Albuquerque, NM Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt group
- NM state-licensed wildlife rehabilitators
- EWACP triggers at
- 15+ permissible exotic/wild animals
- EWACP fee
- $35
- Also exempt
- Zoos, vet hospitals, humane shelters
- Release restriction
- No release in city without written permission
Summary
State-licensed wildlife rehabilitators are exempt from Albuquerque's Exotic or Wild Animal Collection Permit, as long as they use secure enclosures and never use the animals for testing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, zoological parks, Rehabilitators licensed through the State of New Mexico, Veterinary hospitals, and the humane society shelters are excluded from the provisions of this section, provided that the excluded facilities use protective devices adequate to prevent the Exotic or Wild Animals from escaping or injuring the public and the Animals will not be used in any kind of testing or experimentation. The city expects these excluded entities to treat the Exotic or Wild Animals in their possession in a humane manner as stated in this article.
(D) No Person shall own, harbor or keep any species in violation of federal or New Mexico law.
(E) Exotic or Wild Animals shall never be released from captivity within the city limits without written permission from the Mayor’s designee whether or not the Owner has an EWACP.
(F) The Mayor’s designee may Seize the Exotic or Wild Animal for its Owner's failure to obtain an EWACP or comply with this article and such Animal shall become the property of the city. The EWACP Holder or Owner of the Exotic or Wild Animal is liable for any costs incurred by the city and such costs may result in a lien being placed against the Exotic or Wild Animal.
(G) The Mayor’s designee shall use Seizure procedures which protect the public, the Exotic or Wild Animal and other Animals. The Mayor’s designee may convey an Exotic or Wild Animal in his possession to any Zoo, Sanctuary or
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Albuquerque generally requires anyone who owns 15 or more permissible exotic or wild animals to get an Exotic or Wild Animal Collection Permit (EWACP) from Albuquerque Animal Welfare (AACC). The code carves out an exception for wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the State of New Mexico (along with zoos, veterinary hospitals, and humane society shelters), so a state-licensed rehabber caring for injured or orphaned wild animals doesn't need a separate city collection permit, provided their facility uses adequate protective devices and the animals aren't used for testing or experimentation.
Violations & Fines
Owning 15+ exotic/wild animals without an EWACP (when the exemption doesn't apply) lets AACC seize the animal, which becomes city property; the owner is liable for city costs, which can become a lien against the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a wildlife rehabilitator need an Albuquerque city permit to keep injured wild animals?
Can a rehabber release a healed wild animal within Albuquerque city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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