Our History

A Vision Rooted in Care, Shaped by Community

New Mexico Vets for Pets began with a conviction: that we could—and should—do more for both our veterans and our companion animals.

The idea didn’t come from a boardroom or a business plan. It came from observing the conditions inside our city’s shelters, where grooming delays, limited staffing, and stretched budgets meant that animals with real potential were being overlooked. At the same time, too many veterans in our community were isolated, unemployed, or under-resourced, despite having the work ethic and discipline to contribute in powerful ways.

From the beginning, we believed that homelessness and suicide among veterans were not inevitable, and that euthanasia should not be the only option for animals left in the system. By pairing these challenges, we saw an opportunity to offer more than just services—we could offer second chances to both people and animals, together.

That vision took form at 500 Wisconsin Street NE, a once-blighted building in Albuquerque’s International District that is now a working hub for training, grooming, and mobile outreach. Renovated and reopened by the organization, the site now houses:

• A nonprofit grooming salon

• A staging area for mobile services

• A distribution center for pet food and supplies

• A developing training facility for veterans

What started as a grassroots project has grown into a recognized community partner, working alongside Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), Roadrunner Food Bank, Bernalillo County, and others to provide care in the field and support in the shop.

The road here hasn’t always been easy—but every step has been guided by the same principle: service is sacred, and healing is possible.

We are building a future where the animals in our city’s care receive the attention they need—and where veterans, whether in need or thriving, have a place to lead, learn, and give back.