AWD Thanks PetSmart Charities for Year of Collaborative Partnership

 ALBUQUERQUE — The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) received a $60,000 PetSmart Charities Adoption Prep grant in 2023. Since then, the funding has been used to enhance AWD’s working cat program, pet enrichment, volunteering, fostering, adoptions and advertising.

“Adoption preparation is the critical first step in setting these pets up for a lifetime that is happy and healthy,” said Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare Department. AWD is proud to have partnered with PetSmart Charities and to have received this important, lifesaving grant funding.”

AWD is the largest and leading open admission shelter in New Mexico and is committed to being an available resource for people and animals in need.

Last year, AWD took in more than 16,700 live admissions of owner-surrenders, stray animals, farm animals, exotics and animals that pose a threat to public safety. As an open-admission shelter, some pets may need critical medical care, spay/neuter or training to develop the skills to overcome shyness.

Every day, individuals from all over come to AWD’s shelter for reasons as diverse as reclaiming lost pets, adopting new furry family members, joining AWD’s foster and volunteer programs, and to qualify for free to low-cost resources to help keep their pets.  

AWD’s lifesaving programs seek to enhance the quality of life in Albuquerque through compassionate and impactful services to pets and people. AWD strives to better the community of Albuquerque by providing Caregiving, Awareness, Resources, Enforcement and Service excellence.  

“Partnerships like these enhance our advocacy and support for pets, and help bridge service gaps in the community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Albuquerque is an animal-friendly city, filled with animal-friendly families, and we take the well-being of our pets seriously.”

If you're interested in supporting AWD, there are many ways you can get involved. The easiest ways to help are by donating goods, giving your time or providing financial support. AWD also need blankets, toys, leashes and collars. Click here for the full list.

If you have the energy and time to volunteer join AWD’s volunteer program!  Our volunteers do important tasks that can include socializing and walking dogs, playing with and cuddling cats, fostering, acting as ambassadors at offsite adoption events, supporting our clinic, taking photos, and much more. To apply: visit www.cabq.gov/pets or email [email protected].

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About PetSmart Charities®

PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

Connect with PetSmart Charities on Social Media:
Instagram: @PetSmartCharities
Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs
Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

About the City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department 

The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department’s mission is to protect and serve the pets and people of Albuquerque by providing Caregiving, Awareness, Resources, Enforcement and Service excellence. www.cabq.gov/pets.