New Feline Spay/Neuter Alliance Forms in the San Luis Valley

San Luis Valley residents have a new ally in the fight against feral cat overpopulation: the West Valley Humane Alliance.

 

Founded by local veterinarian Dr. Jodi Duff, this organization is dedicated to improving the lives of stray cats across the western end of the Valley.

 

Dr. Duff, who opened the South Fork Veterinary Clinic in 2022, quickly recognized the pressing need for animal rescue services in the area.

 

In response, she established the South Fork Pet Rescue to address this gap.

 

"We have such wonderful and dedicated groups here in the Valley but like other organizations, they are overwhelmed," said Dr. Duff.

 

"I saw a gap for animal rescue between Pagosa Springs and Del Norte that needed to be filled. It was stretching other animal rescues in the Valley really thin and I wanted to help out."

 

Initially, Dr. Duff and her clinic shouldered the costs associated with rescues, rehoming, and spay/neuter services.

 

However, the community's overwhelming support led to the creation of a dedicated fund for these efforts.

 

"We had an overwhelming response to the rescue efforts. It was amazing to see, and we were able to set up an account dedicated to paying the cost of these rescue efforts, but it just wasn't enough," Dr. Duff explained.

 

Recognizing the need for a more structured approach, Dr. Duff assembled a team of experienced animal lovers to pursue 501(c)(3) status, culminating in the formation of the West Valley Humane Alliance.

 

Board member and technical expert Traci Ratliff expressed excitement about the organization's future: "It was our end-of-year gift and we couldn't be more excited for the year to come. We are planning more spay/neuter clinics and focus on details like our website, fundraising and to use this momentum to move the organization forward in order to help on a broader scale."

 

In early 2025, the Alliance made significant strides by rescuing, vaccinating, spaying/neutering, and rehoming 48 cats and 12 dogs.

 

Later that year, they spayed and neutered 70 cats from colonies in Del Norte and Monte Vista.

 

These efforts have been a welcome relief to those working to manage the feral cat population.

 

"It costs money and time to care for these felines. Groups like SLV Spay and Neuter Alliance, Cats Alive and others have worked the entire Valley until now and we are happy to be able to step in and help," said Dr. Duff and Ratliff.

 

As 2026 begins, the Alliance is seeking community support.

 

"People can volunteer time, donate resources. We have an Amazon Wish List for things like blankets, cleaning products and food. They can also report any new or existing colonies so that we can step in and help where we can," Dr. Duff stated.

 

Ratliff emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership: "And most importantly, spay and neuter your pets. If you are feeding stray cats, please let us come in and help. We understand the connection people have with their animals; even stray animals and we are here to help. There is fear for the animal, the safety and well-being and how these things may change the animal and that's why we're here. We are here to help educate and answer these questions."

 

The West Valley Humane Alliance plans to launch its website in the coming months and is organizing a spay/neuter clinic for March 7, with more details forthcoming.

 

Board members include Chair Lisa Karst, Vice Chair Dr. Jodi Duff, Treasurer Traci Ratliff, and Member Emily Bogardus.

 

Donations can be made payable to West Valley Humane Alliance and mailed to PO Box 523, South Fork, CO 81154, or delivered in person at the South Fork Veterinary Clinic located at 138 Ponderosa Dr., South Fork, CO 81154.

 

For more information or questions, email WestValleyHA@gmail.com.