Where to Find Pet Care and Animal Support Across the Western Slope

Caring for pets in Western Colorado often extends beyond routine vet visits and daily walks. Families may face sudden medical expenses, temporary housing transitions, or challenges supporting outdoor cat colonies.

The Grand Valley and broader Western Slope have a strong network of organizations that offer practical and compassionate help for both pets and their people.

Our new Pet Care and Animal Support directory brings these resources together in one place. Here is a brief overview of what you will find inside.

🐶 Shelters and Adoption Services

Local shelters form the foundation of animal welfare in the region. Roice-Hurst Humane Society provides adoption services, fostering opportunities, temporary boarding for families in crisis, and low-cost veterinary clinics. Grand Rivers Humane Society and Animal Rescue of the Rockies expand rescue and foster capacity and help reduce shelter overcrowding. These groups also work with community partners to promote responsible pet care and education.

🧡 Low-Cost Veterinary Care and Spay Neuter Programs

Affordable veterinary care is essential for keeping pets healthy and housed. Mesa County Animal Services and Grand Valley Pets Alive offer voucher programs that reduce the cost of spay and neuter services. When combined, these vouchers often fully cover cat neuters and significantly reduce the cost of other surgeries. Roice-Hurst hosts periodic low-cost clinics, and Animal Birth Control provides ongoing low-cost spay and neuter appointments for dogs and cats.

🐱 TNR and Community Cat Support

Trap Neuter Return programs are a humane and effective way to stabilize outdoor cat populations. Grand Valley Pets Alive leads regional TNR efforts, offering traps, guidance, and access to surgeries and vaccinations for feral and community cats. These programs reduce the number of kittens born outdoors and improve the long-term health of neighborhood colonies.

💉 Vaccination Clinics, Pet Food Assistance and Recovery Boarding

Several organizations offer free or low-cost resources that help families care for their pets during difficult times. Barkley’s Hope provides a weekly free vaccination clinic, discounted rabies vouchers, and pet food distribution through community partners. Their recovery boarding program offers up to 90 days of safe housing for pets while owners access treatment or transitional services. Roice-Hurst operates a Pet Pantry that provides food and basic supplies to families in need.

🧡 Support for Unhoused Pet Owners

People experiencing homelessness often struggle to access veterinary care for their pets. Street Dog Coalition hosts free clinics throughout the year, offering vaccinations, wellness checks, and preventative care. Additional nationwide programs such as Pets of the Homeless provide financial assistance for emergency veterinary needs.

🚨 Animal Control, Lost Pets and Public Safety

When problems involve stray animals, bite incidents, or possible cruelty, local animal control agencies provide important assistance. The Grand Junction Police Department’s Animal Control Unit and Mesa County Animal Services respond to animal complaints and help reunite lost pets with their families. Their websites also include forms and guidance for reporting incidents safely.

🏡 Professional Pet Care Services

Local businesses also support pet well-being. Dog Dynasty Grand Junction offers grooming, daycare, boarding, training services, and a cat adoption café. These services provide enrichment, structure, and support for both pets and their owners.

💰 Emergency Veterinary Financial Aid

Unexpected veterinary emergencies can be overwhelming. Several organizations offer grants or financial support for treatable medical conditions. Bow Wow Buddies, Harley’s Hope Foundation, and other nonprofit programs help families access critical care when cost would otherwise prevent treatment.