ABQ Times

Albuquerque families will soon have more opportunities to adopt pets through the Lucky Paws Adoption Program, which is transitioning to a mobile format. The Animal Welfare Department (AWD) announced that the Lucky Paws Adoption Center at Coronado Mall will close on December 7, as the program partners with local businesses and organizations for adoption events throughout the city.

The decision to go mobile comes after observing greater success in connecting adoptable pets with families through similar events nationwide. Rising costs also contributed to the move away from a permanent location. The City remains open to suggestions for a future brick-and-mortar center. Interested businesses or organizations can email [email protected] for more information.

“We’re very excited that the Lucky Paws brand will live on in an innovative way by partnering with more local businesses to host mobile pet adoption events,” said Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare Department. “We know that pets blossom and show their true personality once they get out of the kennel environment. By getting more pets out into neighborhoods throughout Albuquerque, we will reach more of the community and give our adoptable pets a much-needed break from the shelter.”

Mayor Tim Keller added, “More families throughout Albuquerque will be reached by taking Lucky Paws out to the neighborhoods where people are, and that means more forever homes for pets. Future pet owners can now meet adoptable pets at the parks, businesses, and events they already go to all across our city.”

To support this initiative, AWD is increasing its number of adoption counselors at Eastside and Westside shelters to improve customer service and ensure a positive experience for prospective adopters. These trained counselors will offer insights about potential pets to help families find suitable matches.

Families are encouraged to visit AWD shelters where hundreds of loving pets await new homes. Adoption fees are waived for all animals, which come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tagged with custom pet tags, and microchipped. Adopting a dog includes one day of free basic training.

For those interested in adopting through Lucky Paws' new mobile format or viewing available animals online, further details can be found on www.cabq.gov/pets.