Animal Welfare Department Daily Operations
Animal Admissions Adoptions Reclaims Volunteer, Foster, or Donate Spay and Neuter Animal Protection Services
Animal Welfare admission services are for City of Albuquerque residents. City residents may make appointments to bring in animals despite where the animal was found. If you are not a City Resident, please take animals to the shelter in your jurisdiction.
Currently our shelters are full leaving no space for incoming animals. Admissions are by appointment, follow the links below to see next steps and make appointments for each type of admission.
No appointment is necessary for emergency admissions.
Emergencies are:
- Domestic animals that are injured or suffering, having trouble breathing, bleeding, in pain or in danger of death
- Kittens or puppies without a mom who are under 7 weeks of age or unable to eat on their own
- Trapped stray cats
- A circumstance that interferes with your ability to provide proper care for the found pet
- Behavior that puts humans or other animals at risk
Re-homing help and Owner Surrendered Pets
Animal Welfare Locations and Hours
| Locations | Admissions | Adoptions | Reclaims | Other Services (e.g., microchipping, permit processing, and ownership changes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Animal Shelter | 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week |
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.7 days a week |
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week | 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week |
| West Animal Shelter | 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week | 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Mondays | 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week | 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday |
| Lucky Paws Adoption Center | Not at this location |
Monday thru Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closing Permanently 12/7/2024 |
Not at this location | Not at this location |
Adoptions
View full adoption guidelines and qualified adopter requirements
All shelter locations are conducting animal viewing and adoptions on a first come, first serve basis. We are not able to move a pet from one location to another for your viewing
We are accepting priority holds on pets during their stray holding period with a non-refundable $20 deposit. The priority hold deposit allows you to be first in line to meet the pet on its available date. This fee will not be refunded whether you adopt the pet or not however, the fee is transferable if the pet is reclaimed by its owner or deemed unadoptable. Only one priority hold per pet is accepted, however, a second name can be taken should the priority hold fall through.
View animals available for adoption
Reclaims
Pet reclaims of lost pets can be done at both the Eastside and Westside intake. See the Animal Reclaims section on the Lost & Found Pets page for more information about reclaiming your pet.
Lost Pets
Remember that pets with ID tags and microchips are much more likely to find their way back home. Start looking for your pet right away, don't wait for them to come home.
Visit the Lost Pet Page for steps you can take to help you find your lost pet.
Volunteer, Foster, or Donate
AWD is always in need of foster homes for our pets who need time to grow, recovery from illness or injury or in need of a break from the shelter. Foster homes increase our capacity to provide services to homeless pets in our community. If you would like to donate toys, towels and milk-bones are always in need. Volunteer opportunities are also available at our shelters.
Find more information about volunteering, fostering, or donating.
Spay and Neuter
Find information about AWD spay and neuter program.
Animal Protection Services
Animal Protection Services calls remain unchanged – emergency response 24 hours per day.
Finders of stray pets should NOT call 311 to request Officer pick up. Please make an appointment to bring the pet into the shelter.