Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: Felines & Friends New Mexico works with the Santa Fe, Espanola and Los Alamos animal shelters and residents by accepting special needs cats, such as kittens which are too young for placement or which need to be socialized, and adults who have health or behavioral issues. . . most of which can be resolved with loving attention and time.

Results: Over 4,000 cats have found homes through Felines & Friends

Target demographics: companion animals in need of a second chance

Direct beneficiaries per year: over 200 cats

Geographic areas served: Northern New Mexico

Programs: --- Transfers from Santa Fe, Espanola and Los Alamos Animal Shelters: Felines & Friends accepts cats from these open admission shelters which are in need of a “second chance”. Some simply need time to adjust to the loss of their home; some are deemed too young or too old for placement; some need additional health care or socialization; others are FIV+ or FELV+ and are generally euthanized at regular shelters. As a founding member of the Companion Animal Alliance of Northern New Mexico, Felines & Friends has enjoyed a long-term relationship with area shelters which has resulted in the placement of hundreds of cats which might otherwise have been euthanized. During the summer months, Felines & Friends is active in the rescue of kittens born to feral mothers. As soon as the kittens can be weaned, the mother cats are sterilized and returned to their colonies which are managed by members of the community. Vet care and supplies are the two largest expenses for Felines & Friends. The average cost of rescue is close to $300.With an adoption fee of only $100, the shortfall is made up from proceeds of the annual fundraiser, individual donors and grants. However, as a “second chance” organization, each year Felines & Friends covers the cost of extraordinary surgeries such as bone pins, amputations and other life-saving procedures, the cost of which far exceeds the average of $300.---Intakes from Individuals: Felines & Friends accepts cats from individuals who cannot care for their pet cats any longer due to health or financial reasons and the cats are not likely to find homes through an area shelter. There is no mandatory fee charged to accept such cats, but a donation is requested which most individuals are able to make. ---Godpurrent Program: Special needs and elderly cats are placed with low/fixed income individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford the company of a pet. This program is partially funded by supporters who make automatic monthly donations via PayPal on the Felines & Friends website as well as one-time donors. ---Pets are Family Too: Funded by grants, cats belonging to people faced with emergencies are boarded for up to 3 months at Santa Fe Cats Luxury Boarding. Domestic violence, foreclosure and rehab are just some of the reasons Felines & Friends is contacted to help. ---Education: Felines & Friends educates pet owners about the importance of annual wellness exams by a vet; vaccinations; dental cleanings; that indoor pets live longer, healthier lives; that sterilization can often address behavioral issues and is healthier for the pet. No fee is charged for consultations. A variety of literature is also provided to pet owners in need of additional information.