Home for the Holidays: Albuquerque Shelters See Joyful Pet Surges

Albuquerque’s animal shelters are experiencing a heartwarming wave of adoptions this holiday season, with many families finding their newest furry members. The Eastside Shelter recently hosted a festive “Santa Paws” event, blending holiday cheer with the crucial mission of connecting pets with loving homes.

A Season of Giving, A Commitment to Last

The spirit of the holidays has translated into a significant increase in pet adoptions across Albuquerque. Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare for the city, noted that “outtakes outpace our intakes,” a positive trend indicating more animals are finding permanent homes. While the joy of welcoming a new pet is undeniable, Ortega strongly advises against treating pets as surprise gifts. “The warning we would give is, don’t give a pet as a gift,” she stated, emphasizing that pets are a commitment of at least 10 years.

Instead of presenting a live animal on Christmas morning, shelters suggest a more thoughtful approach. “Give them a stuffed animal dog and then bring them in after the holidays as a family and take a walk and let them fall in love with the pet they want,” Ortega recommended. This allows families to make a considered decision together, fostering a deeper connection with their future companion. The goal is for families to experience a genuine bond, which is the true essence of the holidays, as highlighted by the shelter’s focus on facilitating these connections through bonding rooms.

Adoption Trends and Shelter Successes

This year has seen a notable decrease in animal intake rates at Albuquerque shelters. In 2025, over 15,540 animals were brought to the shelter, a figure nearly 1,000 less than the previous year. This reduction, coupled with increased adoption rates, means there is less urgency to adopt an animal out of fear of euthanasia. According to data from the ASPCA, national shelter populations remain strained, underscoring the importance of responsible and sustainable adoptions.

The “Santa Paws” event, where adoption fees were waived, aimed to make the adoption process more accessible. Children eagerly watched as dogs, often dressed in festive attire, posed with Santa Claus. Beyond the photo opportunities, animal counselors were on hand to help visitors find their perfect pet match, ensuring that the increased activity during the holidays leads to successful, long-term placements. The event served as a way to honor existing pets while actively seeking new homes for those in need.

Finding the Right Fit: Commitment and Care

Ortega stressed the individuality of each shelter animal. “Every dog at the shelter has a unique personality and history,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of matching a pet’s temperament and needs with an adopter’s lifestyle. This careful matching process is crucial to prevent surrenders down the line. The idea is to give families ample time to find the “perfect fit,” with no pressure to adopt on the spot.

The shelters encourage the community to visit and explore the many wonderful animals waiting for their forever homes. “They need a home, they deserve a home,” Ortega passionately stated. “The love you get from a shelter pet is different. They’re so wonderful, loyal and grateful and the best gift they can have is a home, especially during the holidays.” This sentiment echoes the broader trends observed nationwide, where holiday adoption specials and events aim to alleviate shelter overcrowding and provide loving homes for animals, as seen in initiatives like those highlighted by Friends of Strays. The commitment to responsible pet ownership remains paramount, ensuring that these holiday adoptions lead to lifelong companionship.