I'm writing a second review like 7 years later now for another incident. It's sad that their processes haven't improved much since I wrote that old one:
I want to start by saying how grateful I am for the work this organization does for the community. The veterinary services they provide--especially for feral cats--are incredibly important, and I truly appreciate that they have grants to support these efforts.
Unfortunately, my personal experience left a lot to be desired, and I think it's important to share some areas where serious improvements are needed. I brought in a community cat from my workplace to be spayed and returned through their TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program.
The Check-In Process:
The initial check-in process went smoothly. I filled out paperwork and also verbally provided my name, ID, phone number, and email address. I was told that once the surgery was complete, I'd receive a text to let me know when the cat was ready for pick-up. They said it would likely be the next day or the day after.
The Waiting Game:
However, days went by and I never received a text or call. I began calling their hotline every two days to check on the cat's status. This hotline is operated by volunteers who, unfortunately, seemed to have extremely limited access to the actual veterinary records. Each time I called, I was told the cat had not yet been through surgery, and that I'd receive a text when it was ready--nothing more. This lack of accurate updates became very concerning, especially as more time passed.
Six Days Later:
After six days of no real answers, I decided to go in person to figure out what was happening. When I arrived and explained the situation, the staff member at the front desk told me the cat had already been returned to the address on file because they only hold cats for three days if no one picks them up. I was completely shocked--no one had informed me of this, and I had been actively checking in. Worse yet, I had been repeatedly told the cat hadn't even had surgery yet.
Sudden Reappearance:
While I was processing this upsetting information, about 10-15 minutes later, the staff came out and called my name for cat pick-up--as if everything was normal. There was no apology, no acknowledgment of the mistake, and no clarity about what had happened. Apparently, someone had placed the cat in a cubby, sparing it from being stuck in its trap for six days--which is especially important since the cat is fully feral.
Documentation Issues:
Upon reviewing the paperwork, I discovered that they had written down the wrong phone number and address, which explains why I never received a text or call. However, this also raises the question: why didn't the volunteers I spoke with over the phone catch this? Why couldn't they see that the cat had surgery five days earlier? There appears to be a serious disconnect between the vet team and the volunteer hotline staff.
In Summary:
This experience was stressful, frustrating, and could have potentially endangered the well-being of the animal. I followed all instructions and made multiple efforts to stay in contact, yet due to communication breakdowns and clerical errors, I nearly lost track of a vulnerable feral cat. I strongly urge the organization to:
- Improve communication between the vet staff and the volunteer hotline
- Ensure accurate recording of contact information at intake
- Train staff to verify contact details
- Create a more reliable method for clients to check on animals
I still believe in and support the mission of this organization--but processes like this need to be corrected before they cause further harm. read more