I am writing because I am very frustrated with the process of trying to book an appointment for my puppy. I was online and ready at exactly 9:30 a.m., as I was instructed to be. I continuously checked for appointments from 9:30 a.m. until noon, but at no point did I see a single appointment become available. I also called your service to confirm that the appointment date or booking procedure had not changed. I was specifically told that I needed to be on the computer at 9:30 a.m., which I was. Given that I followed the instructions exactly and still could not find even one available appointment over the course of more than two hours, I have serious concerns about how these appointments are being allocated. It makes me wonder whether appointments are being released through another method, reserved in advance, or whether certain patients are being filtered or given priority. I would appreciate a clear and transparent explanation of how appointments are released and how clients are expected to have a fair opportunity to book them. The current process does not appear to be working as described, and I would like to understand why. read more

They were informative and great to deal with. Called me back right away. They ae very good. read more

Nice staff and seems well kept but I strongly suspect that they have an internal "go around " with small dogs. We saw a small pup we wanted and called every day :" not yet processed for adoption". On the 4th day, it was " sorry -just someone walked in the morning 5 minutes after the pup was processed and took the pup". She forgot to mention that they are closed to the public in the morning! The Pup was never on their adoption page and the only reason I knew about the pup I wanted is because a kind volunteer told me discreetly, they just got in a very small dog who was still behind closed doors... This said the big dogs... lots of them. read more

Great Experience at the vet medical clinic. Bianca was so kind, patient and helpful. Im looking forward to my 2 puppies next visit because of her help! read more

I went here about a year ago after carefully considering adopting a dog for the past several months. I'd had a dog before and knew what kind of commitment they require in time, patience, and money. I felt it was the right time since my job no longer required me to travel very much. I'd seen Chuck Bell (local NBC news weather personality) highlight HRA and featuring select dogs on his broadcast, so it seemed the logical choice. It was one of best decisions I've ever made. After seeing the dogs looking for homes (I wanted to adopt them all!), I saw Rico. He looked like hell and he was a little older than I was hoping for (5 years old) but he caught my eye. He was picked up as a stray and had no chip or identifying tags. He was undernourished and the lower half of his body was missing a lot of hair. The remaining hair had clumps of a black substance mixed in. It was explained to me that he had a horrible case of fleas when he was found, and the black goo was the tar shampoo that was used to heal him. I played with him for a little while and we hit it off. He came home with me that day. I've had him about a year now and I tell people I didn't rescue him - he rescued me. He has enriched my life and been such a joy to have that I can't imagine what I did before he came along. I'm including photos of him from when I first saw him and what he looks like today. It's amazing what a change love, good food, and grooming can accomplish. He doesn't bark a lot, was already housebroken, and loves everyone he meets (dogs and people). I couldn't have ever hoped for a better companion. read more

Humane Rescue Alliance - Rico now - Animal Shelters Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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DO NOT COME HERE. The staff are completely unprofessional and act in a way that prevents potential adopters from wanting to adopt. I came potentially interested in adopting a dog and saw two puppies that I was interested in meeting. I asked a staff member if I could meet them and he said to wait 20-ish minutes while he cleaned their kennel. I waited 30-ish minutes and walked around, but no staff member came to get me. Eventually I asked another staff member if I could meet with the two puppies and she said they were backed up and I'd have to wait some more or come back tomorrow. I asked how long I'd have to wait, as I'd already been told I only needed to wait 20 minutes. She said she wasn't sure as they were backed up, and they were no guarantees that I could meet the dogs either today or even if I came back TOMORROW. She asked if I was interested in adopting, and I said yes, but of course, I'd like to meet the dog first before adopting. Then she subtly suggested that it didn't sound like I was actually interested in adopting. Just extremely rude and unprofessional behavior. Do NOT come here. It seemed like the staff are overworked and do not have the time to take care of all the animals in the way that they should be, and they treat potential adopters completely unprofessionally and in a way that prevents adoptions. read more

We adopted a German Shepherd mix from them about 5 months ago and she is the sweetest pup ever. We had a dog meet-to-meet with our other dog and it went smoothly. The interaction with staff was great. I strongly recommend you check all of the dogs out if you are considering adopting a new family member. read more

Because HRA's located quite close to where I lived at the time, I took my service companion there for a past due needed checkup, shots, & routine vet care. I've no complaints at all, & would likely be hard pressed to find a more budget-friendly place for basic vet care that didn't include a scheduling hassle, or some other headache. We've since relocated to another part of town, & I've found what I've been told is a pretty good vet that's geographically closer. My encounters w/ HRA created no complaints regarding my/our overall experience, & the visit didn't blow a hole in my wallet, which is always a plus. read more

Everything was good, except who was taking confirmation for the appointment. She is not happy with that job.

We came in to adopt and were told the dog we liked could not be adopted because it was already being transferred to New Jersey. However, the dog was present, and we could meet it, just not adopt it. Apparently, this was a mistake and we were able to go through with the adoption the next day. This shelter has a lot of other great animals for adoption, and seems to treat them very well. The guy who worked with us was friendly and knowledgeable. If you are looking to adopt now would be a great time to stop buy. Note: There is off-street parking at this location making it easy to access. read more

I had a wonderful dog fostering and adopting experience,after rescuing their dog &ctas etc.. they train and take care of these animals like little babies.I started the process online and I showed up and waited a few hours ,talked to them and tour the facilities,that they after a few hours I took home my Baby dog,she has been an amazing dog and Emma and the other vet tech where extremely helpful trough out the entire process.The family is in a little city garden and community garden so it is very peaceful. The facilities where extremely clean for the nimble of animals they had in there,and they do answer all question and sen you homes with everything you need to parent your pets. read more

Humane Rescue Alliance - Animal Shelters Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's an uphill battle with dogs/cats and they do a great job with the services they offer & maintaining the facility. I am disappointed with the communication once I got my foster dog. Trying to get in touch for support took 3-5 days and the behavioral team offered no help for the challenges I was having. I want to support their cause & help find homes for animals in need but they offer no communication or help once you leave. Adopt don't shop read more

I do not recommend anyone to use their website. I made an appointment on their website, used my credit card to pay $20. Thinking everything went through. Get to my appointment that took me over an hour and they told me I'm not in the system. I was very pissed! I don't recommend this place. Why do they scheduled appointments during rush hours. read more

I adopted my current pup-pup almost two years ago. Thanks to a Valentine's Day event, she was free even though the promotion had ended several months prior. She is the third dog I have adopted from this shelter. Each time, the experience gets better and faster. read more

Many more dogs than cats available here so I would recommend arriving early if you want a kitty!

Negative experience Never using their services again. Cory was rude and dismissive while I was trying to ask questions. He cut me off when I asked if there were any vets nearby and walked to the back where I could hear him making fun of me to another employee. Lobby was at least clean. read more

Went to take my 19 year old cat to be humanely euthanized as his his battle with cancer was getting worse and he was at the end of his life. Got there Sunday and was told that the procedure would be done that day and he would be sedated before it. As I discussed this with the staff member he told me the body would be held for three days before communal disposal. Arrived today and found out that I should have been told that I needed an appointment for this option to hold the remains and that he was not there to be picked up. So I have deprived of the chance to memorialize my pet. So because of this staff members incompetence my grief has been multiplied because of this experience. So please make sure you get the correct details from these people if you find yourself in my situation. read more

They work really well with the animals there and I really like that they make sure they are well taken they also are really patient with the animals there too, me and my girlfriend went there to find us a dog that worked with our lifestyle and it was really hard cause they did have a lot of options and each one was really sweet and playful they all deserve a home and I wish I could take them all we end up getting a pit Bull mix and we named her dulce cause of how sweet she is read more

Humane Rescue Alliance - Animal Shelters Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

They are doing a wonderful job . If you want a pet get it here because there are many pet looking for a forever home . Every pet I've gotten from them are grateful i picked them . Some of the shots are included in Thy will ask you to take your pet to the vet soon after you adopt . Please research the pet you are going to adopt . Thy take time vet visits and most of all Love . Please get pet insurance embrace is the one i use . Thy can use volunteers that are kind over the phone . Thanks for reading read more

They don't follow up nor respond to emails when you are trying to help out/volunteer or work, very frustrating and not professional.

Let me be upfront. I am about to become a former donor to this organization. After 16 years, I will no longer donate to the Humane Rescue Alliance because their CEO makes an obscene $400,000 a year; they eliminated low-cost spay/neuter services to the general public in September 2019, totally unrelated to the Covid pandemic; and they have failed to build the promised "state-of-the-art" medical-adoption facility on a 35,000 sq.ft property that the DC Government gave them a $5 million grant to purchase in 2015. Nine years have gone by. So as a DC property taxpayer, I am pretty concerned about that too. HRA used to offer low-cost walk-in vaccine clinics three times a week (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), no appointments required, and anybody in line by the cut-off time was taken care of. Their Medical Center used to take appointments three days a week for wellness exams and other treatments. Meanwhile, HRA claims that they cannot find any veterinarians to hire, so they cannot restore the services they offered before. Maybe the CEO should consider a salary cut? My heart breaks for the animals entrusted to their care, because after reading some of these recent reviews, it seems to be a crapshoot as to whether they will truly be given a second chance at living their best life in a loving home. As a donor, I have requested a copy of HRA's governing documents (incorporation documents, Bylaws, policies, etc.) -- originally because I was planning to make a bequest to them, and my financial advisor recommended that I learn more about them. Well, after eight months, six e-mails to multiple addressees in the Executive Office and Development Office, and five voicemails (including using the special "Donor Phone Line"), not even the courtesy of a response in any format. One has to wonder, if HRA treats its donors like that, how do they treat their employees and volunteers? Well, that's okay. I'm sure there are more deserving animal welfare non-profits out there, but it is a shame that the DMV depends on an organization like this. I have heard that the many hardworking, dedicated staff and volunteers who stay on there do so out of love for the animals, not their employer, and that seems to be a separate sad story. read more

These guys were kind to my and my pet when I had to say goodbye to my beloved 18 yo cat.

I've adopted guinea pigs from HRA for some years now. Every time it's been a great experience, the staff is so helpful, courteous, and professional. If I have questions before I come in to adopt, my emails and phone calls are always returned promptly. They always fill me in on as much of the guinea pigs history as they know, and are so enthusiastic about getting all of the animals good homes. A great place. read more

I have been to the shelter several times to drop off blankets and visit with the dogs (I am allergic to cat, I'm afraid). I was at their Grand Reopening several years ago and am in such awe of this facility. Every time I visit, many of the dogs are resting on cots, or snuggled up to their roommate. (See the pictures posted here!) It makes me happy and sad at the same time. Yesterday I brought my puppy mill rescued Westie here to get updates on a few of her needed shots at a discounted rate. Yep, low cost shots for everyone, not just DC residents or low income families. They are offered every Wednesday night from 5-8pm. When I got there at 5:45 there was a line, however they are well organized and you get a number when you fill out the form. I was number 80 and they were at number 60 when I arrived. I don't think I waited more than 1/2 an hour before being admitted into the actual clinic, then I had a short wait before taking my brave pooch into a private room. Bigger, "energetic" dogs are not turned away. They have them enter through the back door. My girl got two shots (three year rabies and 3 week Lyme booster) and a nasal Bordetella injection. All for $50.00! I do need to go back in three weeks for the one year Lyme shot (not sure why the booster was needed first). She didn't even flinch! Another great thing about this shelter is that they partner up with a great organization called Pet2Vets www.p2v.org to help vets recover from PTSD by pairing them with a dog in need of a forever home. It's a win-win situation! read more

I love HRA and their mission, and I actually rescued the love of my life (my first cat) from there. But truly it is unbelievable that they no longer offer low-cost spaying and neutering. They claim that this is due to COVID which is laughable because its been almost 4 years at this point. There are thousands of people and animals that so desperately need this service in the district, I can't imagine what could possibly be more important. Animals are suffering as a direct result of their decision to not continue doing this. So sad. read more

Something fishy is going on with this place. I tried to adopt 2 bonded dogs and was told they were unavailable, not because they had been adopted, instead they had been put on an "out of state transport" and were being sent somewhere - either to a foster or to a shelter. Only the "people upstairs" knew and because "the paperwork" had been completed I could not adopt them. What are they doing with the dogs???! read more

Great place. Adopted two cats, two years apart and have been going there for vaccinations and spay/neuter. I only hope the city would allow them to continue operating with a proper COVID protocol instead of shutting them down entirely. read more

Such a clean facility! I am a dog owner but go once a month to visit other rescues. The kennels are so functional for visiting with the animals. The staff and volunteers are very accommodating. There are a lot of beautiful pit mixes like any facility, but a very wide variety of breeds and ages in dogs. They also have very healthy loving cats and sometimes rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes, turtles and fish. They also have pile of free items you can take for your own pet. read more

I regularly come to the Oglethorpe location to make donations of toys and food for cats. In the past, I have adopted cats from the old location on Georgia Avenue (they both are great guys). I'm writing a review because every single time I have gone to this location the staff are incredibly rude. Just today I walked in and said hello to someone at the front turtle area (just to say hello no reason), and I got a scowl and no response. I have been to this location about six times and consistently experience rude behavior. I don't know what changed, but it is really off-putting. Again I support the mission, but perhaps someone should work on that. read more

I am writing now as a former donor because I just learned that the CEO of this non-profit makes almost $400,000 a year, which is what the President of the United States makes!! I am also dismayed by the curtailment of low-cost spay-neuter services to the public, since that is one of the pillars of animal population management. They stopped offering spay-neuter services to the public long before the pandemic even started. I am going to do more research on this organization, especially after reading a recent "DCist" article about them. I'm kinda sorry now that I donated to HRA when I should have looked at other worthy animal welfare groups. read more

HRA is so clean their workers genuinely care about the animals and so much about their personalities. We adopted our cat (rooster) renamed him toby, last week and hes been such a joy and a perfect fit for our household. Were so thankful to everyone at the HRA read more

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I adopted the most beautiful and precious fur- daughter from them a 2 days ago. It was a smooth and amazing process from virtual meeting, application, until we picked her up. This all during a Pandemic. Our lives are blessed and enriched because of this Shelter. I can't say Thank you enough. read more

Humane Rescue Alliance - This is our brand new 3 month old fur-daughter. She was adopted from Humane rescue alliance in DC. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I took my dog for his yearly vaccinations and saved at least $100! The only suggestion I would make is to arrive early. I arrived right on time and the line was already long so I had to stand out in the cold for quite a bit of time. Plan ahead of time, bundle up especially if you're going during winter time and make sure you bring something to keep your pet warm as well, a little blanket works great. Staff is super friendly. read more

Compassionate no-kill shelter. They give a second chance to pets who might've never lasted in regular shelters (e.g. Maynard the three-footed tabby, Madeline the black cat with neck wounds, Sebastian the malnourished stray from a "trash-strewn vacant lot on Philadelphia's rough side"...). The dog area has little waterfalls to create calming white noise. Each dog den has its own ventilation system (it helps with disease control). There's radiant heat built into half the floor (so each dog can choose which half they prefer). The cats live in little condos with classical/new-agey music piped in. The well-socialized cats get roaming privileges around the big cat area. When you want to meet a particular cat, they'll let you play with them in a private room. The cat staff we spoke with were very knowledgeable about each cat's character. So when we asked for a lap cat, they recommended a couple particularly calm, affectionate cats. Also visiting were a neighborhood mom and her toddler: She said they stop by the shelter quite often, not to adopt, but just to play with the pets. How fun! There's vegetarian literature in the lobby, cool. They're also open till 8pm most weekdays, so potential adopters can stop by after work. I can't speak to the adoption process (we ended up adopting a WHS cat), but as for physical facilities, WARL was by far the nicest shelter in the city. read more

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I adopted a dog from HRA on 10-5-22. When I initially saw the dog in the kennel, I told the counselor, "this dog is VERY sick". The dog had snot oozing out of her nose and a hacking cough. She told me the dog had an upper respiratory infection and if adopted, I'd be given antibiotics to dispense to the dog for TEN DAYS. The paperwork processing took TWO HOURS. After the paperwork was done, apparently, the vet "looked" at the dog (I was not present) and said the dog "looked fine". They gave me NO antibiotics. How is that possible? During the time I was there, I was not allowed to take the dog out of her pen, nor take her OUTSIDE for fear "her infection might spread to other dogs." I was told me the dog would need antibiotics for 10 days. Yet, suddenly, like magic, 2 hours later, when I'm ready to take the dog home, she doesn't need antibiotics. This makes NO sense. It is now 3AM. I've been up with this dog since I brought her home yesterday. I'd appreciate a call from HRA and some antibiotics. AGAIN, this dog is VERY sick and can barely stand up. As I'm typing this, the snot is oozing down her nose. She can barely keep her eyes open. I have other animals in my home, and I don't like this one bit. Please contact me so that I can give this dog proper care. The counselor sucked and did not properly advocate for this poor animal. This is disgraceful. HRA should be ashamed for allowing anyone to take an animal home in this condition ... and so should the vet for misdiagnosing the "wellness" of a dog that is OBVIOUSLY NOT WELL. The dog should've been quarantined until it was well -- WITH ANTIBIOTICS. Someone else had adopted this dog and brought it back 2 days ago. She was also recently spayed. Is she in pain? Does she have an infection? I don't know. I want to provide a stable home for this dog, and I am NOT bringing this sick dog back to you. She needs a stable, loving home. GIVE ME THE ANTIBIOTICS so she can be treated properly. And BTW, yes, I KNOW ... you are understaffed. I don't care. That doesn't help me nor the dog. EDIT: UPDATE: *** Dishonesty *** *** Bait and Switch *** Basically, they give people SICK dogs, and they either don't have the staff or money to properly vet the dogs so the adopter gets stuck with the vet bills. This is bad business - BAIT AND SWITCH. In THREE days ... I've spent $704 on Veterinary care and Emergency services. Apparently, the dog has PNEUMONIA. HRA told me I could "return the dog" when I asked for medical assistance. "Return"? LIKE A DEFECTIVE PIECE OF FURNITURE? This dog is a living, sentient being, with feelings, not a defective piece of wood! The dog SHOULD'VE BEEN properly vetted BEFORE it was put up on the adoption block. The dog is not defective; HRA is defective. This dog had been previously returned by someone else who claimed the dog wasn't "acting right". The dog is SICK! HRA should ashamed! read more

They have vaccination clinics at a reduced rate. You do have to make an appointment . This is a great deal . If you are looking for a pet this is the best place to go . The many animals that need your love and support . There is a fee involved but it's worth it . They will let you test drive your pet that you want to get . This is when they allow you to take the pet home and see how it works out for a few days . Please be open-minded when you select a pet . They offer training and assistance with your new pet . I am a foster mom and I need more . To make myself clear by Foster animals . At this time I'm caring for my own so that's a whole for a little while . This is something to consider if you like to help . They offer training on how to help your foster pet . They need support . Donations of food money and time . Always get insurance for your pet . Vet bills can be expensive as taking care of a child . This is something people do not consider when they adopt an animal Make sure it fits your budget . read more

Went to the 2016 "Clear the Shelter" event on Saturday. I was appalled by the staff's and volunteers' disregard for potential adopters. This lady and young man were talking about me in an insulting manner and only realized AFTER they had done the damage that I was still behind them. They were making fun of the fact that I didn't "know any better" about dogs. The only reason why I'm giving them stars at all is because the staff, volunteers and foster parents at the cat adoption mobile were much more pleasant, attentive and considerate. read more

Such a nice facility- adopted my kitty last month and she's precious!!!! I much prefer this location to the New York Ave one - it's day and night in my opinion read more

Humane Rescue Alliance - Missy Elliot (kitty version) - Animal Shelters Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The new dog in our life came from here, and it is hard to describe how lovely the experience was after dealing with other shelters in the area. The animals are kept cleaner and quieter, the staff is friendlier and more helpful, I understand the criticism (made below) that WARL doesn't do enough for animal welfare because they don't take enough animals, and send animals they can't place to other shelters in the area. If you are deciding how to promote animal welfare writ large, that might be a valid concern, I don't know. (It might be that places that are as welcoming, friendly, and competent as WARL help more animals in the District find homes on the whole.) But in any case, if what you want is to selfishly find the right pet for your own needs rather than to promote animal welfare through charity, I can't simply say enough in praise of WARL. read more

I am giving one star due to the fact that the staff at the medical center was not helpful. I had an appointment ant got stuck in traffic. I was there 15 min past my appointment, for which I left my work. I try to call in the mean time to tell them we were stuck in traffic. No answer. When they answered the phone we were basically 5min away. We rush in and even if there were no patients in the waiting room, they did not see us. If they would have been overwhelmed with work, with a waiting room full, I understand. But nobody was waiting. The only response I got is "your appointment was at 4pm and it would be over by 4:14pm (when I arrived)". Really? My intention was to support the medical center, take advantage of the experience for a simple cat spaying, and leave a donation. I guess that will not be happening. And is a shame. Needles to say, I will not return. read more