Adoptions are the cornerstone of our efforts to see that animals are cared for over the long term. We promote adoptions by posting profiles and pictures of our animals on general adoption websites and by advertising in regional newspapers and on circulated flyers. Because many kindhearted people are reluctant to come to shelters, we also take adoptable animals to them: to malls and pet-oriented businesses, areas with lots of potential adopters who can meet the animals in fun settings.

Even with these efforts, it is difficult to place all our animals locally; Rio Arriba, our service area, is very large but sparsely populated and poor. This dilemma led us to develop our “Driving Doggies” program, through which we transfer animals (mainly puppies) to shelters in Colorado where there is a demand for our animals.

In 2006, Driving Doggies became our best adoption technique by placing 1,233 dogs and cats. Through creative and responsible means, our staff has managed to reach a 97% placement rate of adoptable animals, a highly regarded achievement.