PAWS does what they can with the resources that they have. Overall, I really do like them. They have TONS of dogs. I don't remember the exact number but I think they have 3 or 4 "pods" or rooms of dogs. It's massive how many dogs they deal with. To my understanding, Anderson county has an animal control that isn't open to the public but you can call them if you come across an animal for them to pickup. A lot of those animals wind up at PAWS because they are connected (I think paws is animal care and the counterpart to the animal control?). It's a little confusing/ not fully transparent how that works... I've gone to volunteer there before and they are really welcoming to people who want to help. Lots of dogs that need walking! And the volunteer trainer is really nice and open to new ideas. He's the one who came up with dog play groups. There's always tons of things that need to get done that volunteers can help with such as: - walking dogs (they have tons of pent up excitement and walking them helps them be more adoptable) - washing floors and kennels (it stinks sometimes in the shelter and that obviously deters adopters on stinky days) - helping with dog play groups - doing laundry (so much towels and blankets) - going through newspapers/ setting that up - filling Kong balls with peanut butter (this is like the highlight of the doggies' day) - grooming/ bathing animals if you have that experience (some stink) - fostering an animal - donating $ or supplies They also do what they can for enrichment of the dogs like peanut butter filled Kong balls and play groups under supervision. As for the cat program, it's minimal. They have one designated room for the cats and it's usually half full. They have a harder time getting their cats adopted out and so they have priced the adoption fee of cats at $0. Not a huge fan of that. I wish they had a cat room for the cats to stretch their legs. Like dogs, cats also get antsy from being pent up in a cage. My other impression is when I walk into the lobby, it's a little overwhelming with the front desk being packed with 3-5 staff members and some members of the public there. It's just kind of crowded. Most of the time, no one answers the phone despite having so many people there at the front desk. What surprises me is that there are sometimes 3-5 staff members standing at the front desk with nothing to do and they're just chit chatting. I don't think that many people are necessary unless it's a busy moment. Really, there are tons of things those staff could be doing and that many people standing there/ talking amongst themselves is just kind of unwelcoming for visitors. Also, the staff have no way of knowing why people are there; sometimes to volunteer/ help out, and sometimes to potentially adopt or need some sort of help. I really think volunteers should be wearing a colored lanyard or a volunteer apron or tee so staff know who the volunteers are and who are potential adopts. Also, the shelter does not have small animals. It's cats and dogs only. If cats and dogs are in need, I'm sure there are small animals within the community that could use their help too. I guess they can't do it all but I'd love to see them do intake for small animals as well. I've also come across homeless cats and so I know finding a shelter or rescue to take in a cat in Anderson is not easy. PAWS will not accept a cat from the public unless it's 2 months old exactly. Very strange. The cat situation in Anderson is unfortunate. Paws does have a TNR program though. If you have outdoor, neighborhood cats, you can trap them and bring to paws to get the cat fixed and ear tipped for free. This is really an important part of the organization because fixing animals does reduce the number of animals that wind up at shelter. TNR has been shown to reduce euthanasia rates at shelters so fixing saves lives! Also, if you have a pet that needs to be fixed, you can call Anderson Humane. Maybe one day, Anderson PAWS will do this themselves as well. I'd like to see some vaccine and microchip clinics at PAWS too. Overall, the facility is very nice and management is very forward-thinking. They are animal lovers and have even been in the news for training shelters throughout the south so other shelters can better take care of their animals. They are also in the process of building a massive dog park for the public and their shelter dogs. They're growing and improving everyday. There's room for improvement but as is they're a good program and very needed. read more

They NEVER answer their phone. I have my deceased mother's dog which we are allergic to, and want to give up for adoption. So, I go in person. Only to be told I have to email them. But.. I'm right here!! I took the trouble to drive there, and was basically patted on the head and told to go home! And the attitude! Yikes, I hope these people (3 standing around the counter, talking) are volunteers, cuz they sure shouldn't get paid. Oh, and I was told they are not accepting any animals anyway. So, why should I email? Will they contact me later when they have an opening? I don't know because they didn't say, and couldn't get me outta there fast enough. But I guess this is a typical government institution...poor service and bad attitude. read more

I called 2 surrender a kitten. The VM greeting is all you get. "We're too busy saving lives to come to the phone" I went in person. Got turned around "the appt setting staff is not here today" You'll have to come back or email us. I emailed multiple times. They never responded. Went back today, lady was about to give me the same script "email us" then I told her of all my previous attempts. Then she said "We're at capacity & can't take anymore. We have no more room. I cannot give you a surrender appointment today. OTW home I saw a man on the side of the road selling bicycles. I stopped & talked to him. He has grandchildren & 2 more cats at home. He accepted the kitten. It was a blessing from God. The kitten got a new daddy & a good home. read more

You have to EMAIL for services most of the time. They informed me that their phone systems have stopped working when trueing to call for the front desk. Still such a great facility. Helpful staff in the back, and the dogs are taken great care of. The dogs get different toys/ treats every day to keep them happy and engaged while they wait for their forever home. Highly suggest volunteering or visiting! They're at a critical capacity for dogs during the warm seasons and many many dogs could be helped so much by a simple walk a day. The staff walks all they can but with over a hundred dogs it's not possible to walk them all. read more

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I gave 3 stars because what Paws does with/for local animals is amazing. I had to put my dog down in June and was ready for a new friend. I was going to buy a Siamese kitten because I had one in the past but with so many animals abandoned, I decided to adopt. I found a kitten online and completed the application. I received an email from Randi that said exactly, We are open12-5pm and hope you're able to visit and take Chip home!! I replied that I was getting off work early and would be there to take him home. I stopped by Wal-Mart to buy supplies and got to the shelter around 2:00.I go in and tell the 2 girls at the counter why I was there. One looked up and he's gone. I was surprised and told them that I had the confirmation email to pick him up. She said it's 12-5, basically whoever got there first. She sent me to the kitten room but neither "spoke" to me. By this time I'm angry. I could have been there at 12:00 if I had known their policy. Unfortunately when I'm upset, I cry. It's A trait I wish I could change but it happens every time. I go to leave and stop to tell the girl that I wish they would have explained the policy better and get an eye roll. That night I find another kitten there and show up at 11:30, 30 minutes before they open. I go in and again tell the girl why I'm there. She's trying to get the computer up and tells me to get his card and bring it to her. He is not in the room. She is still getting her computer up but says, I guess he's already gone. What? I pull up the page and show her the kitten and part that says, I'm being cared for by Anderson County Paws. She scrolls my phone screen down where it says, come she me at PetSense. She acts like I'm stupid because I don't know what that is. Another girl has joined her now. I ask if they could call and let them know I'm on my way. I did not want a repeat of the day before. She replied no, they won't hold animals either. The new girl says, the kitten's brothers are back there, so just take one of them and if I would just leave, he may still be there. I tell them this has been frustrating process. For that I get, A sarcastic, have a nice day and as I'm walking out, the other girl says, I hope you get the day you deserve. I did not respond but the more I thought about it, it really bothered me. All I wanted to do is adopt a kitten, I'm not stupid and didn't appreciate their attitudes. I'm going to follow up with the shelter as well. All we hear is adopt, don't shop, it shouldn't be a process where you're treated the way I was. I did find out PetSense is a new pet store in the Wal-Mart on 28 shopping center. It is a beautiful store and every one is very friendly. The kitten I wanted was there and Lauren was very helpful and friendly. I still appreciate Paws, he was already fixed, shots and had a microchip all for free. I've read a few other reviews that reflect the same situation. I hope it's addressed. read more

The staff here is TERRIBLE. They are so rude and condescending. It's a nightmare trying to get ahold of them or get a call returned. When you finally get there, the attitudes are out of control. I've never been talked to in such a way in my LIFE not to mention when I dropped the dogs off I had rescued from a puppy mill situation, they jerked them around by their necks and handled them so rough. I wish I could give them 0 stars because that's how awful they are. DO BETTER, PAWS! read more

We adopted a kitten at PAWS, and she is so loving. The PAWS facility is very nice, and the staff was very caring and helpful. The day we took our kitten home, their vet had been in surgery most of the day operating on dogs hit by cars that people had brought in. My only complaint at all is that they can't really be contacted by phone or email. You either have to go by there from 12 to 5 (closed Wednesday and Sunday, I believe) or take your chance with an email. I sent my questions in an email, but no one responded. However, they did answer my questions when we adopted the kitten. I was told they are extremely busy right now since it's puppy and kitten season, so maybe they respond to emails when things aren't so hectic. They do have a phone number, but it's an automated system where you press a number for the info you want. I'm very grateful we have an organization like this to help animals in our area. read more

They are very helpful with your pets. We have adopted from here twice and the process was easy and enjoyable.

Lost my dog. She had a collar but someone turn her into PAWS without collar. So I call, get recording that tell you to visit them. So I did, found my dog. Then they want vac records. Did not tell me to bring anything. So I get the bill, $100. I was not ready to hear that. So they did blood work for HeartWorm, did chip, rabies vac, other vac, pick up. I real can not afford $100 dollars right now with everything so high. But she is 12 that came from a puppy mill. She was 7 when we got her. So I just can't leave her. So keep a good eye on your pets or it will cost at PAWS to get back. Special when we have so many fur friends. read more

Today I took my dog to get neutered. Drop off went well, he was excited. The problem I had was pick up. moat Staff was helpful but someone can have a little bit more of a welcoming feel to them. I finally Got my dog and when I was looking at him I noticed he was covered in dried poop. I am well aware that being under can cause upset stomachs but it's not pleasent getting your pup back and he's covered in poop and you can't give him a bath for almost 2 weeks. I think it could of been a little more professional to atleast try to get it off without giving him a bath before giving him back to his owner. I am in understandings that it was busy and my dog isn't the only important one in the building. he is not only my dog but my child and I'm not leaving a bad review but I think it should be taken into consideration that no one wants their babies back covered in poop after a surgery. read more

I want to put in application but cannot get in touch with anyone and went bye office they didn't have application. That day that I came bye

I got my 2 month old kitten fixed here. When we picked him up, he was covered in a box covered in feces. He had to have been there for HOURS because the feces was caked and dried. We had to ASK for a new box, and we were just told to clean him up with wet wipes. We got home, and the feces isn't coming off. We called the place 5 times, no answer. This is dangerous, as the feces is right by his incision. I am beyond livid. Extremely unprofessional, stupid, and absolutely insane. Do not trust this place with your animals. read more

I recently had my Luna get sick and had to get her help that I couldn't afford.paws was my only option.monday week was last time I'd ever see her.I was told id be updated on her and not one time did I get an update.I was also told if she passed I could come get her so she cld be buried at home.my luna died Thursday I wasn't called until friday at which time i was informed i didnt get her back not even her ashes due to her being cremated with other dogs.Im lost due to how anyone can just do as they chose with my dog and how unprofessional n without empathy to my desires to bring Luna home.I trusted what I was told and the vet n staff lied from the door so seek help elsewhere don't trust them with your pet .I'd have kept her home if i was aware of the deceit id be put through n heartbreak knowing luna wld be incinerated before i was even aware she had passed away.who does this to anyones beloved pet .I'm so hurt n angry read more

they were extremely kind during one of the hardest days I've been through. they allowed me to cry with my baby until I was ready to let him go, and they were very kind with their words. staff is wonderful. read more

Adopted my cat Mr. Socks from them. Loved that cat! Took my dogs there the other day for the free microchipping. Adopt, adopt, adopt. Great place to find a pet. read more

So my dog was stolen and Anderson County Paws had her we finally got in contact with them by email so she wouldn't get adopted so I've been without my dog 2days should be getting her back tomorrow just wish they would answer calls read more

We found some pups by the dump and we drove to about 3 other shelters that would not take them. We finally drove to PAWS where they explained exactly what would happen to them and gave us all the information we wanted/needed. The people were so nice and helpful. What a great place! read more