Melissa Mercado, regional strategist

Melissa Mercado was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. She currently lives in McAllen with her husband, four dogs, and three cats. Their wolf pack includes two pugs, a Great Pyrenees, and a Husky.

Animals have always been central to her life, but it wasn't until 2013—when she began working as an Animal Care Technician at her local shelter, Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS)—that she discovered the larger world of animal welfare. What started as a temporary position quickly grew into a lifelong passion for saving animals, shaping her career and who she am today.

In her previous role as Senior Manager of Lifesaving Programs at PVAS, she was motivated by a deep desire to make a bigger impact. This led her to transition to the Director of Operations at the Humane Society of Harlingen (now the Rio Grande Valley Humane Society) four years ago. Wanting to expand her expertise further, she later moved into the role of Animal Control Officer for the City of McAllen.

Throughout her journey, she has had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the life-saving impact of Best Friends’ support across three different shelters. She is excited to bring that same help and dedication to those in need, working towards a no-kill nation.