Responsibly Adopting Albuquerque's
Pit Bulls:  RAAP

The United States today faces an unprecedented explosion in the population of pit bull type breeds. Albuquerque is no exception, and non-discriminating shelters like Albuquerque’s Animal Care Centers take in more pit bulls than any other type of dog. Nearly 25% of all the dogs impounded at both our city shelters are pit bulls and pit mixes. The vast majority of these are euthanized.

In 2006, we formed RAAP – Responsibly Adopting Albuquerque’s Pit Bulls – specifically to educate the public about this magnificent but much-maligned breed and to place as many of them as possible into loving, responsible homes.

Each week, RAAP volunteers are out at the shelters socializing and exercising resident pit bulls. With the help of behaviorist/trainers and the city’s temperament testers, RAAP volunteers also identify the most exemplary examples of the breed and advocate for their adoption.

But not just anyone can take home a RAAP pit bull. Interested parties undergo an extensive interview process to determine their suitability as owners. In addition, all adopters and interested parties take home a thick packet of helpful pit bull information and resources.

A major component of our pit bull initiative, RAAP’s foster program is designed to place the best of the shelter pits into homes willing to do further assessment and training. Each RAAP foster will live with their dog for three to six months, during which time they will work on socialization and basic obedience skills, with the goal of a Canine Good Citizen certification.

Interested in becoming a RAAP Foster Home?  Call Rena at 281-4864.

Puppy Classes

RAAP is teaming up with the Albuquerque Animal Humane Association to offer free pit bull socialization classes to anyone who adopts a pit bull puppy under the age of twenty weeks from either the Animal Care Centers, AHA or Rio Rancho Animal Control. More info...