Operation
Meow

Fix, Feed, and Fiercely
Love our Community Cats

At Santa Fe Animal Shelter, we believe the strongest impact comes from working together. That is why we are proud to join Española Humane and Felines & Friends New Mexico in launching Operation Meow, a collaborative effort dedicated to supporting the unsung heroes who care for community cat colonies across Northern New Mexico.

Every day, locals provide food, water, and compassion to community cats. Many even pay for supplies themselves to keep these cats healthy and safe. Operation Meow was created to ease that burden by collecting and distributing donated cat food directly to the people on the frontlines of care.

Community cats are part of the fabric of Northern New Mexico, and the individuals who nurture them are true everyday heroes. Through Operation Meow, we can stand beside them, ensuring both cats and caretakers receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

Together, we can make sure our community cats have the care and the kibble needed to thrive.

 How You Can Support?

  • Can’t make it to one of our drop off locations? Shop directly from our Amazon wish list!
  • Drop off your donations at one of the following collection sites:
    • Santa Fe Animal Shelter’s Cat Resale Store on Camino Entrada: 2570 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, NM
    • Española Humane (Española): 108 Hamm Pkwy, Española, NM
    • Felines & Friends NM: 154 Tano Rd [screened porch on lower level
  • Know of a neighborhood that could benefit from community cat food donations? Fill out THIS FORM to inquire. 

FAQs

Operation Meow is a project-based collaboration between Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Española Humane, and Felines & Friends. Together, we’re working to support cats in Northern New Mexico through shared resources, aligned missions, and coordinated efforts.

It depends on the project. Our first effort focuses on supporting community cat caregivers by providing essential supplies like food, shelters, and medical items. These resources help caregivers continue their vital work keeping community cats safe and healthy. Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Española Humane, and Felines & Friends are currently only serving their direct communities for this project. 

 There are no strict requirements, just submit an application. A digital version will be available, and print copies can be requested by contacting jroach@sfhumanesociety.org

A digital version is available HERE, and print copies can be requested by contacting jroach@sfhumanesociety.org

  • Please fill out an application HERE. Once you’ve done so, someone from one of the 3 organizations will reach out to you within 5 business days to schedule a pick up. Your pick up location will depend on your zip code. We recommend calling ahead to confirm your pickup time and ensure supplies are available!
  • Santa Fe Animal Shelter’s Cat Resale Store on Camino Entrada
    • 2570 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, NM 87507
    • Pickup Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11 – 4
  • Española Humane
    • 108 Hamm Parkway, Española, NM 87532
    • Pickup Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Felines & Friends NM: 154 Tano Rd [screened porch on lower level

Please contact F&F’s Operations Manager directly to arrange pickup: Lye Lobdell operationsFFNM@gmail.com

It’s determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the size of the cat colony and the supplies we have available. Our goal is to support as many caregivers as possible with what we have.

You can send us cat food directly from Amazon or purchase dry & wet cat food at your local feed or grocery store.

As long as we have resources available.

  • Community cats are unowned, outdoor cats who live in and around our neighborhoods. Some were born outside and have never been socialized to people (often called feral), while others may be strays, lost or abandoned pets who have adapted to life outdoors.
  • While they aren’t house pets, community cats are part of our community. Many receive food and care from kind neighbors and live in groups known as colonies. They are typically not suited for adoption, but they can live healthy lives outdoors with help from programs like Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNR).

• For a comprehensive and trusted resource, we recommend Alley Cat Allies—a national leader in community cat advocacy and care. Visit www.alleycat.org to learn more about best practices, TNR (trap-neuter-return), and how to support outdoor cats.

Caring for orphaned kittens takes time and special knowledge, but you’re not alone. Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw) offers trusted, step-by-step guidance on everything from bottle-feeding to weaning. Visit www.kittenlady.org/kitten-care for videos, guides, and resources to help you save tiny lives.

  • CASA- Community Assistance for Santa Fe’s Animals. LINK HERE
  • Pet Amigos – Española Humane’s outreach program Contact Here