City Alerts Pet Owners about Scammers

Image

The Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is warning Albuquerque residents and other animal shelters about telephone scams. Scammers are preying on the vulnerability and hope of pet owners, by exploiting their emotional turmoil for financial gain. The scams are take two different tactics: 

  • Thieves target people who lost pets and ask the owner for payment over the phone to get their lost pet back
  • Owners are told by the caller that their pet needs emergency surgery and demand immediate payment in order to do the surgery. 

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from AWD and asking for money in relation to your missing pet, exercise extreme caution, even if the call appears to come from a legitimate phone number. Note that AWD does call pet owners to inform them that their pet is at the shelter and will instruct the owner to go to the shelter to reclaim their pet. If the pet is already spayed or neutered, he or she will be returned to the owner free of charge. If the pet is not spayed or neutered, the owner will be told the amount of the reclaim fee and to go to the shelter to pay the fee. However, AWD does not ask for payment ahead of time to reclaim your pet, and would not ask for gift cards, Cash-App or electronic payment. Please report the scams to the Attorney General’s Office Toll Free 1-844-255-9210 and Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission online at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

Stuff The Bus Event Seeks Donations for Unhoused Individuals and Adoptable Pets 

Celebrate the season of giving by helping the City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department, Family and Community Services, and ABQ RIDE give hope to unhoused families and adoptable pets in City shelters this holiday season. You’re invited to come out and “Stuff the Bus” by dropping off donations at Hinkle Fun Center, 12931 Indian School NE, on Saturday, November 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

The wish list for cats and dogs includes small cat toys, treats, beds, brushes, wand toys, scratchers, blankets, towels, dog enrichment toys, collars, harnesses, leashes, pill pockets, and Kong toys. 

The wish list for families includes toiletries, reusable water bottles, backpacks, shoes, new underwear and socks, infant and toddler supplies (diapers, wipes), coats, gloves, hats, new toys, children’s books, coloring materials, and puzzles for all ages. 

With every drop off donation, Papa Murphy’s will be handing out one large free pizza coupon. 

Let’s make this season bright for our unhoused families and adoptable shelter pets in need by fulfilling their wish list. For more information and to see Amazon Wish Lists, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/pets/stuffthebus

Adopt a Pet “Black Friday Cuddlebuster” Event

Adopt a Pet On “Black Friday Cuddlebuster” Event with Animal Welfare and PetSmart Charities
Give a shelter pet a home by adopting during Black Friday Cuddlebusters” at Lucky Paws and PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center. Adoption center doors at these two locations are opening to the public Friday, November 26. Bring your family and find your purrfect match! To view our available pets, visit our www.cabq.gov/pets. Animal Welfare Department will waive the fee that is typically charged for adopting pets, while keeping all other adoption policies in place, including thorough match-making procedures and background checks. Each adoption will include spay or neuter, a microchip, required vaccinations, and one free initial vet visit. For dogs you will receive one free dog training class.

* Lucky Paws, 6600 Menaul N.E. in Coronado Mall, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
* Everyday Adoption Center, 350 Eubank Blvd. NE in PetSmart, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/pets/events/animal-welfare-department-hosts-black-friday-cuddlebusters-pet-adoption