Alb Animal Shelter & Control: Pet Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Albuquerque animal-help dashboard to choose adoption, lost pet, found pet, surrender, reclaim, spay/neuter, microchip, or animal-control action without searching across multiple city pages.
Fast local start: Albuquerque Animal Welfare operates Eastside and Westside shelters. Call 311 inside Albuquerque, 505-768-2000 outside the city, or shelter phone 505-768-1975 for Eastside/Westside shelter questions.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Eastside and Westside hours
- Adoption fees and what is included
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim documents
- Surrender and admissions
- Spay/neuter and microchip help
- Animal-control routing
- HEART rules and permits
- Lucky Paws mobile adoption
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Albuquerque Animal Help Cards
Tap the action that fits your situation. This avoids the common mistake of going to the wrong shelter, wrong counter, or wrong phone number.
Albuquerque Animal Shelter Hours and Locations
For adoption browsing, the kennel viewing window matters most. For surrender/admissions, use the animal-admissions hours and call first.
| Location | Address | Phone | Office hours | Kennel viewing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastside Animal Shelter | 8920 Lomas NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 | 505-768-1975 | Every day, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM | Every day, 10:30 AM-5:30 PM |
| Westside Animal Shelter | 11800 Sunset Gardens SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121 | 505-768-1975 | Every day, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM | Every day, 10:30 AM-5:30 PM |
| Animal admissions | Eastside or Westside, depending on situation | 311 or 505-768-2000 | Seven days a week, 7:30 AM-6:00 PM | Call first for surrender counseling or intake questions. |
| Lucky Paws | Mobile adoption program | 311 or 505-768-2000 | Hours and locations vary | Check Animal Welfare events for mobile Lucky Paws listings. |
Adoption Fees and What Is Included
Albuquerque’s city adoption fees are low, but the real value is what is included before the pet goes home.
| Animal | Listed adoption fee | What to ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs and cats under 1 year | $30 | Ask about vaccine boosters, spay/neuter timing and age-specific care. |
| Dogs and cats 1 year and older | $25 | Ask about behavior notes, medical notes, microchip registration and transition needs. |
| Long-term guests 30+ days | $10 | Ask staff if the specific pet qualifies for the long-term guest fee. |
| Exotic pets and small animals | Fees vary | Ask about enclosure, diet, heat/cold safety, handling and species care. |
| Priority hold | $20 | Hold fee does not count toward the adoption fee and must be paid in person. |
Sterilization
If the companion animal arrived unsterilized and is old enough for surgery, the adoption price includes sterilization and needed postoperative care.
Vaccines
Included items can include rabies vaccination, dog Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella, or cat FVRCP and Feline Leukemia test.
Microchip
The city lists microchip with lifetime registration and a free initial vet exam from a participating clinic as adoption inclusions.
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so you do not arrive after kennel viewing, miss a required document, or misunderstand the priority hold rule.
Search pets first
Open the city’s adoptable pet search. Screenshot the pet name, ID/photo and location.
Check the shelter location
Confirm whether the pet is at Eastside, Westside or a mobile Lucky Paws event before driving.
Arrive during kennel viewing
Plan around 10:30 AM-5:30 PM for kennel viewing. Do not use office closing time as your arrival target.
Bring valid photo ID
Qualified adopters must be 18 or older with valid photo ID and must meet the city’s adopter requirements.
Know household limits
The city says no more than six animals per household are permitted, with no more than four dogs.
Ask go-home questions
Ask about surgery status, vaccines, microchip registration, behavior notes, feeding, first vet exam and return process.
Lost or Found Pet in Albuquerque
Use the city shelter search, microchip checks, in-person visits and local posts together. Online photos alone can be imperfect.
If your pet is lost
- Search the official Lost & Found Pets page.
- Visit Eastside and/or Westside in person if the description may match.
- Update your microchip company with the correct phone and address.
- Post a clear photo with cross streets, date, collar, sex and safe contact method.
- Check nearby shelters and clinics if the pet may have crossed city/county boundaries.
- Bring ownership proof for reclaim: photos, vet records, microchip records, adoption papers or tags.
- Repeat the search daily; a newly found pet may appear later.
If you found a pet
- If safe, move the animal away from traffic, heat and immediate danger.
- Take photos before moving the animal.
- Keep the found animal separate from your own pets.
- Check tags only if safe; do not risk a bite.
- Ask a vet, shelter or microchip route about scanning.
- The city says one of the quickest ways to reunite a pet is to deliver it to Eastside or Westside shelter only.
- For sick, injured, dead, aggressive or unsafe animals, call the proper city route instead of handling.
Reclaim Documents and Rules
Reclaim costs can vary, so do not guess the total. Prepare proof first and ask staff what applies to your situation.
Proof of ownership
Bring proof such as vet records, photos, adoption papers, tag/microchip details or other documents showing the pet is yours.
Photo ID and address
The city says a valid photo ID is required with proof of address if the address differs from the ID.
Sterilization before release
The city says all animals must be sterilized before release; if not already sterilized, the pet may stay for surgery.
Payment timing
Fees typically apply and must be paid at reclaim. Credit cards are not accepted after regular shelter business hours.
Possible fee waiver
The city says if a dog is spayed/neutered and has never been impounded, fees will be waived.
Call first
Call 505-768-1975 or 311/505-768-2000 and ask what exact documents and fees apply today.
Surrender and Animal Admissions
Surrendering should be the last option, not the first. Albuquerque Animal Welfare is open-admission, but the city directs pet owners to speak with a surrender counselor when possible.
| Situation | Correct action | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Considering surrender | Call 311 or 505-768-2000 and ask for a surrender counselor. | Name, phone number, pet details, behavior, medical history, urgency and reason. |
| Voluntary waiting list | Call 311 or 505-768-2000; the city says you will be contacted within 1-3 days. | Keep your phone available and records ready. |
| Immediate dog/cat surrender | Bring the pet to Eastside or Westside if immediate surrender is necessary. | Use secure leash/carrier, vet records and honest behavior notes. |
| Animal found outside city limits | Use the shelter in that jurisdiction. | Exact found location, photos and safety details. |
| Alternative admission help | Animal Humane New Mexico is listed by the city as another resource for admission appointments. | Call the receiving organization first. |
Spay/Neuter, Microchip and Preventative Pet Help
Albuquerque’s program is useful for keeping pets at home, reducing unwanted litters, and making lost pets easier to return.
Spay/neuter
Low- and moderate-income Albuquerque residents can apply for free or low-cost spay/neuter help for cats and dogs.
Microchip
The city lists $15 per microchip, with free microchipping for qualified low-income residents or seniors age 50+.
Vaccines
The city’s preventative care clinic and mobile services may provide vaccines, microchips and spay/neuter vouchers.
Street cats
The city points residents to Street Cat Hub at 505-247-9357 for neighborhood street-cat sterilization help.
Confirm city residency
The free/low-cost program is for City of Albuquerque residents who meet income qualifications.
Sign up one pet per slot
The city says duplicate sign-ups may be deleted and each pet should be signed up separately.
Watch your phone and email
If selected, the city says you must respond within one week or your sign-up may be deleted.
Bring proof
Proof of address and income must be shown at the time of service.
Animal Control and Urgent Routing
Use the right route for the level of danger. Do not handle unsafe animals yourself.
| Situation | Call / route | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger to people or animals | 911 | Give exact address, animal description, injuries and immediate threat. |
| Urgent but non-emergency dispatch | 505-242-COPS | Use for non-emergency police dispatch where city response is needed. |
| Sick, injured or dead animal | 505-768-1975 | Give location, animal condition, traffic risk and whether it is contained. |
| Suspected cruelty | 311 or 505-768-2000 | Report as soon as possible with address, dates, photos if safe and animal description. |
| General city animal question | 311 or 505-768-2000 | Ask for Animal Welfare routing. |
HEART Rules, Microchip and Permit Notes
These rules matter for adopters and current pet owners inside Albuquerque city limits.
Current pet-license note
- The city says Albuquerque residents are no longer required to obtain a city pet license.
- Dogs and cats are still required to be vaccinated.
- Dogs and cats are still required to be microchipped.
- Dogs and cats are still required to be spayed/neutered unless an exception or permit applies.
- Keep microchip contact information updated.
Permit fees to know
- Intact Companion Animal Permit for unaltered dog/cat over 6 months: $150 per animal per year.
- Litter permit: $150 per litter.
- Multiple Companion Animal Site Permit: $50 per site per year.
- Guard Dog Site Permit: $150 per site per year.
- Check the official permit page before making breeding, intact-pet or multi-pet decisions.
Lucky Paws Mobile Adoption
Lucky Paws is now a mobile adoption program, not a fixed daily mall stop.
Mobile events
Hours and locations vary. Check Animal Welfare events to see whether Mobile Lucky Paws will be present.
Do not assume location
The former Coronado Mall adoption center closed, and the program moved to citywide mobile adoption events.
Call 311
Call 311 or 505-768-2000 if you need help confirming whether an event includes adoptable pets.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, valid photo ID, carrier/leash, household approval and arrival during kennel viewing hours.
Recent photo, microchip number, collar/tag info, cross streets and proof of ownership.
Photos, exact found location, safety status, microchip scan plan and city-limit check.
Call 311 first, prepare vet records, behavior notes, reason for surrender and safe transport.
Local Albuquerque Tips
Heat matters
Use crates, shade and water. Do not leave pets in vehicles during warm Albuquerque conditions.
Microchip first
Albuquerque requires dogs and cats to be microchipped, and current chip info speeds up reunions.
City-limit check
Animals found outside Albuquerque city limits should go to the correct jurisdiction’s shelter.
Use kennel hours
For adoption browsing, plan around 10:30 AM-5:30 PM, not just office hours.
Watch mobile events
Lucky Paws locations vary, so check event listings before you drive.
Street-cat help
For unowned street cats, Street Cat Hub is a city-referenced resource for trapping and sterilization help.
Map: Albuquerque Eastside and Westside Shelters
This map searches both main Albuquerque Animal Welfare shelter locations. Confirm the pet’s location before driving.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this pet at Eastside, Westside, or a mobile event, and can I view the pet during kennel hours 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 pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. It was found inside/outside Albuquerque city limits. What should I do?Surrender
Hi, I need to discuss surrender or rehoming for my [pet]. I can provide vet records, behavior notes and photos. Can I speak with a surrender counselor?Official Albuquerque Animal Links
The important details are already summarized above. Use these official links for live listings, forms, event checks and current verification.
Albuquerque Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter in Albuquerque, NM?
The main city shelter system is Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department, with Eastside and Westside shelter locations.
Where is the Albuquerque Eastside Animal Shelter?
Eastside Animal Shelter is located at 8920 Lomas NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112.
Where is the Albuquerque Westside Animal Shelter?
Westside Animal Shelter is located at 11800 Sunset Gardens SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121.
What are Albuquerque Animal Welfare shelter hours?
Eastside and Westside shelters list office hours every day from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and kennel viewing hours every day from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
What is the Albuquerque animal shelter phone number?
The Eastside and Westside shelter pages list 505-768-1975. For general city Animal Welfare contact, call 311 inside Albuquerque or 505-768-2000 outside Albuquerque.
How much does it cost to adopt a pet in Albuquerque?
The City lists adoption fees as $30 for dogs and cats under 1 year, $25 for dogs and cats 1 year and older, and $10 for long-term guests in the shelter more than 30 days. Small animal and exotic pet fees vary.
What is included with Albuquerque Animal Welfare adoption?
Listed adoption inclusions can include sterilization if needed, rabies vaccination, dog or cat core vaccines, microchip with lifetime registration, and a free initial veterinarian exam from a participating clinic.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Albuquerque?
Search the official Lost & Found Pets page, call or visit Eastside and Westside shelters, update your microchip account, post clear photos locally, and bring proof of ownership if you reclaim your pet.
How do I surrender a pet in Albuquerque?
Call 311 or 505-768-2000 and ask for a surrender counselor. The city says surrendering should be a last option and that you can be placed on a waiting list if appropriate.
Is Lucky Paws still at Coronado Mall?
No. The City says the Lucky Paws Adoption Center at Coronado Mall closed and the program now operates as a mobile adoption program with varying event locations and hours.
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.