Alamogordo moves to raise animal-shelter fees as staff outline shelter strain and repairs

Animal Control Manager Dwayne Martinez and APD Lieutenant David McCauley briefed the Alamogordo City Commission on May 12 about shelter operations, repair needs and proposals to increase some animal-control fees. The commission approved the recommended fee changes by a 7–0 vote.

"We reached a no-kill status in 2021 and 2022," Martinez said, citing past save rates near 93–94%. Martinez described a recent rise in animals brought into the shelter and an increase in euthanasia numbers in 2024–26. He said rising veterinary and facility costs — food, medicines, utilities and medical procedures — support a proposed increase to the surrender/impound fee and other line items. Martinez said long-standing fees such as an owner surrender fee had not been updated in many years.

Staff described programs intended to reduce intake and improve outcomes, including a trap-neuter-return partnership with Kitty City, periodic low-cost spay/neuter events funded by grant dollars, and a microchipping program that provides free microchips for adopted animals. Martinez said the shelter has used grants from the Carol Petri Foundation for facility improvements (turf, cat enclosure, outbuilding) and is coordinating with national partners (Best Friends) for transport to rescues when necessary.

Commission discussion focused on the impact of higher fees on adoptions and reclamations, the mechanics of spay/neuter billing (commission staff said veterinary partners bill the city for the procedure and the adoption fee covers a portion of those costs), and a proposal to use grant funds to offset adoption charges when possible. After questions and discussion, the commission approved the fee increases.

Next steps: staff will implement the revised fee schedule and continue grant-supported outreach and microchipping programs; commissioners asked staff to track and report metrics showing whether the fee changes and programs reduce shelter stays and euthanasia rates.