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.
1Listen first
You can say"Your pet is family. Let's find a way to keep you both safe."
You can ask"What kind of animal is it? Is it healthy, fed and up to date on shots?"
You can ask"Is it a service animal that is trained to do a task for you?"
2Ask the shelters about pets
SPIN (Supporting People In Need)
Seasonal Overnight Shelter (SOS)
575-956-6131
610 N. Silver St. (cul-de-sac at 7th St. and Gold, behind the public works yard), Silver City · Usually opens December 1, every night from 5:00 pm. May be open more of the year: SPIN reported 3,900 bed nights in one quarter of 2025. Call to check.
Silver City Street Outreach
Street outreach and drop-in center
575-519-5810
215 W. College Ave., Silver City · Daily, about 10:00am-4:00pm, depending on volunteers (call to confirm)
Mesilla Valley Community of Hope
Camp Hope tent community
(575) 523-2219
999 W Amador Ave, Las Cruces · Call to confirm
Animal Welfare Institute - Safe Havens for Pets
Directory of pet sheltering for domestic violence survivors and unhoused people
· Online 24/7
3If they are leaving abuse
El Refugio
El Refugio 24-hour crisis hotline (local DV shelter)
575-538-2125
Silver City (address shared by phone) · 24/7
RedRover Relief
Safe Escape grants: pet boarding for domestic violence survivors
916-429-2457
· Reviewed Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm Pacific
4A safe place for the pet for a short time
You can ask"Is there a friend or family member who could keep your pet for a few nights?"
Gila Animal Clinicnot yet confirmed: call first
Veterinary care and pet boarding
575-388-2581
2435 Hwy 180 E, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm; closed weekends (call to confirm)
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
5Food and care for the pet
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
Feeding Pets of the Homeless
Emergency vet care and pet food for people experiencing homelessness
775-841-7463
· Applications reviewed Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Pacific
Never leave a pet in a parked car. It can die from heat in minutes.
6Keep working on housing
New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness
Coordinated Entry (Balance of State)
505-217-9570
· Mon-Fri business hours
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.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
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.