Mayor Tim Keller and the Animal Welfare Department (AWD) have announced the near completion of the first phase of extensive renovations at the Westside Animal Shelter. These improvements aim to reduce stress for shelter animals while enhancing the experience for visitors, prospective adopters, and volunteers. The $4.5 million project is funded through a combination of Capital funding, GO Bonds, State Junior Bill, State Capital Outlay, General Fund, and donations.
“Albuquerque is nationally recognized as a pet-friendly city, and we take the health and well-being of our pets seriously,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By improving and modernizing the Westside Animal Shelter, we’re investing in a brighter future for these animals and the families who will adopt them.”
Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn expressed gratitude for the state legislators’ support, particularly highlighting Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto’s contribution of over $1 million. “His generous donation enabled the City to significantly improve the living conditions and welfare of all animals in our shelter system. A sincere thank you to Senator Ivey-Soto!”
Senator Ivey-Soto emphasized the community’s responsibility towards animals, stating, “Animals provide comfort and care but cannot speak for themselves and are very vulnerable. I was pleased to support the funding request for the City’s animal shelters to ensure proper care for these creatures who often care for us the most.”
The phase one renovations have doubled the outdoor play space for dogs, reconfiguring the dog runs from six to eight and adding two new bonding areas for dogs to meet potential adopters. The existing play yards were optimized, converting them into a total of five play yards. These enhancements allow dogs to socialize and exercise, reducing their stress and making them more relaxed when meeting adoptive families.
The upgrades also include three large shade structures covering 3,250 square feet of the play yards, facilitating year-round exercise and training. One yard features a new elevated walkway, a fire hydrant statue, benches, and a table. Additionally, new colored privacy panels are being installed in front of the dog kennels to provide a partial visual barrier, giving dogs a more comfortable and less stressful environment.
Other improvements include:
- An upgraded HVAC system to keep pets cool during summer
- Landscaping with xeriscaping, new gravel, irrigation, trees, and plants
- Custom interior wall graphics
- Renovated employee restrooms to be ADA compliant
- Internships with Atrisco Heritage High School for students to gain skills while supporting AWD staff and shelter pets
Phase two of the project, starting this summer, will focus on replacing facility doors, expanding landscaping, and replacing trough drain covers in kennel buildings.
State Representative Eleanor Chavez expressed excitement over the shelter’s upgrades, noting the enhanced care for animals in search of homes.
AWD acknowledged the support of Mayor Tim Keller, NM State Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto, State Representative Eleanor Chavez, Representative Cynthia Borrego, Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, Councilor Klarissa Peña, President of Kennel Kompadres Vickie Fisher, DCAO Matt Whelan, and Solid Waste Director Billy Gallegos.
“It has been wonderful to see the One Albuquerque spirit in action at the Westside shelter,” said AWD Director Carolyn Ortega. “These renovations are a testament to the partnership between elected officials and inter-departments working together to progressively move forward in providing resources to the public and pets in need.”
AWD also recognized the entities that have supported ongoing care for shelter pets during the renovations, including Lead Architect Oscar Tovar, General Contractor Franken Construction, Project Foreman Rusty Hiers, CABA DMD Construction Project Manager Juanito Serna, AWD Building & Maintenance staff, and Solid Waste Clean Cities.
