Are you a dog lover living in Albuquerque?
Understanding and adhering to Albuquerque’s dog laws is vital for responsible pet ownership. These laws are designed to ensure public safety, protect your furry friends, and create a harmonious environment for everyone.
Make Albuquerque safer and more pet-friendly by proactively learning and following the city’s dog laws outlined in this article.
1. Licensing is required for dogs over three months old in Albuquerque.
2. Spayed/neutered dog licenses cost $6 a year, free for senior citizens.
3. Responsible dog owners in Albuquerque must fulfill duties to protect their pets and the community.
4. Report dog bites to the Mayor within 24 hours of occurrence.
5. Consider spaying or neutering your dog to control the pet population and discourage undesirable behaviors.
6. Breaking Albuquerque’s dog laws can lead to up to a $500 fine or 90 days in jail.
In Albuquerque, dogs older than three months must be licensed.
If you own a dog over three months old, you must obtain a license for your pet. [1] To get a dog license in Albuquerque, you can apply online through the city’s website or in person at the Albuquerque Animal Licensing Center.
When applying, you have to provide proof of rabies vaccination and a spaying/neutering certificate as well as your dog must be microchipped.
The annual cost for a spayed/neutered dog license is $6; senior citizens are eligible for a free license.
The fees for obtaining a dog license in Albuquerque vary depending on whether your pet is spayed/neutered and if you are a senior citizen. The standard license fee for licensing a spayed/neutered dog is $6 per year, with senior citizens eligible for a free license. Your dog will be provided with a license tag, which they must always wear.
In addition, licenses for service animals are provided free of charge. If you apply for a license more than 60 days after vaccination, a late fee of $15 will be applicable. [2]
As a conscientious dog owner in Albuquerque, you have to fulfill certain duties to safeguard the well-being of your pets and the community.
If you are a responsible dog owner in Albuquerque, you have to take care of some responsibilities to ensure the safety of your pets and community. Ensure that your dog is licensed with the city of Albuquerque, per local regulations—display identification tags on your dog’s collar with up-to-date contact information.
Keep your dog’s anti-rabies vaccinations current. Regular veterinary check-ups to prevent health issues and vaccinations are essential for your pet’s health and to prevent the spread of diseases. [1]
Always clean up after your dog, whether in your yard or public spaces. Carry pet waste bags during walks and dispose of waste properly to maintain a clean and sanitary environment. Ensure your dog receives proper nutrition, regular exercise, and access to clean water. Provide proper animal building facilities and protect them from extreme weather conditions.
Take measures to prevent excessive barking, howling, or any behavior that may disturb neighbors. Address any nuisance behavior promptly through training or seeking professional assistance.
Provide basic training and socialize your dog with other animals and people to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior. [4]
Keep your dog on a leash at all times when outside of your property. You should be capable of controlling them and should not be on a leash longer than eight feet. The purpose of the leash laws is to ensure the safety of both the animals and the community. Violating the leash law can result in fines and other consequences for the pet owner. [5]
Your dog can be off-leash in designated areas, such as certain dog parks. You must be aware of these areas and only allow your dogs off-leash in these designated spots. You are only allowed to have a maximum of four pets over three months old at any given time. [1]
Report lost or found dogs promptly to Albuquerque Animal Care Center animal shelters or humane society. It aids in reuniting lost pets with their owners and contributes to community safety. [1]
If your dog bites a person or another animal, you are required to report the incident to the Mayor within 24 hours of the bite.
If your dog bites a person or animal, report the animal bite to the Mayor within 24 hours after the bite occurs. If the Mayor deems it necessary, you must surrender your dog for impoundment of rabies, quarantine, or destruction, and rabies testing at the Mayor’s discretion. [1]
Spay or neuter your dog to control the pet population and discourage unwanted behaviors.
Consider spaying or neutering your dog to control the pet population and prevent unwanted behaviors. Albuquerque offers reduced licensing fees for spayed/neutered pets. However, you can breed and sell dogs in the city With an Intact Animal Permit ($150) and a Companion Animal Litter Permit ($150). [3]
Violating any dog laws in Albuquerque could result in a fine of up to $500 or a 90-day jail sentence upon conviction.
If you break any dog laws in Albuquerque, you may be fined up to $500 or 90 days in jail upon conviction. This is applicable to all the dog laws depicted in the Albuquerque Municipal Code, including leash law violations, noise violations, and more. [6]
If you breed dogs without a hobby breeder’s permit, you must pay a fee of $25 for each litter. The fee can be refunded if proof of sterilization is submitted to the Mayor within two months after the litter is delivered. [1]
Contact us today for expert legal guidance on understanding and handling dog-related cases within the local regulations of Albuquerque.
FAQs
In Albuquerque, all dogs within city limits must be licensed when they reach three months of age. To obtain a dog license, owners need to present proof of current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian, the certificate of spaying/neutering, and pay a fee of $6. Licenses can be obtained from the Albuquerque Animal Licensing Center. [1]
In Albuquerque, the Animal Welfare Department has specific rules regarding the number of dogs allowed per household. The city ordinance states that a maximum of four dogs over the age of three months are allowed per household. [1] However, in order to have more than four dogs, owners must obtain a multiple-animal permit from the Animal Welfare Department.
Violating any dog laws in Albuquerque may result in a fine of up to $500 or 90 days in jail upon conviction. These penalties apply to offenses outlined in the Albuquerque Municipal Code, such as leash law violations, noise violations, and other related infractions. [6]
Sources:
[1] ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL CODE: ARTICLE 2: ANIMAL SERVICES. (n.d.). The Animal Council. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://www.theanimalcouncil.com/files/ALBUQUEQUE_MUNICIPAL_COD_-_ANIMAL_SERVICES.pdf
[2] Albuquerque Animal License Application. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://www.petdata.com/assets/pdf/abq_license_application.pdf
[3] Permit Fees. (n.d.). City of Albuquerque. https://www.cabq.gov/pets/animal-protection-services/licenses-and-fees
[4] Owning A Dog. (n.d.). City of Albuquerque. https://www.cabq.gov/pets/education-resources/dogs
[5] Ethical Animal Treatment – HEART Ordinance Information. (n.d.). City of Albuquerque. https://www.cabq.gov/pets/animal-protection-services/heart-ordinance-information
[6] § 1-1-99 GENERAL PENALTY. (n.d.). American Legal Publishing. https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/albuquerque/latest/albuquerque_nm/0-0-0-82355
