Watermelon Mountain Ranch
Our Mission
At Watermelon Mountain Ranch, we believe that all who enter here shall find love. As New Mexico's largest no-kill animal shelter, we are dedicated to providing a safe haven for homeless pets and finding them the loving, permanent homes they deserve.
Our Story
Founded in 1996 by Lee and Sophia DiClemente, our organization began as a grassroots effort to address the thousands of stray and abandoned animals in our community. What started with a small group of volunteers has grown into a 10-acre main campus, a foster network, and multiple offsite adoption centers working tirelessly to save lives.
How We Care
We operate as a comprehensive animal center, providing more than just shelter. Our dedicated team manages a wide range of programs, including feline and canine foster care, on-site veterinary services, and the impactful Molly's Mercy Missions, which rescues animals facing euthanasia from across the Southwest and Juarez, Mexico. Every animal in our care receives compassion and professional support as they wait to meet their new families.
Finding Your Perfect Match
We are committed to creating Happy Tails through thoughtful, personalized adoptions. Our team works hard to learn each animal's unique personality, history, and needs to ensure a successful transition into your home. We invite you to bring your current dog for a meet-and-greet to ensure a harmonious bond with your new companion.
Join Our Family
Your journey to finding a new best friend starts here. We invite you to explore our available pets online, visit our main campus in Rio Rancho, or stop by one of our satellite adoption locations. We are so excited to help you welcome a new, loving member into your family.
- Compassionate animal care
- Clear mission
- Judgmental and rude staff interactions
