The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department’s mission is to protect and serve the pets and people of Albuquerque by providing Caregiving, Awareness, Resources, Enforcement and Service excellence.

“Final Lap to a Forever Home” Pet Adoption This Weekend

Animal Welfare Department’s two-day event seeks loving homes for shelter pets

September 16, 2025

ALBUQUERQUE — On your mark, get set, go meet your new best friend! The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) will host the "Final Lap to a Forever Home" adoption event Saturday and Sunday, September 20–21, at both the Eastside and Westside city shelters. AWD’s pets have been training for this moment, and they’re ready to zoom across the finish line and straight into your heart.

Part of a continued effort to find loving homes for shelter pets, the event will feature waived adoption fees and on-site counselors to help make the perfect match. Choose from adoptable dogs, cats, and other companion animals ready to start their next chapter.

“These pets are racing toward something truly special: a loving home,” said AWD Director Carolyn Ortega. “We’ve seen again and again how transformative adoption can be for both pets and people. Everyone wins.”

This exciting weekend is all about giving shelter pets a shot at a better life. From playful pups to cuddly cats, animals at both shelters are eager to dash into a new start. And with adoption, each pet comes with the full starter pack for a healthy future:

Spaying or neutering.
Pet tag.
Microchip.
vaccinations.
One free initial vet visit.
PLUS one free session of basic dog training.

“When you adopt a pet, you’re changing their life and your own,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Events like Final Lap to a Forever Home show how our city can come together to take care of animals in the community.”

Help us finish strong and get every shelter pet in a forever home.

To view adoptable pet click here.

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