Albuquerque Pet Vaccines & Rabies Laws

Public Health and Welfare New Mexico 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of New Mexico

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, pet owners must follow local rules for rabies vaccination and licensing to protect public health and animal welfare. This guide summarizes the city requirements, who enforces them, how to obtain vaccinations and licenses, and what to do if you receive a citation. Where the city or its pages give specific figures or forms, those are cited; where the official page does not list amounts or time limits, the text notes that explicitly and points to the responsible department for verification.

What the law requires

The City of Albuquerque requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies and that owners obtain city pet licenses in applicable cases. The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department administers vaccination guidance, licensing, and animal control functions; details and online license applications are available on the city's Animal Welfare pages City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare[1] and the Pet Licenses page Pet Licenses[2].

Licensing & Vaccination Requirements

Owners should obtain rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian and keep proof of vaccination for licensing and inspection. The pet license application and fee schedule are published on the city's Pet Licenses page; if you need a license exemption or variance, contact Animal Welfare directly for procedures.

Keep your pet's rabies certificate with other vaccination records.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department enforces vaccination and licensing requirements and may issue citations for noncompliance. Specific monetary fines, escalation steps, and statutory section numbers are not comprehensively listed on the cited city pages; where amounts or escalation rules are absent on the official pages, the text below states that the figure is "not specified on the cited page" and points to the department for confirmation.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see Animal Welfare for current amounts and payment instructions.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to vaccinate, quarantine, seizure of animal, or court action may be imposed by enforcement authorities; specific procedures are set by the department and municipal code.
  • Enforcer: Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department handles inspections, complaints, and citations; contact details are available on the department page.[1]
  • Appeals & review: the official pages do not list detailed appeal time limits or the exact appeals route; contact Animal Welfare or the Municipal Court for appeal procedures.
Contact Animal Welfare promptly if you receive a citation to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes the online pet license application and fee schedule on its Pet Licenses page; the official form name and current fee table appear there. If a permit, exemption, or variance is needed, the Animal Welfare page directs you how to request it. If a specific form number or fee is not shown on the city's page, it is not specified on the cited page and you should contact the department for the latest details.[2]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Unlicensed dog or cat: citation and requirement to obtain license and show vaccine proof.
  • Failure to vaccinate: order to vaccinate and potential citation or quarantine.
  • Failure to produce records on request: inspection follow-up and possible citation.

Action steps

  • Obtain a rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian and keep the certificate.
  • Apply for or renew your pet license on the city's Pet Licenses page and pay any required fee.[2]
  • If cited, contact Albuquerque Animal Welfare immediately to learn deadlines and appeal options.[1]

FAQ

Do all dogs and cats in Albuquerque need a rabies shot?
Yes; dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies and owners should maintain vaccination certificates for licensing and inspections.
How do I get a pet license?
Apply online via the City of Albuquerque Pet Licenses page and submit proof of rabies vaccination and applicable fees as shown on the city's page.
Who enforces rabies and licensing rules?
The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department enforces vaccination and licensing requirements and handles complaints and citations.

How-To

  1. Schedule a rabies vaccination with a licensed veterinarian and obtain the signed certificate.
  2. Visit the City of Albuquerque Pet Licenses page to complete the license application and upload vaccination proof.[2]
  3. Pay the license fee as listed on the city's page and retain confirmation of payment.
  4. Keep vaccination and license records available for inspections or if you need to appeal a citation.

Key Takeaways

  • Rabies vaccination and pet licensing are administered by Albuquerque Animal Welfare.
  • Official forms and fee schedules are on the city's Pet Licenses page.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare
  2. [2] City of Albuquerque Pet Licenses

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