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Juvenile Justice

Animal Welfare Program

Troubled teens from juvenile justice programs participate in our outreach program benefiting homeless animals.

As part of a community service program, teens arrive each week at Watermelon Mountain Ranch to help clean, groom, exercise and provide affection for the many homeless animals that are available for adoption.

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Their greatest hope is that the animals will go to a permanent home at the end of the day. When a placement is made, it is a celebration for all. This program helps the participants learn the value of compassion along with the importance of responsible pet ownership. When the teens have completed their community service time, nine out of ten participants return to volunteer.

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Shelter

Guidelines for participation in the program:

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  • The Ranch is open to court-ordered or program-ordered hours 7 days a week between 9am and 4pm.

    • If the participant is under the age of 16 a parent/guardian must be on property while hours are being completed​.

  • Please bring whatever paperwork the program has provided with you each day you arrive to the Ranch.​

  • No smoking on the facility grounds and no ear buds/headphones while you are completing your service hours.

  • Please show respect for our animals and our ranch team members

    • Follow all direction from the Ranch team while performing designated tasks at the property. 

  • If you are going to be at the Ranch for an extended period of time please bring water & snacks/lunch​.

  • Please be in comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty in and wear closed-toed shoes.

  • No friends or significant others are allowed while you are performing your hours.

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Please contact our volunteer coordinator at 505-267-6227 or volunteerTeamWMR@gmail.com for more information or questions. 

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This was a very good experience for me because it showed me that doing good felt a lot better than doing bad".  

-Program participant 

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