Companion Animal Rescue Effort (CARE)

The CARE program provides financial assistance through mini grants covering expenses for veterinary care and safe boarding of companion animals for people escaping domestic violence.

Our program parameters have changed, please read all information before applying.

Advocates may apply for companion animal boarding and veterinary mini grants on behalf of their clients here.

Potential grantees may complete waiver and release here.

For other resources, please click here.

All applications are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions, concerns, or special circumstances you’d like to discuss please don’t hesitate to call our helpline at (505) 533-CARE (2273).

The CARE helpline is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The helpline is unavailable on Federal holidays.

Eligibility requirements for potential grantees:

• Must be living in the state of New Mexico.
• Must be seeking safer housing due to domestic violence.
• Must be working with a domestic violence shelter or other advocacy provider, advocate must complete application form.
• Must provide advocate with contact information and companion animal information.
• Must authorize a release of information agreement between the shelter/advocacy agency and the CARE program.
• Must be willing to provide proof of sterilization or agree to spay/neuter procedure for their companion animal(s), financial assistance available.
• Must sign the completed application.

Client advocate responsibilities:

• Must complete and sign application with advocate info, grantee info, and waiver.
• Must help arrange boarding and/or veterinary services (CARE staff can provide a list of facilities in your area if needed.)
• Must obtain permission from the grantee to release information to the CARE program. The release of information agreement must cover the grantee’s entire time of receiving advocacy services. The CARE program must be able to be told if the grantee is still receiving advocacy services.
• Must provide updates on the grantee’s situation if requested by the CARE program.

What the CARE program can and cannot provide for grantees:

• The CARE program can cover the cost of boarding for up to 4 animals for 30 days at a time. After 30 days, the advocate must contact the CARE program to request an extension. Extensions can be provided to cover payment for up to a total of 90 days.
• The CARE program will cover the cost of some types of veterinary care, including vaccinations required to enter boarding, spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, and wellness exams. Other medical expenses may be covered on a case-by-case basis. The CARE program cannot pay for treatment for ongoing conditions (such as treatment for diabetes, or chemotherapy.)
• The CARE program will cover the cost of some types of veterinary care, including vaccinations required to enter boarding, spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, and wellness exams. Other medical expenses may be covered on a case-by-case basis. The CARE program cannot pay for any previous medical expenses, or treatment for ongoing conditions (such as treatment for diabetes, or chemotherapy.)

Additional Resources and Information

Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence in New Mexico

1. APNM’s CARE Program: If you need help call the CARE Helpline at (505) 533-CARE or (505) 533-2273 or email care@apnm.org.
2. Children, Youth & Families Department – Domestic Violence Resources: 1-800-797-3260
3. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224
4. New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence | Provider Map

Other Resources 

• RedRover Relief: assistance for domestic violence victims seeking safety with their pets.
• How to create an Emergency Kit for your animals.

Pet-Friendly Hotels

1. National Website for Pet Friendly Hotels
2. Pet Friendly Hotels in New Mexico
3. Pet Friendly Hotel Chains 

Questions? Please contact us!

Helpline: (505) 533-CARE (2273)

Email: CARE@apnm.org

CARE program manager – (505) 660-1706

CARE program director – (505) 933-0572

CARE program associate – (505) 850-3661