Albuquerque restricts retail pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits, requiring sourcing from shelters or rescue organizations under a 2022 amendment to the HEART ordinance.
Albuquerque amended its HEART ordinance in 2022 to prohibit pet stores within city limits from offering dogs, cats, or rabbits for retail sale unless the animals come from a public animal shelter, humane society, or registered nonprofit rescue. Stores must post the source of each animal, maintain adoption records for two years, and allow Animal Welfare inspection. The intent is to curb puppy-mill supply chains while preserving humane adoption partnerships. Existing licensees received a transition period to comply.
Selling commercially sourced dogs, cats, or rabbits at retail can result in citations, license revocation, and fines escalating with each animal involved in the violation.
Albuquerque, NM
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Albuquerque, NM
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See how Albuquerque's pet store rules rules stack up against other locations.
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