New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 16 - OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
Chapter 24 - SHELTERING PROVIDERS
Part 7 - MINIMUM STANDARDS - ANIMAL SHELTERS
Section 16.24.7.19 - ADOPTION STANDARDS

A. Shelters may establish adoption fees. An adoption program may be developed and implemented. If the shelter waives specific adoption fees, the shelter guidelines shall not be waived.

B. Shelters may develop criteria for potential adopters and unsuitable adopters. Adopters may sign a contract under which they agree to provide a specified level of care.

C. Shelters may learn temperament testing procedures to ensure that animals are fit for adoption and to facilitate the best possible match between adopters and animals.

D. An adoption screening program may include discussion of a suitable match between an adopter and animal.

E. When adopting out a known sick animal or animal that is receiving medical treatment, full disclosure shall be made to the person or organization receiving the animal.

F. In the event shelters offer animals for adoption that have not been sterilized, the shelter shall comply with Subsection A though F of Section 77-1-20 NMSA 1978.

G. Policies may be developed to avoid adopting out or releasing unaltered animals.

H. Shelters may consider a program to microchip all adopted animals.

I. Reasonable care shall be taken to adopt out or transfer only those animals free of disease and untreatable injury.

J. Animals believed to be dangerous, potentially dangerous in accordance with Section 77-1A-1 NMSA 1978 or have caused a serious injury resulting in same species or human death shall not be re-homed.

K. Shelters, in their due diligence, shall make every effort to place animals with recognized rescue organizations and responsible sanctuaries. Shelters may thoroughly research rescue organizations and sanctuaries prior to placement to avoid possible hoarding situations.