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1. I was just told that my pet needs a city license. Is this true and if so why?

There is a city ordinance that requires all dogs and cats that reside in the city limits to be licensed. The city license aides Animal Control officers in ensuring that dogs and cats receive their rabies vaccination (rabies vaccination is required to purchase a license.) The city license is also a valuable tool used by Animal Control to locate owners of stray pets. For more information, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.

2. If I get bit by an animal what should I do?

If you feel the bite is serious, seek medical attention immediately. Whether you go to a doctor’s office or the hospital emergency room, they will contact Animal Control to report the bite and an Animal Control officer will be dispatched immediately. If you do not seek medical attention you may call Animal Control at 575-439-4330 and an Officer will be dispatched.

The Officer will locate the animal and verify whether it has a current rabies vaccination. If the animal does not have current vaccinations it will be impounded and quarantined for 10 days. You will be informed if anything out of the ordinary is observed during the quarantine period. You will also be contacted by an Officer approximately 10 days after the bite during a follow up to ensure that you are recovering satisfactorily.

3. My friend told me that my cat had to be on a leash whenever I let it go outside. Is this true?

Yes, this is true. Cats must follow the same ordinances as dogs. They must be kept on a leash when not indoors or in an enclosed fence. For more information, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.

4. My neighbor’s dog is chained up in the backyard. I never see him feed his dog and I am constantly giving the dog water. What should I do?

Contact Animal Control by calling 575-439-4330 and they will send an officer to do a welfare check on the dog. The officer will check to see if the dog is in distress and requires immediate vet care. He will also check for the presence of food, water, and adequate shelter. The officer will make contact with the owner of the dog and check for current rabies vaccination and city license. The officer will then determine what steps are necessary to ensure the health and welfare of the dog.

5. My pet got out of my yard and was picked up by Animal Control. What do I need to do to recover my pet?

Your first step would be to go to Animal Control and identify your pet. After this is done, you will need proof of current rabies vaccination and city license. If your pet is not current on these, you will have to purchase these from Animal Control. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, you will also have to pay for this procedure to be done, unless your pet is registered by a recognized organization such as the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, etc.

Visit Animal Control at: 2910 N Florida Avenue, Alamogordo, NM 88310

For more information, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.

6. My pet lost its collar along with its tags. Can I get replacement tags?

You can purchase a replacement city license from Animal Control for $1. Replacement rabies tags will have to be purchased from your veterinarian. For more information, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.

7. My pet passed away last night. What should I do with the remains?

You can contact one of the local veterinarian clinics to see if they offer disposal services, or you can contact Animal Control at 575-439-4330. Animal control will pick up your deceased pet for a $5 charge or you can bring it directly to Animal Control free of charge. If you bring it to Animal Control please call in advance.

Animal Control is located at 2910 N Florida Avenue, Alamogordo, NM 88310

8. Pigeons keep coming into my yard and eating my pet’s food. They are becoming a nuisance, can you help?

Contact a local pest control agency for assistance in removal of the pigeons.

9. Our neighbor’s dog barks constantly. Is there any way to resolve this problem?

Contact Animal Control by calling 575-439-4330 and an officer will be dispatched to the home where the dog resides. The officer will attempt to make contact with the animal's owner to resolve the problem. If the residents are not home a door tag will be left requesting them to contact the officer. If the dog is barking after hours you may contact the Alamogordo Police Department at 575-439-4300 and they will send an officer to make contact with the residents.

10. We can no longer care for our family pet. What options are available to us?

If you have to get rid of your pet for any reason, there are many options available. You can advertise in the local newspaper or on the radio. Most newspapers and radio stations offer free advertisements for pet giveaway. Local supermarkets have bulletin boards and allow pet owners to place flyers on these.

Animal Control also has two bulletin boards. One is located inside the building and the other is located outside on the Southern wall. If none of these resources work or if you must give your pet away immediately, you can do an owner impound at Animal Control for a $20 fee. If you do an owner impound please bring any shot records, vet records, and tags for your pet. These can greatly increase the chance of adoption for you pet.

Visit Animal Control is located at 2910 N Florida Avenue, Alamogordo, NM 88310

For more information, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.