A Guide to Pet Adoption
Find the right pet for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We have answers.
Volunteering
Do you love cats, dogs, and other pets? Then come join our cause…
READ MOREWhat is your commitment to saving lives?
Ark-Valley Humane Society serves Chaffee County, Colorado as an open-admission shelter while maintaining a Live Release Rate for animals of 95% or above. AVHS is committed to saving the life of every healthy or treatable animal, including feral cats, under the care of the organization.
Do you offer any programs where I can get my pet spayed or neutered for no charge or at a discounted rate?
Yes, we do. To learn more and fill out an application, click here.
I need to report a lost or found pet. What should I do?
My pet just passed away. Do you offer pet cremation services?
Yes we do. To learn more, please visit our pet crematory page.
There are feral cats lingering around my property and I’m not sure what to do about them. Can AVHS help with this?
Absolutely! To learn more about our community programs, please visit our programs page.
If I witness an inhumane act being done to a pet, what should I do?
Ark-Valley Humane Society is not animal control. Please call your local police authority to help with the situation.
What is a microchip and can I get one for my pet at the Ark-Valley Humane Society?
A microchip is a small device implanted in your pet used to aid in the reuniting of owners with their pets. It is a minimally invasive procedure, very similar to giving your pet a vaccination. Currently over 7,000,000 pets in the United States have been microchipped. We are happy to microchip your pet for $25.00.
My pet was dropped off at AVHS. What do I need to do?
Please call the shelter at 719.395.2737 during business hours, Noon to 5:30PM daily, to schedule a time to pick up your pet.
Is there a fee to surrender my pet to Ark-Valley Humane Society?
A surrender fee of $40 per dog (or litter of puppies) or $30 per cat (or litter of kittens) is requested at the time of surrender. If you cannot afford the surrender fee, please discuss this with an AVHS staff member.
Out-of-county surrender fees are $100 per animal (or litter).
To learn more about surrendering your pet, click here.
What donations are you currently accepting?
Donations are always welcome! To see a complete list of current donation items needed, check out our Amazon Wishlist or visit our donation page.
I want to help AVHS but am unable to walk dogs or play with cats. Are there any other options for me?
Absolutely! If you are unable to volunteer at the shelter, there are plenty of ways to still help the shelter animals. You could foster an animal whether it be a litter of kittens or an unsocialized dog. Or we have a list of DIY projects you can do from home like baking dog treats or making cat toys! Please start by filling out a volunteer application here.
Does AVHS have a location in Salida?
Yes! We now have AVHS South located at 247 W HWY 50 in Salida (right next to Gone the Dogs). This is always accessible to law enforcement 24/7 for stray dog and cat drop-off and open to the public on Sundays 1:00-5:30pm June through August for cat adoptions, microchips, spay/neuter coupon assistance, a pet food pantry, Kitty Yoga and more! For additional question regarding AVHS South, call 719.395.2737.
10 hours ago BIG THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Cause for the Paws last night to support Ark-Valley Humane Society!! With over 170 guests, it was our biggest Cause for the Paws yet! Thank you to our sponsors & the #salidasteamplant for hosting! Thanks to Kalamatapit for the delicious food and Two Weeks in Fiji for the great music! Stay tuned for our announcement on the open house for our new addition
1 day ago We’re here setting up for Cause for the Paws! Hope to see you tonight at 5pm at the #salidasteamplant !
2 days ago Will we see you at #causeforthepaws tomorrow at the #salidasteamplant ?! Come out and enjoy live music by Two weeks in Fiji, delicious food by Kalamatapit, drinks, dancing, games and more all while supporting the lifesaving work of Ark-Valley Humane Society! Pick up your tickets today at the reduced price of $15! (Stop by AVHS, Salida Steamplant, BV or Salida Chamber of Commerce, or Free the Monkey!) or get them at the door for $20! Hope to see you there!
3 days ago Bubba is ready for Halloween! He’s got his costume & beautiful smile, now all that’s missing is the perfect family to spend it with! #adoptdontshop #adoptme #shelterdog #shelterdogsofinstagram #avhs #adoptionsaveslives
3 days ago Sweet Pumpkin is still patiently waiting for her perfect family! This sweet dog gets along with other dogs and LOVES to play! She needs a family that will help teach her good doggy manners, and she’ll repay you with a million kisses! Come meet her today! #adoptdontshop #pumpkin #dogsofinstagram #shelterdogsofinstagram #shelterdogs #avhs #rescuedogsofinstagram
4 days ago Cause for the Paws is THIS FRIDAY!! Hope to see you at our biggest fundraiser of the year! Come out and play one of our great fundraising games, enjoy live music, delicious food and great company! #causeforthepaws #events #avhs
1 week ago Anyone looking for an absolute Casanova? Sylvester is your guy! How could you say no to those beautiful green eyes? (Swipe to see ) #catsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #adoptionsaveslives #avhs #sheltercat
2 weeks ago Will you be at our 5th annual Cause for the Paws?! We’ll have live music, delicious food catered by Kalamata Pit, awesome fundraising games and more! Pick up your tickets at Free the Monkey (BV or Salida), BV or Salida Chamber of Commerce, the Salida SteamPlant, or AVHS!
