Animals can escape from even the most loving and responsible family!

The  Humane Society of Lincoln County (HSLC) is authorized to accept stray animals found within the following communities only: Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, County of Lincoln and Capitan. These communities have given HSLC the legal authority to accept stray animals and also provided HSLC with funding to provide this resource for its citizens.

Here is how you can help a stray pet:

1. If the animal is friendly and responds to you, look for ID tags or a microchip tag on the animal’s collar and contact their parents and make arrangements to safely return the animal to its home!
2. If you can’t approach or safely contain the animal, call Animal Control with detailed information about the animal so they can assist:
   • Ruidoso Animal Control: (575)-258-7365  
   • Lincoln County Area: (575)-648-2341

If there is no contact information on the animal:

1. Take the animal to the Humane Society of Lincoln County They will gather useful information about where and when the animal was found as well as check lost reports to see if the family is already searching for their pet. Feel free to call them daily to check the animal’s status!
2. Bring the pet home and contact the Humane Society of Lincoln County right away by phone or email. Provide a detailed account of the animal, specific location found. and your contact information. Include a picture of the animal, if possible. Give the animal a safe place away from children or other pets, offer water and appropriate food if available. 
3. Bring the animal to a nearby vet office or animal shelter for scanning the animal for a microchip. If no chip is present, either take the animal directly to the Humane Society of Lincoln County Shelter or bring them home with you and contact HSLC immediately.