Rio Rancho, NM Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No dog/cat sales by pet stores
- Exception
- Shelter or rescue adoptions only
- Enforcer
- Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center
- Base fine
- $300 unlicensed operation
Summary
Rio Rancho pet stores cannot sell, purchase, or transfer dogs, cats, or dog/cat hybrids: only adoption through a permitted shelter or rescue is allowed.
The purchase, sale, or transfer of dogs, cats, or hybrids of dogs or cats by pet stores are prohibited. This section shall not preclude pet stores from adopting dogs or cats in conjunction with a permitted animal shelter or animal rescue.
(b) Mammals of different species shall not be housed or displayed together in the same primary enclosure or display area.
(c) Avians, reptiles, amphibians and fish may be housed or displayed in mixed species groups only if they are behaviorally and ecologically compatible and they do not present a disease transmission hazard to each other.
(d) Compatibility of animals housed in groups shall be ascertained prior to leaving animals unattended and shall be monitored periodically.
(e) Nursing dams and their offspring shall be housed in an enclosure that provides an area that is not visible to the public and is large enough for the animal to nurse all of the young at one time.
(f) A pet store shall not sell, adopt or transfer an animal that is showing signs of a suspected contagious or zoonotic disease.
(g) Prior to the sale or transfer, a pet store shall provide to the new owner written disclosure of the condition if the pet store sells or transfers an animal suffering from a health condition.
(h) A pet store shall accept for refund or exchange any animal found within seven days of sale or transfer to be suffering from an undisclosed health condition as documented by a licensed veterinarian.
(i)
Full Breakdown
City Code § 116.25(B)(1)(a) flatly bars pet stores from the purchase, sale, or transfer of dogs, cats, or hybrids of dogs or cats. The only carve-out is adopting dogs or cats out in conjunction with a permitted animal shelter or animal rescue. Pet stores still need a professional animal permit under Chapter 116 and must meet the chapter's facility, program, and record-keeping standards for whatever species they do sell.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the required professional animal permit draws a $300 fine under § 116.99(A); permit violations run $100-$300 depending on whether an animal was injured, and the RRARC can suspend or revoke the permit under § 116.30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Rio Rancho pet store still sell dogs or cats?
Does the ban cover other animals like reptiles or birds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
Compare Rio Rancho to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.