The La Plata County Humane Society is a non-profit 501C3 organization that was established in 1973. The shelter is ran by a Board of Directors that consists of nine volunteers.

Are you a "no-kill" shelter?

No, but we are considered a "low-kill" shelter. We are obligated under city and county contracts to accept every animal that comes through our door, and when we get full and no foster options are available, animals are euthanized to make room for others.

What is euthanasia?

Euthanasia is a process wherein an animal is "put to sleep" in the most humane way possible. The animal is first anesthetized (sedated until asleep) and then a lethal injection is administered. This is all done according to the standards of the American Humane Association.

How much time do the animals get before they are euthanized?

This depends on many factors. We will only euthanize if an animal is vicious, has health issues that are too expensive for LPCHS, or if there is no space for incoming animals. Each animal is assessed for temperament, and if they are considered highly adoptable, they are last on the list for euthanasia.

How many animals can you house?

The shelter has a capacity to house 55 dogs and 45 cats (soon to be expanded with the building of a new facility).

Do you give or sell animals for research?

No, NEVER.  Unfortunately, some states have laws that require shelters to turn animals over to research after a designated amount of time.  Colorado has no such law, and we will fight it “tooth and nail” if it is ever proposed.

Are licenses required in La Plata County?

All dogs are required to be licensed in La Plata County. You can only get a license here at LPCHS by bringing in proof of rabies, and you must renew the license every year.

How do I report animal cruelty in La Plata County?

Call central dispatch at 970-385-2900 and ask them to contact an Animal Protection Officer.

How much of the budget is paid by my tax dollars?

LPCHS is primarily funded by the Thrift Store next door. Donations make up a large portion of the budget, and City and County contracts (funded by tax-payers money) make up 25 % of our budget.

We would first like you to call us so that we can offer some possible solutions other than bringing your pet to us.  You may be asked to check with friends and family, place a free ad in the Durango Herald, or post a sign on our bulletin board to try to locate a new home.  If the problem is fixable, we may have some ideas that would allow the pet to stay in your home.  We will also ask some questions to determine whether the animal will be considered safe and “adoptable.” 

In non-urgent situations, we may ask you to hold the animal until we have appropriate space available.  This does not happen often, but we hope that owners understand that, by waiting for space, they are giving their pet a better chance at adoption.

The surrender fee is $25.00 fee for a single animal (or $50.00 for a litter) and you should bring all veterinary records.  The fee helps (slightly) to offset the initial care that the pet will require before we can make it available for adoption.

What should I do if my pet passes away?

If you are interested in our private cremation or disposal services, please call the Humane Society so that we can give you instructions on bringing your pet to us.  We will tell you the appropriate fee based upon your animal’s weight.

I need financial assistance for my pet. Can you help?

We have an Emergency Medical Service fund to help citizens with the cost of emergency, necessary, NON-ROUTINE veterinary care. 

If you need assistance getting your pet spayed or neutered, there is a separate Free/Low-Income Spay/Neuter Fund. 

Please call the Humane Society for more information on either of these programs. 

I've got a lot of cats behind my house/business, can the shelter come pick up the cats?

Neither the Humane Society nor Animal Protection can come pick up cats.  The Humane Society provides live traps for rental at a cost of $5.00 per day plus a refundable $50.00 deposit.  Trapped cats can then be brought in to the Humane Society.  The cats will be evaluated for temperament and health and either be put up for adoption or euthanized (if they are feral or diseased).