Santa Fe & Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society guide to adopt a dog, cat or critter, check adoption fees, call the right extension, report a lost or found animal, use city/county animal-control routes, plan clinic appointments, and avoid arriving with the wrong expectations.
Fast rule: adoption viewings are open to the public 10am-5pm daily, with no adoption-viewing appointment needed. Lost/found help through the Animal Resource Center is separate and may be appointment-based.
Official-source checked
Last verified: August 30, 2026. This page uses Santa Fe Animal Shelter adoption, contact, clinic, found-animal, animal-control and guardian-assistance pages.
No fake doctor details
The official site lists Thaw Animal Hospital and a Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic, but no public veterinarian roster or walk-in doctor schedule was verified here.
Independent guide
Animal-Shelter.org is not Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, the City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, animal control, Thaw Animal Hospital or the clinic.
Clickable Santa Fe Animal Help Cards
Start with the correct route. Adoption, lost/found, guardian help, clinic appointments and animal-control enforcement use different phone numbers or offices.
Santa Fe Animal Shelter Adoption Hours and Visit Timing
The most important distinction: adoption viewings are public and daily, while ARC lost/found support is appointment-based and has a current Sunday closure notice.
| Service | Official listed timing | Visit rule | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption viewings | 10am-5pm daily | No appointment needed for adoption viewings. | Arrive early enough to meet pets, ask questions and complete paperwork. |
| Adoption counselor phone | 10am-6pm daily | High call volume may delay return calls. | Call if you are driving for one specific animal. |
| Animal Resource Center | Phone hours listed 9am-5pm | Lost/found by appointment only. | Use ext. 1606 for lost/found, CASA, surrender or StrayCation questions. |
| ARC Sunday notice | Current site notice says ARC is closed Sundays until further notice. | Adoption Center remains open daily 10am-5pm. | Do not assume ARC walk-in help on Sunday. |
| Holiday/weather changes | Special-hours pages may apply. | Hours can change for weather, staffing or events. | Call before a long drive. |
Who to Call First: Shelter, ARC, City or County
Santa Fe searches mix humane-society services with enforcement. The shelter supports animal services, but it is not the enforcement agency.
| Need | First contact | Use for | What to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | Adoption ext. 1610 | Availability, adoption form, first-come process, same-day readiness. | “Is this pet still available and what should I bring today?” |
| Lost/found, CASA, surrender support | ARC ext. 1606 | Lost/found by appointment, guardian assistance, StrayCation and surrender discussion. | “Should I come in, send photos, or start a form first?” |
| City animal violation | City non-emergency dispatch 505-428-3710 or 505-955-2700 | Vicious or stray animals, nuisance complaints, cruelty/neglect reports and injured/ill animals inside city route. | “This happened at [address] inside city limits.” |
| City licensing | City Animal Services 505-955-2708 | City cat/dog license questions. | “I live inside city limits and need licensing instructions.” |
| County animal services | County office 505-428-3720 | County animal-control questions outside city jurisdiction. | “This is in Santa Fe County, outside city limits.” |
| Immediate danger | 911 | Immediate human safety emergencies. | Use emergency help first. |
Adoption Micro-Steps: How to Avoid a Wasted Trip
Santa Fe Animal Shelter says matchmaking is part of the process and that adoptions are first come, first served. It also says pets cannot be held.
Check current pet listings first
Open the official dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, critters or Adopt-a-Pet/Home-to-Home listings. Screenshot the pet name and details.
Confirm if driving for one animal
Some animals shown online may already be claimed. Call adoption ext. 1610 if your trip depends on one specific pet.
Prepare to take the pet home same day
The shelter says adopters should be completely prepared because it does not hold animals.
Submit or bring the adoption form
Download the official adoption form, send it to adoptions@sfhumanesociety.org, or bring the printed form to the Adoptions lobby.
Plan vet care before adoption
The shelter strongly encourages establishing veterinary care before bringing a new pet home because of the nationwide veterinary-care crisis.
Ask about post-adoption support
Dog adopters get one free week of GoodPup training and a lifetime discount on future activity; adopters can also use Maddie’s Pet Assistant resources.
Santa Fe Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
These are the official listed fee categories from the adoption page. Shelter Heroes, promotions and required licensing fees may change the amount you pay.
| Animal type | Listed fee | Important note | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult cats | $100 | Standard adult cat category. | Ask about litter habits, social level and other-cat history. |
| Senior cats over 9 years old | $9 | Senior category. | Ask about medical monitoring, food and quiet-room setup. |
| Kittens | $150* | May exclude Shelter Heroes. | Ask about vaccine timing and kitten-proofing. |
| Quirky kittens | $50 | Special kitten category. | Ask what “quirky” means for that kitten’s care. |
| Adult dogs | $100* | May exclude Shelter Heroes. | Ask about energy, training, dog-to-dog fit and GoodPup support. |
| Senior dogs over 6 years old | $50* | Senior dog category. | Ask about joints, medications, heartworm status and stairs. |
| Puppies | $150* | May exclude Shelter Heroes. | Ask about vaccines, spay/neuter status and training needs. |
| Rabbits and ferrets | $40 | Small companion animals. | Ask about enclosure, diet, handling and vet care. |
| Guinea pigs | $30 | Small pet category. | Ask about housing, bedding, diet and social needs. |
| Small rodents | $5 | Smallest listed category. | Ask about species-specific housing and handling. |
Lost or Found Animal in Santa Fe
For found animals, the shelter urges people to try quick reunification first when safe. Most stray dogs are found close to home, and a microchip scan can sometimes reunite them quickly.
If your pet is lost
- Call the shelter main line and ARC extension if appropriate.
- Check official found-pet listings repeatedly; new animals can appear later.
- Contact city or county animal services depending on where the pet was lost.
- Post a clear photo, last-seen location, date/time and safe contact method.
- Use neighborhood groups, Nextdoor, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost and flyers.
- Update microchip contact information immediately.
- Visit in person if possible because descriptions and photos can be misleading.
If you found an animal
- Check visible ID tags and call the guardian if listed.
- Have the animal scanned for a microchip at a local veterinary clinic if safe.
- Make a simple flyer and post it around the neighborhood where the animal was found.
- Post a photo, description and found location on social media, Nextdoor and Santa Fe lost/found groups.
- Post found photos on Petco Love Lost or PawBoost when appropriate.
- For safe temporary care, ask ARC about the StrayCation Program.
- If you still need assistance, city and county Animal Services contract with the shelter for lost/stray intake.
Reclaim Preparation: What to Bring and Ask
Reclaim rules and costs can vary by animal-control route, medical needs, license status and jurisdiction. Prepare documents before you go.
Bring ownership proof
Prepare photo ID, pet photos, microchip number, license tag, rabies certificate, vet records and adoption papers.
Ask the right office
Ask whether the pet came through shelter intake, City Animal Services or County Animal Services, then follow that reclaim route.
Ask total charges
Before driving, ask about reclaim, boarding, medical, quarantine, microchip, vaccination, license or citation-related fees.
City and County Animal Control: Do Not Call the Wrong Route
Santa Fe Animal Shelter supports animal services by sheltering, medically caring for and rehoming animals, but it is not the enforcement agency.
| Route | Contact | Use for | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Animal Services office | 505-955-2708 | City animal-services questions and city cat/dog licensing. | Listed office hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. |
| City non-emergency dispatch | 505-428-3710 or 505-955-2700 | Reporting city animal violations, vicious/stray animals, nuisance, cruelty/neglect, injured or ill animals. | Urgent public-safety calls take priority. |
| County Animal Services | 505-428-3720 | County animal-services route outside city jurisdiction. | County hours are listed as 9am-5pm, 7 days a week, but staffing/officer availability may affect operations. |
| County licensing | County dog license route | Dogs require a license in Santa Fe County. | Use the county’s DocuPet link from official resources. |
| Wildlife | NM Department of Game & Fish / wildlife resources | Wildlife calls are handled through wildlife agencies, not standard companion-animal adoption. | Do not handle dangerous wildlife yourself. |
Guardian Assistance, Rehoming and Owner Surrender
Santa Fe Animal Shelter encourages alternatives before surrender whenever possible. If surrender is the only option, start with ARC instead of arriving without a plan.
CASA guardian help
CASA may help Santa Fe city or county residents. The official page lists 505-983-4309 ext. 1606 and casa@sfhumanesociety.org.
Try rehoming first
The shelter recommends Home to Home, Nextdoor, social posts, local pet groups, and personal networks before surrender when safe.
Call before surrender
If no other alternative exists, call ARC at ext. 1606 to discuss needs, resources, availability and intake timing.
Thaw Animal Hospital and Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic
This section answers the “doctor available?” intent safely. The shelter lists veterinary facilities and appointment routes, but not a public walk-in doctor schedule or individual veterinarian timetable.
| Service | Official contact / hours | Use for | Ask before you go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thaw Animal Hospital | 505-983-2755; by appointment only; Monday-Friday 8am-6pm. | Full-service veterinary clinic route through the shelter’s contact page. | Ask if they are taking new clients, available appointment dates and estimated costs. |
| Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic | Text 505-474-6422; Tuesday-Friday 7am-5pm. | Spay/neuter, vaccines, microchips and wellness services by appointment. | Ask for current deposit, total cost, curbside check-in and document requirements. |
| Spay/neuter surgeries | Performed Tuesday-Thursday by appointment. | Low-cost surgeries at 2570-B Camino Entrada. | Ask about fasting, pickup time, cancellation policy and recovery instructions. |
| Vaccine clinic | Every Friday according to the contact page. | Vaccines, testing and microchips. | Confirm same-week availability by text before driving. |
Community Cats: TNR Drop-Off Rules
Santa Fe city and county residents have a specific community-cat route through the Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic.
Drop-off days
Community cats may be brought before 10am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only.
Trap setup
Each cat must be in a secure trap, covered with a sheet or towel, with only one cat per trap.
Included care
The cats are spayed/neutered, ear-tipped, vaccinated, microchipped and treated for fleas for free, with limits.
Parking, Arrival and Visit Planning
The official pages verify the campus address, but they do not publish a detailed parking-fee table, parking-space count or accessible-parking map in the sources checked here. This guide avoids fake parking claims.
Use the verified address
Navigate to 100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507. Use live navigation for road conditions and campus entry.
Arrive earlier than closing
Adoption viewings are listed until 5pm, but pet matching, questions, forms and transport planning take time.
Bring safe transport
Use a carrier for cats/critters and a secure leash/collar for dogs. Do not leave animals or children in a vehicle.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, ID, adoption form, payment method, leash/carrier, landlord approval if renting.
Photo, microchip number, collar/tag details, last-seen location, ARC call plan.
Photo, found location, microchip scan, social post, ARC/animal-control route.
Appointment confirmation, deposit/payment, pet records, curbside check-in instructions.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this animal still available, and what should I bring if I come today to adopt?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been brought in or reported?Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/critter] near [exact location]. It is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I try reunification, StrayCation, ARC, city animal services or county animal services?Surrender / guardian help
Hi, I need help keeping or rehoming my pet. I live in [city/county], and I have vet records and behavior details. What resources or intake options are available?Map: Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society
Use this map for route planning. Confirm the correct route by phone if you are going for lost/found, ARC, surrender, clinic services or animal-control support.
Related Animal-Shelter.org Guide
This same-site page is already live and relevant for broader Santa Fe shelter intent. Use official links above for final live hours, fees and pet availability.
Official Santa Fe Shelter and Animal-Control Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live animal listings, forms, current hours, clinic appointments, lost/found, licensing and final verification.
Santa Fe Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the Santa Fe Animal Shelter phone number?
The main Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society phone number is 505-983-4309. The adoption extension is 1610.
Where is Santa Fe Animal Shelter located?
Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society is located at 100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507.
What are Santa Fe Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The official adoption page lists adoption viewings as open to the public from 10am to 5pm daily, with no appointment needed for adoption viewings.
Do I need an appointment to adopt from Santa Fe Animal Shelter?
The adoption page says adoption viewings are open to the public and no appointment is needed. Lost/found support through the Animal Resource Center is separate and by appointment only.
How much are adult dog and cat adoption fees?
The official adoption page lists adult dogs at $100 and adult cats at $100, with exceptions such as Shelter Heroes, promotions and required licensing fees.
How much are puppies and kittens?
The official adoption page lists puppies at $150 and kittens at $150, with starred notes excluding Shelter Heroes and not including required licensing fees.
Does Santa Fe Animal Shelter hold animals for adopters?
No. The adoption page says animals are not held and adoptions are first come, first served, so adopters should be prepared to take the pet home the same day.
Who do I call for lost and found animal help?
Use the Animal Resource Center at 505-983-4309 ext. 1606 for lost/found and guardian-assistance questions. For city or county animal-services issues, use the proper city or county animal-control route.
Who handles animal-control enforcement in Santa Fe?
City Animal Services handles city animal-services issues, with non-emergency dispatch listed as 505-428-3710 or 505-955-2700. County animal-control questions use the county route, including 505-428-3720.
Does the shelter have veterinary services?
Yes. The contact page lists Thaw Animal Hospital by appointment only at 505-983-2755 and the Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic by appointment only at 505-474-6422. No public individual doctor timetable was verified for this article.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.