FAQs
Adopting a Watermelon Pet!
Q: What is the best way to see your latest activity, news and pets?
A: Social media.
We post on social media all the time, so please follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for up-to-date spotlights of adoptable pets, adoption events, new arrivals, featured pet of the week, and all things Watermelon!
Q: Can I get on a Watch List for a specific breed or size?
A: Yes! We love to play matchmaker!
Email us with details about what you are looking for in your next furry family member (age, size, temperament, energy level, breed preference, and whether you have other pets or children in the home). We can either suggest a few adoptable pets we might currently have or add your name to a Watch List with your preferences.
If you are interested in adopting a cat or kitten but have not found the perfect one yet, we suggest completing an application so that we have it on file and can place a cat/kitten on hold should you find one. Holds are only held for a about an hour, so you have enough time to get to its location for the meet and greet.
Team Emails:
Puppy Team: fosterwmr@aol.com
Dog Team: dogswmr@gmail.com
Cat/Kitten Team: cats1wmr@aol.com
Q: Where can I see your pets available for adoption?
A: On the Dogs and Cats Adoptables Pages.
This is where we list all of our adoptable pets. Each pet’s profile lists its location.
We offer a few options for Meet & Greets:
1. Pop-up Adoption Events (Puppies & Dogs)
See our monthly calendar of events for the next pop-up event! No appointment or pre-registration needed for a pop-up event! Adoptions are approved on a first-come basis. You are welcome to bring your friendly, leashed dog along for a meet and greet. (Not required when adopting a puppy, but potentially required when adopting an adult dog to ensure compatibility)
2. Main Facility (Large Breed Dogs & Cats)
Our main facility is located in Northern Rio Rancho. It’s a 10-acre property with our administrative building, catteries, dog cottages, vet clinic and retirement village. This is where many of our cats and medium to large breed dogs reside where they get plenty of room for exercise and socializing.
Dogs
You can email dogswmr@gmail.com to schedule a tour or drop by during public tour hours Wednesday-Sunday 11am-3pm. You will be asked to fill out an adoption questionnaire when you arrive, prior to viewing the animals.
Cats
If you are interested in adopting a particular cat or kitten located at the Main facility, please email our feline team cats1wmr@aol.com to schedule an appointment.
3. Going to the Dogs (and Cats) Resale Shop & Adoption Center (Small Breed Dogs & Cats)
10000 Coors Bypass NW, ABQ, NM 87114
(Upper Level near Mor Furniture)
HOURS: Mon-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm (adoptions until 4pm)
(505) 867-5347
Dogs & Cats
It is highly recommended if you have a particular pet in mind, please email our Cat Team or Dog Team to set up an appointment to meet them. Otherwise, stop by during open hours to see all available pets at that time.
4. PetSmart - Westside
10248 Coors Bypass NW
ABQ, NM 87114
(505) 792-1772 Ext. 5
Cat Adoptions Wed-Sun 10am to 3pm
Dog Adoptions Sat 11am-3pm
Contact: Cats cats1wmr@aol.com
5. PetSmart - Taylor Ranch
5600 Coors Blvd., ABQ, NM 87120
(505) 348-3997
Cat Adoptions Fri- Sun 11am-3pm
Dog Adoptions 1st and 4th Sunday of each month 11a-3p
Q: Where are your puppies?
A: Our puppies are in foster homes.
Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for photos and news on puppies who come of age. When they are old enough, vet checked, microchipped, vaccinated and ready for adoption, their foster family will bring them to one of our pop-up adoption events happening that week.
Surrendering a Pet
Q: I have to surrender a pet, what is the first step?
A: Surrendering a pet is never an easy decision.
Please click here for more information.
Stray Animals
Q: I found a stray dog or cat, can I bring it to Watermelon?
A: Due to municipal ordinances we are not able to take in public found strays.
Please take the found animal to a local municipal shelter. This is the best chance for the pet to find their owners.
Vaccinations & Microchips
Q: Do I need an appointment at your Vet Clinic to get my pet vaccinated?
A: Vaccinations DA2PP (dogs) and FVRCP (cats) are given Friday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm at the Main Facility with no appointment necessary. Rabies vaccines are given by appointment only. Please email our Clinic to make an appointment.
When you arrive at the Ranch, please have your dogs on a leash or in a carrier. Cats must be in a carrier. Please come into the Administration building and see the person at the front desk.
Rabies vaccines are given by appointment. We do not offer Bordetella vaccines.
Please see our Vet Clinic page for complete information.