About Lucky Paws

* Lucky Paws was the 1st retail adoption center in the United States operated by a city animal welfare department in a shopping mall.

* The most animal-friendly City ordinance, Albuquerque’s HART, bans the sale of companion animals in shops -- adoptions only are allowed. There are no pet stores in the shopping center. Lucky Paws fills this spot with compassion for all of its animals.

* The welcoming atmosphere and trained staff support the balance of animals between those "perfect pets" and those who have special needs. Their greatest successes come when finding homes for those challenged, but still healthy animals.

* Adoption figures have been going up each year: for the calendar year 2013, unofficial adoptions are 3,148 (percentage of all AWD adoptions when we get the numbers); for calendar year 2012 3,065 new homes--over 20% of all adoptions from Animal Welfare Dept shelters and 2011 was 2,400+, nearly 25%, of all AWD adoptions. They continue to adopt out record numbers of pets, excelling at finding good homes for long-term dogs and cats.

* In 2017 Lucky Paws celebrated their 10th anniversary. In those 10 years Lucky Paws adopted out over 22,000 pets!!!

* The staff does in-depth interviews to match individuals: people and pets.

* All animals go home the day of adoption having been given shots, microchips, a license, and having been spayed or neutered. Only very young animals must return for rabies vaccination. Plus, they have a free wellness checkup at local veterinarians.

* No bars, glass doors instead, and there’s a bonding room for dogs and another for cats so prospective adopters and pets can get acquainted, including meeting other canine family members to avoid problems later.

* Convenient stop for microchipping or getting new rabies tags with proof of shot.

* Tours from schools educate children about caring for animals in a friendly setting.

* Holds special events with animal rescue groups such as House Rabbit Society.

* Want to see who’s staying at Lucky Paws right now? Just visit: cabq.gov/pets where the City lists its animals and where they are -- with photos!