At Gateway West, Pets Aren’t a Barrier to Shelter. They’re a Reason to Come In.

As severe storms move through Albuquerque and temperatures drop, Gateway West, the City’s largest and lowest-barrier emergency shelter, is open to everyone. That includes the dogs, cats, and other companions that many people experiencing homelessness depend on for stability, comfort, and connection. For some, knowing they won’t have to leave their pet behind is the deciding factor in coming inside.

Located at 7440 Jim McDowell NW, Gateway West serves approximately 600 people every night and more than 700 during cold winters. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering meals, beds, secure storage, and a full range of supportive services. Its pet-welcoming policy is a deliberate part of its low-barrier design: removing the conditions that prevent people from seeking help, including the impossible choice between accessing shelter and staying with a beloved companion.

That commitment recently grew more tangible. Greater Good Charities — a national nonprofit that has invested over $1 billion in support for people, animals, and communities — partnered with Gateway West to construct expanded outdoor dog yards, a dedicated grooming sink, and enrichment spaces for resident pets. Six local volunteers contributed 55 hours through the One ABQ volunteer portal, with an additional 40 hours from a Greater Good volunteer, to complete the project. The result is a dedicated space where dogs can exercise, decompress, and be cared for, right alongside the people who need them.

“Gateway West is proof that a shelter can be a real place of welcome,” said Mayor Tim Keller.  “When someone knows they can have a safe place to land without being separated from their pet, they are so much more likely to come inside and get the help they need.”

A Reason to Get Up in the Morning

Christina is an Army veteran currently staying at Gateway West. She shares her space with a three-month-old puppy who she says means “the absolute world” to her. Having her companion with her gives her a reason to get up every morning.

For Christina, staying at Gateway West isn’t just about having a roof over her head. It’s about having a place where her relationship with her dog is recognized and supported. Pet supplies provided through the Greater Good partnership, including treats, food, and care items, also give staff another way to connect with residents and their animals while reinforcing a simple message: The parts of your life that matter most are welcome here.

During a recent visit, Christina’s puppy calmly accepted treats from staff, gently engaging with the people around her despite being just a few months old. Small moments like this help make a shelter feel more like a place people can actually settle in.

Care That Includes the Whole Picture

Amanda is an Air Force veteran who now works as an EMT at Gateway West, providing medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness. Her job regularly puts her in contact with clients’ pets, which are often present in medical spaces because their owners won’t leave them behind, even when they need care.

Amanda will be the first to say she isn’t naturally a “dog person.” But working at Gateway West has shown her why it matters. When someone comes in sick, anxious, or scared, their dog is often the one thing keeping them calm. Requiring a client to separate from that source of comfort just to receive medical attention isn’t always in anyone’s best interest.

The pet treats available through the Greater Good partnership have become a practical tool in Amanda’s work. Offering a treat to a dog accompanying a client into the medical area can help ease the interaction for the animal, the client, and the staff member providing care. It’s a small adjustment that reflects a larger philosophy: meeting people where they are means accounting for the full reality of their lives.

“The people who come to Gateway West don’t leave their lives at the door, and we don’t ask them to,” said Richard Gaczewski, Gateway West Coordinator. “A pet can be the most consistent source of love and routine during an incredibly hard time. Being able to welcome that is part of what makes this place work.”

“Gateway West exists to make sure that no one has to weigh their safety against what they care about most,” said Gilbert Ramirez, Director of the City of Albuquerque Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness. “For many of the people we serve, their pet is their anchor. Welcoming that bond is how we actually get people through the door and connected to care.”

About Gateway West: Gateway West (7440 Jim McDowell NW) is the City of Albuquerque’s largest emergency shelter, serving approximately 600 people per night and more than 700 during cold weather months. Open 24 hours a day, it provides meals, beds, secure storage, on-site supportive services, and a low-barrier environment that welcomes residents with pets. The shelter’s expanded dog amenities, completed in partnership with Greater Good Charities, include outdoor dog yards, enrichment spaces, and a dedicated grooming sink.

How to Help:

The community support that made the Gateway West dog run possible is the same spirit that keeps the shelter running every day. There are three ways Albuquerque residents can get involved:

Volunteer: Gateway West and other HHH shelters rely on volunteers to support shelter operations, organize donations, assist with meals, and help with community events. In its first eight months, the HHH volunteer program logged 351 volunteers and 1,216 hours of service. Sign up at oneabqvolunteers.com or visit cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness/volunteer-and-donate.

Donate Items: Shelters have an ongoing need for clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and household essentials. Items can be donated directly through the HHH Amazon Wishlist.

Give Financially: The One Albuquerque Fund supports homelessness and housing initiatives across the City. Donations can be made at onealbuquerquefund.org.

For more information, contact the Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness at [email protected] or 505-768-2860.