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Albuquerque, NM Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
ROA Sec. 9-2-4-3(C)(1); 9-2-3-8
Max Animals
6 companion animals
Max Dogs
4
Over-Limit Permit
MCASP (cap 15 animals)
Spay/Neuter
Required unless Intact Permit held

Summary

Albuquerque's HEART Ordinance limits a household to no more than six companion animals, no more than four of which may be dogs; exceeding that limit requires a Multiple Companion Animal Site Permit (MCASP), which itself caps a site at 15 companion animals.

(C) Exceeding Animal Possession Limits. (1) Companion Animals. No Person shall own more than six Companion Animals, no more than four of which are dogs. Any person wishing to exceed these limits may apply for a Multiple Companion Animal Site Permit. There are temporary exceptions to this rule for Foster Care Providers, Finders and Persons with a valid Litter Permit.

Source: City of AlbuquerqueView official code

Full Breakdown

ROA Sec. 9-2-4-3(C)(1) provides that no person shall own more than six companion animals, no more than four of which are dogs, and that anyone wishing to exceed those limits may apply for a Multiple Companion Animal Site Permit (MCASP). Temporary exceptions exist for foster-care providers, finders, and persons with a valid litter permit. ROA Sec. 9-2-3-8 governs the MCASP: any person intending to exceed the maximum of six companion animals (no more than four dogs) in a household must obtain the permit, and no MCASP site may keep more than 15 companion animals, of which no more than four may be intact. Separate caps apply to rabbits and poultry within the same code section (see the chickens-and-livestock entry). All dogs over six months and cats over five months must be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds an Intact Companion Animal Permit, and all pets must be microchipped.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than the permitted number of animals without an MCASP is a HEART Ordinance violation; the City's civil-penalty schedule is $200 (first), $300 (second), and $500 (third or subsequent) offense, with potential seizure and impoundment of animals kept over the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs and cats can I have in Albuquerque?
A household may keep up to six companion animals total, of which no more than four may be dogs (the rest can be cats or other companion animals). To exceed six, you must apply for a Multiple Companion Animal Site Permit.
What is a Multiple Companion Animal Site Permit (MCASP)?
Per ROA Sec. 9-2-3-8, it is the permit required to exceed the six-animal/four-dog limit. An MCASP site may keep no more than 15 companion animals, no more than four of which can be intact (unaltered).
Do my pets have to be fixed and microchipped?
Yes. Dogs over six months and cats over five months must be spayed or neutered unless you hold an Intact Companion Animal Permit, and all pets must be microchipped under the HEART Ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Albuquerque

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBuilding Setbacks & Zoning: Setback RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSignificant RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsCat RulesSignificant RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsWildlife Rescue PermitsLight RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsBuilding Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height LimitsSome Restrictions

All Albuquerque rules

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