I almost didn't adopt a dog six months ago based on the reviews & I'm so glad I didn't listen. We have the sweetest girl who has become our outdoor adventurer & nightly cuddler. I appreciated the fact that there is an application, phone call that was a little long & a house check when they drop off the dog for a playdate. The process was surprising but how great is it that they won't let a dog go into a bad situation? We have had nothing but positive things to say & would look at their site again for future dogs! read more

I was at a PetCo when I saw the adoptable dogs from from this rescue. There was one dog I was particularly interested in so I sent in an application. A few days later I get a call from Sandy who tells me that the dog has already been introduced to another couple and that they would be completing a secondary home visit to confirm if the dog would be adopted by them. She let me know she would contact me after the weekend and let me know what happens. I never got a call back so I assume the dog has been adopted. It would have been nice to know ahead of time that the dog was basically adopted already rather than getting me hopes up to possibly get the dog. Above all, what bothered me the most is that Sandy did not call me until almost 8pm and proceed to talk to me for an hour. Maybe 5 minutes of that was about my interest in the dog and the other 45 or so was her complaining and ragging on previous potential adopters she's spoken to, not exactly something a potential adopter wants to hear . She was VERY opinionated and even stated that because of my age (I'm 26) she was hesitant to adopt to me because I'm young and "what if I end up having kids in the future". I was completely taken back by that. So you don't want to adopt to me because I'm 26 and MAYBE MIGHT POSSIBLY have kids? Absolutely uncalled for thing to say and a ridiculous reason to not adopt to someone. If you are seriously interested in adopting a pet, I would highly recommend looking to Maricopa Animal Care and Control, HALO animal shelter or somewhere else. Most of the reviews here are negative, Sandy tried to throw that on the fact that they're just angry customers who didn't get the dog but I feel like there's one common denominator in all this- the people working for this rescue. I'm not mad that I didn't get the dog, I'm very happy it was adopted but I now understand the frustration and anger a lot of these other reviewe read more

For those considering adopting a dog through this agency, don't waste your time. I was rejected twice because I wasn't the "ideal" candidate. The second time around I spent a week chatting back and forth with them only to be denied one day before we were supposed to do a meet and greet, all was left to do was schedule a time. To them, an ideal candidate is one that has a doggie door and a large yard. If you don't have a large yard, don't submit an application. Apparently they don't seem to be aware that in Phoenix, there are thousands of dogs living in apartments, condos and townhouses and that these owners keep their dogs active by taking them for walks, hikes, or to the dog park. Please read every one star that is on here because they are telling the truth. One reviewer indicated that she was denied and 4 weeks later the dog was still waiting for a home and a volunteer indicated that some dogs remain with them for 1 or 2 years! Obviously we can see that the issue probably isn't with the applicants, but with them and their requirements in a "perfect" applicant. read more

How can they just dismiss perfectly qualified applicants? So incredibly rude. We meet all the qualifications the dog we would love to meet needs. Their application has the most ridiculous questions such as how often we feed our dog and what kind of food. Also how long will it take the dog to get acclimated. How should we know? This is no more than a scam. So sad for these animals. They could be in a loving family environment. Shame on you! Possibly they don't have any of the dogs on their site, just want people to donate money. - [ ] read more

I tried to adopt a dog with special needs and they responded to my application with a very unprofessional "we only adopt locally sorry". So I cannot adopt a dog because I don't live local? We are willing to drive the hours and pay the fees and do whatever we have to do to take give a dog a home and we're denied for... not being local. Super weird. You'd think pet rescues would want pets to go to a home? Guess not. read more

Ok well, wow I don't even know where to begin, so to keep it simple, we found the little buddy if our dreams here with this rescue. admittedly It took them a bit to get back to us, however, they work with their dogs, and are not just going to give them up to anyone, they want to be sure they are in the perfect home. I want to say this, I didn't like the wait either! but if you are truly all about you new best friends interest then trust them! People that do this for a living are doing it from the heart! Sandy and Noemi are testament to that! read more

Words cannot describe how passionate they are for their animals. This organization truly cares for their animals. Toni helped us find our new pet-family member. The organization has very reasonable re-homing fees, they just want to make sure the animals go to a good home. A private owner could have easily charged $200+ for our cat, as he is a beautiful blue-eyed Siamese, but we paid a fraction of that cost. If we ever decide to adopt another animal, Toni is the first person I will contact. read more

Citizens For North Phoenix Strays - Our new family fur-member - Animal Shelters Near Me

I wanted to adopt a dog we saw they had at PetCo. I was denied a home visit solely based on my application. After three weeks, I saw the same dog, at the same PetCo and let the volunteer know how disappointed and upset I was that I was not given a home visit. The volunteer said they keep dogs for one or sometimes two years before they adopt it out. So rather than adopt out a dog to a loving home they continue to subject it to weekend showings. ‍ Please consider adopting from a different rescue. read more

This group refuses to answer emails, phone calls and text messages regarding available puppies up for adoption. Pretty sad when a fur baby is relying on them to find a fur-ever home. After reading a few other reviews referencing the same exact issue, I'd say don't waste your time with this group. Sadly that only hurts the poor dogs that have found themselves in the care of this group. Hopefully they provide better care for their dogs than the customer service they provide. The state should consider opening an investigation into this company to insure the animals are properly taken care of. read more

We were told the foster dad didn't want to "give him up" and were denied because our fenced in yard is chained linked. I gave two stars because they were friendly, but after they called us over a week after our application was put in. If their foster parents aren't adopting dogs out- why put them as available? He stated "a coyote can climb a chained link fence".... they can scale brick walls, too. We're very disappointed but hope the dog gets a wonderful home in his future. read more

We adopted a very precious dog from this organization. They were very informative, helpful and kind. We were out of town on vacation when they contacted us for an interview. After we adopted our fur baby, I was told that several people called to adopt our boy before we actually got him. Apparently, a few people wanted CNPS to go back on their promise to us and adopt him to them instead because they were available immediately. Thank you CNPS for keeping your word! It means so much in these troubling times. read more

This animal rescue group should not be allowed to have a non profit business. THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE WELFARE OF THE ANIMALS OR ANY HUMAN BEING. Adopted a three month Chow Chow Puppy paid $400.00 adoption fee. The rescue will only deal in cash as cash does not have to be reported. Contract states if you can not take care of the pet you have to return pet. I asked Noemi if they could take Sasha for 3-5 days paid $200.00 cash to board and take care of Sasha TEMPERARILY. "Recorded the transaction." (co-vid guidelines daughter was ill) after having Sasha for 9 days. Less then 72 hours. (July 4 being a holiday) reached out on the 6th to get Sasha back and was told that she had been readopted. Why would I want to give back a pet that I just got? I LOVE animals and a pet is for LIFE! My daughter is heartbroken and depressed Pet laws 11-1001 & 11-1013. They are refusing to give us OUR Chow Sasha back or any moneys! This rescue states on their webpage that they do what is best for the animal. Was stealing Sasha from a good home best? OUR family is HEARTBROKEN and VERY UPSET at this rescue for STEALING our pet Sasha. My attorney friend even tried to adopt Sasha after they told me that thy had re-adopted her. (She was still up on the rescue website as being available). The rescue told my attorney they had the Chow and he would be a good candidate. He did the whole adoption process and was then told 11 days later that Sasha had been adopted. A rescue friend even saw Sasha after they told my attorney they had adopted Sasha out. Have picture proof. We have sent demand letters, even offered them a reward if they returned Sasha that they STOLE. Why have a donation page? Go get a animal from another rescue or shelter no misrepresentation, better fees, (the rescue fees can run up to $495 ALL CASH) and you still have to cover shots if the dog has not had them, you wont have a broken heart from them stealing a animal from you. Several complaints on different web sights against this rescue take the time to read them. These people are not licenced Veterinarians but will give shots and microchip them in a Petco non sanitized or non sterile bathroom posted by one of there past volunteers.(see revdex.com reviews & nokillnetwork) MULTIPLE MISREPRESENTATIONS BY THIS RESCUE! WHY WOULD I GIVE MY SASHA BACK WHEN PETS ARE FOR LIFE! DO NOT SUPPORT THIS RESCUE BY TONI & NOEMI THEY WILL BREAK YOUR HEART! read more

I give no stars. I waited a year and a half looking for a kitten. Long story bound to get longer, I was introduced to a tiny black Maine Coon. This is the kitten I was looking for. \ Here's the deal: 1. The stray people knew the kitten was sick but took my money anyway 2. Their contract reads the new owner has a two week time to decide whether they want to keep the anumal or not.It's during this time THEIR vet will see the animal and the stray people are responsible for the fees. 3. They "couldn't fit my kitten in"until those two weeks were over 4. They sent medication over to my house kitten UNSEEN. 5. Once kitten was seen by their Vet many sympomatic signs were blatantly disregarded. *her tiny size for her age, *the fact she had her adult teeeth already at five months. *the type of medication prescribed was one of the same prescribed for kittens with F.I.P. 6. I was told the foster person had my kitten among other kittens in a room seperate from the dogs-she had F.I.P. This is fatal and contagious among cats. 7. My kitten's paperwork showed two different birth dates-once I told them I was taking her to my vet instead. 8. After $450.00 of blood testing we find out she is going to die. I must say my adoption fee was returned to me but they wanted my kitten back. I said no. She is mine. I love her and I will take the best care of her until her quality of life is no longer acceptable to her. I do not belueve this Stray Unit paid enough attention to my kitten. They wouldn't take responsibility until I said I would let social media know about it all. My heart is broken and my teeny tiny kitten didn't get the chance to live as she so wanted to . I kn ow she wanted to live. She left this earth unable to lift her head, or walk. I took her to potty, eat and drink. That's no way to live and she had been through three rounds of medication given specifically for this disease. My vet let me know there were other options but they are very expensive and some medication she could have taken is only available in the UK. Please not: if you adopted a cat/kitten from this organization you might pay close attention to your cat or just get the bllod work done as my kitten was contagious while under the care of the Citizens for North Phoenix Strays. read more

I recently went through the adoption process with this organization. I completed the application, a lengthy phone interview, house visit, was told to have a special dog tag, collar, leash, and harness. The home visit went great and thought the dog would be living with me in two day. The day of, I was told the foster mom wanted to keep her, the dog was allergic to my grass and the dog MUST now be placed in a home with other dogs. This was a roller coaster ride, I saw the dog living, traveling and having a great life. No who knows where she'll end up. Selfish and unprofessional! read more

This was our first time contacting an independent rescue. We've always rescued dogs from the county shelter or gotten puppies from friends. We were a bit shocked to find a dog rescue so unfriendly, unhelpful, and frankly seemed a bit sketchy. I feel sorry for the dogs that are undoubtedly missing out on being loved and adopted into their forever homes. read more

We adopted our dog Jax from CNPS about 3 yrs ago and couldn't be happier! He's the perfect addition to our family and the volunteers at CNPS were wonderful to work with! They are all good hearted people and do amazing work! Thank you CNPS! read more

I have been trying to reach them regarding a potential adoption. Phone calls, text messages, emails. I received no response until I asked them if they were a fraud. I immediately received a response telling me that I am rude and that I should go adopt at the Humane Society. So there is a dog that could've gone to a loving home but will stay homeless because of Toni's pride. Sick read more

We tried to adopt a dog from them, we sent the application we met the dog, we wait and wait and we call and sent message and emails with no answer after trying so hard for around more than 1 month, they called me (the girl who called me was kinda angry I guess or maybe she hates was annoyed) she told me that I can't adopt the dog because the puppy I have at home is not neutered yet (he Is still a puppy the vet told me to wait until he is more than 7 months) but my complaint is why they made me wait so long? If the answer was "no we can't give you the dog". Why they don't answer phone calls, text message and emails? Why they make the people suffer... you are adopting a dog who needs home, and you still have to pay an expensive fee but as someone who loves dogs that doesn't care! The problem is why wasting so much time for such a bad answer?. In Mexico the adoptions are free! And they don't make you wait like this!. I'm against of buying dogs from breeding places, or Craigslist but this made me things that it is more easy and sometimes more cheap :/ sorry but this "organization" is very bad! And I want to let know everyone that if you gonna adopt a dog from her eyou have to deal with all of this!!! :/ read more

I live just up the street from the Happy Valley location in Pet Co. I had been looking at a dog named Ollie, a small cairn terrier that looked identical to my little girl at home; I fell in love with him. A few weeks later he was still there and I filled out an application because I was convinced it was meant to be. I heard nothing for over a week, almost 2. Finally I emailed twice, didn't hear anything, and then finally someone answered 4 days after that email saying that the application was being looked over. I emailed a 3rd time, and finally someone said "hi Sarah, So sorry we didn't get back to you. we got 20+ applications on Ollie and we had to make a decision. Ollie has been adopted I apologize. I saw the post of the girl who adopted him and he got adopted 3 days before I received this email, meaning when it was "under review" he was already gone. I am heart broken to say the least. I will never refer anyone ever to this animal shelter, nor will I ever go to them ever again. They also only except cash, and asked strange questions on their application. Anyone who wants a donation of any kind will take any form of payment. I'm offended to say the least. read more

I'm sick inside to even give them 1 star! This was the worst possible experience ever. RUN don't WALK away from this pretend "animal rescue"!! I am very worried about any and all animals in their care. They are incapable of communicating. We had a home visit with a dog yesterday, went wonderful. (the volunteer was wonderful) - told her we needed to sleep on it and would let them know our decision in the morning. We texted and called this morning to let them know we would like to move forward. They said they would have the adoption coordinator reach out later today. We spent the morning shopping and preparing for the puppy only to find out they had already moved on. They just called the next person on the list and never checked in with us to see how our visit was, find out if we wanted the dog, etc. They are very rude, ignorant and inconsiderate. This Sandy person should really find something else to do with her time. The only thing she wants to do is waste your time on the phone and bitch about any and all previous encounters with other potential adopters. (Should definitely not be in a public facing role). Very Unprofessional, they turned what is supposed to be a wonderful experience into a very hurtful experience. Like I said, RUN away from any dealings with this organization! I hope they don't treat their animals the way they treat humans. read more

We have adopted two dogs from CNPS over the course of 12 years. My husband and I adopted Max, our first dog together, from Noemi and Toni (ladies who run CNPS) in 2008. He is still with us, and we adore him. We rescued another dog from a neglect situation a couple of years later, and he passed away in 2017. We decided to adopt another dog this past spring, and looked up available dogs at CNPS - and found our sweet girl, Cassie. We adopted her last April. CNPS is a hardworking, legitimate, honorable organization with tons of integrity. They have the animals best interests at heart ALL the time. Noemi helped me get a neglected poodle mix out of a bad home situation a couple of years ago, and Toni is an indefatigable cat advocate as well. Rescue work has got to be one the most difficult vocations a person can take on. Heartbreak abounds, funds are always tight - because there are always more animals that need help, and not enough donors or homes for them. Are they always perfect? Is the process always without speed bumps? No. Because you are dealing with needy animals, and the compassionate but overworked humans trying to give them a better life. CNPS goes above and beyond to do their best by animals and the families that take them in. I highly recommend them. read more

I have dealt with over a half dozen different animal shelters and rescues, both professionally (as a tax advisor) and personally (as an owner who believes in obtaining pets from rescues.) I've dealt with the three biggest such organizations in the Phoenix area, with mixed feelings about their efforts to some extent. However, I happened to hear of CNPS and contacted them when looking for a rescue cat about a year ago. Toni Gallant-Smith, the director, was invaluable to me in matching me up with a 6 year old cat who was exactly what I was seeking. He had been abandoned by a previous owner, which led to some behavioral issues and aggression, but she continued to work with me over this year, providing practical advice and suggestions that have made Rusty the perfect pet for me. In that time, I have also become more familiar with her small but effective rescue operation, and am amazed at what she has been able to do with limited resources and almost no publicity. Absolutely recommend contacting CNPS when looking to adopt a dog or cat. read more