Support Colorado’s Animal Shelters & Rescues

Colorado’s 347 licensed shelters and rescues took in over 173,000 animals in 2023. During that time, animal care and welfare organizations received less than 3% of all philanthropic giving.

Your support can have an immediate impact on these pressing animal welfare issues:

A shortage of veterinary resources and increasing costs, preventing owners and animal welfare organizations from accessing timely care for animals in need. 

Complex behavior issues causing more pets to be relinquished and increasing the length of stay for these pets in shelters or rescues. 

Housing insecurity, inability to afford mounting veterinary care costs, and other human-related issues driving overcapacity at shelters and rescues across Colorado.

a brown horse looking to the side with mountains in the background

Colorado shelters and rescues need our strong support to keep operating successfully. Each organization has unique needs, so reach out to learn how you can best support them, and here are some ideas of how you can help: 

1: Volunteer at your local shelter 

2: Foster pets from your local shelter 

3: Donate funds to your local shelter or rescue 

4: Adopt a local pet from a Colorado shelter or rescue!  

More ways to give

Purchase the Adopt a Shelter Pet License Plate

Colorado’s animal shelters rely on strong community support to thrive—and you can make a difference by purchasing the Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plate! Each plate sold helps provide shelter and rescue animals with essential veterinary care and increases their chances of finding their forever homes. Get your shelter pet plate at your local DMV today. 

Volunteer Board Service

Interested in joining the Board of Directors at an animal welfare organization? Consider reaching out to your local animal shelter to ask them about board service. Rural communities in Colorado have a particularly high need in this area. Feel free to reach out to us, and we would be glad to recommend organizations that may align with your interests and location. 

Donate Your State Income Tax Refund

To help pets access much-needed spay and neuter surgeries, please consider donating via your state income tax refund to the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund (CPOF). Indicate the desired donation amount on the Voluntary Contributions Schedule or ask you tax preparer to assist you. Your donation will be tax-deductible and is a wonderful way to help Colorado pets. 

Planned Giving & Legacy Gifts

If you are considering including a Colorado animal welfare organization in your estate planning but don’t know which organizations could benefit the most, please contact us. We can provide recommendations for organizations that align with your interests and geographic preferences.

Partner Stories

  • A collage of a dog named Girlie drinking water and getting healthy

    D-SNiP

    "Six months ago, 'Girlie' came to us emaciated and near death. DSNIP had been called about a street dog locals had been feeding for a year. She’d had two litters, but no one knew what happened to her puppies. After disappearing for two weeks, she reappeared, skin and bones, likely from a rattlesnake bite that left her unable to eat. Our team donated time and resources to nurse her back to health. Her caregiver, Kai, took her home to continue her care until she was ready to be spayed. When Girlie returned for surgery, she was unrecognizable—healthy, happy, and 18 pounds heavier. Kai officially adopted her, and she now rules the sofa with his other dogs. Thank you to AAF for funding DSNIP so we can continue helping animals like Girlie."

    D-SNiP in Durango

  • A 3 year old Catahoula Leopard mix at Colorado Animal Rescue

    Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E)

    "Guppy is a 3 yr old Catahoula Leopard mix who came to C.A.R.E. from Roice-Hurst Humane Society. He was 1 of 12 dogs brought to them due to a neglect case. When they reached out to us asking for support, we were happy to help! Guppy was shy upon arrival, but our Canine Team worked with him to overcome his fears. He quickly opened his heart to our staff and anyone he met. After receiving a clean bill of health from our Vet Team, Guppy found his forever family just 13 days after coming to C.A.R.E.!"

    C.A.R.E in Glenwood Springs

  • Journey Home Animal Care Center

    “Oracle was found by a Good Samaritan, they noticed she was injured and rushed her to the ER. Her leg was severely infected and needed amputation. The Good Samaritan contacted us, and we immediately agreed to help. Our vet team performed a partial amputation after removing maggots and diseased tissue. Though a second surgery was planned, Oracle healed remarkably well and didn’t require it. She thrived, even helping another injured kitten, and was adopted by her foster family in October.”

    Journey Home Animal Care Center