Aztec Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Aztec animal-help dashboard to adopt a pet, turn in a stray, look for a lost pet, reclaim an impounded animal, sign an animal over, or understand the basic city animal-control rules before you drive.
Verified city source: this is Aztec Animal Care and Control at 825 Sabena St., Aztec, NM 87410. Call 505-334-7676 before visiting for anything urgent, posted closures, reclaim fees, or surrender appointments.
Official source checked
Last verified: August 12, 2026. This page uses the official City of Aztec Animal Shelter page and the official Aztec City Code Chapter 5 animal ordinance PDF.
Call before driving
Use the official phone number for same-day pet availability, reclaim fees, sign-over appointments, holiday closures and posted schedule changes.
No fake details
No fake reviews, no fake live availability, no unverified rescue partners, no guessed email address, no fake reclaim dollar amount and no BreadcrumbList schema inside this Custom HTML.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Adoption, stray and sign-over hours
- Adoption prices
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost pet / stray intake route
- Stray hold and owner notice rules
- Reclaim documents and fees
- Sign an animal over
- Animal-control rules
- ID tags, microchips and rabies rules
- Animal limits and permit reminders
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Aztec Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card gives the practical route based on the official city page and city code.
Aztec Animal Shelter Hours
The official page separates adoption hours from lost/stray service and sign-over appointments.
| Service | Monday-Saturday | Sunday | What to do before visiting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption of animals | 12:00pm-4:00pm | Closed | Call first if you saw a specific pet online or need same-day readiness. |
| Turn in strays / look for lost pet | 8:00am-5:00pm | Closed | Bring photos, found location, ID tag/microchip details and your own ID if turning in a stray. |
| Sign an animal over | By appointment only | Closed | Call 505-334-7676 and ask what records, forms and fees apply. |
| Holidays / posted closures | Closed if posted | Closed | The official page says closed Sundays, holidays, or if otherwise posted. |
Aztec Adoption Prices
The city page says these prices “start at” the listed amount, and additional medical fees may apply.
| Animal | Age | Official listed starting price | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | 8 weeks to 6 years | Starts at $100 | Spay/neuter readiness, vaccines, temperament, medical notes and whether the pet can leave today. |
| Senior dog | 7 years and older | Senior price starting at $50 | Senior care needs, medication, activity level and vet follow-up. |
| Cat | 8 weeks to 6 years | Starts at $65 | Litter habits, indoor setup, vaccination status and spay/neuter timing. |
| Senior cat | 7 years and older | Senior price starting at $35 | Senior care, quiet-room needs, medical notes and transition tips. |
| Active/retired military and seniors 60+ | Any animal | Senior price may apply | Tell staff about the qualifying discount before adoption. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
The official page gives a long adoption process. This turns it into a practical visit checklist.
Decide if you are truly ready
The city page asks adopters to consider stable housing, time, energy and a 10-12 year commitment before adopting.
Check your budget
The page warns that first-year pet costs can be significant and that returns often happen when owners underestimate expenses.
Get household and landlord approval
Bring family decision-makers if possible, confirm rental rules, and bring your current dog if staff says a dog-to-dog meeting is appropriate.
Visit in person
The city page says adoptable animals are posted online, but visiting in person is best before getting your heart set on one animal.
Ask medical and behavior questions
Ask staff about medical history, temperament, previous situation if known, energy level and responsibilities after adoption.
Complete forms and pay fees
All animals adopted from AAS are required to be sterilized before going home, so not every pet may be ready to leave the same day.
Lost Pet or Stray Animal in Aztec
The official page gives a dedicated window for turning in strays and looking for lost pets: Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm.
If your pet is lost
- Call 505-334-7676 and ask if a matching animal has been brought in.
- Visit during the listed lost-pet window: Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm.
- Bring recent photos from several angles.
- Bring microchip number, ID tag information, rabies certificate and vet records if available.
- Check online pet listings, but do not rely only on photos because animals can look different in shelter pictures.
- Post neighborhood flyers and social posts with exact cross streets, date/time missing and a safe contact method.
If you found a stray
- Use the official turn-in-strays window: Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm.
- Call first if the animal is injured, aggressive, sick, wildlife, or you are outside city limits.
- Record the exact found location, date and time.
- Take clear photos before transport if safe.
- Keep the stray separate from your pets and children.
- City code says a person bringing in a stray signs documentation that they are not the owner and found the animal as a stray.
Stray Hold and Owner Notice Rules
These rules matter for lost pets and found animals because ID tags and microchips can change the hold timeline.
With ID or microchip
City code says a stray with an ID tag, anti-rabies tag, identifying tattoo or microchip is held at Animal Care and Control for at least six days while staff attempts to locate and notify the owner.
Without ID
If a stray has no license, tag or other identification, city code says it is impounded for at least four days before the director may dispose of it as allowed by code.
After the hold
After the required impoundment period, the code says the animal may be adopted, sent to rescue, or humanely euthanized.
Reclaiming an Impounded Pet
Do not wait. Call the shelter, then bring documents that prove ownership and current health status.
Proof of ownership
City code says the director may ask for proof such as microchip identification, veterinarian invoice, official registration or photographs.
Rabies proof
If the dog or cat does not have proof of current rabies vaccination, city code says the owner pays a fee as established in the fee schedule.
Boarding / medical costs
The code says the owner reimburses the city for boarding, medical and maintenance costs incurred during impoundment.
Reclaim fee
The code references reclaim fees in the city fee schedule. This page does not guess the dollar amount; call for the exact current total.
Sterilization issue
If the reclaimed animal is not sterilized, city code references a sterilization fee and permit/sterilization options for owners inside city limits.
Call first
Ask what exact proof, appointment timing, payment methods and fees apply before driving to Sabena Street.
To Sign an Animal Over
The official page is clear: signing an animal over is by appointment only.
Appointment only
Call 505-334-7676 to ask about signing an animal over and what times are available.
Surrender statement
City code says an owner surrender requires a signed statement relinquishing rights, title and interest to Animal Care and Control.
One-year adoption limit
City code says when an owner surrenders an animal, they will not be permitted to adopt from the facility for one year unless the surrender was for euthanasia due to medical reasons.
Aztec Animal Control Rules People Often Miss
These city-code points help residents avoid citation problems and unsafe handling.
| Rule area | Official rule summary | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Animals at large | Owners may not allow an animal to be at large on public property or another person’s property without permission. | Keep dogs confined or securely leashed when off your property. |
| Dogs in streets / public places | Dogs in streets or public places must be on a secure leash and under immediate physical control, not just voice control. | Use a leash no longer than city definition allows and maintain control. |
| Public playgrounds / school yards | No dog is allowed on a public playground, swimming pool/water-park premises or school yard. | Do not bring dogs to these locations unless a specific legal exception applies. |
| Property damage / danger | Animal Control Officers can impound domestic animals destroying property or endangering people or animals. | Call if an animal is a safety risk; do not handle dangerous animals yourself. |
| Noise | Owners may not allow animals to persistently or continuously make noise or otherwise disturb peace and quiet. | Address barking or nuisance behavior before it becomes an animal-control complaint. |
| Waste cleanup | Owners must remove and dispose of feces from public or another person’s private property. | Carry bags and clean up immediately. |
| Wildlife | Animal Control Officers only pick up diseased and/or injured wildlife upon advice of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. | Call before touching or transporting wildlife. |
ID Tags, Microchips and Rabies Rules
ID at 3 months
City code says anyone owning, possessing or harboring a dog or cat three months of age or older must ensure the animal has identification tags on the collar or a microchip.
Rabies over 4 months
City code says dogs and cats over four months must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
Certificate matters
The code says a rabies certificate from a licensed veterinarian is accepted as evidence of vaccination, and a rabies tag alone is not accepted unless verified by the matching certificate.
Animal Limits and Permit Reminders
These are not adoption rules, but they matter after you bring a pet home inside Aztec city limits.
More than five dogs/cats
City code says it is unlawful to keep more than five dogs, cats, or any combination of dogs and cats without a permit.
Intact animal permits
The city code includes intact animal permit provisions. Ask Animal Care and Control before assuming an unaltered pet is compliant.
Dangerous animals
The city code requires permits for dangerous animals and prohibits allowing them to be at large within city limits.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, ID, household approval, landlord approval, current dog if needed, payment and carrier/leash.
Recent photos, microchip number, ID tag info, rabies certificate, vet records and exact cross streets.
Found location, date/time, photos, safe containment, your ID and call-ahead if injured/aggressive.
Appointment, animal records, behavior notes, medical notes, proof of ownership and reason for surrender.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in adopting from Aztec Animal Care and Control. Is [pet name/description] still available, and is the animal ready to go home today?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been brought in?Found stray
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] at [exact location]. It is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I bring it in, and what documentation do you need?Sign over
Hi, I need to ask about signing an animal over. The animal is [species/age/breed], rabies status is [current/unknown], spay/neuter status is [yes/no], and the reason is [reason]. Can I schedule an appointment?Map: Aztec Animal Care and Control
Use this map for adoption visits, lost-pet checks, stray turn-in or scheduled sign-over appointments. Call first for urgent, injured, aggressive or posted-closure situations.
Official and Professional Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official/professional links for live checks, forms, codes and current updates.
Aztec Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Aztec Animal Shelter located?
Aztec Animal Care and Control is located at 825 Sabena St., Aztec, NM 87410.
What is the Aztec Animal Shelter phone number?
The official phone number for Aztec Animal Care and Control is 505-334-7676.
What are Aztec Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The official city page lists adoption of animals Monday-Saturday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Sunday is closed.
When can I turn in a stray or look for my lost pet?
The official city page lists turn-in-strays and lost-pet lookup hours Monday-Saturday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Sunday is closed.
Do I need an appointment to sign an animal over?
Yes. The official city page says signing an animal over is by appointment only.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Aztec Animal Shelter?
The official city page lists dogs 8 weeks to 6 years of age starting at $100 and dogs 7 years and older at the senior price starting at $50. Additional medical fees may apply.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Aztec Animal Shelter?
The official city page lists cats 8 weeks to 6 years of age starting at $65 and cats 7 years and older at the senior price starting at $35. Additional medical fees may apply.
How long is a stray held at Aztec Animal Care and Control?
City code says a stray with ID, rabies tag, tattoo or microchip is held at least six days while staff attempts to locate the owner. A stray without identification is held at least four days.
What proof may be needed to reclaim a pet?
City code says the director may ask for proof of ownership such as microchip identification, veterinarian invoice, official registration or photographs of the animal.
What ID and rabies rules apply to dogs and cats in Aztec?
City code says dogs and cats three months or older must have ID tags on the collar or a microchip. Dogs and cats over four months must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.