Paws and Police: Home for the Holidays
ALBUQUERQUE – This holiday season, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and the Animal Welfare Department (AWD) are joining forces to bring some extra cheer to local families and pets in need of loving homes.
APD and AWD are launching a campaign this month to highlight adoptable pets and encourage residents to consider adding a pet to their families during the season of giving. Throughout December, APD officers will be featuring adoptable pets from the City’s shelters on the department’s social media. The campaign, “Paws and Police: Home for the Holidays,” hopes to raise awareness for the many animals waiting for adoption and promoting responsible pet ownership.
“Police officers have a unique role in our community and we are excited to use this connection to help other departments,” said Chief Harold Medina. “The holidays are about bringing families together and we are glad our officers can help showcase animals in need of a forever home.”
In addition to showcasing the animals, the campaign will include the following for the pets:
- Waived Adoption Fee
- A Pet Tag
- Microchip with Lifetime Registration
- Animal Sterilization (if old enough to undergo surgery)
- Vaccinations
- Free Initial Vet Visit
"Collaborating with APD shows how departments can come together to help shine a light on our adoptable shelter pets," said Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare Department. “Let’s make spirits bright by adopting a shelter pet during the holiday season.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort by both departments to support community engagement and promote compassion throughout Albuquerque. The adoption fee is waived for ALL pets during the month of December. AWD is also offering one FREE session of basic dog training with every adoption.
Families interested in adopting one of the showcased pets can visit the AWD website and search the pet with the provided animal ID. For more general information on pet adoptions, visit www.cabq.gov/pets.
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