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.

Kitten and Puppy Caregivers Invited to Free Training

Volunteers needed to help shelter pets

February 10, 2026

ALBUQUERQUE – Are you a pet lover looking to give back? The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) needs volunteers for our kitten and puppy caregivers team. AWD’s orphan kitten and puppy caregiver classes start in March.

To sign up or for more details, please send your contact information to [email protected]. Our staff will then have you complete an online application to become part of our volunteer team. Sign up today!

“This is a way to step in and make a shelter pet’s life better,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Volunteering and fostering can be a very rewarding experience for you too.”

AWD offers a variety of volunteer opportunities:

First responders care for neonatal and underage/underweight orphaned kittens and puppies overnight, then return them to the clinic the next day.
Nursery caregivers provide intensive care to orphaned kittens at the shelter clinic until foster families are secured.
Foster caregivers open up their homes to look after of some of our community's most vulnerable animals.

“AWD’s foster and volunteer program is an essential part of our lifesaving work,” said Animal Welfare Department Director Carolyn Ortega. “Fostering helps us take proper care of this vulnerable population before they’re ready for a loving home.”

AWD provides all necessary pet food and supplies to support volunteers while caring for shelter pets.

If you’d like to join the foster caregivers program, apply here. For more information email [email protected].

By joining the One Albuquerque team, you will make a real difference in the lives of pets needing homes.

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