I had a terrible experience with CLAWS. I adopted a cat that had behavioral issues and needed a home with more people and pets so it would feel at home. It cried most of the night, tried jumping on the hot stove repeatedly and ate most of my plants. I had asked for help from CLAWS but they only suggested that I play music for the cat at night. Needless to say, I had to return the cat and was shamed for not putting up with the behavior for as long as it took (they said three months or so). I asked if I could get my money back and I was told that I had signed away my right for a refund when I applied for the adoption. I asked if I could adopt another cat and was told that out of the 90+ cats that they had, none would be a good fit for me at that time but maybe in a few months. I left feeling bewildered. I later asked for proof of what I had signed, but there was no response and nothing on their website backed up this claim. Then I asked to have my money returned to me, but once again I was never responded to. I should have done my due diligence and looked into this place before I adopted a cat - this was a terrible experience and I hope that they will do the right thing and refund my money. read more

Our family has adopted pets for years, and all of our fur babies have been rescues. I have to say the experience my daughters and I had today with Valerie in Grand Junction was absolutely abysmal, and she in NO way represents the professionalism and dedication it takes to find loving homes for the cats she says she wants to adopt out. After attending an event held at a local pet supply store, my older daughter--a veterinary professional with plenty of references and outstanding feedback from all of her peers--was insulted and berated by this woman. My daughter filled out an application, and we waited an entire day...after speaking to the store manager and explaining that we were under personal time constraints. The manager assured us it should be no problem and that she would contact Val herself and ensure the process moved forward. We spent the day with NO word from Val. My daughter spent upwards of $200 on new supplies to care for a kitten that was put on display at an adoption event, along with other kittens--all of them visibly sick. In fact, one of the kittens sneezed so violently that the poor animal sprayed blood all over the cage and its own white paws. My daughter wanted very badly to rescue one of these obviously ill kittens and take it to her veterinary clinic, and we were told it was fine. However, upon returning to the store after HOURS with no update from either the store manager or Val, the contact from CLAWS, we stopped back by the store before closing, only to find that ALL the kittens had been removed. The store manager on duty got Val on the phone, and she was instantly hostile and had my daughter in tears within a minute of beginning the conversation. She accused her of not being a veterinary technician and said that if she knew anything she would know this wasn't going to happen. What a TERRIBLE way for a supposed animal lover to treat another animal lover who only wants to help those in need. The woman was downright vile, rude, and didn't even give my daughter a chance to explain, talk about her references, or work out an alternative plan. She told us she removed the kittens as soon as she knew they were ill, but this is NOT THE TRUTH, because several store employees where the adoption event was held told us the kittens had been there for WEEKS, had been showing signs of illness and coughing for quite some time, AND had recently received antibiotic treatments. Val KNEW they were sick! Val was hoping to farm out the kittens before anyone recognized or knew they were sick. Unfortunately for her, a professional, certified vet tech walked in, saw kittens sneezing blood, coughing, and with weeping eyes and was compelled to help. How many other sick animals are you trying to farm out? And how to you participate in an adoption event with ONLY sick kittens? How do you treat people the way she did...in the span of a minute? I support numerous rescues, and I can honestly say I feel sorry for the animals in Val's care. I hope CLAWS has other, more professional, caring, and empathetic individuals willing to help those that need it. This is a rescue I would avoid at all costs. read more

My wife and I have been volunteering here for about 2 years and they,we take care of the cats like family pets,you get to know all of them by name.it s a lot of work keeping this place running.we need more volunteers.if you love cats come down and help. Mike H read more

First off I had someone tell me over the phone I could come surrender my cat, to get there and this technician tell me they never got approval and made it feel like that was my fault. For 19 months since my daughter was born, I had a cat that started acting out and getting stressed. I've had her for 5 years, she was family. She would poop and pee in my daughters crib ONLY, and no anxiety medication or anything helped. My daughter has also been taught NOT to touch the kitties (unless mom and dad are around). On that note, the cat got my baby pretty good a few nights ago, unprovoked. I had a terrible technician approach me so unprofessionally, rolling her eyes, and it started because I didn't have a cat carrier. I called the facility three times (you'll never get a person to answer, they apparently can only call you back) and left a voicemail for someone to kindly bring a carrier outside for me. That didn't happen and apparently it's also my fault. This technician proceeded to make me feel like crap for surrendering my cat, saying I had no reason and it was MY FAULT the cat went after my child, saying I couldn't control her. Multiple times I was told it's my fault and I had no reason. I am 8 months pregnant and did not want the cat to become more stressed when the new baby got here also. She also told me "it's unfortunate I have other animals" when again she has no idea what goes on in my house. My daughter respects the animals. In GJ all shelters are full, so my only other option was to euthanize with animal control. I told the person on the phone the cat doesn't deserve to be euthanized and how thankful I was they were able to help her finish her life. So all in all, the rescue does help the cats needing homes. But if you make contact with the blond technician with horrible eyelashes, you're in to have your feelings hurt. She made me feel like I was happy about surrendering my cat. read more

This is an AWESOME NO KILL Shelter.... I've volunteered here a handful of times.... They Are ALWAYS looking for New Volunteers... please call them!!! Please ADOPT a kitty today! read more