Watermelon Ranch Animal Shelter, Control & Rescue 2026 Guide
Use this Watermelon Mountain Ranch guide to plan adoption, dog/cat visits, surrender questions, foster help, donation trips, satellite adoption stops and lost/found pet routing in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque.
Important: Watermelon Mountain Ranch is a no-kill rescue and adoption organization, not the municipal animal-control office. For lost/found pets inside Rio Rancho, use the city Animal Resource Center route.
Choose What You Need
Clickable Watermelon Ranch Help Cards
Tap the action that matches your need. This page is built for quick decisions, not long reading.
Who to Contact First
Use this table before driving to the Ranch, sending a surrender request, or reporting a stray.
| Situation | Contact | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog | dogswmr@gmail.com or 505-221-2359 | “I’m interested in [dog name]. Is this dog at the Main Ranch or foster care?” | Arrive Wed-Sun before 2pm if visiting the Ranch. |
| Adopt a cat | cats1wmr@gmail.com or 505-331-4579 | “I’m interested in [cat name]. Which location is this cat at?” | Bring a secured carrier; WMR says it does not sell carriers at the Ranch. |
| Main Ranch visit | 505-221-2359 | “Are adoptions and tours available today?” | Use V. Sue Cleveland High School as GPS destination if needed. |
| Lost/found pet in Rio Rancho | Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center / 505-891-5075 | “I lost/found a pet within the last 24 hours.” | Report within 24 hours and check the city shelter route. |
| Dog surrender | wmrsurrender@gmail.com | “I need to request dog surrender approval.” | Prepare vaccine records, behavior notes and reason for surrender. |
| Cat surrender | cats1wmr@gmail.com | “I need to request cat surrender approval.” | Do not bring the cat until WMR confirms space and appointment. |
| Foster | wmranchnm1@gmail.com | “I want to foster a dog or cat.” | Ask which foster application and animal type fits your home. |
Hours and Locations
Watermelon Mountain Ranch uses the Main Ranch plus satellite adoption locations. Always check the pet’s profile location before driving.
| Location | Address | Hours / adoption notes | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ranch | 3251 Westphalia Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144 | Wed-Sun 11am-4pm; adoptions and tours until 3pm; arrive by 2pm suggested. | Best for Ranch dog/cat visits, tours, surrender appointments after approval. |
| GPS note | Use “V. Sue Cleveland High School” as destination if GPS has trouble. | The Ranch says it is in northern Rio Rancho, so plan enough travel time. | Do not arrive near 3pm expecting a full visit. |
| PetSmart Cottonwood | 10248 Coors Bypass NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 | Cats Wed-Sun 10am-5pm; dogs Saturday 11am-3pm. | Check cat/dog profile location before going. |
| PetSmart Taylor Ranch | 5600 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 | Cats Fri-Sun 11am-3pm. | Good for satellite cat viewing when profile says Taylor Ranch. |
| Mailing address | 1380 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Suite 374, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 | Use for correspondence. | Do not use mailing address for pet visits. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Use this order so you do not drive to the wrong location or arrive after showing time.
Open the correct pet page
Start with Adopt a Dog or Adopt a Cat. Screenshot the pet name, age, gender and location.
Confirm the location
Dogs and cats may be at the Main Ranch, PetSmart Cottonwood, PetSmart Taylor Ranch or foster care. Do not assume every pet is at the Ranch.
Arrive early
For Main Ranch adoptions and tours, go Wednesday-Sunday 11am-3pm and aim to arrive by 2pm.
Bring the right carrier or leash plan
WMR says cat adopters should bring a secured carrier and that the Ranch does not sell carriers.
Ask what the fee includes
Dog adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate shots and Parvo test. Cat adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate shots and Feline Leukemia test.
Ask compatibility questions
Ask about dog-friendly, cat-friendly, child-friendly, energy level, medical needs, foster notes and first-week routine.
Adoption Fee Notes
The official details page shows fee notes and what is included, but the exact base fee may depend on the animal and current event. Confirm the exact fee before arriving.
| Item | Official note | What it means | Ask this before visiting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog adoption inclusions | Spay/neuter, microchipping, age-appropriate shots and Parvo test. | Dogs have required adoption-prep care completed before adoption. | What boosters or follow-up vet care are due next? |
| Cat adoption inclusions | Spay/neuter, microchipping, age-appropriate shots and Feline Leukemia test. | Cats have required adoption-prep care completed before adoption. | What food, litter and transition routine is recommended? |
| AKC registered dog | Additional $125-$200. | Official page lists extra fee for AKC registered dogs. | Is this specific dog AKC registered? |
| Purebred dog without papers | Additional $100-$150. | Official page lists extra fee for purebred dogs without papers. | Is this specific dog treated as purebred for fee purposes? |
| Minimum care cost | WMR lists $333.50 as total minimum cost to care for a pet. | Adoption fee may cover only part of rescue care. | Is there a sponsorship, special or event fee today? |
Animal Control Route: Watermelon Ranch vs City Shelter
This is the most important intent gap. Watermelon Mountain Ranch is a rescue/adoption center. Municipal lost/found, impound and animal-control reporting may belong to Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center or another local agency.
| Need | Use WMR? | Better route | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a rescued dog or cat | Yes | Watermelon Mountain Ranch adoption pages. | WMR is a rescue/adoption organization. |
| Tour the Ranch | Yes | Main Ranch Wed-Sun before 3pm. | Official page lists tours and adoptions until 3pm. |
| Lost/found pet inside Rio Rancho | Not first | Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center, 505-891-5075. | The city asks lost/found pets to be reported within 24 hours. |
| Animal at large, bite, dangerous animal, cruelty | Usually no | Local animal control, police, sheriff or emergency dispatch. | Needs official enforcement route, not rescue adoption staff. |
| Surrender a personally owned dog/cat | Possibly | WMR surrender email process. | WMR is limited admission and requires approval/appointment first. |
| Donate or volunteer | Yes | WMR official site. | Rescue support goes directly through WMR programs. |
Lost or Found Pet Steps
This section helps users who search “control” but actually need lost/found help.
If your pet is lost near Rio Rancho
- Report the lost pet to Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center within 24 hours if inside city route.
- Call 505-891-5075 and ask about current intake and reclaim process.
- Update the pet’s microchip phone number and address immediately.
- Post clear photos with closest cross streets, date, collar/tag details and safe contact method.
- Check local shelters in person when possible because online photos may not show every detail.
- Search close: garage, sheds, yards, ditches, open land, school routes and familiar walking paths.
If you found a pet
- Do not chase or corner a frightened animal.
- Take a clear photo before moving the pet if safe.
- Check collar, tag and stitched phone number.
- Ask a vet or shelter to scan for a microchip.
- Report the found pet to the correct city/county animal route.
- Do not give the animal to a claimant without proof of ownership.
- If injured, aggressive or unsafe, call animal control or emergency dispatch.
Dog and Cat Surrender: Rules, Emails and Fees
Watermelon Mountain Ranch is limited admission. Surrenders must be pre-coordinated by email and accepted by appointment only.
| Surrender type | Official email / rule | Fees listed | Do this first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog surrender | Email wmrsurrender@gmail.com. Dogs must be in good health with current vaccinations and verifiable records. | Small breed under 25 lb: $185 if 5 years or under; $250 if 6-10 years. Medium/large over 25 lb: $200 if 5 years or under; $350 if 6-10 years. Additional $50 if unsterilized; additional $25 if under 1 year for Parvo test. | Email first; medical records must be submitted at least 48 hours before physical surrender after approval. |
| Dog mother with litter | Main facility only after approval. | $250 for mother with litter up to 4 puppies, plus $25 for each additional littermate over 4. | Ask about space and waiting list. |
| Senior dog over 10 | Perpetual Care route. | Perpetual Care Program listed at $5,000. | Ask whether the dog qualifies and what records are needed. |
| Cat surrender | Email cats1wmr@gmail.com. Cats must be in good health with current vaccinations and verifiable records. | $250 if cat is not already spayed/neutered; $200 up to 5 years; mother with litter up to 4 kittens $250 plus $25 per extra littermate over 4. | Email age, temperament, sterilization/vaccine status, reason for surrender and medical/behavior notes. |
| Older cat 6+ | See Perpetual Care Program. | Fee may increase with existing medical conditions. | Email first; do not arrive without confirmation. |
Foster Care and Perpetual Foster
Foster homes are a core part of the Ranch’s rescue model.
Temporary foster
WMR says up to 200 animals each month are placed into temporary foster homes until permanent homes are found.
Socialization
Fosters feed, care for and help socialize abandoned animals until they are adoption-ready.
Perpetual care
Some seniors, terminally ill pets or chronic-care animals may live in foster care for the rest of their lives.
Programs and Rescue Work
WMR describes itself as a pet rescue and advocacy organization with adoption, spay/neuter and educational programs.
Rescue and adoption
WMR rescues dogs and cats, prepares them for adoption and places them in homes.
Humane education
Programs page lists humane education among its public programs.
Mobile adoption
Programs page lists a mobile adoption program and the contact page lists satellite adoption locations.
Perpetual Care
Older or special-needs animals may route through the Perpetual Care Program.
Special needs programs
Programs page lists adult and children’s special needs programming.
Molly’s Mercy Missions
Official site references Molly’s Mercy Missions as part of WMR’s rescue work.
Shop and Donation Notes
A common confusion: older Cottonwood Mall resale/adoption-center information may still appear online. WMR says that location has permanently closed.
Closed resale/adoption center
WMR’s shops page says Going to the Dogs & Cats Resale Shop & Adoption Center at Cottonwood Mall has permanently closed.
Where to go now
Use the Main Ranch and WMR’s current official locations page. For adoption, check the pet’s current profile location before leaving.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, correct location, travel time, carrier/leash, fee confirmation, questions list.
Secured carrier required; WMR says the Ranch does not sell carriers.
Use correct city/county route, photo, microchip scan, exact location, report within 24 hours in Rio Rancho.
Email first, vaccine records, medical records, behavior notes, reason, fee, appointment approval.
Local Rio Rancho Tips
GPS can confuse drivers
WMR says to use V. Sue Cleveland High School as your GPS destination if needed.
Do not arrive late
Adoptions and tours stop at 3pm, and arriving by 2pm is suggested.
Check pet location
A pet may be at the Ranch, foster care, PetSmart Cottonwood or PetSmart Taylor Ranch.
Control is separate
WMR is not the city animal-control office. Lost/found and dangerous animal calls need the correct municipal route.
Email works best
WMR says staff are often busy with animals and email is often the best contact method.
Bring a cat carrier
Cat adopters should bring a secured pet carrier because the Ranch does not sell carriers.
Map: Watermelon Mountain Ranch Main Campus
Use this map for the Ranch visit. For lost/found or animal-control issues, confirm the correct municipal route before driving.
Copy/Paste Call and Email Scripts
Dog adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [dog name]. Is this dog at the Main Ranch, PetSmart, or foster care? What should I bring, and what is the exact fee today?Cat adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [cat name]. Which location is this cat at, and are there any medical, personality, or household notes I should know before visiting?Lost/found pet
Hi, I lost/found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. Is this the correct Rio Rancho route, and how do I report it within 24 hours?Dog surrender
Hello, I need to request dog surrender approval. My dog is [age/weight/breed], spayed/neutered [yes/no], vaccinated [yes/no], behavior notes are [details], and the surrender reason is [reason].Cat surrender
Hello, I need to request cat surrender approval. My cat is [age/breed], spayed/neutered [yes/no], vaccinated [yes/no], temperament is [details], and the reason for surrender is [reason].Foster
Hi, I’d like to become a foster. I can foster [dog/cat/senior/special needs], my home setup is [details], and my availability is [schedule]. What application should I complete?Official Watermelon Ranch Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official links for live pets, current forms, current locations and final verification.
Watermelon Ranch Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official name of Watermelon Ranch Animal Shelter?
The official name is Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Center. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit no-kill animal shelter and rescue organization in New Mexico.
Where is Watermelon Mountain Ranch located?
The Main Ranch is located at 3251 Westphalia Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144. The official site also suggests using V. Sue Cleveland High School as the GPS destination if needed.
What is the Watermelon Mountain Ranch phone number?
The general inquiry phone number for the Main Ranch is 505-221-2359.
What are Watermelon Mountain Ranch adoption hours?
The Main Ranch is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Adoptions and Ranch tours are available until 3pm, and the Ranch suggests arriving no later than 2pm.
Is Watermelon Mountain Ranch the animal-control office?
No. Watermelon Mountain Ranch is a rescue and adoption organization. For lost or found pets inside Rio Rancho, use Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center and report the pet within 24 hours.
Where can I adopt Watermelon Mountain Ranch cats?
Cats may be at the Main Ranch, PetSmart Cottonwood, PetSmart Taylor Ranch or another listed location. Check the cat profile location before driving.
Do I need to bring a carrier for a cat adoption?
Yes. Watermelon Mountain Ranch says cat adopters should bring their own secured pet carrier and that the Ranch does not sell carriers.
What is included in a dog adoption from Watermelon Mountain Ranch?
The official details page says dog adoption fees include spay or neuter, microchipping, age-appropriate shots and a Parvo test.
What is included in a cat adoption from Watermelon Mountain Ranch?
The official details page says cat adoption fees include spay or neuter, microchipping, age-appropriate shots and a Feline Leukemia test.
Can I surrender a pet to Watermelon Mountain Ranch?
Possibly, but Watermelon Mountain Ranch is limited admission. Dog and cat surrenders must be pre-coordinated by email, accepted based on space, and completed by appointment only.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.