelina or coyote in town, at a camp or on a trail, or one is getting into trash or near people.Bitten by a snake, dog or other animal, or stung by a scorpion or spiderUse after a rattlesnake bite, a dog, cat or wild animal bite, a bat contact, or a scorpion, black widow or brown recluse bite or sting.
See all guides in Food and basics →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.