SAFE Pet Partners is a prevention-focused community organization serving Taos County and surrounding rural areas. We use an evidence-based human-animal welfare model that combines social services and behavioral health practices to address the root causes of animal suffering and help keep pets and their people safe, healthy and together.
Informed by 25 years of demonstrated success at PAWS of Jackson Hole, SAFE Pet Partners is the cornerstone of a compassionate, interconnected community where every person and pet in Taos County can live safely, supported, and free from suffering:
- We believe that preventing animal suffering begins with supporting people. Our name reflects our approach: Safety, Advocacy, Facilitation, and Empowerment.
- We serve as a trusted community resource operationalizing a prevention-first model that integrates case coordination, behavioral support, and community resources to keep families and their animals intact and healthy.
- We have a multidisciplinary staff with extensive experience in animal welfare, community outreach, case management, behavioral intervention, public health partnership development, fundraising, and professional companion animal behavior support.
Our founding team includes experienced trainers, advocates, and community leaders.
Eva Perrigo, CTC, CSAT
Eva Perrigo is a Certified Trainer and Behavior Counselor. She was was born and raised in Northern New Mexico. She returned home 3 years ago with a mission to help her community and their animals. She brings over a decade of experience in humane, science-based training and behavior counseling. An honors graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers and certified in Separation Anxiety through Malena DeMartini’s program, she also completed Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs course. Eva has led training and therapy programs in Wyoming and throughout Taos. She served as Trainer and Behavior Counselor at Stray Hearts Animal Shelter for three years.
Cody Fernandez
Born and raised in Northern New Mexico, and with ten years in animal welfare and a background in the arts, Cody Fernandez combines creativity with compassion. His experience in both sheltering and hospitality has reinforced his belief that every effort makes a difference. As founder of IronVerse Comics, a long-running independent art collective, he brings collaboration, empathy, and innovation to everything he does.
Becky Boss
After more than a decade in hospitality management, Becky Boss discovered her calling in animal welfare. Her travels across the country inspired a deep commitment to helping stray and abandoned animals. As Behavior Coordinator at Stray Hearts Animal Shelter, she gained hands-on experience in behavior modification and community engagement. Becky is currently pursuing professional certification as a dog trainer.
