Companion Animal Rescue Effort (CARE)

What is CARE?

APNM’s Companion Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) is a network of safe havens for the animals of domestic violence victims in New Mexico. CARE empowers individuals to leave abusive home environments by providing safe, confidential, temporary housing for dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, equines, and other companion animals. We rely on a network of government agencies, private agencies, veterinary clinics, boarding kennels, and private individuals. All participants are kept confidential.

For clients who self-identify as a person with a disability that affects the ability to communicate, access or manipulate written materials (or who requests an auxiliary aid or service), APNM staff will consult with the individual and provide necessary aids or services to ensure effective communication in particular situations.

If you are a domestic violence victim concerned for the safety of your companion animal(s):

• Gather materials to establish ownership of your animal(s). Obtain a license, vaccination records, and/or veterinary receipts in your name. Keep photographs of you with your animal(s).
• When contacting a domestic violence service provider in New Mexico, let them know you are concerned for the safety of your animal(s). Service providers have access to the CARE program and we can help obtain a safe place for your animal until you are able to relocate. You do not have to leave your animal(s) behind.

Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence in New Mexico

• 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.
• Children, Youth & Families Department – Domestic Violence Resources: 1-800-797-3260
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224
• New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence | Provider Map

What Can You Do To Help Animals of Domestic Violence Victims?

• Foster Home – provide a temporary home for animals (1-90 days)
• Boarding Facility – provide temporary housing for animals (up to 90 days)
• Veterinary Clinic – provide veterinary services and/or temporary boarding
• Transport Volunteer – provide transport services for animals

Help expand our capacity to meet this critical need across the state. Please share this information with other compassionate individuals and businesses

With your support, both human and animal victims of domestic violence will have greater access to the services they need to find a safe haven and a fresh start!

Information for Domestic Violence Service Providers

For resource referrals in your community or to assist a client with emergency care and housing for her (or his) animal/s, please email care@apnm.org  or call the CARE Helpline at (505) 533-CARE or (505) 533-2273.

APNM provides information about the CARE program and information concerning the link between domestic violence and animal abuse to law enforcement officials, service providers, and concerned citizens. CARE brochures are available in English or Spanish. If you would like brochures to be mailed, please email care@apnm.org or call (505) 533-CARE or (505) 533-2273.

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:

• National Website for Pet Friendly Hotels
• Pet Friendly Hotels in New Mexico
• Pet Friendly Hotel Chains

Articles

• CARE fosters animals trapped in troubled home situations
• True Stories of Two Domestic Violence Survivors
• CARE Hotline and Network: Bringing Relief in Real Time
• CARE Network Saves Lives
• Safe Haven for Sophie
• Bill seeks $300,000 to aid abuse victims with animals
• State Funding Secured by Senator Nancy Rodriguez
• The Abuse of Animals and Domestic Violence: A National Survey of Shelters for Women Who are Battered
• The Link Between Animal and Human Abuse