Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department Waives Adoption Fees For 90 Days

Press Release From the City of Albuquerque:

The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department is currently experiencing an increase in the number of pets in their care. In times of uncertainty, community members are less likely to make a long-term commitment like adopting a new member of the family. AWD is working now to reverse that trend and find adopters and foster homes for the more than 600 pets currently in care. For the next 90 days, all fees for adoption are being waived.

“We are anticipating needing to find fosters for 200 to 300 pets if we reach critical capacity due to increased intake and slowing adoptions,” said Adam Ricci, AWD Chief of Field Operations. “We’re asking Albuquerque to give new homes to the hundreds of animals in our care—whether that means a permanent adoption or shorter-term foster care.”

AWD will be waiving fees for all adoptions for the next 90 days for the pets available in care and in foster homes. Standard adoption practices will still be in place, including background checks. Additionally the shelters are incorporating enhanced cleaning procedures to maximize the safety of the public as well as their employees, volunteers, and animals. AWD’s cleaning products and procedures are effective against animal pathogens as well as the novel COVID-19 virus.

To adopt please visit any one of AWD’s facilities during regular business hours. Please visit www.cabq.gov/pets to see who is available.

AWD is also looking foster homes to provide temporary care for all pets available for the program. To sign up as foster home please email AWDFoster@cabq.gov

This press release was produced by the City of Albuquerque. The views expressed here are the author’s own.