Animal Ordinances in Bernalillo County, NM (2026)

Bernalillo County Code, App. A (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance), § 9(B)(2)(a)

Agricultural activity, including...the raising of poultry or rabbits, dairy farming, livestock grazing, feeding, and the raising of livestock on lots containing three acres or more. On lots of less than three acres...any structure/building, pen, or corral where such animal is located is at least 20 feet from any existing dwelling unit. In addition, lots one-half acre or less shall maintain a 20...

Bernalillo County Code § 6-43

A dog is permitted on the street and in other public places only if on a secure leash not exceeding six feet in length. Longer retractable leashes may be used, provided the person with the dog is capable of controlling the dog. All other animals must be secured in a fashion acceptable for the species of animal.

Bernalillo County Code § 6-67

(b)It shall be unlawful to maintain a dangerous animal in a manner which constitutes a threat to any person or other animal.(c)Any dog that is deemed dangerous by admission of owner or by court determination shall register the dog with animal care services by obtaining a dangerous dog permit. The owner shall comply with all registration and handling requirements as listed in the NMSA 1978, § 77...

Bernalillo County Code § 6-68

It shall be unlawful for a person to own, harbor, keep or exhibit on any private or public property in the county any wild animal of a species that in its natural life is dangerous or ferocious. Such animals, though they may be trained and domesticated, remain a danger to others, and include: (1)Wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes...(2)Lions, pumas, panthers, mountain lions, wild cats...(3)All bear...

Bernalillo County Code § 6-42

No person or household shall own, harbor or keep more than a combined total of four dogs, cats or any combination thereof over the age of three months without, multiple animal site permit, or shelter permit. A household may have up to six dogs, cats or any combination thereof provided that all of the animals shall be sterilized without a multiple animal permit or shelter permit.

Bernalillo County Code § 6-41

It is unlawful for any person to own or harbor a dog, cat, or ferret over the age of three months without obtaining a license for such animal. Persons who are not county residents and who keep such an animal in the county for less than 30 consecutive days shall be exempt from this license requirement.

Bernalillo County Code § 6-39C

The owner of an intact female dog or cat bred intentionally or unintentionally that does not possess a breeder permit is required to obtain a litter permit for each litter. Subsequent to the issuance of a litter permit, the permitted animal shall be sterilized within 120 days of the issuance of the litter permit.

Bernalillo County Code § 6-41(a),(c),(e),(j)

(a)It is unlawful for any person to own or harbor a dog, cat, or ferret over the age of three months without obtaining a license for such animal. Persons who are not county residents and who keep such an animal in the county for less than 30 consecutive days shall be exempt from this license requirement. ... (c)Licenses shall be purchased for one year. A three-year license may be purchased for ...

Bernalillo County Code § 6-68

It shall be unlawful for a person to own, harbor, keep or exhibit on any private or public property in the county any wild animal of a species that in its natural life is dangerous or ferocious. Such animals, though they may be trained and domesticated, remain a danger to others, and include:(1)Wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, and other members of the non-domestic canine families.

Bernalillo County Code § 6-64(e)-(f)

Sale of live companion animals at pet shops is prohibited unless the pet shop has an approved professional animal site permit. Sale of rabbits, cats or dogs in pet shops is prohibited. The sale of rabbits for purposes other than as a companion animal... is allowed. There shall be a seasonal exception for the sale of live rabbits in all pet shops, feed stores, and bait shops during the months of...

Bernalillo County Code § 6-39(a)

Valid permits are required to operate a multiple animal site, professional animal site, or shelter site, breed dogs or cats, have a litter of dogs and cats, possess a guard dog or possess an intact dog or cat that has been impounded as a stray. ... Multiple animal site, professional animal site and shelter site permits require a demonstration of a certification of zoning and land use from the B...

Bernalillo County Code, App. A (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance), § 14

B.Use Regulations. A building or premises shall be used only for the following purposes. All uses customarily incidental to the building or premises shall be maintained on site.1.Prohibited Uses.a.Any use not designated a permissive use or conditional use in this zone, unless otherwise authorized by this Code; orb.Any use not recognized as customarily incidental to a permitted use in the zone.2...

Bernalillo County Code § 6-60

It is unlawful for a person to confine any wild or domestic fowl or birds unless provisions are made by such person for the proper feeding and the furnishing of water to such fowl or birds at intervals not longer than 12 hours. No person shall impound wild or domestic fowl or birds in a crate, box or other enclosure unless such fowl or bird is in a natural erect position unless such position ca...