Losing a pet is an incredibly painful experience, and dealing with the practicalities afterward can feel overwhelming. If you’re an Albuquerque resident wondering “Where Do You Take Dead Pets?”, you’re not alone in seeking clear and compassionate guidance. Fortunately, the City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) offers respectful and efficient services to help you during this difficult time. This guide will walk you through your options for deceased pet care in Albuquerque, ensuring you can make informed decisions with peace of mind.
Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department: Your Compassionate Resource
The Animal Welfare Department in Albuquerque understands the deep bond between people and their pets. They provide essential services for deceased pets, whether your beloved companion passed away at home or was found on the roadside. The AWD handles deceased dogs and cats and offers two primary options for Albuquerque residents: at-home pick-up or drop-off at their shelter locations.
Option 1: Convenient At-Home Pet Pick-Up Service
For many pet owners, especially when dealing with the immediate grief of loss, the at-home pick-up service provided by the AWD is a valuable resource. To arrange for the pick-up of your deceased dog or cat from your residence, simply call 311. This city service will connect you with the Animal Welfare Department, who will then schedule a pick-up.
Key details for at-home pick-up:
- Call 311: This is your first step to initiate the pick-up process.
- Service Hours: Pick-ups are available from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., seven days a week, offering flexibility during your time of need.
- After-Hours Arrangements: If you require a pick-up outside of these hours, arrangements can be made for the following business day, ensuring support is always accessible.
This service is designed to minimize stress during a difficult time, allowing you to handle arrangements from the comfort of your home.
Option 2: Direct Drop-Off at Animal Shelters
Alternatively, Albuquerque residents can choose to personally bring their deceased pets to either of the Animal Welfare Department’s shelter locations. This option might be preferred for those who wish to handle the transport themselves or live closer to a shelter.
Drop-off locations:
- Eastside Animal Shelter: Located at 8920 Lomas NE. View the East Side Shelter on a Map for directions.
- Westside Animal Shelter: Situated at 11800 Sunset Gardens SW. View the West Side Shelter on a Map for easy navigation.
Important information for drop-off:
- Operating Hours: Both shelters accept deceased pets for drop-off from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, providing ample time to make arrangements.
- Accessible Locations: With shelters on both the East and West sides of Albuquerque, residents have convenient access regardless of their location in the city.
Choosing to drop off your pet offers a direct and personal way to ensure they are respectfully handled.
What Happens After Pick-Up or Drop-Off?
The Animal Welfare Department handles deceased pets with care and responsibility. Upon receiving a deceased animal, whether through pick-up or drop-off, their staff follows a standard procedure:
- Identification Check: Shelter staff will meticulously scan the pet for a microchip and check for any collar and tags. This is a crucial step in attempting to reunite deceased pets with their owners.
- DOA Report: A “Dead On Arrival” (DOA) report is created, documenting key details such as the pet’s breed, gender, color, and estimated age. This helps with record-keeping and potential owner identification.
- Owner Contact (If ID Found): If identification is found, the AWD shelter diligently tries to contact the owner. The deceased animal is then held for six days to allow time for the owner to be reached and make arrangements.
- City Landfill (If No ID Found): Unfortunately, if no microchip or tag identification is found, the deceased animal is taken to the city landfill on the same day. This highlights the importance of pet identification.
The Importance of Microchipping and Pet Identification
The Animal Welfare Department strongly encourages all pet owners to microchip and tag their pets. This simple act of responsible pet ownership significantly increases the chances of reuniting you with your pet if they are ever lost or, in the unfortunate event of their passing, allows for respectful notification and potential return for burial or cremation arrangements.
Microchipping and tagging services:
- Available at Shelters: Both the Westside and Eastside Animal Shelters offer microchipping and tagging services during business hours.
- Affordable Cost: The cost is just $15 per pet for a microchip, making it accessible to most pet owners.
- Free for Low-Income and Seniors: For qualified low-income individuals or seniors aged 50 and older, microchipping is provided free of charge, ensuring affordability is not a barrier to responsible pet ownership.
- No Appointment Needed: You can simply walk into either shelter during business hours to get your pet microchipped and tagged, making it a convenient process.
Conclusion: Respectful and Supportive Services for Your Pet
Losing a pet is heartbreaking, and knowing where to turn for respectful and practical assistance is essential. The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department provides compassionate and efficient services for deceased pet pick-up and drop-off. By understanding your options and the importance of pet identification, you can navigate this difficult time with greater ease and ensure your beloved companion is handled with care and respect. Remember, microchipping and tagging are not just about finding lost pets; they are also about ensuring dignity and closure in the event of their passing.
