Animal Rescue in Alamogordo: Adopt, Foster, Free Microchips

If you live inside Alamogordo city limits, you can get your dog or cat microchipped for free at Alamogordo Animal Control, with no appointment, any time Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. That is the easiest first step any pet owner here can take. Below I put together where to adopt a dog or cat, which local rescues need fosters and volunteers, and what to do if you lose or find a pet.

I love this side of our town. A lot of people quietly give their time so animals here get a second chance, and they could use a few more helping hands.

Is microchipping free in Alamogordo?

Yes, for city residents. Alamogordo Animal Control posted on its official Facebook page on October 22, 2026, that it is still offering free microchips to anyone who lives in Alamogordo city limits. No appointment is needed. Just stop in Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Animal Control center, 2910 N. Florida Ave.

Why it matters: a collar can slip off, but a microchip stays with your pet. Shelters and vets scan every found animal, and a chip with your current phone number is often what gets a lost pet home the same day. If your pet already has a chip, take a minute to make sure the contact information on file is current, especially if you just moved here.

Where can I adopt a dog or cat in Alamogordo?

There are three main places to start, and each one helps a different group of animals.

Alamogordo Animal Control. The city's shelter takes in stray and surrendered animals, returns lost pets to their owners, adopts animals out and works with rescue groups. Its Facebook page is the best place to see who is ready for a home this week, and the page notes that its weekly featured dogs have their shots and spay or neuter already paid.

Otero County Animal Shelter. In a post on its official Facebook page earlier this year, the county shelter listed its hours as Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus the first Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. That post listed adoption fees of $100 for puppies and small breed adults, $50 for medium and large breed adults, and $50 for cats and kittens. Dog adoptions included vaccinations, deworming, a microchip and spay or neuter surgery, and cat adoptions included vaccinations, deworming and spay or neuter surgery. Call ahead to confirm current hours and fees.

Where can I meet adoptable cats on Saturdays?

At the mall. Kitty City NM is a no kill cat rescue that started in November 2008 and typically cares for 100 to 120 cats between its adoption center and foster homes. On most Saturdays, it brings cats and kittens to the White Sands Mall, 3199 N. White Sands Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its October schedule listed Saturdays October 3, 17 and 24, so check its Facebook page for the next dates before you go.

Kitty City's October flyer listed these adoption fees, and each one includes spay or neuter and vaccinations:

A microchip is just $5 more. The flyer was sponsored by Kitty City NM and Alamogordo Animal Control together, which tells you how closely the groups here work with each other.

If you are already at the mall, my White Sands Mall Halloween events post has what is happening there this season.

How can I foster, volunteer or donate?

Rescues here run on volunteers, and you do not need special skills to help.

• Volunteer with Kitty City. Its Facebook page says you can volunteer any day of the week, with workers at the center from 8 a.m. to noon every day. Weekends need the most help, including volunteers at the Saturday mall events. Tasks include feeding and brushing cats and basic cleaning. Minors need to come with a guardian.
• Foster. Fostering frees up shelter space and helps a pet get used to living in a home. Ask Animal Control, the county shelter or Kitty City how their foster programs work.
• Donate. Food, litter, blankets and money all help. Contact the group first to ask what it needs most right now.
• Share posts. It sounds small, but sharing an adoptable pet's photo is often how it finds its family.

For more ways to give your time around town, see my guide to volunteering in Alamogordo. And if you want a smile, read about Nala the therapy bunny.

What should I do if I lose or find a pet?

Act fast, because the first day matters most.

1. Check Animal Control's Facebook page. It posts found animals regularly.
2. Call the right shelter. Inside city limits, call Alamogordo Animal Control at (575) 439-4330. Outside the city, call the Otero County Animal Shelter at (575) 434-2959.
3. Get it scanned. If you find a friendly pet, Animal Control or any vet can scan it for a microchip.
4. Post it. Share a clear photo, the street where the pet was found and the date.

What does this mean for families moving here?

If you are moving to Alamogordo or PCSing to Holloman with pets, get them chipped and update the chip with your new address and phone number as soon as you arrive. If you are renting, ask about the pet policy before you sign, and if you are buying, look for a yard and fencing that fit your animals. My post on on-base vs off-base housing at Holloman covers some of the housing questions military families ask about pets.

And if you are waiting until you are settled to adopt, you will find plenty of sweet faces here when you are ready.

Are you a local rescue?

If you run or volunteer with an animal rescue in the Alamogordo area, I would love to add you to this guide. Send me a message with your group's name, what you do and a link to your website or Facebook page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Details come from the official Facebook pages of Alamogordo Animal Control, the Otero County Animal Shelter and Kitty City NM, checked 26 October 2026. Hours, fees and adoption dates can change, so call or check each group's page before you go.