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About Dixon Animal Protection Society (DAPS)

The Dixon Animal Protection Society (DAPS) has been dedicated to serving the community since 1981, officially becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1997. Our mission is to alleviate the overpopulation and suffering of animals in northern New Mexico. We focus particularly on areas that are underserved by local shelters, responding to numerous calls from isolated communities in the mountainous regions. Through our work, we aim to provide critical resources and support to ensure the well-being of animals in need.

Dr. Sally Brandt, Arroyo Seco Animal Hospital, holding Tiny Tim, our miracle kitten.

Dr. Sally Brandt, Arroyo Seco Animal Hospital, holding Tiny Tim, our miracle kitten.

DAPS Services

Dixon Animal Protection Society (DAPS) provides a variety of services to support animals and their human companions in northern New Mexico:

  • Discounted or Free Spay/Neuter Services: Although DAPS doesn’t generally cover spay/neuters, there are two free clinics in the area. For Rio Arriba County residents, we have the Española Humane Society: espanolahumane.org or 505-753-8662.

    In Taos County, we now have the Taos Feral Feline Friends spay/neuter clinic: Taosferalfelinefriends.tripod.com or 575-249-8549.

    Both clinics will also administer vaccines at no, or low, cost and microchip. We are so grateful for these services. Please take advantage of their offerings!
     

  • After Hours Emergencies: If you have an emergency after hours or on a weekend, there are two clinics in Santa Fe—Turquoise Trail Urgent Care and Mosaic Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital—and one, Roadrunner Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital, that is currently in Algodones and is moving to Albuquerque in March 2025.

    Turquoise Trail Urgent Care: turquoisetrailvet.com or 505-398-8398. Friday, Saturday and Sunday they are open 9 AM to 8 PM, walk-in or book an appointment online. Mondays and Tuesdays are by appointment only, 10 AM to 3 PM. Wednesdays and Thursdays they are closed.

    Mosaic Animal: mosaicanimal.com or 505-416-5840.
    Keep in mind Mosaic Animal is a 24/7 emergency clinic and they are priced accordingly. If you have a life and death situation, they are absolutely your best bet.

    Roadrunner Veterinary: roadrunnerveter.com or 505-384-6420. Be aware that Roadrunner Veterinary is currently in Algodones and is moving to Albuquerque in March 2025. They are a 24/7 emergency clinic and, while they’re farther away than Mosaic, they are less expensive.
     

  • Emergency Veterinary Care Funding: We provide financial assistance for emergency veterinary care for injured animals, both those we rescue and those owned by local families. To receive this help, the pet owner must agree to have their animal spayed or neutered.

  • Food and Shelter Assistance: DAPS provides dog and cat food, as well as dog houses, for families who are unable to afford these basic necessities for their companions.

  • 24-Hour Hotline: Our hotline offers advice and assistance for pet-related emergencies, available at any time of day or night.

  • Fencing and Kennels for Chained Dogs: When possible, we provide fencing and kennels to replace chains, advocating for the end of the inhumane practice of chaining dogs. (We are also actively working toward legislation to prevent this cruel treatment.)

  • Shot Clinics: In response to the geographic isolation of our community, we organize shot clinics in Dixon, as funding allows, to ensure that pets in the area receive vaccinations and essential care. (Access to a vet or shelter is typically at least 30 miles away, and many pet owners are unable to travel.)

  • Humane Education: DAPS is committed to educating the public about humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.

  • Sanctuary for Non-Adoptable Animals: We do our best to provide a lifelong sanctuary for dogs and cats who are not adoptable due to injury, abuse, or medical issues, offering them a safe, loving environment for the rest of their lives.

  • Collaboration with Other Organizations: DAPS works closely with other animal rescue groups, shelters, and organizations to share resources, promote adoptions, and support one another’s efforts.

  • Volunteer-Run Operations: The majority of DAPS’ work is carried out by volunteers, with local teens and occasional helpers serving as the only paid staff. All funds raised by DAPS go directly toward supporting animals and their families, ensuring that as much help as possible is provided to those in need.

Join Our DAPS Mission

Are you passionate about animal welfare? Join DAPS in our mission to make a difference in the lives of animals. Whether it's volunteering at our shelter, fostering animals, or participating in community events, there are numerous ways to get involved and contribute to supporting the animals and their human companions of northern New Mexico.

Baby Girl, microchip miracle and successful DAPS adoption story.

Contact DAPS

For more information, reach out

DAPS Logo

DAPS & Medical Emergencies:

If you have an emergency that requires immediate care and you require financial assistance call DAPS at 505-579-9628 or call/text 505-699-0334.

 

If you have an emergency after hours or on a weekend, there are two clinics in Santa Fe—Turquoise Trail Urgent Care505-398-8398, and Mosaic Animal, 505-416-5840—and one in Algodones, Roadrunner Veterinary, 505-384-6420. If you have a life and death situation, Mosaic or Roadrunner are absolutely your best bet.

For questions, suggestions, to make an appointment, or for other assistance, please fill out the CONTACT DAPS form or email info@daps-nm.org. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

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© 2025 by the Dixon Animal Protection Society, a registered 501(c)3 volunteer run organization. Powered and secured by Wix

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