ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It takes a lot of money to keep all of the animals at a shelter fed and well.

Animal Humane New Mexico, for instance, cares for about 300 animals at its main Albuquerque campus at any given time.

“All of the pets that we receive at Animal Humane need at least some kind of basic medical care,” said Madison Beets, the associate director of marketing at Animal Humane New Mexico.

Now, they’re turning to the community for some help with the rising cost of taking care of those animals.

According to Beets, it costs them $25,000 a day to operate its main Albuquerque campus.

“Food, basic supplies, medication, veterinary care, in particular, has reached a whole all new high level,” she said.

Beet said the Bureau of Labor Statistics found a nearly 8% increase in veterinary care between February 2023 and February 2024. That’s more than double the market rate of inflation for other items.

Animal Humane is a private, nonprofit organization. They don’t get any city, state or federal funding, which is why they recently launched the “Raise a Day” campaign to raise enough money for one day of operating costs.

“Whether that’s $1, $100, every single little bit adds up and helps us provide that life saving care for the many the thousands of pets that we care for annually,” Beets said. “We bring in new pets every day.”

The “Raise a Day” campaign runs through the end of the month. You can donate here at this link.