Pet Adoption Information
Pet Adoption Guidelines
Adopting a shelter pet can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. We love the pets in our care and want to ensure that they only go to the best of homes.
Qualified Adopter Requirements
- Person who is 18 years of age or older with valid photo ID, who has never been convicted of any form of Cruelty under the law and has never been convicted two or more times for any violation of the City of Albuquerque Animal Ordinance (or predecessor ordinance).
- Fill out adoption application. Many factors contribute to each adoption placement and we will work hard to ensure that your needs and our animal's needs are met.
- Never had any animal-related permit revoked or suspended
- Never failed to reclaim an animal from the Animal Welfare Department
- Has not owner surrendered an animal within one year of time of adoption
- Has never been convicted of child or domestic abuse
- No more than six animals per household are permitted in the city, of which no more than four can be dogs.
Pet Care Standards and Guidelines
The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities. Below are a few the fundamental guidelines for standards of care for a pet. For a full list, visit the HEART Ordinance, or the "Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment."
- Weatherproof shelter, shade, and clean water for animals must be provided.
- Veterinary care shall be provided as needed, to maintain health of animal and prevent suffering.
- Adequate space shall be provided to prevent overcrowding, and to allow for normal exercise levels according to breed or species.
- Basic grooming for health shall be provided to keep fur free of debris or harmful matting, or as appropriate for species.
Fee Waiver
AWD is waiving fees for all adoptions of available pets in care and in foster homes until further notice.
AWD is offering Virtual Foster Adoption service -The virtual meet-and-greets are designed to introduce potential adopters to a pet currently in AWD’s foster care. Those interested in adopting a pet can select a pet in foster and set up a virtual meet-and-greet appointment with them and an AWD adoption counselor. It's easier now than ever to find your next family member. To find your foster match go to the link below.
Search for an Adoptable or Lost Pet
For companion animals that came into the shelter un-sterilized, this special price includes the following:
- The animal's sterilization (if old enough to undergo surgery);
- Any postoperative care--if needed;
- Rabies vaccination (1 year);
- For dogs, their first Distemper/Parvo vaccination and Intranasal Bordatella;
- For cats, their first Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia vaccination and Feline Leukemia test;
- Microchip with lifetime registration;
- Free initial veterinarian's examination from a participating clinic.
For companion animals that came into the shelter sterilized, this special price includes the following:
- Rabies vaccination (1 year);
- For dogs, their first Distemper/Parvo vaccination and Intranasal Bordatella;
- For cats, their first Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia vaccination and Feline Leukemia test;
- Microchip with lifetime registration;
- Free initial veterinarian's examination from a participating clinic.
Priority Holds
"Priority Holds" can be placed on animals that are still in our facility being held as "strays" for a fee of $20.00. If the animal's owner does not reclaim the animal, you must adopt the animal on its review date for the priority hold fee to apply toward your adoption fee. "Priority Holds" must be paid for in person at the shelter by cash or credit card only and guarantee that you can adopt the animal on the animal's review date, provided the owner does not reclaim the animal or the animal is deemed unadoptable for unexpected reasons. In this event, your "Priority Hold" fee can be applied toward the adoption of another animal in our shelter within the following 30 days. If the "Priority Hold" fee is not reclaimed or applied toward another animal within the 30 day period, it will be retained and used toward the care and keep of all animals in our shelters.
Animal Welfare Department's Right of Refusal
Please understand that this is an adoption, not a "sale."
Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department reserves the right to refuse any adoption based on the best interest of the animal.