At the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, one of the most important measures of our work is our live release rate, the percentage of animals that leave our care alive through adoption, return to owner, or transfer to rescue partners.
In April, our live release rate was:
- Dogs: 98%
- Cats: 62%
- Overall: 80%
For the year to date, our live release rate is:
- Dogs: 82%
- Cats: 78%
- Overall: 81%
These numbers reflect real progress. More animals are leaving our shelter alive because of intentional changes in how we operate and because of the support of this community.
But they also show how quickly things can change.
Understanding the Shift in Cat Outcomes
In March, our cat live release rate was 90%.
In April, it dropped to 62%.
This shift is directly tied to the start of kitten season.
As intake increases, we begin to see a surge in neonatal kittens, animals that require a level of care far beyond what a shelter environment can provide on its own.
In April alone, 40 of the cats euthanized were neonates.
This is not a coincidence. It is a capacity issue.
The Reality of Neonate Care
Neonatal puppies and kittens require:
- Feeding every 2–3 hours, including overnight
- Constant monitoring for temperature and health
- Skilled, hands-on care just to survive
A shelter environment is not designed to provide this level of care around the clock.
Because of that, when neonates come into our care, time becomes critical.
What Happens When They Come In
When neonatal animals arrive:
- We immediately post them to our rescue and networking partners
- We send alerts to approved foster homes
- We work to secure placement as quickly as possible
If placement is not secured, we are often faced with a decision at the end of the day.
Without the ability to provide overnight, intensive care, these animals will not survive in a kennel setting. In those cases, humane euthanasia becomes necessary.
This is not about willingness, it is about capacity.
Where the Community Makes a Difference
The data makes this clear:
Fosters are the difference for neonatal kittens and puppies.
For neonatal animals, outcome is not determined by intention, it is determined by whether a foster is available.
The difference between life and loss for these animals is simple: someone ready to step in when they arrive.
The most effective way to help is to:
- Sign up to foster before there is an emergency
- Complete the onboarding process
- Be available to take in neonatal animals when alerts go out
Waiting until animals are posted is often too late. Being prepared ahead of time is what saves them.
A Note on Offers of Help on Social Media
We often see individuals comment on our networking posts offering to come pick up animals or help in the moment.
We want to be clear: we see those offers, and we appreciate the intent behind them.
However, we cannot release animals directly to individuals through social media posts.
All animals must go through one of the following pathways:
- An approved rescue partner
- An approved foster within our program
This is not about limiting help, it is about ensuring:
- The safety and appropriate placement of the animal
- That care expectations are clearly understood
- That we are operating within policy and legal requirements
How to Turn That Willingness into Action
If you are someone who has offered to help on a post, the most effective thing you can do is take the next step ahead of time:
- Apply to become an approved foster
- Complete the onboarding process
- Be ready to receive alerts when animals come in
Once you are in our system, you can be contacted immediately when there is a need—and that timing is what saves lives.
A Shared Outcome
Our live release rate reflects what we can do together.
Every increase in that number comes from:
- Staff doing the work
- Rescue partners saying yes
- Fosters opening their homes
- Community members choosing adoption
And every time support is not available, especially during kitten season and with neonatal animals, those numbers are impacted.
Moving Forward
We will continue to improve our processes, strengthen partnerships, and expand our programs.
But as intake rises, especially with neonatal puppies and kittens, community involvement is essential to maintaining and improving outcomes.
If you have ever considered fostering, now is the time to take that step.
Because when these animals arrive, there is no delay. The need is immediate.
To sign up to be a foster for the ASCMV, visit: https://www.ascmv.org/foster/