Programs
Shelter Programs
Adoption Program
Feral/Barn Cat Program
Foster Program
Animal Transfer Program
As kennel and cage space allows, RCHS extends its live-saving mission by transferring animals into RCHS from crowded shelters and rescues. RCHS works with many of our shelter and rescue partners to ensure companion animals have every chance of finding their “furever” home through this collaborative effort to save lives.
Behavior & Enrichment Program
RCHS conducts behavior evaluations on all dogs entering the shelter. Behavior-modification plans to include training tips are created based on an animal’s observed behavior in the shelter and from owner reports. To keep animals happy and healthy, RCHS provides high levels of enrichment to keep the animals engaged and to encourage positive interactions and learning.
Safe Haven
In conjunction with the City of Steamboat, RCHS provides shelter, food, exercise, and care for up to two weeks, free of charge, for the pets of victims of fire, medical emergencies, domestic abuse, or other extraordinary situations that might otherwise leave pets homeless. If you need to utilize this service, please call dispatch at 970-879-1144 to reach out to animal control officer and begin this progress.
RCHS Veterinary Program
Stray and homeless animals, owner relinquished animals, and animals transferred in from crowded shelters are made available to the community for adoption. All adopted animals are spayed/neutered and given age-appropriate vaccinations as part of the comprehensive medical care provided to each animal in the shelter. Adoption fees include microchips, and a free 7-day follow-up visit with a veterinarian.
Community Programs
Community Food Bank
Community Wellness Clinic
Yellow Dog Project
End of Life/Cremation Services
Animal Licensing
Routt County and the City of Steamboat Springs require that your pets be licensed annually. The licensing revenue supports RCHS’ operation costs. Having a current license displayed on your animals collar helps animal control officers get your animal back home if they were to become lost. The annual cost for a license is $5 for animals that are spayed/neutered, $25 if the animal is intact.
Financial Assistance
As grant funding allows, RCHS may be able to provide limited financial assistance to income-qualified families in Routt County for medical emergencies. Pre-approval is required and if the service can be provided by the RCHS Wellness Clinic, up to $500 per animal, per instance, may be available. For emergencies that cannot be accommodated by the RCHS Wellness Clinic, financial assistance may be approved to local veterinarians for the pet’s care for the same amount. Approved funding is provided by RCHS directly to the participating veterinarian.
Local Dog Organizations & Resources
Mission
MissionSteamboat Digs Dogs works with the Police Department, Animal Control, the Department of Wildlife, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the City Council in efforts to restore Steamboat’s long-practiced lifestyle of recreating with our dogs in a voice and sight control manner at neighborhood parks and city trails.
Learn More: steamboatdigsdogs.org
Mission
To offer genuine nonjudgmental, touching animal-assisted therapy program to medical facilities, elementary schools, libraries, senior citizen centers, extended care and rehabilitation centers. Our purpose is simply stated: “to bring comfort and smiles to all those encountered.”
Learn More: heelingfriends.org
Steamboat Springs Animal Control consists of two full-time officers who are responsible for enforcing animal ordinances of the City of Steamboat Springs Municipal Code. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) respond to calls for animal complaints including: dogs at large, animal bites, animal cruelty, vicious animals and barking dogs.
In addition, the ACOs handle calls relating to horses, cattle, and all domestic/pet animals.
Daily duties include investigations, daily, monthly and annual reports, issuing citations and warnings, and patrol. Their presence within the community provides public education as well as enforcement. More Information: steamboatsprings.net | 970-879-1144
