The Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment (HEART) Ordinance

The grace period to have your animal spayed or neutered and microchipped is over. If you do not want to spay or neuter your companion animal, you must purchase an intact animal permit for $150.

Citations are being issued to people whose animals are not in compliance with the ordinance. The penalty is up to $500 and/or 90 days in jail as determined by a Metro Court judge.

Read the HEART Ordinance >>

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Ordinance apply to me if I live in a surrounding county?

Yes, if your pet is impounded at the City of Albuquerque Animal Care Center. 9-2-23 Section C: states; "No companion animal owned by a person who lives in Bernalillo County or the surrounding counties of Valencia, Sandoval, Cibola, Santa Fe and Torrance shall leave any Animal shelter including AACC without being altered as provided here within."

Is my animal required to be spayed or neutered?

Yes, dogs over the age of six months and cats over the age of five months are required to be altered. Exemptions are granted only in cases due to health issues as documented by your veterinarian. Low cost spay and neuter programs is available. The City also is providing free spay and neuter services to qualified low income or seniors 65 years of age or older. Call 311 to find out if you qualify.

If I take my dog for a walk, is there a leash length requirement?

Dogs should not be on a leash longer than 8 feet accompanied by a person able to control the animal.

Is my pet required to be microchipped?

Yes. Your pet must be microchipped. If a pet is lost, the microchip will provide information on how to find the owner. The Eastside and Westside Animal Care Centers provide microchipping services during business hours at a cost of $15 per pet microchip. For seniors 65 years of age or older or qualified low income, the pet microchip is free. In order to receive a microchip, you must have proof of ownership, current rabies vaccination, city license and proof of sterilization/Intact Animal Permit.

How many pets can I have?

The new ordinance allows Albuquerque residents to own six pets, of which no more than four are dogs.

If my animal is picked up by Animal Services, will I be able to reclaim my pet intact?

If an intact companion animal with a current intact animal permit is impounded twice by AACC, the intact animal permit will be revoked and the intact companion animal will be required to be altered. If an intact companion animal is impounded twice and must therefore be altered, the permit holder shall pay AACC to alter the companion animal.

How much does an intact permit cost?

The new price for an intact permit is $150 per animal. It must be renewed each year.

How much does a litter permit cost?

The fee for a litter permit is $150 and is good for six months.

What are the requirements to adopt an animal from the Animal Care Center?

You have to be 18 years of age and meet the requirements of a qualified adopter.

Who is a qualified adopter?

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Has never been convicted of any form of cruelty under any law.
• Has never been convicted two or more times for any violation of the HEART Ordinance or any preceding animal ordinance.
• Has never had any animal related permit revoked or suspended.
• Has never failed to reclaim an animal from the Albuquerque Animal Care Center.
• Has not surrendered an animal within one year of the time of adoption.
• Has never been convicted of child or domestic abuse.

Is my animal required to have a City license?

Yes. All animals must be licensed if you live within the City limits. The license must be renewed annually.

If my pet is microchipped, does it still have to wear the tags?

Dogs must wear City tags. Cats do not have to wear tags if they are microchipped.