The Role of the Animal Control Division
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 visit with citizens about animal control issues seven days a week:
7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Call the main police station number at 662-8222.
Contact Numbers
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:
- 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
- NM State Game and Fish – 827-7899
- Espanola Wildlife Center – 753-9505
Please contact us at 662-8179 if you would like information that is not provided here.
The Animal Shelter: Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday, 10 am to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 6 pm.
PSA on duty subject to respond to calls.
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 1 pm.
Other times by appt: call 662-8222 or 662-8179.
Shelter Fees
The owners of animals we pick up roaming are charged a capture fee plus a boarding fee.
Pick-up fees:
- 1st offense - $10
- Boarding fees: $5 per day
All fees are per animal, and do not include other assessments imposed by the courts.
- Adoption fee: $35
- Sterilized animal $60 for an animal sterilized by the Los Alamos County
Cash, or check payable to Los Alamos County accepted.
Animals given to the shelter are available for adoption immediately. Please provide veterinary information when possible. Animals are accepted from within Los Alamos County only.
Animals found roaming become eligible for adoption if their owners haven't claimed them after 10 days.
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. Volunteer times are Monday or Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.