Helping pets stay home

Katherine Barit’s dog Tristian is more than just a companion. He’s family. 

The 74-year-old Doña Ana County resident has cared for her Welsh Terrier since he was a puppy. Now 11 years old and blind due to a genetic condition, Tristian requires ongoing veterinary care and medication. For Barit, who lives on a fixed income, those costs can quicly add up. 

That’s where the Doña Ana County Humane Society stepped in. 

Through the organization’s Animal Relief Fund, Barit has received assistance covering veterinary costs and medications for Tristian — support she says has made a significant difference in both her life and her dog’s. 

“It's a lot less stress,” Barit said. “When you have unexpected bills for your pet, knowing there’s assistance helps relieve a lot of anxiety.” 

The Animal Relief Fund is the Humane Society’s largest program, designed to help low-income pet owners afford veterinary care. According to Sarah Kurtz, executive director of the Doña Ana County Humane Society, the program distributes vouchers that can be used for vaccinations, medical care, and prescription medications.  

The goal, she said, is simple: keep pets with people in great homes.  

“We’re trying to keep pets in their loving homes with their people, so they don’t have to surrender them,” Kurtz said.  

Last year alone, the Humane Society distributed more than $167,000 in veterinary care vouchers through the Animal Relief Fund. Overall, the organization estimates that about 350 to 400 animals received assistance through its programs.  

Many pet owners only learn about the program when they face a veterinary emergency and are unsure how they will pay the bill.  

“A lot of the time, people don’t even know about our program until they’re at the vet,” Kurtz said.  

In addition to the Animal Relief Fund, the Humane Society operates two other programs designed to help animals and their owners across Doña Ana County. 

The Ruff to Ready program provides training sessions for newly adopted dogs, helping owners address behavioral issues and reduce the chances that pets will be returned to overcrowded shelters.  

The Pets for Seniors program helps older residents adopt companion animals by offering discounted adoption fees for people age 60 and older.  

Kurtz said the programs fill important gaps in the community by supporting pet owners who might otherwise struggle to keep their animals. 

“These are family pets,” she said. “We’re doing our best to help people keep them.” 

The Humane Society will host its upcoming “Luck of the Paws” weekend fundraiser March 21–22, featuring the Clover Toss cornhole tournament at Icebox Brewery and the Clover Dash run-walk event at Young Park.  The events raise funds to support the Humane Society’s programs and continue helping pet owners across the city.

For Barit, the assistance has meant she can continue caring for Tristian without sacrificing the quality of care he needs. Programs like the Animal Relief Fund, she said, make a difference for people who love their pets but need a little help along the way.