Shelter Grooming

Helping Shelter Animals Get Their Second Chance

At New Mexico Vets for Pets, we are proud to be the only nonprofit currently providing grooming services to animals in Albuquerque’s shelter system.

We work directly with Albuquerque Animal Welfare to groom dogs and other animals that are in municipal care—many of whom are overlooked simply because they appear unkempt, matted, or anxious. A proper bath and brush-out can mean the difference between a dog sitting unnoticed for weeks and a dog finding a forever home.

🐶 Why Grooming Matters in Shelters

Shelter staff work tirelessly to care for animals, but the demand is high and resources are limited. Grooming often falls into the “nice but not essential” category—until you realize how critical it actually is.

Grooming:

  • Improves adoptability by making animals more approachable and camera-ready

  • Promotes animal health by removing mats, pests, and skin irritants

  • Eases animal stress, reducing behavioral issues that can delay placement

  • Gives staff more tools to tell each animal’s story confidently

We believe every animal deserves a clean start—and we’re here to make that happen.

🐾 How We Work

Each week, we reserve Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for grooming shelter animals at our 500 Wisconsin Street facility. Our team collaborates with shelter staff to prioritize animals who need extra help being seen, prepared for events, or supported after intake.

We are working toward a day when no animal is passed over because of appearance alone.