The people at New Beginnings For Animals are wonderful to work with. We found the perfect dog for…read moreour family through this rescue group. Their rates are very reasonable especially since they care for the animals, give them any necessary shots/chips and nurse them to health if needed until they find their forever home. I worked mostly with Diane and she was always punctual with replying to emails/texts regarding any dogs of interest. She always gave me timely info and answered any and all of my constant questions and concerns. Meeting times were always flexible and there wasn't a pressure to choose a dog with every meeting. They do their homework on finding the right fit for their animals which I appreciate. They have the animals best interest at heart. That means not every family will get what they want if the fit isn't right. It'd be awful to adopt a dog only to rehome/return the dog a few months later due to bad fit. Keep up the good work!

Extremely disappointing and unwelcoming experience…read more I contacted New Beginnings for Animals because we were genuinely interested in adopting Luna, a Boston Terrier/Pug mix listed on Adopt-a-Pet. We were excited about the possibility of giving her a loving, permanent home. What happened during my phone conversation with the rescue was extremely upsetting. One of the first things I was asked was whether we live in military housing. When I said yes, I was told that they generally don't like adopting to military families because if the service member gets called away, they don't want the dog returned to them. I found this incredibly unfair and, quite honestly, discriminatory. Rather than getting to know us, our home, our plans, or our ability to care for a dog, I felt like we were immediately placed into a category simply because my husband is in the military. I explained that **this would be my dog**, that she would be an emotional support animal, and that if my husband were deployed or called away, she would stay with me. I have been through deployments before. If necessary, I could stay with his parents temporarily, but the dog would remain with me. There was never any scenario where we intended to surrender her or send her back to the rescue. I also brought up Luna's compatibility with children, dogs, and cats because those things matter when choosing a pet. Luna's Adopt-a-Pet listing says she is **"Good With Kids" and "Good With Dogs."** However, I was told during the call that she is actually not good with kids, dogs, or cats, needs to be the only dog, and would not be good on walks around other animals because she is "feisty." I was told there may have been a mix-up because two dogs had apparently been entered into the system. That discrepancy was very concerning. These are not small details when someone is deciding whether a dog is appropriate for their household. I completely understand that animal rescues have a responsibility to protect the animals in their care and to carefully screen adopters. I have no issue with reasonable questions or making sure a dog is placed in the right home. What I do have an issue with is being made to feel **unwelcome and judged because we are a military family**, especially when I was willing and able to explain exactly how the dog would be cared for during deployments or other military obligations. We were not asking for special treatment. We were asking to be considered as individuals and given a fair opportunity to demonstrate that we could provide Luna with a safe, stable, loving, permanent home. Instead, I walked away from the conversation feeling like our military status had already made us undesirable adopters before our circumstances were even considered. A rescue organization should make people who are trying to give an animal a loving home feel welcomed--not judged or automatically discounted because of their family's profession. This was my personal experience, and unfortunately it was enough to make me no longer feel comfortable pursuing an adoption through this organization. I hope they take this feedback seriously and reconsider how military families are approached and evaluated in the future. PSA the listing is still up with all the good qualities of the dog and the lady I spoke to also referred me to 3 different rescues instead.

NCP is an amazing group. They have a great staff, recently we adopted a few kittens from them…read moreand our daughter volunteers at this shelter a few days a week. Highly recommended if you're looking to adopt any kittens or cats.

Stopped in on National Pet Day to bring a new cat tree, toys, & a pineapple bed. Super friendly…read morestaff. Place is clean & cats are happy. They take owner surrenders only. They're one of the oldest rescues in California.

Never heard back from them and we were ready to adopt immediately. Both myself and my daughter…read morecalled, (the "are too busy to care for kitties AND answer the phone, so please send a text"), so we texted, created an account online (because they want to know you're "actually serious" about adopting before you can even MEET the cat you're considering adopting.) (I do understand and respect prioritizing the mental health of the cats, but I'm sure the cats, especially the adults, would prefer a compromise, like being required to fill out a one page form on the spot before meeting). Every serious adopter that goes into a pet store and sees one of this organization's animals that they are interested in adopting and is told they have to go through this and this and this step before they can even interact with the cat and know if the personality is a fit. Everyone loses out. In my experience, even if you do go through all the steps, they won't call you back, and a cat that could have had a home I know had that opportunity taken from them because of the seemingly righteous or superior attitude of the rescue people. They surely know how many people go in and out of those cat and kitten rooms at the Animal Friends of the Valley shelter. Having a few people go in one at a time to meet one particular cat, I don't feel, is any more dangerous or unhealthy for the cat than them losing the opportunity to be adopted and eventually being put down. I just don't understand rescues like this. If you're too small to actually help, then let somebody else do it.

I had a beyond expectation experience with Mindy and her daughter, even though at the end I didn't…read morechoose to go with the adorable and sweet boys Teddy and Khabib they brought for me to meet and interact with. Mindy provided a very personable, warm and extremely responsive service, made every effort to respond to my inquiry on Adopt-A-Pet and approving my application as well as just answering my questions and chatting with me about my potential cat baby's personality traits and his background story. She responded to emails as late as 11PM on a weekend and her demeanor was always welcoming and reassuring, like an old, caring friend. Mindy's words and actions convey that she truly truly love all of her rescued cat babies and she only wants what's best for them and she works extremely hard to find them good homes. I was very sad that neither cat babies from her rescue matched the particular personality I was looking for (I was trying to fill this big hole in my heart with the tragic loss of a stray cat named Cookie I cared for) and I really wished that given all the hard work she and her daughter put into, I'd adopt either Teddy or Khabib. Despite these big, affectionate sweet boys were not the best match I was searching for, I don't think any less of them, I sincerely hope they will find their forever home they deserve and I cannot be more grateful for Mindy's time, patience and understanding she's extended me and my family. If I had more capacity for an additional cat baby in the future after finding THE ONE, Mindy and her rescue is the first place I'd check out. If you are also searching for your feline soulmate, please look no further!!

On Instagram you suggested that one of the dogs was going to be put down and to please make a…read moredonation to try and save the rest of them. We have rescued and fostered 25 dogs and 32 cats. I'm living on social security and don't receive any funds to take care of those animals and I am offended that you would suggest one of the dogs is going to be put down so donate to save lives of the others instead of focusing all the great things that you do which is reflected in the reviews of people who have worked with you. Very disappointed.

I adopted my new girl Shelby from Wagging Dog rescue a little over three weeks ago at a pet…read moreadoption event in Encinitas. It appears that they have dedicated foster parents who help transition these pups from shelter life to permanent placement in their forever homes. They were very honest with us about the dog we were adopting struggles with timidness and fear. They sent someone to do a home visit and we had to do an initial foster to adopt agreement for 2 weeks. If all worked out fine for both Shelby and our family then we were cleared to adopt. Which we did last Thursday. Shelby has had all her initial shots, was spayed and treated for fleas when we adopted her. All we needed to do was provide the love. Done. I would highly recommend Wagging Dog Rescue to anyone who is considering adopting a new member of their family.

Flat out denied my rescue because I live an hour away and they assumed I would not be able to…read morebring them to their appointments. What kind of shelter decides where you live makes you qualified to adopt a pet. Guess they don't need people to adopt their animals that bad. Hope this place gets shut down!

From the owner: Animal Rescue Recon rescues at-risk dogs from local shelters for the sole purpose of finding them…read moreloving, forever homes. We offer volunteer opportunities to members of the community. We collaborate with other animal service groups who are dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. It is our goal to help decrease the number of pets euthanized by providing sterilization prior to formal adoption. ARR is a dedicated all-volunteer group, operating without paid staff. All of our animals are housed in private foster homes - we do not have a facility.

I cannot say enough good things about Girls of Dog Rescue. They are always willing to help the…read morecommunity and are genuinely dedicated to the well-being of every dog they encounter. When I was in desperate need of finding a safe new home for a stray German Shepherd named Luna, they went above and beyond to assist me. Not only did they offer guidance and support, but they also helped me connect with other rescue organizations and resources to give Luna the best possible chance of finding a loving home. Throughout the process, they were compassionate, professional, and focused on what was best for the dog. It is clear that every decision they make is based on the safety and welfare of the animals in their care. Their kindness, dedication, and willingness to help during a difficult situation made a lasting impression on me, and I am truly grateful for everything they did. I highly recommend Girls Dog Rescue to anyone looking for a rescue organization that genuinely cares about dogs and the community they serve.

After recently losing my beloved Yorkie of 9 years, my husband and I decided to honor her memory by…read morerescuing rather than purchasing from a breeder. We came across an adorable Shih Tzu pair (a brother and sister) and submitted an application expressing interest in one of them. Within seconds of submitting, I received a call. The representative hadn't read my application at all. When she asked if I currently had a dog and I explained mine had just passed, there was zero acknowledgment; no condolences, nothing. She then informed me it was "unethical" to adopt just one puppy and that I'd need to take both. When I agreed to take both, she reversed course, saying the siblings would "fight" and I couldn't take them together. When I offered to adopt two unrelated dogs instead, the story changed again; apparently a doctor had just been approved for the dog I applied for, mid-conversation, and I was redirected to a one-year-old Yorkie before being abruptly dismissed. The inconsistencies were glaring, the policies shifted in real time, and the entire interaction was handled without a shred of compassion. I am a registered nurse and my husband works in the entertainment industry; we are experienced, attentive pet owners who gave our Yorkie an exceptional life. None of that was considered because my application was never actually reviewed. This experience is precisely why so many people turn to breeders and pet stores instead of rescues. When grieving applicants are met with dismissiveness, fabricated barriers, and contradictory excuses, it doesn't serve the animals; it leaves them in shelters longer. I hope the organization takes a hard look at how their team communicates with prospective adopters.

It was to no fault of Bichon Rescue OC that our beloved Nova passed within two years of her joining…read moreour family. The opposite, really--these humans go about doing God's work rescuing dogs and finding suitable homes. Truly they deserve recognition for the care they put into their services and care for these dogs.

I don't understand why these people don't get back to me. I am willing to take a homeless dog and…read moregive it a great life along with my three year-old Bichon. It's like a sin to buy a dog, yet this rescue is in no rush to get this dog adopted. I just don't get it.

I am so excited to finally write this review after a full year with our big guy. We are…read moretraditionally dog people but are getting older and no longer have older kids at home to help with large pets but we were very attracted to the idea of a Bengal because of their higher than usual energy. We were hoping for a good middle-ground between running dogs every day for two decades and a fat house cat and we really feel like we got exactly what we were dreaming of and so much more. Her kittens were impeccable and we can't even believe how lucky we got with our male. He was instantly affectionate and loving towards us. My husband was very wary of cats and believed all of them were skittish and stand-offish. I had a childhood cat and remembered them being easy to own. I convinced him to let me get this kitten after our last dog passed because he was so gorgeous and as masculine as a sweet kitty could possibly look. We were so impressed with Dad when we met him in person and our little guy ended up looking just as handsome now that he's almost fully grown. Even other bengal owners are always blown away by his unusual coloring and shine. This is a cat even my husband is so proud to own after years of telling me cats were for women. Lol They are best buddies and sometimes I feel like I bought my own dream cat but my husband was the one who ended up with the best friend. He has zero negative health issues and has only needed to see the vet for regular vaccinations and altering. We have so much comfort in knowing that he has only eaten human grade food as we have continued the breeder's extraordinary meal plan. We have been a lifelong long kibble and canned food combo users and we had absolutely no idea how low the quality of food that is allowed to be given as animal grade even in the most expensive pet food. Our aunt just lost her sweet male cat to a urinary blockage and we had no idea how common they are in cats fed commercial foods. We take him everywhere with us and he is a huge comfort to me because of my anxiety. Everybody wants to interact with him and love on him and he really takes a lot of pressure off situations for me. I have never known a cat to be so willing to greet a large groups of people and people can't believe how calm he is. We did take the breeders advice and alter him before sexual maturity. He has never even once had an accident outside the litter box or on grass at home or in public. After decades of puppies I was ready for months of potty training. I had no idea how incredible a well raised kitten is at using the litter box exclusively. It was an absolute dream transition bringing him into our home. He has changed my life. We have not gotten a second bengal only because we love so much that we are able to travel with him and worry that flights, imposing on friends when we stay, etc would be too difficult with more than him but I am so tempted every time I see your posts of new litters. We have been life long animal adores but we never knew we could experience a bond with an animal like this. Thank you so much and to anyone considering a kitten--I couldn't imagine a better one in the entire world than the one I adopted from them.

From the owner: Though Bengal cats have surged in popularity most largely due to their stunning appearance, it is…read moretheir remarkable personalities and distinctive traits that are the focus of our program. Bengals inherit a strong drive and confidence from their wild ancestors that overshadows the timid nature of domestic breeds. Our mission is to show animal lovers everywhere that when bred for temperament and raised carefully, Bengals are a dog-comparable emotional support or therapy animal with more manageable space and maintenance requirements. Our Bengals adventure without fear, possess the energy and drive to flourish with intensive training programs, and have an incredible capacity for human companionship. We produce a very small number of kittens as individual attention and socialization are the cornerstones of our program. Avoid spending the first months with your new pet battling the issues caused by profit-focused large catteries. Our kittens have- -Age-ap vaccines/multiple dewormings -Completed litter box training -2 weeks of frozen Raw-diet that the kittens have grown up on to transition them -5 day viral warranty -1 year guarantee against detrimental congenital defects Our kittens are the very best in pet-quality but are only for pet and therapy animal homes—we do not sell with papers for show or breeding. If you want a beautiful, healthy cat but need an animal that feels like an extension of yourself, please feel free to reach out and inquire about available kittens!

My husband and I were first time pet owners and were looking to adopt a dog about 6 months ago. I…read moresearched online and found the cutest dog and messaged Rose. She was very forthcoming about prior health conditions and made sure to ask about our lifestyle and living arrangements. Eventually she found us a dog that was a better fit for us, we met him and fell in love with each other on the spot!! Shadow was a little black maltipoo that was found on the streets with his hair so matted they had to pretty much cut it all off. When we saw him for the first time he was so tiny and skinny! Anyway, Rose helped us with the paperwork, interviewed us more about what his living conditions would be, helped explain to us the fundamentals of dog ownership and how to provide a loving home for him. She made sure he got all his shots before sending him home with us, and even called us a month later to check in and see how he was doing. The adoption process was so easy and seamless! Shadow is now so much a part of our family I can't remember what it was like before we had him! If you are considering adopting a dog, you won't go wrong with Furry Canines :)

Lady who I spoke with on the phone was extremely rude and disrespectful, I had called to ask if you…read morecould take a dog home for a day to see if their the right fit for our family and she immediately told me that was stupid. She said if you wanted to see the dog you could go there and that's it, I can understand if it's policy that they can't do that however there was ab ZERO need for the rudeness from my one simple question, would suggest a new receptionist.

they reunited me with my beautiful cat, i'm forever grateful. very helpful and kind. francis thank…read moreyou for all your help.

We have been to numerous Vets in the Saddleback Valley area over the years and are thrilled to…read morefinally find a caring yet competent place to take our dogs and cats for medical care. They are also priced very competitively. Thank you for taking care of Elliot, Dr. Lee.