Seal of Sandoval County
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Animal Control

About Animal Control Services

Sandoval County's Animal Control Ordinance is enforced by the Animal Control Division from the Sheriff's Office.

There are two full-time animal control officers serving the unincorporated areas of Sandoval County. They work with residents to keep animal companions safe and protected within our community.

Animal Control Ordinance

The Sandoval County Animal Control Ordinance also requires all dogs and cats to have current vaccinations for rabies. If your pet bites a person or animal, it will require that your pet be quarantined for 10 days at your expense. As a pet owner, you could civilly be liable for damages.

In 2002, the Sandoval County Commission enacted Ordinance 02-02-21.B, the Sandoval County Animal Control Ordinance. The Sheriff's Office is continuously educating the residents of Sandoval County about the Animal Control Ordinance and New Mexico State Law.

Violations of the Sandoval County Animal Control Ordinance or State Law could result in the impoundment of animals, a misdemeanor citation, or even arrest with fines up to $300. Copies of the Animal Control Ordinance may be obtained at the Sheriff's Office or through the County Code of Ordinances.

For assistance regarding this ordinance, please contact the Sandoval County Communications Center at 505-898-7585 and an Animal Control Officer will be dispatched. In an emergency, call 911.

Ordinance FAQs:

What types of animals are covered by the Sandoval County Animal Control Ordinance?

At this time, the Sandoval County Animal Control Ordinance only applies to dogs and cats.

Will an animal control officer come out if I find a snake in my home or on my patio?

Sandoval County's Animal Control Division will respond to snake calls in the unincorporated areas of the county. They will remove and relocate snakes if caught.

For animal control, please contact Dispatch at 505-898-7585. Again, Sandoval County Animal Control only responds to calls in the rural, unincorporated areas of the county. If you reside within the boundaries of a municipality, such as Rio Rancho, Corrales, Bernalillo, or Cuba, please contact their animal control services.

Where can I get a copy of the Animal Control Ordinance?

Sandoval County's Animal Control Ordinance can be read, downloaded, and shared online under our Codes and Ordinances link. You can also go directly to the Animal Control Ordinance.

Reclaim Your Pet

All animals impounded by the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division are taken to the Sandoval County Holding Facility.

For animal control issues in rural, unincorporated areas of Sandoval County, contact Dispatch at 505-898-7585.

If you live in the following municipalities, call:

Lost, Found, and Adoptable Pet FAQs

Please review the FAQs below to determine who you need to contact regarding an animal. If you need assistance from Animal Control, contact the Sandoval County Communications Center at 505-898-7585. An animal control officer will be dispatched. In an emergency, call 911.

I have lost my pet

Please contact the Animal Care Unit at 505-867-7642 and leave a message.

I have found a lost animal

Please contact Dispatch at 505-898-7585 to speak with an Animal Protection Officer.

The Lost Pet posting looks like my pet

Please contact the Animal Care Unit at 505-867-7642 and leave a message.

I am interested in fostering or adopting a pet

Cats or Kittens: If you are interested in fostering or adopting a cat or kitten, you must first complete the Foster/Adopt Application and return it to sandovalpets@sandovalcountynm.gov. You will be subsequently contacted by an Animal Care Unit staff member regarding next steps. For more information on fostering or to view animals available for adoption, please visit our Animal Welfare Programs page.

Dogs or Puppies: If you are interested in fostering or adopting a dog or puppy, you must first complete the Foster/Adopt Application and return it to sandovalpets@sandovalcountynm.gov. You will be subsequently contacted by an Animal Care Unit staff member regarding next steps. For more information on fostering or to view animals available for adoption, please visit our Animal Welfare Programs page.

What does it mean if the Lost Pet has been placed with a foster?

Some animals need extra care and attention or may be too young to be held at our holding facility. If this is the case, we work to place the Lost Pet with a foster until it is either safely returned to its owner or transferred to an area partner agency for adoption.

The Lost Pet has been transferred to another facility

If the Lost Pet has been transferred to a partnering shelter or rescue organization, you must contact that organization for further information on the pet.