The Animal Control division is responsible for providing animal control services in the County. This includes enforcement of state and local laws and ordinances regarding animal welfare, impounding stray domestic animals (dogs and cats), and animal shelter operations - which consists of animal intake and release, animal care, volunteer programs and adoption of animals.
Public Safety Aides (PSA's) are available to assist citizens with animal control issues seven days a week. To request a PSA please call dispatch at 662-8222. Please contact the Animal Shelter at 662-8179 if you would like information that is not provided here.
Los Alamos County Animal Control deals only with domestic animals. We are also available to assist you with other animal issues and concerns. The following is an abbreviated list of surrounding agencies that we frequently call upon:
- NM State Game and Fish – 827-7899
- Espanola Wildlife Center – 753-9505
- Santa Fe County Animal Control – 424-2050
- Santa Fe Animal Shelter – 983-4309
- Santa Fe Emergency Vet – 984-0625
- Espanola Animal Control – 753-4630
- Espanola Animal Shelter – 753-8662
Hours of Operation
10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday
10 am to 1 pm, Saturday & Sunday
The PSA on duty is subject to respond to calls.
Other times by appointment: call 662-8222 or 662-8179.
Shelter Fees
Cash, or check (payable to Los Alamos County) VISA and MasterCard accepted.
Roaming Animals
To claim a roaming animal, the owner must provide paperwork proving current rabies vaccination and pay the capture and boarding fees:
- $10 - Capture 1st offense
- $5 - Boarding fee per day
All fees are per animal, and do not include other assessments imposed by the courts.
Shelter Fees
- $35 - for animals previously sterilized
- $60 - for animals sterilized by the Los Alamos County
The Animal Shelter staff works with a local organization, The Friends of the Shelter, to care for animals that are eligible for adoption. The County has a very high animal adoption rate -- good news for the stray or roaming animals picked up in our County!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Los Alamos County Animal Shelter has an extensive volunteer program. The volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats, groom and bathe animals, and foster animals that have been at the shelter for too long a period of time.