Animal Ordinances in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
13 verified animal ordinances for Albuquerque, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Albuquerque allows up to 15 hens (no roosters) on standard residential lots under ROA 1994 Chapter 9, subject to coop setback and sanitation rules.
Albuquerque Backyard Chickens
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Albuquerque HEART Ordinance (ROA Ch. 9, Art. 2) — all dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 ft when in public, held by a person capable of controlling the animal. Verbal commands do not constitute control. Off-leash allowed only in designated dog parks.
Albuquerque Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Albuquerque has NO breed-specific legislation. No breed bans (including pit bulls). The HEART Ordinance focuses on individual animal behavior rather than breed. Dangerous/aggressive animal provisions apply regardless of breed.
Albuquerque Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Albuquerque. The city was designated the first Bee City USA in the Southwest in 2016. No registration required by city or state, though commercial apiaries must register annually by November 1. Beekeepers can join the no-spray list via 311.
Albuquerque Beekeeping Rules
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Albuquerque ROA §9-2-3-9 — permit required to own exotic or wild animals including venomous reptiles, large constrictors, alligators, crocodiles, and certain birds of prey. Collection permit (EWACP) required for 15+ exotic animals. No release into wild within city limits.
Albuquerque Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Albuquerque prohibits intentional feeding of coyotes, bears, javelinas, and other nuisance wildlife under ROA 1994 Chapter 9 with enhanced penalties in foothills neighborhoods.
Albuquerque Wildlife Feeding Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Albuquerque limits the number of companion animals per household and treats hoarding as a public-health and animal-welfare violation under Chapter 9, Article 2 of the city code.
Albuquerque Animal Hoarding Limits
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Albuquerque caps the combined number of dogs and cats per dwelling at six without a multi-pet permit, with separate caps for chickens, rabbits, and other small livestock.
Albuquerque Pet Limits Per Household
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Albuquerque requires cats over four months old to be licensed, vaccinated against rabies, and prohibits cats from running at large under the city's HEART ordinance.
Albuquerque Cat Licensing and Containment
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Albuquerque requires sterilization of dogs and cats over six months old unless owners pay for and maintain an intact-animal permit, one of the strictest such laws in the Southwest.
Albuquerque Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsMicrochipping
All licensed dogs and cats in Albuquerque must be microchipped, with chip information registered to the owner and updated when the animal or contact information changes.
Albuquerque Microchip Requirement for Pets
Some RestrictionsCoyote Management
Albuquerque prohibits feeding coyotes and other wildlife and coordinates with NM Game and Fish to manage urban coyote conflicts in foothills neighborhoods bordering the Sandia Mountains.
Albuquerque Coyote Conflict Rules
Some RestrictionsPet Store Rules
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 Retail Pet Sale Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Bernalillo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albuquerque city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Bernalillo County →