Las Cruces Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Las Cruces, New Mexico Shelter Guide

Las Cruces Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Las Cruces Animal Shelter usually means the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, also called ASCMV, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This 2026 guide explains adoption hours, return-to-owner hours, dog and cat adoption fees, adoptable animals, found pets, lost-pet steps, reclaim fees, pet surrender, microchipping, animal control, tethering rules, volunteer and foster help, map directions and official links.

This guide also separates two common search intents: ASCMV is the open-admission shelter and adoption center, while Las Cruces Animal Control handles city enforcement issues such as nuisance barking, rabies vaccination concerns, care and maintenance, tethering, live traps and dead animal removal inside city limits.

View Adoptable Pets View Found Animals Hours & Map

3543 Bataan Memorial W ASCMV: 575-382-0018 Animal Control: 575-526-0795 Adoptions start 12:30 Daily lunch closure 11–12

Fast answer: The official Las Cruces animal shelter is the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, listed on the current contact page at 3543 Bataan Memorial W, Las Cruces, NM 88012. The main phone is 575-382-0018 and email is ASCMV@ASCMV.org. Adoption hours are Monday–Friday 12:30 PM–5 PM and Saturday–Sunday 12:30 PM–4 PM. Return-to-owner hours are Monday–Friday 8 AM–11 AM and 12 PM–6 PM, Saturday–Sunday 8 AM–11 AM and 12 PM–5 PM. The shelter is closed daily from 11 AM–12 PM for lunch. For Las Cruces Animal Control, call 575-526-0795.

Las Cruces Animal Shelter Quick Details

These details answer the common searches for Las Cruces animal shelter near me, ASCMV hours, Las Cruces animal control phone number, adoptable dogs, adoptable cats, lost pets, found animals, rehome a pet and microchipping.

MAP

Official shelter

Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley.

Current contact page lists 3543 Bataan Memorial W, Las Cruces, NM 88012.

CALL

ASCMV contact

Phone: 575-382-0018.

Email: ASCMV@ASCMV.org.

HRS

Adoption hours

Monday–Friday: 12:30 PM–5 PM.

Saturday–Sunday: 12:30 PM–4 PM.

CTRL

Animal Control

Call 575-526-0795 to reach Las Cruces Animal Control.

Use this route for city enforcement and field-service questions.

Address note: Some older or third-party references may show a nearby Bataan Memorial West address variation. For publishing and user trust, this guide uses the current ASCMV Contact Us listing and recommends using “Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley” in navigation apps.

People Also Search for Las Cruces Animal Shelter: What Each Search Means

Google Autosuggest, PASF and Bing-style related searches usually reveal the visitor’s real problem. This table gives each keyword a practical answer instead of stuffing the keyword into a paragraph.

Search / Intent	What the Person Really Needs	Best Practical Answer
Las Cruces Animal Shelter adoption	Adopt a dog, cat or other available pet.	Use ASCMV adoptable animals, submit the correct dog or cat application and visit during adoption hours.
ASCMV adoptable dogs / cats	Live pet listings and application links.	Use the official Shelterluv-powered adoptable animals page, then confirm before driving for one specific pet.
Las Cruces Animal Shelter hours	Know adoption vs return-to-owner timing.	Adoptions start at 12:30 PM; reclaim/return-to-owner begins earlier. The shelter closes 11 AM–12 PM daily.
Las Cruces Animal Control	Report enforcement, nuisance, rabies, tethering or care concerns.	Call 575-526-0795. Use emergency services for immediate danger or serious public-safety situations.
Lost pets Las Cruces / found animals ASCMV	Find a missing pet or report a found one.	Check ASCMV found animals, create a Petco Love Lost record and visit quickly if a photo may match.
Las Cruces animal shelter fees	Adoption, reclaim, surrender and pet accessory costs.	Dog adoption is listed at $100, cat adoption at $50, offsite events at $25 and surrender starts at $30 for first pet.
Microchipping Las Cruces / Doña Ana County	Know legal requirement and cost.	ASCMV says pets in Doña Ana County and Las Cruces must be microchipped; microchips are listed at $10 by appointment.
Las Cruces tethering rules	Understand outdoor dog restraint limits.	City Animal Control explains humane restraint, shelter, shade, food, water and a strict fixed-object tether time limit.

Las Cruces Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

ASCMV has different timing for adoption and return-to-owner service. Visitors should not confuse early return-to-owner hours with adoption hours.

Adoption Hours 12:30 PM Start Closed 11–12 daily

Current listed public timing

Adoptions are listed Monday–Friday from 12:30 PM to 5 PM and Saturday–Sunday from 12:30 PM to 4 PM. Return-to-owner hours are earlier and longer. ASCMV also lists a daily closure from 11 AM to 12 PM for lunch beginning April 1, 2026.

For adoption, arrive earlier than the final hour because applications, questions and animal availability can take time.

Service	Listed Timing	Visitor Tip
Return to owner Monday–Friday	8 AM–11 AM and 12 PM–6 PM	Use this if your pet is at the shelter and you need reclaim service.
Return to owner Saturday–Sunday	8 AM–11 AM and 12 PM–5 PM	Bring proof of ownership, ID and payment method for any applicable reclaim fees.
Adoptions Monday–Friday	12:30 PM–5 PM	Check adoptable pets online first and submit the correct application.
Adoptions Saturday–Sunday	12:30 PM–4 PM	Shorter weekend window. Arrive early with backup pet choices.
Daily lunch closure	11 AM–12 PM	Do not plan a walk-in service during the lunch closure.
Animal Control	Call 575-526-0795	Use for City of Las Cruces field/enforcement questions rather than adoption questions.

Best time to visit: For adoption, the safest plan is to check pet listings in the morning, arrive shortly after adoption hours begin, and avoid arriving near closing if you need a full meet-and-greet and paperwork.

How to Adopt from ASCMV Las Cruces

Adoption should be practical, not rushed. ASCMV uses adoptable animal listings and dog/cat adoption applications. Start online, but make the final decision after asking real home-fit questions.

Check official adoptable pets first

Open the ASCMV adoptable animals page and look at pet age, sex, notes, status and photos. Pet availability can change quickly, especially during discount events or high-intake periods.

Open official ASCMV adoptable animals

Use the correct dog or cat application

The ASCMV adoptable animals page links to dog and cat adoption applications in English and Spanish. Submit accurate contact information so staff can reach you quickly.

Ask whether the animal is ready to leave

Before assuming same-day pickup, ask about spay/neuter status, microchip, vaccines, medical notes, behavior notes, foster status and any remaining hold or appointment step.

Plan for Las Cruces heat and transport

Bring a secure carrier for cats and small pets, and a leash/harness plan for dogs. Do not leave people or pets waiting in hot vehicles during summer heat.

Ask about first-week adjustment

Ask staff how the pet behaves in the shelter, what stresses the pet, how to introduce resident pets, and what to expect during the first 72 hours at home.

Best adoption question: “What would make this pet difficult if I am not prepared?” This helps reveal energy level, fear, medical issues, separation stress, litter habits, leash needs or other-pet concerns.

Las Cruces Animal Shelter Fees, Discounts & Reclaim Costs

People searching “Las Cruces animal shelter fees” usually need more than adoption price. They may need adoption, reclaim, surrender, rabies, sterilization, carrier or leash cost information.

$100

Dog adoption

Dog adoptions are listed at $100.

ASCMV says adoption fees include spay/neuter.

$50

Cat adoption

Cat adoptions are listed at $50.

Bring a safe carrier or ask about a cardboard carrier.

$25

Offsite / discounts

Offsite event adoptions are listed at $25.

A $25 discount may apply for military ID, DACHS senior voucher or long-term animals 3+ months in the center.

Fee Type	Listed Amount	Practical Meaning
Dog adoption	$100	Ask what is complete today: spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip and any medical follow-up.
Cat adoption	$50	Prepare a carrier, quiet starter room, litter box and first-week setup.
Free adoptions	Eligible categories	ASCMV lists 8+ year animals, heartworm-positive animals and FeLV/FIV-positive cats as free adoption categories.
First compliant impound	$0 if reclaimed same day	Applies when the pet is compliant: sterilized, microchipped and up to date on vaccines.
Care and maintenance	$15 per day	Applies if not reclaimed on the day of impound.
Not-in-compliance first impound	$40	Ask what compliance items are missing and how to fix them.
Rabies vaccine	$10	Voucher and appointment may be provided if no veterinarian is available at reclaim.
Pet surrender	$30 first pet, $5 each additional pet	Appointments are preferred. Call first and ask about alternatives.
Cardboard cat carrier	$5	A hard-sided carrier is safer if you already own one.
Dog leash	$1	Bring your own secure leash/harness if possible.

Budget reminder: A low or discounted adoption fee does not mean the first month is free. Plan for food, leash, collar, harness, carrier, litter, training, preventives, vet follow-up, license or microchip requirements and emergency care.

Lost and Found Pets at ASCMV

Lost-pet searches should be fast and repeated. Shelter photos may not look exactly like your pet at home, and a found animal may be posted after your first search.

If your pet is missing

Check the official ASCMV found animals page for cats, dogs and other animals.
Call 575-382-0018 and ask whether a matching animal is in care.
Visit during return-to-owner hours if you see a possible match.
Bring proof of ownership: photos, vet records, microchip details, adoption paperwork and ID.
Update your microchip company if your phone number or address changed.
Search early morning and evening near home, because many pets hide during hot daytime hours.

If you found a pet

Create a found record with Petco Love Lost as ASCMV recommends for City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County residents.
Walk the animal around the nearby area only if safe, because many reclaimed pets are found close to home.
Post clear found signs and talk to neighbors at different times of day.
Ask about a microchip scan.
Do not permanently rehome a found animal without following official lost/found steps.
Call Animal Control if the animal is injured, aggressive, in traffic or unsafe to handle.

Found-pet intent: The best first step is not always rushing a healthy found pet into the shelter. ASCMV’s found-stray guidance encourages neighborhood search steps, signs, social posting and a Love Lost record because owners are often nearby.

Las Cruces Animal Control: Who to Call and What to Say

Animal control is different from adoption. Contact City of Las Cruces Animal Control for city enforcement, nuisance and field-response questions, and contact ASCMV for shelter, reclaim, adoption and animal-in-care questions.

Animal Control

City route

Call 575-526-0795 to reach Las Cruces Animal Control.

Shelter route

ASCMV

Call 575-382-0018 for adoption, found animals, reclaim, surrender and shelter-service questions.

Emergency

Immediate danger

Use emergency services for active attacks, serious bites, traffic hazards, severe injury or immediate public-safety risk.

Issue	Best Route	What to Say
Nuisance barking	City Animal Control / online loud-animal report	Give address, time pattern, duration and whether you already spoke with the owner safely.
Rabies vaccination concern	City Animal Control	Explain species, owner address if known and whether a bite or exposure happened.
Loose or stray animal	Animal Control if unsafe; ASCMV for found-animal shelter questions	Give exact location, direction of travel and whether the animal appears injured or aggressive.
Dead animal inside city limits	Las Cruces Animal Control	Give exact location and whether it is in the road, sidewalk, alley or private property.
Trap request	City live trap program	Ask whether a free live trap is available and what rules apply for use.
Animal at ASCMV	ASCMV shelter phone	Ask about animal ID, reclaim, adoption status, fees or application steps.

Call script: “I’m calling about an animal issue at [exact address/cross street] in Las Cruces. The animal is [dog/cat/other]. The issue is [loose/injured/aggressive/barking/tethered/no shelter/found]. Is this Animal Control, ASCMV, or emergency dispatch?”

Las Cruces Tethering, Outdoor Shelter and Heat Safety

Many local searches involve dogs outside in heat, dogs chained in yards, barking, lack of water or poor shelter. The City’s Animal Control page explains restraint, shelter, shade and tethering expectations.

SHAD

Outdoor shelter

The City FAQ says an outside animal’s shelter needs three sides, a roof and an elevated floor, and it must be weather resistant. Shade is still required separately.

TIME

Tethering limit

The City FAQ says chaining should be a last resort and limits fixed-object tethering to one hour per 12-hour period.

H2O

Water, shade and food

The City reminder says a tethered dog should be able to access food, water, shade and shelter, especially because Las Cruces temperatures can change quickly.

Do not wait if there is danger: If an animal is collapsing, trapped in heat, actively attacked, severely injured or creating immediate danger, use emergency services or the proper urgent dispatch route. For non-emergency code concerns, call Animal Control and document dates, times, photos and addresses safely.

Rehome or Surrender a Pet in Las Cruces

Owner surrender and “I need to rehome my pet” are different intents. ASCMV’s rehome page encourages Home to Home so pets can stay in a healthier home environment while the owner chooses a new adopter.

Try rehoming first when safe

Use ASCMV’s Home to Home guidance if the pet can safely stay in your care during rehoming.
Create a clear, honest profile with age, size, health, behavior and home fit.
Ask adopters about housing, vet plans, other pets and long-term commitment.
Do not give a pet away without screening and safe transfer steps.
Contact the original rescue or shelter first if an adoption contract requires return.

If surrender is still needed

Call ASCMV before bringing the animal.
Appointments are preferred for surrender.
Listed surrender fees are $30 for the first pet and $5 for each additional pet per visit.
Bring vaccine records, medication details, behavior history, bite history and diet information.
Do not leave an animal outside, in a box, carrier, parking lot or doorway after hours.

Surrender call script: “Hi, I need help with rehoming or possible surrender. The pet is [species/age/sex], has [medical or behavior notes], and the reason is [brief reason]. Are appointments available, and are there resources that might help me keep or safely rehome the pet?”

Microchipping, Licensing Intent and Return-to-Owner Help

Microchipping is one of the most practical ways to get a lost pet home. ASCMV says pets residing in Doña Ana County and the City of Las Cruces are required to be microchipped.

$10

Microchip cost

ASCMV lists microchips at $10, including implantation.

Call 575-382-0018 for an appointment.

UPD

Update contact details

A microchip is only useful if your phone number and address are current. Update the registry after moving or changing phone numbers.

SCAN

Found-pet scanning

If you find a pet, ask about microchip scanning before assuming the animal has no owner.

Return-to-owner tip: Keep a folder with microchip number, vaccine proof, adoption paperwork and clear pet photos. It can speed up reclaim if your pet ever enters the shelter.

Foster, Volunteer and How to Help ASCMV

If you cannot adopt, fostering, volunteering or donating can still help. ASCMV specifically asks for kitten fosters, bottle-baby fosters, dog fosters and general volunteers.

Foster help

ASCMV says fostering can be a few days, a weekend or a couple of weeks.
They mention urgent need for kitten and bottle-baby fosters during kitten season.
They also mention dog and puppy fosters when kennels are over capacity.
ASCMV says it provides what foster homes need; the foster supplies love and attention.
Foster Coordinator contact listed on the foster page: 575-640-2433.

Volunteer help

Volunteer roles include animal caregiving, enrichment, cat/kitten handling, dog/puppy handling and kennel help.
Other roles include laundry, dishes, office support, off-site adoption events, public outreach and treat making.
People under 18 need a parent or legal guardian volunteer with them.
Children at least 10 can accompany a parent/guardian but cannot handle animals directly.
Teens at least 16 can handle animals with their parent or legal guardian.

Best help intent: If your search is “Las Cruces animal shelter volunteer” or “ASCMV foster,” start with the official form. If you cannot commit time, use the donation page for needed items such as crates, towels, blankets without filling, collars, slip leads and treats.

Official Video Resource Note

I did not add a random YouTube embed because a current official embeddable ASCMV shelter-tour or adoption-process YouTube video was not confirmed. For trust and usefulness, this article uses official ASCMV and City of Las Cruces pages rather than forcing a weak or unrelated video.

Recommended future video: an official ASCMV video showing the adoption lobby, dog/cat application flow, return-to-owner process, found-animal steps, foster program or Las Cruces Animal Control routing. When ASCMV publishes a clearly official embeddable video, place it here in a responsive iframe.

What to Bring Before Visiting Las Cruces Animal Shelter

A prepared visit is faster and less stressful. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming, reporting a found pet, surrendering or asking about microchipping.

Photo ID

Bring valid ID for adoption, reclaim, surrender or appointment-based services.

HOME

Housing approval

If renting, confirm pet permission, pet deposits, breed/size limits and maximum pet count before adopting.

PAY

Payment method

Bring payment for adoption, reclaim, surrender, microchip or accessories when applicable.

CAT

Carrier

Bring a secure cat carrier. ASCMV lists cardboard cat carriers at $5, but a hard-sided carrier is safer.

DOG

Leash / harness

Bring a secure leash, collar or harness for a dog. ASCMV lists dog leashes at $1 if needed.

PROOF

Ownership proof

For reclaim, bring photos, vet records, microchip details, vaccine proof and adoption paperwork if available.

After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home

A helpful shelter article should not stop at “pay the fee.” The first week is when new-pet stress, escape risk, heat risk and resident-pet conflict can appear.

First 24 hours

Keep the new pet in a quiet starter area.
Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
Keep cats indoors and set up a litter box, food, water and hiding space.
Keep dogs leashed or securely contained until they know the home.
Watch doors and gates carefully; newly adopted pets may bolt.

Days 2–7

Set a routine for food, potty breaks, walks, play and rest.
Schedule veterinary follow-up if recommended.
Introduce resident pets slowly and with supervision.
Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, refusal to eat or severe anxiety.
Complete microchip registration and keep records together.

Las Cruces heat reminder: Avoid long pavement walks, hot parked cars and outdoor waiting during high temperatures. Provide water, shade and indoor cooling after adoption.

Las Cruces Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Visit Tips

Use this map for the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley in Las Cruces. Check official pages before driving for one specific animal, reclaim, surrender, microchipping or animal-control questions.

Map is for visit planning only. Use your navigation app for live traffic, road work, parking and route changes. Search the facility name if address variants appear.

EARLY

Arrive early

Adoption and reclaim questions take time. Avoid arriving near closing for a complicated visit.

LUNCH

Remember lunch closure

ASCMV lists a daily 11 AM–12 PM lunch closure beginning April 1, 2026.

CALL

Call the right route

Use ASCMV for shelter questions and Las Cruces Animal Control for city field/enforcement questions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at ASCMV Las Cruces

These mistakes create wasted trips, delayed reclaims and poor adoption outcomes.

Before visiting

Do not confuse return-to-owner hours with adoption hours.
Do not arrive during the 11 AM–12 PM lunch closure.
Do not drive for one specific animal without checking official availability first.
Do not forget a carrier, leash, ID or payment method.
Do not treat Animal Control and ASCMV as the same department for every issue.

Before adopting, reclaiming or surrendering

Do not adopt without checking landlord and household rules.
Do not reclaim without proof of ownership and microchip/vaccine information if available.
Do not surrender without calling first and asking about rehoming options.
Do not hide medical, bite or behavior history.
Do not assume a free or discounted adoption removes future care costs.

Official Las Cruces / ASCMV Links

Use official ASCMV and City of Las Cruces pages for final decisions. This guide explains the process, but official pages control current hours, fees, listings, policies and service updates.

INFOASCMV Contact UsOfficial address, phone, email, return-to-owner hours, adoption hours and daily closure note. PETSAdoptable AnimalsOfficial Shelterluv-powered adoptable animal listings and dog/cat application links. FEESASCMV FeesOfficial adoption, reclaim, surrender, accessory and discount information. FOUNDFound Animals at ASCMVOfficial found cats, dogs, small mammals, birds, barnyard and other animal listings. STRAYFound a StrayOfficial neighborhood, signs, social posting and Petco Love Lost guidance. REHOMERehome Your PetOfficial Home to Home guidance for owners who need a safe rehoming route. CHIPLicensing & MicrochippingOfficial microchip requirement and $10 appointment guidance. CTRLCity of Las Cruces Animal ControlOfficial animal control mission, phone route, ordinance enforcement, online reporting and city service links.

Source-check note: Always confirm current hours, animal availability, adoption promotions, reclaim fees, surrender rules, microchip appointments and Animal Control routing directly with ASCMV or City of Las Cruces before visiting.

Las Cruces Animal Shelter FAQ

What is the official Las Cruces animal shelter?

The official shelter people usually mean is the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, also called ASCMV.

Where is ASCMV located?

The current ASCMV Contact Us page lists the shelter at 3543 Bataan Memorial W, Las Cruces, NM 88012. Use “Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley” in navigation apps if address variants appear.

What is the Las Cruces Animal Shelter phone number?

Call ASCMV at 575-382-0018 for shelter, adoption, reclaim, found animals, surrender and general animal-in-care questions.

What are Las Cruces Animal Shelter adoption hours?

ASCMV lists adoption hours as Monday through Friday 12:30 PM to 5 PM and Saturday through Sunday 12:30 PM to 4 PM.

Is ASCMV closed for lunch?

Yes. ASCMV lists a daily closure from 11 AM to 12 PM for lunch beginning April 1, 2026.

What are ASCMV return-to-owner hours?

Return-to-owner hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 11 AM and 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday through Sunday 8 AM to 11 AM and 12 PM to 5 PM.

How much are dog adoption fees at ASCMV?

ASCMV lists dog adoptions at $100. Adoption fees include spay/neuter. Always confirm current promotions before adopting.

How much are cat adoption fees at ASCMV?

ASCMV lists cat adoptions at $50. Bring a secure carrier or ask about available carrier options.

Does ASCMV offer free adoptions?

ASCMV lists some free adoption categories, including animals 8 years or older, heartworm-positive animals and FeLV/FIV-positive cats. Confirm current eligibility before visiting.

What should I do if I lost my pet in Las Cruces?

Check ASCMV found animals, call 575-382-0018, visit during return-to-owner hours if a pet may be yours, update microchip contact details and bring proof of ownership.

What should I do if I found a stray pet in Las Cruces?

Create a found record with Petco Love Lost, check the neighborhood, post signs and call ASCMV or Animal Control depending on whether the animal is safe, injured, aggressive or needs shelter guidance.

What is the Las Cruces Animal Control phone number?

Call 575-526-0795 to reach Las Cruces Animal Control for city animal-control questions.

Does Las Cruces Animal Control handle barking complaints?

Yes. The City Animal Control page says residents can file loud-animal reports online instead of calling Central Dispatch or speaking with an officer.

Are pets in Las Cruces required to be microchipped?

ASCMV says pets residing in Doña Ana County and the City of Las Cruces are required to be microchipped. Microchips are listed at $10 and require an appointment.

How much does pet surrender cost at ASCMV?

ASCMV lists surrender fees per visit as $30 for the first pet and $5 for each additional pet. Appointments are preferred.

Can I foster for ASCMV?

Yes. ASCMV lists foster needs for kittens, bottle babies, dogs and puppies. The foster page lists the Foster Coordinator contact as 575-640-2433.

Can I volunteer at ASCMV?

Yes. ASCMV offers volunteer roles such as animal caregiving, enrichment, dog and cat handling, kennel cleaning, laundry, office help, off-site adoption event support and outreach.

Final Take: Use Las Cruces Animal Shelter and Animal Control the Right Way

Las Cruces Animal Shelter usually means ASCMV, the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley. Use it for adoption, return-to-owner, found animals, lost-pet searches, surrender questions, microchipping, foster, volunteer and donation help.

Use Las Cruces Animal Control for city animal-control issues such as nuisance barking, rabies vaccination concerns, tethering, outdoor care, dead animal removal, live trap program questions and other city ordinance concerns. The best visitor plan is simple: check official listings first, avoid the lunch closure, arrive early during adoption hours, bring ID and transport supplies, and call the correct department before driving for a complicated issue.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with ASCMV, Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, City of Las Cruces Animal Control, Doña Ana County, Shelterluv, Petco Love Lost, Home to Home, any veterinarian, rescue, police department or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming, fostering, volunteering or reporting an animal concern.