Albuquerque The Magazine Highlights Animal Welfare Department Manager

Albuquerque The Magazine is spotlighting Animal Welfare Department Outreach Program Manager, Julie Buckland in their October 2026 issue.

Julie’s 30-year journey in animal activism continues to drive innovative community programs, support pet retention, and advance non-adoption live outcomes for shelter animals across Albuquerque and the surrounding areas.

Buckland’s career began at a shelter in Baltimore County, where she gained experience in animal care, surgical support, intake, adoptions, and community outreach. After briefly stepping away from the field, she returned to her true calling, joining the Animal Welfare Department (AWD) in 2008.

“The impetus behind my work at AWD is simple: connecting people who just want someone to love with an animal that can bring joy to their lives,” Buckland said.

As Outreach Program Manager, Buckland oversees non-adoption positive outcome initiatives that secure live outcomes for shelter animals outside traditional adoption channels.

Rather than solely focusing on shelter intake and adoption, Buckland and her team are shifting priorities toward keeping pets and their owners together through direct support and community resources:

• "Keeping Families Together" Pet Food Pantry: A community initiative offering dry and canned pet food, alongside donated essentials such as leashes, collars, beds, blankets, and cat litter to families in need.
• Doggy Day Out Program: An animal enrichment initiative allowing community members to "check out" shelter dogs for a few hours for walks, trips to pet-friendly spots, or quiet care at home.
• Alternative Placement & Specialized Care: Outreach efforts dedicated to finding alternative placement and specialized resources for animals struggling emotionally or progressing slowly.

“Most people who surrender pets do so from a lack of resources, not love,” said Mayor Keller. “These programs keep families together and create a more humane, community-focused model for animal welfare.”

Buckland’s compassion extends to her personal lifestyle. A longtime vegetarian and plant-based advocate, she shares her home with seven dogs and one cat—nearly all adopted through AWD.