Staff who truly care where the animals end up. I was a volunteer at the shelter while in college for over 2 years. This shelter truly is a safe welcome space for all animals and it became my happy place. They make sure they have very thorough applications and standards for families that are allowed to adopt, which is essential in ensuring humans don't fail these precious animals again. I hope someday I will be able to go back to FL with the purpose of adopting a dog from the shelter. read more

3rd time is the charm, as mercyful loves to take down my reviews! 10/10 do not recommend to my worst enemy. The fostering experience started off with kind staff treating me with respect. However, shortly after starting to foster I began getting passive aggressive, and condescending messages from the lovely staff over at MFP! Furthermore, they threatened to call the cops on me because I was unable to bring the dog to an adoption event. Also, I was met with very kind words over Facebook messenger along the lines of "this is kidnapping we are calling the police". Mind you I was at work and this is after they ignored my family for about a week when we tried to adopt banner via the same group chat they so happily throw demands and condescending messages. So, after writing my 3rd review on this place. I hope they don't take it down this time, and actually try treating anyone who attempts to foster with even a sliver of decency and respect. Overall, after writing this lovely and transparent review, I leave you with a memento. Banner, I was blessed to be able to show you what a loving family looks like for the first time in your life. I hope whatever family adopts you treats you with the love and compassion that I did. On a final note, thank you MFP you guys truly helped me in pointing me IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION of your shelter. My decision is FINAL as you guys would say, so I leave you with the same condescending message you so happily left me! My decision in FINAL in never associating with your shelter again. Enjoy! read more

Mercy Full Project - Pet Adoption Near Me - Tampa, Florida

The owner likes to remove google reviews instead of maturely addressing situations so I'm posting my review of mercy full project on both platforms. I am a University of Tampa student, and I have had great experiences in the past with the Doggy Day Out program. I participated several times to complete service hours. However, I have a completely different story when it comes to fostering and attempting to adopt. I have encouraged many people to volunteer and foster with Mercy Full, but when my boyfriend began fostering, I couldn't believe the disrespect he was met with. My boyfriend attended a fostering event where he selected a dog named Banner to foster. Banner had been rescued from a hoarding situation, but let me tell you, his circumstances drastically changed for the better when my boyfriend became his foster. He knew it wouldn't be easy. Banner wasn't house-trained, leash-trained, or potty-trained, but the progress he made with Banner in such a short amount of time was incredible. The two quickly became inseparable, and my boyfriend knew in his heart that Banner was his soul dog. He filled out an adoption application through Mercy Full and was later told that his application had been denied. This made no sense to anyone. Why would someone be approved to foster a dog if they weren't considered suitable to adopt? I started to wonder if it was because we were considered "too young" in their eyes, but even when his father stepped in and tried to adopt Banner, he was ignored. That raised another question: Why would a rescue organization that constantly asks for fosters treat its fosters this way? Watching all of this unfold firsthand completely changed my view of Mercy Full. I can no longer support them, and I encourage others to take this experience into consideration before choosing to do so. read more

We had a wonderful experience with the Mercy Full project and our dog adoption! We went to an adoption event, met our.com and were able to go home with him the same day. We did the foster to adopt program, but it was a parent after day one that we are keeping him forever we are so thankful for the mercy full project to give us our forever friend. We only hope that more people decide to adopt from them. read more

Very sweet and lovable place to get a pet very nice friendly staff, the workouts/yoga with the pets is also something special such interesting, fun and enjoyable way to interact with the pets read more

Mercy Full is a WONDERFUL rescue!! They all work tiressly to save , foster, and find great adopters for dogs and cats! Please donate, volunteer, foster and/or adopt if you're able. Thank you!! read more

We attended a adoption event today and I was very impressed with the organization and all the staff & volunteers. Some may question the process, but I think it is well worth the time and effort in helping to adopt a new family fur baby. Even if today was not ours to move forward with puppy we met, we will still continue to work with Mercy Full Project to find a match. Thank you for all the work you put in to helping dogs & cats in need. read more

We adopted our pup from Mercy Full. Unlike other organizations, they respond to application and really try to match you with a dog that is perfect. Their events are very well organized and all of the volunteers and people that work there are very professional. read more

We are so thankful to the staff of Mercy Full Projects for introducing us to Idina Menzel and choosing us to adopt our little princess! The care they take in ensuring their rescues find the best homes is outstanding. Thank you to Erin, her foster Mom, for answering our questions and supporting us through the adoption process. It is well worth the adoption process when the reward is a new and loving member of your family! read more

Mercy Full Project - Idina, renamed Coco Chanel - Pet Adoption Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Heydi, her husband and the entire team of staff attendants and volunteers rock. They are not only committed to rescuing pets but also committed to educating and assisting the community. They are truly an amazing organization to adopt, foster and volunteer for! Thank you to everyone at Mercy Full Project! read more

This past weekend, my husband and I adopted the most perfect dog, Hercules, from Mercy Full Project. On Thursday of last week I emailed Mercy and was expecting a response within 3-5 days, however I got a response within 12 hours. They were very responsive and asked us to compete the application and submit a video of our home as a virtual site visit. Once we did that, we went for a meet and greet on the Saturday at their facility in Tampa. Within minutes of meeting Hercules, we knew he was the one. There were other families that met him that day and a decision was made as who would be best for him so we anxiously awaited a call back. At 11:30am, we got the call and were invited back to spend more time with him and finalize the adoption. Special thanks to his foster mom, Judi, who took care of him the past week and helped him be the Hercules we met and fell in love with. All his vaccinations were up to date, he was neutered, was negative for heart worms and was even microchipped. I highly recommend Mercy Full Project for anyone looking to adopt in the Tampa Bay area! read more

Mercy Full Project - Front entrance - Pet Adoption Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Mercy Full Project is run by a dedicated owner, Heydi, and a team of caring and committed volunteers and fosters. We adopted our Suki on 12/24/23...and we were very pleased with the thorough adoption process. While the adoption process can seem a little tedious and tough, it really ensures the animals and the adopters are matched appropriately, lessening the chances of animals being returned. I also LOVE volunteering with this organization. It takes a massive amount of time, coordination, and communication efforts, along with grueling hours, and hard work to run a rescue organization. Things do not always run smoothly, but everything is done with love, passion, and the focus is always on the animals! I am always in awe of the efforts of Heydi and her team. Through this organization, I found the perfect addition to our family, I have helped dogs learn how to love, and decompress, and I've been a part of the community. read more

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Stop leading people on just to keep the dogs u want, unwanted for 2 weeks with all the paper work, and had a farm ready. She just ended up keeping the dog after 2 weeks of back and fourth. read more

This rescue, foster & adopt shelter is one of the best in the area. Heydi and the work crew are fantastic & it has been a pleasure being a foster for this company! Grateful that Tampa bay has a place like MFP. They do a fantastic job setting up events to allow adoptions to take place! read more

Unfortunately, I really thought highly of this facility when I first started fostering with them. They provided me with food, beds and a cage for the pets I have been fostering. But the way this place is run, is so disappointing. They seem like they care about the pups, but recently they are just rushing, and trying to push pets out as fast as possible. Ive had three foster babies with them now, and they are just rushing to get them in and out of the facility. When I expressed my concerns for the dogs in my care health wise, they were brushed off or I was ignored by the people in contact with me. They do not tell the potential adopters about health issues the pets are experiencing (for example; the pet i recently fostered was heartworm positive, and will need to undergo months upon months of heartworm treatment OR an expensive quicker treatment with your own vet.) They do not put it on their application pages, and they dont tell you when meeting pets. My foster had multiple health issues to take care of before being adopted out, but this is not anywhere on any page that they post. The website or the facebook page. They constantly contradict themselves and lie on the posts to try to get the pets adopted faster. For example; I posted a picture of a post they made about my last foster. She has never been around cats; and they know that. But they said shes good with cats, then contradicted themselves later in the post. This is just one of the ways they change the truth to attract more attention. My last foster had multiple issues I brought to the owner's attention, (for example; a lump on her side; bladder incontinence.) These were brushed off. Instead of helping the pup, they were booking more and more meet-and-greets to try to get her adopted as soon as possible. Id like to also speak about one time I came into the facility to get the animals I had been fostering vaccinated. The owner held the animals in place by the front door while the (veterinarian), in jeans and a tee shirt, proceeded to poke and prod the animals in a rushed manner. This was extremely unprofessional, and honestly so sad to watch. These are only some of the experiences I had working with this organization and the owner. They pride themselves on how they treat their volunteers and fosters; (flexible schedule, communication ease) and I was welcomed with open arms when i communicated that I wasn't available on weekends. Later, I was scolded almost about my schedule, because they said weekends are the best time for them. They asked me to meet them at 9pm at night, they rarely gave me but a few hours notice, and when I could not fulfill because of work, they degraded me and the adoption coordinator got aggressive. Its just upsetting as I know you have to run a place of business but the care and effort should still be there. I hope everyone who adopts from them makes sure to pay attention when adopting! Ask lots of questions, do not let them rush the process and make sure you know exactly what you are getting into! * IN RESPONSE TO COMMUNICATION FROM THE OWNER. I was threatened with legal action as I have "no physical proof" to expired vaccinations or medications. I want to make clear everything that was said within this review were PERSONAL interactions I had with the owner herself. I worked with this organization, fostered, and was even offered a position in the facility. Conversations/comments made were either directly to me or in the open around me. read more

Mercy Full Project - Pet Adoption Near Me - Tampa, Florida

We found a dog that we liked on the website, and put in our application which we thought was with our references and vet OK would be the way we have always adopted our pets. Then we received a text that we would have to travel to Tampa (two hours both ways) to an adoption event. So we arrived to find a cramped parking lot way too many dogs in a room at a car dealership. We were given a number to be called for an interview. We waited an hour with our dog we had brought with us. By the time we were interviewed and met the dog, our dog was on sensory overload and as sweet as she is she just wanted to get out of there. I wanted to more than she did. So needless to say we were turned down even though I sensed the adoption would work just not in that crazy place with way too many dogs too close. Dont think I can recommend you and then we waited until late today t find out there was a better fit..Our interviewer was really sweet but not happy with your organization and will not be back. read more

I've been looking to adopt a best friend/running buddy for some time but could never find the "perfect match" -- either with the dog or the rescue organization. That changed when I saw Goose on Mercy Full Project's site. What I most appreciate about this experience: - the descriptive (and accurate) write-up so I could see which dogs would be a good match on paper - MFP was/is responsive via text - foster mom was present during my meet-and-greet so I could learn more about what Goose is really like day-to-day - I met Goose at their open house on Saturday, brought him home Tues (with some rescues, the process drags) - they set up a group chat to help with the transition from foster to home; you can tell they really care! - oh! And they gave me basic supplies (dog food, pet bed, leash) for the first night. That was an unexpected addition because I did not have anything ready yet! I believe they really care about their rescues and want to be sure it's a good match for all. This has been one of the best adoption experiences I've had with a rescue. I would adopt from them again. read more

Mercy Full Project - Goose - Pet Adoption Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I was really surprised bc my nephew surrendered my sisters dog whom she just rescued in Georgia and brought here to get our things I went there an hour after to retrieve and they won't give him back the place has kennels out back this 5month old boy Goldendoodle can't take this heat here I'm sure they are not helpful and told me it was a civil matter for me to get him back. If they're in the art of rescuing dogs they really got life messed up. read more

Mercy gave me my best friend Duke. I'll be forever grateful for them to entrust me with him. Instantly fell in love when I met him and Heidi is an amazing person for all the work she does for the animals.! read more

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DO NOT GO HERE!!! Heydi, the founder, is extremely rude and vindictive, and her staff are unhelpful and disorganized. Heydi also spends WAY too much time responding (aggressively) to poor Google reviews. I kept trying to post a Google review and it keeps mysteriously disappearing... Following my poor experience, I looked into Mercy Full's tax records. They spent $16,185 in travel in 2023--why do they need to travel at all? And they spent $15,524 on office expenses that year, which does not include pet supplies. They also spent $78,791 on subcontractor labor. See tax forms here: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/843110687/202441379349302404/full Here's why I would never work with Mercy Full again: All foster parents are in a group chat with a few Mercy Full staff for support purposes. I asked several questions and almost never got helpful answers. Their answers would come slowly and always be the obvious solution to the problem, as if I knew nothing about having a pet. If their suggested solutions to my problems had been applicable to me, I wouldn't have asked in the first place! On multiple occasions, questions that I had about scheduling something that day were answered the following day. Additionally, nearly every time I asked a question, they used it against me as evidence that I would not be fit to adopt the pet I was fostering. Mercy Full claims upfront that they will cover all costs, but every time I asked about a cost being covered, they used it against me to claim that I wasn't financially committed to the animal. It was like pulling teeth to get costs covered. They also wanted to see that I was spending my own money on the animal, despite them claiming that fosters don't have to. The adoption process was extremely arbitrary and subjective. Heydi kept moving the goalposts and when we completed one thing she said we had to complete in order to adopt the animal, she added on one more thing we had to do. They also don't send the pet's vet records until 72+ hours after adoption, so you could adopt a pet with several serious, expensive health issues and not even know. I ended up receiving vet records more than a week after adoption and after several follow-ups. Mercy Full also made me fill out the same form multiple times. Every time I went to their facility, I had an appointment, but every time, I still had to wait at least 15-20 minutes to be helped. Simply scheduling an appointment at first to visit their animals was also a challenge, as it had to be done over text, rather than just selecting a time online. Their internal communication is clearly bad as things that I told one staff member were inaccurately communicated to other staff members (if communicated at all). I was also given conflicting information by different staff members. When I visited their facility, Heydi basically told me that everything I was doing in interacting with my dog was wrong and she insulted my dog. The facility also had at least a couple dogs living in kennels outside, which broke my heart. They would've been better off at the regular Humane Society - at least there, all the dogs are inside! read more

Yesterday I had an unsettling experience with this dog rescue company (owner or lead) that compelled me to share my thoughts. My French Bulldog wandered down our street and was taken into their establishment. Upon trying to retrieve my dog, the encounter was marred by a lack of professionalism and courtesy. The staff demanded proof of ownership, even after providing multiple photos of my dog. The request for vet records, accompanied by a condescending tone, left a sour impression. The insinuation that I couldn't care for my dog based on my ethnicity I suppose because that was the impression that was given, it was both offensive and unacceptable. One of their staff even made a comment "Why do you have a dog if you can't take him to the vet". Despite having the necessary records, accessing them became a challenge due to technical difficulties. This situation escalated to the point where I had to involve the police and contact Banfield Hospital to ensure the safe return of my pet. This incident raised serious doubts about the organization's motives, leaving me with the impression that they may be more interested in dog resale than genuine rescue efforts. I hope this review prompts reflection and improvements in their approach to customer interactions and pet rescues. This establishment isn't running a dog rescue they are CLEARLY running a DOG RESELL. read more

We started to foster and came to a Mercy Full project event and everyone was so great. We adopted a beautiful little guy named Perry. The whole team has been great! read more

Such an amazing shelter that saves so many animals. I love fostering through them and the owner is amazing.

Highly recommend Mercy Full Project when adopting a pet. They were truly interested in placing the rescue in the right home. The dog we got came with all his shots, neutered & chipped for safety. Such a sweet dog & well loved before us. Fully potty trained at 6/8 months old, great with our 3 year old dog & great with kids. They truly care & provide much support after adoption as well. read more

I don't understand some of the negative reviews at all. - Outrageous fees - Not at all, When I adopted the fees were $250. Considering the amount the was spent to save her life, I do not find that unreasonable at all. This organization has a mission.....they are definitely not in it for the money! - Only Able To Text - You have to understand the number of rescues they deal with and have a limited staff. Unfortunately I am sure they are unable to answer every single phone call. Plus, in this digital era, I actually prefer texting. Sure it might take them 12-24 hours to respond depending on how busy they are but they always do respond. Not sure about confusing answers, but they help and SAVE a lot of animals in need so I am sure there are times where they might not understand your question or you might not understand their answer. - Demanding Proof Of Ownership Before Returning A Pet - Do you blame them? They genuinely care about animals so yeah, they want to make sure that you are the rightful owner, with a vet that you actually use on an as needed bases. And typically a vet can tell if the animal is being properly cared for just by looking at the records. - Health Issues / Behavioral Issues With Fosters or Adoptions - You have to realize being homeless is traumatizing! It takes awhile for a pet to adjust to a new environment. They might show signs (health and behavioral) that were not previously observed while they are adjusting to their new environment. It takes them a good month or two to get used to their new settings and routines. - Application Process - Yeah, they have a detailed questioner as they should. This is a commitment that you should be making for the remainder of that animals life. So they have every right and justification to screen you as they please and ask as many questions as they feel necessary. - I could go on and on. I just know how much this rescue cares about their animals, their foster parents, and their adoptive parents. You have to understand that every foster/adoption might not be the right fit for you nor the animal and that's okay. If you are looking to foster or adopt......give them a shot, it is well worth it. read more

Mercy Full Project - After 6-8 weeks of her adjusting. - Pet Adoption Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I met the inspiring young founder and 2 of her volunteers at a dog training. I was impressed with the founder's knowledge around dog training and her team's attentive approach towards working with their dog Reya. Reya was also able to get through her aggressiveness towards other dogs in the training and again MFP team was great- on point, smart, skilled in handling and truly inspired to help animals. I'm always shocked with how first hand experience differs from yelp reviews. Mercy Full Projects deserves better standing. read more

Mercy Full Project - Reya getting support around her aggression towards other dogs. She was able to walk in a group and be socialized. It was a real success. - Pet Adoption Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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If i could give a zero rating I would. We are very good fur baby parents and rhey reduswd giving us a dog. One very discriminating questions they asked, were we married and second question, will we get pet insurance. Absolutely not. I've registered with 2 different pet insurance companies and both did not pay out per their contract so why pay double. Various pet insurance companies are being sued for this. I am a retired obedience trainer and showed obedience and breed shows. The next question was for how long did I train. This person who was asking these questions obviously did not know what she was doing as a trainer never stops training as long as we have a dog. It was clear this youngster prejudged me with no cause. This place is run by a bunch of inexperienced little brats who think they know it all. I did not see one dog go home that day nor at other adoption events. After we left (I had my 2 yr old German Shepherd with me) my dog became severely ill with an upper respiratory and this was the only place she went to. I took her with me against my better judgement. I would never go to a rescue again. They steered me towards a breeder. If you want to try a rescue, don't use this one. They have been reported. read more

On January 3rd 2024 my grandpa blew got away from the house which is right around the corner from the establishment. In that short time, someone from the mercy full project retrieved him quickly. My daughter went to the facility to get her dog at that time. The worker gave her all kinds of stipulations that she needed to produce in order to obtain her dog. Her phone went dead immediately and she had to wait on showing pictures once pictures were shown. Then that person stated that she needed vet records. At this point other family members got to the establishment and were quite upset. In good reason we did not know that we would be put on trial to retrieve. Our pet police had to be called and at the end of the day blue was given back to his right for owners. Yes, we were angry and stressed but all of this didn't even have to take place. Once someone gets to an establishment. They're not trying to just pick up an animal that is not theirs. That was not our intention but the hostility, the unprofessionalism and the disrespect that we encountered at this establishment was just down right uncalled for and yes tempers were flaring. Understandably when we felt like this establishment was trying to keep Blue. read more

Mercy Full Project - Pet Adoption Near Me - Tampa, Florida

If i could give 0 stars i would. Recently i have witnessed twice, dogs escaping this facility. None of the employees went out ever to find these pups. I watched other people not involved with the company help bring them back more. The staff stayed inside and was more worried about them getting fired than look for the escaped animals. As well as i noticed there recently was a dog that was exposed to a school to spread awareness for animal rescue when the dog just had underwent critical surgery due to previous injuries from crashes, including stitches, etc. which in my opinion is not ethical whatsoever. read more

My family adopted a sweet pup from this "rescue". While we are so happy to have our new baby, I wouldn't recommend this rescue to anyone. Their fees are outrageous, communication is awful, and they don't seem to care about anything except the money. I asked for someone to call me because I had questions and concerns about the pup, and I was told they could only text, which consisted of short confusing answers. They vaccinated my dog with the same vaccines he got from the vet, without my knowledge (they were aware, and even advised that I take him to my vet for this round of vaccines). They messaged me after I picked him up (from the shelter where he was neutered) to be sure I picked up the correct dog, which was very concerning. The whole experience was stressful and felt very impersonal. read more

It is with a heavy heart that I write this review. Although I support the goals and mission of Mercy Full , this organization is run terribly. In fact, a good candidate with their own home and plenty of time and love to give a pet is treated quite disrespectfully and arbitrarily ! We filled out an application, went down (hour ride each way), brought a video of our home per their request, and had a terrible experience. The dog we went to see was completely misrepresented. (Much older and looked sickly, deathly thin) We met another dog that day and fell in love! We asked to adopt her but were told she was on a 72 hour hold. I think perhaps they were mad that we didn't take the old dog. I followed up after 72 hours and was then told the dog had other interested people to meet. So I said we'd be happy to take her right away. At that point, we were then told she needed to be spayed and no adoption answer was given. So today I got a text message asking us to come for another meet and greet for the same dog but also told that other folks might be coming so we wouldn't get an answer until the end of the event at the earliest. Mercy Full Project misrepresented the initial dog we meet and then kept changing the story/availability of the dog we really wanted! It was a bait and switch experience that left us feeling sad. Based on my experience, I could not recommend this organization to anyone. At NO point were we ever told the criteria that is used to determine who can adopt a dog or the bases for their selection. What a turn off for sincere people who's only wish is to adopt a homeless animal! read more

Unfortunately, I have given up with this facility as a whole to go through with adopting a pet(dog). The process to do so has been nothing but stressful. First things first, if you do not own a dog already be prepared to be put on the back burner as an adoptable parent(s). Me and my girlfriend have applied/ tried to adopt multiple puppies now for about a month (stormy, Denzel, Celeste, pecan, pistachio, cashew) and they basically all have been adopted right from under our feet with no notice or at least a response. The one time they tried to set something up it was very last second and even with a response to coordinate respectable times for one another it was super delayed. Alls they offered was an event that was scheduled the one Saturday we weren't available unfortunately. I believe this facility tries to create the picture perfect scenario for their social media without giving everyone a chance when adoptables consistently get brought back anyway. Even if you live in a lovely apartment with a dog park within the complex you most likely still won't get looked at. There's multiple tenants here who walk there lovely large breeds that I've noticed (Shepards, boxers, huskies,etc). They label certain breeds can't be raised at certain places which is false and especially unfair to that breed. Even having experience with large breeds still won't get the job done. We really don't want to buy or go commercial at a pet shop but this process has been grueling. I even showed up in person and they try to present other adoptables rather than the one you hope for. So again, no dog and they think it can't be raised...no house, forget it. I appreciate all shelters and the care they have but we won't be adopting from here. read more