New vet clinic opens in Albuquerque

There’s a new option in Albuquerque for pet owners who want their animal spayed or neutered.

ABQ Spay and Neuter, 1620 Central SE, had a soft opening last week. The clinic aims to be running at full capacity by the end of October. It is scheduling appointments and surgeries.

Gena Esposito is the owner and lead veterinarian of the clinic.

“Our goal is twofold: to improve pet health and to reduce the number of homeless animals in Albuquerque,” Esposito said.

Fewer strays are being taken in and adopted out of animal shelters, according to the midyear 2024 national database of shelter statistics survey.

“By making these services affordable, we hope to make essential pet care accessible to all, ensuring the health and well-being of our community’s beloved animals,” Esposito said.

ABQ Spay Neuter said it uses a transparent pricing model with no hidden fees. The cost of surgery is based on the animal’s weight.

While focusing on spay and neuter procedures, the clinic also offers a range of surgical services including dental care, mass removals and complex procedures like amputations and surgery for pyometra, a life-threatening infection in the uterus that must be treated quickly.

The clinic focuses on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The city of Albuquerque requires pet owners to have a permit if their pet isn’t sterilized.

Not following the protocols could result in a $500 fee and 90 days in jail, according to the city’s Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment ordinance.

Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department has a lottery-based spay and neuter program for low to mid-income families.

Last year at the Spay and Neuter Blitz, the department performed 200 surgeries in three days.

The program offers free to low-cost surgeries. A single person would qualify for the program if he or she makes $24,980 or less per year.