By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach
On any given day in Portales, it isn’t unusual to see a stray dog trotting down a side street or a cluster of feral cats weaving through alleys and parking lots. Since moving here, I’ve noticed the issue is more visible than in other places I’ve lived across the country. Stray animals have become part of the backdrop of daily life here in Eastern New Mexico.
That could soon change. The Portales Animal Shelter announced on Sept. 24 that two new grantfunded programs will begin with no city match required. The shelter received $10,000 for TrapNeuter-Release services to manage feral cat colonies and $30,000 in free spay and neuter vouchers for low-income families.
To qualify, households must live within city limits and earn less than 200 percent of the 2025 federal poverty guidelines. Applications are available online, at City Hall, Caprock Veterinary Clinic, the shelter or by email.
Applications are being accepted now, but surgeries will not be scheduled until funds are released.
“These programs will help make Portales a safe, healthy place for both pets and people,” the shelter said.