The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) received a $60,000 PetSmart Charities Adoption Prep grant in 2023. The funding has been used to enhance AWD’s working cat program, pet enrichment, volunteering, fostering, adoptions, and advertising.
“Adoption preparation is the critical first step in setting these pets up for a lifetime that is happy and healthy,” said Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare Department. “AWD is proud to have partnered with PetSmart Charities and to have received this important, lifesaving grant funding.”
AWD is the largest and leading open admission shelter in New Mexico and is committed to being an available resource for people and animals in need.
Last year, AWD took in more than 16,700 live admissions of owner-surrenders, stray animals, farm animals, exotics and animals that pose a threat to public safety. As an open-admission shelter, some pets may need critical medical care, spay/neuter or training to develop the skills to overcome shyness.
Every day, individuals from all over come to AWD’s shelter for reasons as diverse as reclaiming lost pets, adopting new furry family members, joining AWD’s foster and volunteer programs, and qualifying for free to low-cost resources to help keep their pets.
AWD’s lifesaving programs seek to enhance the quality of life in Albuquerque through compassionate and impactful services to pets and people. AWD strives to better the community of Albuquerque by providing Caregiving, Awareness, Resources, Enforcement and Service excellence.
“Partnerships like these enhance our advocacy and support for pets and help bridge service gaps in the community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Albuquerque is an animal-friendly city filled with animal-friendly families, and we take the well-being of our pets seriously.”
If you're interested in supporting AWD there are many ways you can get involved. The easiest ways to help are by donating goods or providing financial support. AWD also needs blankets, toys, leashes and collars. For a full list visit www.cabq.gov/pets.
If you have the energy and time to volunteer join AWD’s volunteer program! Volunteers perform tasks such as socializing dogs or cats; fostering; acting as ambassadors at offsite adoption events; supporting clinics; taking photos; among others. To apply visit www.cabq.gov/pets or email [email protected].
###
About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico PetSmart Charities helps up to 600000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants connect pets with loving homes through adoption improve access to affordable veterinary care support families in times of crisis with access food shelter emergency relief Each year millions generous supporters help by donating directly at PetSmartCharities.org while shopping at PetSmart.com using PIN pads checkout registers inside stores In turn efficiently uses more than 90 cents every dollar donated fulfill role leading funder animal welfare North America granting more than $500 million since inception 1994 Independent from LLC organization received Four-Star Rating Charity Navigator past 18 years row placing among top one percent rated charities learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org
Connect with PetSmart Charities on Social Media:
Instagram: @PetSmartCharities
Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs
Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc
About the City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department
The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department’s mission is to protect serve pets people providing Caregiving Awareness Resources Enforcement Service excellence www.cabq.gov/pets
