New Mexico's Largest No-Kill Animal Shelter
Established 1996
Foster Care to Adoption Program
Open Your Home. Change a Life.
At Watermelon Mountain Ranch, every animal deserves the chance to find a loving home. Each month, up to 200 dogs and cats are cared for in temporary foster homes while they prepare for adoption.
Our foster families provide the love, patience, socialization, and everyday care these animals need to thrive outside the shelter. Some may need a little extra time to build confidence, recover from an illness, or simply learn what it means to feel safe and loved.
WMR provides guidance and support throughout the foster experience, and veterinary care is provided for approved medical needs. You are never expected to navigate fostering alone.
Ready to Foster?
Whether you can open your home for a few weeks, several months, or provide a permanent foster home, your time and love can change an animal’s life.
We’d love to have you join our foster family. Apply today to become a canine or feline foster!
Get Started
What Does Fostering Involve?
Foster care looks different for every animal, but you can expect to:
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Choose short term, long-term, or perpetual foster for hospice or special needs pets
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Provide a safe, loving home and plenty of patience and attention.
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Provide daily care, including food, fresh water, exercise, and basic grooming as needed.
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Help your foster adjust and socialize through positive experiences and routine.
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Transport your foster when needed for veterinary appointments, adoption events, or meet-and-greets.
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Share updates and photos to help us promote your foster and find the right forever home.
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Communicate with the WMR team about your foster’s progress, personality, and any concerns.
A STORY FROM ONE OF
OUR PERPETUAL FOSTERS
"I just wanted to thank you for matching us with Fanny. She fits into the family perfectly. She is so funny and we keep finding out new things about her every day. Our cat, who is very alpha, really seems to enjoy her. They trot after each other when they are feeling frisky."
-Teresa & Family
**Fanny is a 16 year old collie mix that suffers from eye allergies and is on continual medication to treat
