Our Story

Our journey began with two friends navigating the world of animal welfare in New Mexico. As the dust settled from the COVID chaos, we just couldn't ignore the glaring needs of our community and the needs of our state. From the cats roaming the streets to those nestled in trailer communities, and the devoted caretakers tending to their every meow, it was clear: more resources were needed.

Local animal shelters continued to feel the strain of endless intakes of kittens and strays, while veterinary clinics faced tough decisions about meeting the medical needs of these community cats. And let's not forget about the tireless animal welfare workers and volunteers, craving a supportive environment amidst the daily pressures.

That's when we decided to take action! In August 2023, Southwest Cat Initiative was born - a beacon of hope for felines and their human advocates alike. Together, we're on a mission to provide the support, the resources, and the care our feline friends and their caretakers deserve.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the welfare of all cats and their human counterparts of New Mexico. We don’t limit the definition of caretakers to just those people in the community feeding these cats and kittens. To us, caretakers also includes the veterinary clinic, the employees, and the volunteers who give just as much, if not more. By providing low income spay and neuter surgery in rural communities our goal is to increase access to care so all cats living in New Mexico can receive the care they’re entitled to.

Our Vision

Our goal is to become the leading spay/neuter clinic, providing high-quality and high-volume services, with a special focus on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). We envision a growing network that begins modestly but dreams of expanding its reach to serve the entire state of New Mexico, ensuring widespread access to vital care.

Our Values

We are confident that by fostering a workplace culture that educates, supports, and uplifts our employees and volunteers - the true heroes of animal welfare - we can bring our vision to life and accomplish our mission. Our aim is to cultivate a nurturing, respectful, and supportive environment that benefits everyone involved.