Albuquerque Animal Welfare Sought Dog House Donations

The department is collecting medium and large dog houses to support local pets as seasonal temperatures drop.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Dogs

Bold vector editorial illustration of a wooden dog house on desert soil, symbolizing community pet shelter initiatives. — The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department is collecting donations of medium and large dog houses to provide essential shelter for local pets this winter. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local governments offer free pet housing to low-income residents in your community?

The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department has launched an effort to collect donated dog houses for residents in need. The initiative aims to provide shelter for pets as cooler weather arrives in the city.

Why it matters

Local law requires that dogs kept exclusively outdoors have access to properly sized shelter, making these donations vital for compliance and animal welfare. The program supports residents who might otherwise struggle to provide adequate protection for their pets.

Donations are accepted at the Eastside shelter at 8920 Lomas NE and the Westside shelter at 11800 Sunset Gardens Rd., SW. Residents can also provide financial support for the department through the Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres.

The players

Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department

This municipal agency manages the citys shelter facilities and oversees animal control services and welfare programs.

Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres

This organization acts as a support partner that facilitates financial contributions for local animal welfare initiatives.

The details

Residents can donate new or used medium and large dog houses directly to city shelter facilities to help community pets stay warm. Those unable to donate physical structures may contribute through the Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres, and low-to-moderate income residents may apply for free houses via the Doghouse Lottery Program.

The department began accepting these donations on September 28, 2026.

Dogs
Oct. 4
Albuquerque Church Hosted Annual Pet Blessing Event
Civic
Sept. 28
Albuquerque Residents Cleaned Balloon Fiesta Park
Severe Weather
Sept. 22
Albuquerque Residents Navigated Storm Damage

Culture Shift

This donation drive reflects a broader trend of municipalities integrating community-based resource sharing into standard animal control operations. By addressing housing access, the city moves toward a collaborative model for ensuring compliance with municipal animal care standards.

Residents with unused medium or large dog houses can declutter their property while directly improving the safety of pets in the neighborhood. Those needing support can contact the department to determine eligibility for the Doghouse Lottery Program to secure a free shelter.

The takeaway

Ensuring pets have appropriate shelter is a shared responsibility that keeps animals safe during changing weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to check their storage spaces for unused equipment that could satisfy local pet care requirements.