My fiancé and I recently visited Watermelon Ranch after the heartbreaking loss of my dog of 14…read moreyears. We were hoping to meet some dogs and eventually adopt when we found the right fit. When we learned the adoption fee was over $400, we simply said that the adoption fee wasn't really within our budget. We never said we couldn't afford to care for a dog--we were only referring to the one-time adoption fee. At that point, we were told they would not show us any more dogs because they felt we wouldn't be able to afford one. We were completely refused the opportunity to meet any other dogs based solely on that comment. I absolutely understand that rescues have a responsibility to ensure animals go to loving, financially responsible homes, and I support screening adopters. However, making that decision without asking a single question about our finances, our experience with pets, or our ability to provide long-term care felt incredibly judgmental and unfair. I had just lost my best friend of 14 years, and instead of being treated with compassion, I left feeling embarrassed and judged. A one-time adoption fee is not the same thing as being financially capable of providing a loving, stable home for a pet. I hope Watermelon Ranch will reconsider how they approach these conversations in the future. Asking questions and getting to know potential adopters before making assumptions would create a much more compassionate experience for people who are genuinely trying to give an animal a forever home.

We adopted a pitbull mix from WMR named Skittles who had been there over 3 years. She was very…read morecautious and it took 3 weekend visits with treats to get her to trust us. Now she's been with us since March 2024 and she has her forever home. The Staff at WMR are fantastic and they go the extra mile to make sure their rescues go with the best possible families. I keep Maddie and Sam up to date on Skittles' progress. Since she had been there the longest, they wanted to make sure that we would keep her. I've read some of the not so nice reviews and I'm disappointed that people think that this is just a simple process. Animals aren't disposable items that you can just toss away. But too many people think that way. WMR staff thinks hard about letting someone adopt. It has to be the best possible fit. They don't want to see any of their rescues come back, except to visit. :) The staff and volunteers do their very best to care for all these animals. I appreciate the time and effort it takes to do this job. Thank you for letting us adopt Skittles. She's come a long way.

We have been looking for a pet for several months. We saw this little girl online…read more I'm glad that we made the efforts to come and check her out. She probably wouldn't have been here tomorrow. Jacqueline, who helped us pre-adopt, told us that she had received calls about her. Emma Took her outside so we can get acquainted with her. All the staff is really helpful. This shelter is much cleaner than the city shelters. Our adoption will include a spay and vaccinations. It also includes a microchip.

The amazing folks at BernCo had been talking up the facility during the Sugar Skull Fun Run a few…read moreweekends ago and I just had to come see. I lost one of my pups a few months back and my other is lonely. I've been looking for another pup and decided to check out the facility. This new center is really nice, there is a ton of parking as it is kinda out there on its own. It is located about five minutes from El Modelo, just head south on 2nd from Bridge and it is super easy to find. They have a check in system and are trying to maintain social distancing by limiting capacity. You check in and then are free to walk through and meet the dogs and/or cats. If you see one you'd like to spend more time with, you just tell them and you can interact with them further. I found that they had some really great dogs and I could see they had a good amount of cats too. I met a really cute pup named Luna and even brought my pup to meet her but had some concerns, mainly how much larger he is than she was. Anyways, definitely recommend checking them out!

My partner and I recently adopted an adorable and sweet Pitbull/German Sheperd Mix from this…read moreshelter. Though the inside was not very nice, I know that the staff do their best to take care of the animals. The place looks pretty standard for an animal shelter, sterile and much like jail. I was glad to take my dog out of there. I'm assuming the aesthetics of the place has much to do with funding. What I really appreciate is the fact that all of the staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating. My partner was the one who picked out the dog and I was running from a play performance to meet her before they closed. I came right before closing time and was graciously accommodated. The shelter paid for the spaying, all vaccines, tags and microchipping of our doggy before they let her go home with us. I'm very thankful for all that. We both feel very lucky to have the dog that we got.

I have adopted two cats from here so far. This is the best shelter in the Albuquerque area. The…read moreanimals are most taken care of, clean facility, not crowded, and this is the only shelter that makes sure animals have all vaccines. Staff is very helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. All medical records and adoption information packets are given to you upon adopting. If you are looking for a place to adopt from in abq, go here!!

Very fast and nice people. I love my new kitty and he is perfect in my home! Plus he was free! All…read moreadoption fees are waved right now because they are overwhelmed with animals please adopt!

I don't know what happened here, but my dog Hank is all of the sudden , TERRIFIED of bottles. Did…read moreyou hit my dog? Spray him with lemon juice? I'd like to know. I raised him since he was ten weeks old and ever since he came back from this place he is terrified of bottles. Lotion , water, he runs out of the room. I DID NOT do this. Someone here abused my beloved dog . DO. NOT. TRUST.

My dog has been loving coming here when I have to travel for work or have busy plans. The first…read moretime she did come back with some ear mites and stinky but I make sure to give her a bath when she gets home. Exhausted happy dog.

My wife and kids have been wanting a dog for a long time. I was holding out because of allergies…read moreand possible damage to our home until my wife found Cali (a Goldendoodle) at Desert Sage Doodles. She is hypoallergenic and doesn't shed. We got her at 11 weeks old and we couldn't be happier. She was already pretty far along with her training, she is so well behaved and sweet. We have been keeping up with the routine started by the breeder and it is going very well. I would highly recommend getting a dog from this breeder, you won't be disappointed.

My family has utilized Jerome's services for a few years now and we have been absolutely happy with…read morehis services. Not to mention our dogs are always so excited when he comes over. We always get updates whenever we are out of town and he is sure to ask questions regarding our dogs health and behavior. Having someone care for our pets as much as we do is so important and Jerome does just that. We can't recommend him enough.

I cannot recommend Jerome enough. He is a vet tech and takes wonderful care of my animals. He also…read moreworks at Mission Veterinary Clinic boosting my confidence in his ability to care for my animals in an emergency. He is certified in taking care of pets, massage, and many other areas. Jerome notices anything with your pets and takes care of them like they are his own. Jerome has been treating my dog, Copper, for over a year now. Copper looks forward to his massages and special time. I highly recommend Jerome, my dog is much happier, healthier, and has a decrease in hip issues. He has also watch my pets while I am away on vacation and I know my dogs are ecstatic when he arrives. I get videos, photos, and I know my boys are well cared for. Walks, playtime, cuddles, feeding as needed. You can rest assure you pets are in top-notch care. Having been a vet-tech, it gives me extra confidence especially with a special needs dog or any dog that might need medication.

I just can't say enough about this place!!! And, I'm shocked it's not already on Yelp?!?!?…read more Arysta took on my hound's abandoned nails (I'm not really a bad dad) and she's got his nails already back under control and looking/feeling great! We had him on a two week nail trimming cycle and now, she's backed me off to just once a month. And, all for $10 bucks a visit. Who charges only $10 for anything anymore?? No one...except Arysta. She's clearly running a business of love...love for the animals and a love for what she does...clearly!!! They have a plethora of additional services from dog grooming to day and over night stays. During my last visit, Arysta threw in and put on a decorative Christmas bandana for my whippet which probably cost more than the clipping itself. That's the type of thoughtful service you just don't see very often...100% genuine sincerity...and nothing else!!! Bookmark this business - you won't be disappointed!! Jax Pet Services is multi-multi, five star award receiver on that "other" site :D. Well done and enjoy!!!

Great place, clean, lots of room, professional staff. Happy dog, don't think she wanted to leave.read more