They evacuated their homes together, but pet owners and their animals have been forced to separate after fleeing the Las Conchas Fire.

Since 8 a.m. Monday, people have brought more than 150 animals in pet carriers and pillow cases, and on makeshift leashes, to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, Executive Director Mary Martin said.

The shelter can house more than 500 pets, but it doesn't expect to reach that point, Martin said.

The Española Valley Humane Society reached its capacity for dogs and cats early Tuesday but is still taking caged pets, such as rabbits and chickens.

"It's very full. We have dogs in crates in the hallways, cats stacked up in a trailer as well as our clinic," said shelter Director Nina Chiotosso.

The shelter had to move some rescue pets to private homes to make room for the evacuees.

The Santa Fe animal shelter also has coordinated efforts with the Eldorado Animal Hospital, the Animal Wellness Center and Ark Veterinary Services to shelter some 350 strays.

"Even though it's very sad, we are ready," Martin said. "Yesterday, there was an 80-year-old guy crying at the door because he thought he might lose his house. He dropped his dog off, so at least we could offer him that comfort."

The Santa Fe animal shelter has referred four horses to the Northern New Mexico Horsemen's Association, which opened the rodeo facilities to house up to 100 horses and livestock.

"We are able to provide shelter and water," said Denise Zapata, an employee at the Horsemen's Association. "We ask that people bring their own feed."

The Horse Shelter in Cerrillos also is available for people to bring evacuated horses. Its accommodations are smaller, but it can offer food and shelter for seven horses.

The impact to wildlife from the Las Conchas Fire can't be determined until the fire is extinguished, said state Game and Fish Department spokesman Dan Williams.

"Generally speaking, the animals who can get away — the deer, elk and birds — can get out of harm's way. Where they will go, I don't know," he said. "The animals that stand to suffer the most will be small mammals who don't have the ability to escape."

Kerry Mower, a biologist with Game and Fish, said wild animals that flee and are displaced tend to get injured. He advises anyone who encounters injured wildlife to contact The Wildlife Center, which will assume care of injured animal for free.

People can expect to find injured birds, small mammals, foxes, bears and young deer or elk.

"They may find some carnivores who separated from their family structure and are burned or made lame somehow, and are out hungry looking for something to eat," he said. "I think people will see more wildlife in backyards, towns and on highways."

Contact Shaun Griswold at 986-3052 or sgriswold@sfnewmexican.com.

Animal Rescue Services

The Santa Fe Animal Rescue and Humane Society

505-983-4309
100 Caja Del Rio Road  

Española Valley Humane Society

505-753-8662
108 Ham Parkway

Northern New Mexico Horseman’s Association

505-471-6654
3233 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe

The Horse Shelter

505-471-6179
100 A/B Old Cash Ranch Road, Cerrillos

The Wildlife Center

505-753-9505
19 Wheat Road, Espanola