As someone involved in philanthropy in New Mexico over the past decade, and as a short-lived foster-fail and now-jubilant pet parent to my rescue dog Mason, I’ve gained some understanding about the animal welfare landscape in Santa Fe and across Northern New Mexico. It is a landscape of incredibly dedicated people like Española Humane Society, pulling together every dollar possible to save animals, too many of which have been abandoned, neglected, abused, and even starved.

Within this landscape, the challenges are enormous. A recent report from Animal Protection New Mexico highlighted that in north central New Mexico, shelters are outdated, overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals, and face a dire workforce shortage, especially among veterinary staff. 

Explore the Española Humane Society With Executive Director Kate Baldwin

In Española, while these challenges exist, significant progress has been made in recent years by Española Humane, whose Executive Director, Kate Baldwin, gleams with pride when she shares just how far the organization has come. This is especially the case with the opening of a new state-of-the-art clinic opposite the Ohkay Owingeh Airport just north and west of the city. Years in the making, the gleaming windows and contemporary styling of the $6.7 million facility underscore both the dedication and grit that Española Humane possesses in serving the communities of northern New Mexico. 

Those qualities were profoundly evident in Española Humane’s longtime Executive Director, Bridget Lindquist, who retired from that role in 2025 after leading the organization for more than twenty years. But they are also equally part of Baldwin’s DNA, who spent five years at the Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals prior to joining Española Humane in early 2025. 

Meet Executive Director Kate Baldwin

“I have a colorful background,” she shared as we strolled the grounds of the organization’s home base in Española. Kate grew up in Virginia Beach and became involved in yoga at an early age, traveling the world learning and teaching and eventually opening her own studio in Hawaii. She then moved back to Virginia where she pursued a degree in literature and began volunteering with the Virginia Beach SPCA. That volunteerism set off a spark and she joined the staff, first in leading their events and outreach, then as Acting Chief Executive Officer and eventually as Chief Operating Officer.  

After a brief stint away from animal welfare – during which she also earned a master’s degree in public administration from American University – she missed the work desperately. That was when, having visiting Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico a number of times and being drawn to it, she saw the job posting for Española Humane.  

“Bridget was a super passionate leader and wanted the new clinic built and she passed along the plans for the new clinic,” Kate shared. Between 2016 and 2025, prior to the opening of the new clinic, 55,000 animals received free spay/neuter services from the portable trailer clinic at the organization’s main site. “The new clinic is a testament to our mission and these amazing communities that we serve,” she continued. 

How the Española Humane Society Is Saving Animals Around New Mexico

We also spent a fair amount of time talking about the finances of Española Humane, a key factor in how they provide so much free and low-cost care for pets and pet parents. The vast majority of the contributions come directly from individuals, a majority of whom are from Santa Fe.  

We also talked at length about their Healing Hearts Fund, a dedicated fund they can tap when a pet arrives at their door, but money is an issue for the animal receiving the care it needs. “Eight-five percent of every dollar goes back into saving animals,” she shared.  

And of course, beyond the veterinary care provided by Española Humane, sheltering and adopting out pets is core to their mission. On the day I visited, I was greeted at the door by Romeo, a bit of a crotchety black and white spotted cat who was loved by staff, but whose churlish demeanor toward humans has made him a bit of a long-time resident. “He’s a charmer but don’t pet him,” was the advice of one of the staff. 

Readily Adoptable Cats and Dogs

In addition to Romeo, there are cats and dogs of every age available for adoption and the organization also facilitates the transfer of cats and dogs to other facilities when overcrowding demands it. At the Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, Española Humane partners with the facility to host the Puppy Patch which has resulted in the adoption of nearly 700 puppies in the organization’s care.  

When I asked Kate to reflect on her own future and that of Española Humane, she paused briefly and said, “This is incredibly important work and it is work I have long felt called to do. Being here is where I am supposed to be and we have grand plans to continue to improve the lives of animals in this community.” 

Story by Bill Smith
Photos Courtesy of Española Humane Society

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.