Very caring staff. We adopted the sweetest little Shi Tzu mix. Adoption process was easy, and Joanne was extremely helpful with the process. Thank you Peaceable Kingdom. read more

Peaceable Kingdom - Rylee, our sweet little addition to our family. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Whitehall, Pennsylvania

I just returned from donating some sheets, a comforter, a cat bed, old kitchen towels (for cleanup), most of a 25lb bag of cat litter, a FULL bag of cat food & some cans, a carrier & a pillow to these folks. Probably over 200$ worth of things-just to make a point. While I realize they're run predominantly by volunteers & they're probably stressed and busy, the way I was just treated is terrible. I just had my almost 23 year old cat put to sleep on Monday afternoon after a stroke. I'm devastated but trying to honor him by donating his things-I took the time to launder everything for them yesterday to cut down on their work load after speaking with Patricia on Monday night. Patricia was very kind-also want to make that point. When I arrived, there didn't seem to be any access to the place. Again, I get it, volunteers are busy. I was brushed off by an employee I saw entering the building, who told me to just leave it outside the door & that someone would come and get it. Ok. I stacked his things by the door. I sat in my car & cried. Ten minutes went by. No one came to get the things. I decided to try the front door, just to make sure they were aware the things were there (& , frankly, it was a bit hard for me to just leave the stuff outside in the parking lot). I tried the front door-locked. I decided to just go, but a woman popped out the front door with an immediate attitude-"You need to give us a minute!". I told her, ok, I just left some things for donation, I just had my cat put to sleep on Monday. She asked where I left them & I told her over by the other door. She asked, sharply, "Where? The back door?". I told her no, right around the corner. At this point, this woman had the audacity to ask me "why are you so angry?". My face was swollen, I feel pretty sure it was clear I'd just been crying. I asked if she was serious & she responded, "Yeah! I am!" ZERO empathy for someone grieving the loss of a pet-from someone who works with people & animals. I was stunned, I still am half an hour later. I was planning on returning to adopt from this place when I'm ready for new babies AND to donate time AND money. Not now. I'm absolutely stunned at the way I was just treated. I cannot recommend this place, especially after seeing numerous other reviews from other folks who've been treated similarly. read more

I'll start by saying I don't usually make reviews, but after this place made my partner cry I had to. We went in looking to adopt a bonded pair of cats after we lost the second of our dear cats we had for 14 and 17 years. Having lots of love to give and being great pet parents we didn't think that we would be talked down to, and made to feel ashamed for not taking our perfectly healthy cats to a vet yearly. Apparently we aren't suitable because we could be bringing cat diseases in on our shoes. I pretty much told the judgemental overseer of this organization she can keep her cats. We will go elsewhere to people that aren't high and mighty. For an organization that cares about animals, they might also need to work on their people skills. Or just send their ring leader to manners school. read more

I have been a contributor to PK, and a volunteer in the cat and dog rooms for 2 years. I couldn't imagine a shelter that cares more for their animals, or cares for them better. We have only 3 paid managers, all of them very well qualified and professional. The rest of us are all volunteers, and all of us love the animals in our shelter and work hard to take care of their physical and emotional needs. We recently renovated our very old building, (the former Zimmerman's Market for long-term local residents), enabling us to provide even better care for our wards, and modernize our veterinary clinic. No matter how well we care for them, dogs especially become depressed and anxious the longer they remain in a shelter environment, so once/week I take a dog on an adventure to a local state park, giving them the best day of their lives. It's the best and most rewarding thing I've ever done, bar none. It provides them with the opportunity to just go out and be a dog, and gives their emotions a lift. If you are thinking of adopting a pet, please give one of our dogs, cats, bunnies or guinea pigs a look. As one of our posters says, "You won't change the world by adopting a shelter animal, but for that one animal their life will be changed forever". As a side note, we have thoroughly investigated the very negative review posted by Brett W, and no one at PK knows this person, and there was no cat euthanized at PK under these circumstances. We'd appreciate very much if Brett W would contact us to clarify our understanding. read more

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We recently had to put down a greatly beloved cat after months of expensive and emotionally draining care. My wife is beyond devastated; I, too, fear we will never be able to replace this unique friend. But both of us have lived with cats all our lives--typically they come to us by adoptions--and we took comfort in the fact that another kitty surely needed our help. I don't expect Peaceable Kingdom to know our life history. I do expect a modicum of sensitivity and understanding, MAYBE even a moment's consideration of the fact that we've both managed to qualify for adoptions through ASPCA, Humane Society, City Kitties, Kitty Kind, and several others. No such sensitivity from Peaceable Kingdom, though. Our 'reviewer' left my wife in tears, lambasting her about why the cat WHO SHE JUST HAD PUT DOWN was late on a vax. This in addition to tone, innuendo, accusations of improper cat care, etc. by some self-appointed martinet who apparently enjoyed lording over somebody, anybody. Have a question about something? Ask, don't accuse. Need more information? Ask, don't assume. These are simple rules for healthy human interactions that we learn as children. Apparently our Peaceable Kingdom rep didn't pay attention to that life lesson, or believes it does not apply to them. Wrong. Wise up, Peaceable Kingdom, your disdain for the human side of the adoption process is showing, and you employ a customer-outreach associate who is just plain nasty and inconsiderate. I hope they had fun making a devoted cat lover break down in tears--they certainly seemed to be adept at it, and went for it with great gusto. Not recommended. read more

I went in to get my kitten the last of the vaccines (that should have been done by her foster before I had adopted her). To their credit, they offered it free. However, they went ahead with a rabies shot that cost $35 without telling me first. I had planned to put that off for another week. When I explained this, I (much like another reviewer here) got no sense of understanding. Just an explanation that that's how it's done (which makes no sense since one vaccine has nothing to do with the other. read more

Awesome mission and friendly staff. Couldn't have been easier rescuing two pups. The shelter pets started off timid and terrified and within six months, they couldn't be more comfortable and awesome pets. Rescued animals are truly worth saving and adopting! read more

I found this place via pet finder. I was looking for a single male guinea pig to bond with the male I already have. I filled out the application- which was longer than I expected- and emailed it back. This is a volunteer run organization but I feel that about two days was a reasonable response time to acknowledge receipt. Another day passed and I received an email to set up an appointment to meet the piggy. As with most shelters, there's a lot going on. I was taken into a room with a gated area so the pigs could meet. It went well so new pig has a furever home. I feel like the application was pretty straightforward and I saw in multiple places they will not adopt out if you intend to keep the animal outdoors. It asked for pets I've owned and for the name and number of the vet that treated them as well as whether a pet died due to negligence. The application is lengthy but just because shelters are overcrowded doesn't mean they'll adopt to just anyone. Ultimate goal is to find a permanent home and if you're not a good candidate that's on you. Don't give a crappy review because you either didn't read the question or thought that an exception would be made for you. read more

Peaceable Kingdom - Animal Shelters Near Me - Whitehall, Pennsylvania

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I am completely in awe of the miraculous work being done at this amazing lifesaving nonprofit animal rescue

I adopted a bunny today and was very happy with all the help that was given since I am adding a bunny to our home that already has a bunny. They had me bring my bunny to make sure that the bunny I chose would be a good fit. I highly recommend them and absolutely would use them again read more

We recently adopted a senior dog with medical issues from Peaceable Kingdom. The staff was kind and helpful and the adoption process was easy considering we were going home with a living, breathing, sentient being. Since we are out of state, we filed out an adoption application and emailed it over to the adoption coordinator who was very knowledgeable and helpful. We were in contact with the adoption coordinator several times until we were able to make the trip to the shelter. This is a shelter that runs solely on volunteer work and donations. It is not fancy, the "staff" is not professionally trained in running a shelter. These are people who care about animals and are dedicating their free time to helping them get homes. They are doing the best they can with what they have and I am very thankful that they took in our new baby, got her some medical help, and helped us adopt her. If they won't adopt to you, it's probably because they don't think you would be the best adopter - this is how they prevent adoption failures. If they are "mean" it's probably because they're exhausted from running around an adoption event all day; don't take it personally. The horrors that animal rescuers have seen and heard make them very protective and they work very hard not to let a dog or cat ever come back into the rescue "system." They are looking for forever homes, and since they don't have crystal balls, they have to go with their best judgement. It's about the animals, not your comfort, happiness, or experience. If you want them to do a better job, consider donating money or supplies so they have the energy to focus on the other stuff. read more

How did these people ever get a license to have an animal rescue facility?? We visited for the first - and last- time yesterday - they didn't open on time. They put wrong information on the dog's cages - listing a male dog as female and simply listing question marks about whether the dog gets along with other dogs, cats, etc. instead of taking the time to get as much information about the animal as possible to help toward its adoption. We asked a volunteer to see one dog, a Maltese, out of its cage and when we got to the main lobby, were stopped by the "boss" who said this animal didn't have its shots from the vet and couldn't have a "meet" - I asked when that could be and she told me "no idea" - what sort of B.S. is that? They advertise they have a vet clinic right next door. Why didn't they offer to have the dog checked out immediately since we were interested in this dog??? Then we asked to see another dog outside its cage and instead of meeting in a safe and secure area, were allowed to pet the dog out in the parking lot. Gee, they really care about the safety of the animals in their care. When I filled out an application for this dog and the first one we had seen who hadn't been seen by the vet, I wasn't told until I completed everything and put all of my personal information and the dogs names on the form, oh, by the way, another family already has an appointment to see one of these dogs and most likely would adopt it. Why waste our time letting us get to know a dog that WASN'T available. God only knows when the dog without shots would be ready for adoption. I had previously asked about dogs on their website and was told all of a sudden that they were in foster care and most likely not available. Not only are these people UNPROFESSIONAL, they are out and out liars and constantly give you a different story. The dogs are kept in the basement in very depressing conditions. I assumed there would be a nicely decorated play room or meet and greet area and no such luck. Please DON'T ever surrender an animal to Peaceable Kingdom and don't expect success in adopting one!! They are playing some sort of bait and switch game and should be investigated by the authorities!! They mislead people about the availability and basic information like the correct sex of the dogs, don't readily know that an animal isn't ready for adoption, and wait until they have your information until they tell you another party is already adopting the animal. I left feeling upset and distressed for the poor animals already under their care. read more

I was so excited it would my first time ever adopting a rescue I found one his name was Beetlejuice a male papillon filled out the form an I was denied because I have a 11 year old pug that is still intact, honestly what does that matter they are both boys ! I have a therapy dog an I'm looking to train a new one! I have a great home An the dog would have had a great time here! VERY Disappointed in this place!!! read more

I can't recommend them based on my experience in trying to adopt a rescue dog (a bonded pair of chihuahuas). We submitted an application and provided a reference and the other required information. They were not satisfied that we didn't provide sufficient veterinary records from years ago regarding prior dogs we owned which were also rescue pets. To what end do we have to keep records for pets who passed on? Their criteria for what is a suitable applicant is entirely arbitrary and not practical. We could have provided these dogs a wonderful, loving and safe home. The fact that we own our home, have sufficient finances and prior experience with rescue dogs and chihuahuas was all ignored. We were not able to interview with them or meet the dogs. Our home was available for inspection too, if that's what was required. We'll look elsewhere now. read more

I have been volunteering with Pk for the last few years. I couldn't ask to "work" with a greater group of dedicated people. We are 95% volunteer run. The dogs, cats & bunnies are treated with so much love. read more

Very well run shelter. I adopted my cat there a month or so ago. There's an application and review period, as there should be. Very happy with the knowledge of each individual cat by the staff there. They spay/neuter deworm, clean ears, clip claws, and microchip before adoptions. The cat manager even followed up to see how she was adjusting. read more

Peaceable Kingdom - Animal Shelters Near Me - Whitehall, Pennsylvania

I worked with adopting a cat with them for two weeks. I sent in my application then was never able to get someone on. The phone they are not very organized when it comes to helping people read more

Incredibly inappropriate. Suzy reviewed our adoption application in front of a room full of people, criticized our life, and made some very inappropriate assumptions that she vocalized publicly . The whole process was humiliating, and I still don't understand what her problem was with us. I would highly recommend against interacting with people at this shelter. There are lots of dogs who need homes around the Lehigh Valley; this place doesn't seem to be focused on putting dogs with appropriate homes as much as it should and doesn't train staff. read more

Drove over an hour to see a dog listed on their site. People at the shelter were helpful and knowledgeable. Turns out some of the animals are in foster care which is were the dog we were interested was. The dog was brought over for us to meet and we love him. Perfect pet for us. Very nice, responsible shelter. Highly recommend. read more

Staff was very rude, fell in love with a dog and were told it was ours but then we got screwed over and they gave it away.

I adopted a Senior Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix several months ago. Working with the staff of volunteers was a great experience. They truly have the animals best interest in the process. We love this new addition, Anne (formerly Gigi). She loves her new life and her new family. She has 3 brothers now. She gets lots of love and play time. This is our second Senior rescue and after our first one, Sammie, passed at 18, I knew my destiny was to rescue these Senior dogs that no one wants. Our hearts were broken when Sammie passed, however, I believe it was to make a spot for Anne. We gave him the best 2 1/2 last years of life, and hopefully will have Anne for a long time. Thank you Peaceable Kingdom for allowing us to bring Anne into our family and most importantly, thank you all for you dedication and love for these animals. read more

No do not go here... EVER! This was the worst experience I've ever had at a vet. Mind you I have 3 dogs and two cats. I went here to get my one pup nurtured and not only did I feel discriminated against but I felt disrespected and offended. When I got there, there was about 5 cats there with their owners. My dog was barking and crying because he heard the other dogs in the back barking. The nurse lady made me stand outside in the pouring rain bc my dog was "scaring the cats" I'm sorry but as a customer who is paying the same amount as everyone else should not be standing outside in the rain in 40 degree whether. Second the lady accidentally charged us over $100 because she thought my boy dog was a girl!? They fixed it but still not okay. This place is just sloppy and all over the place read more

I have just recently adopted 2 special needs kittens from Peaceable Kingdom in Bethlehem. Their application review system was impeccable. After research and interviews, I was vetted as an acceptable candidate for these kittens. Upon arrival at the foster mother's home, I found it absolutely perfect for all animals, including these special needs kittens! It was immaculately clean and provided all the necessities for, not only these sweet babies, but for the others that were left in her care! In my opinion, this proves that Peaceable Kingdom ensures the quality of everyone associated with every aspect of care for their rescued animals. Peaceable Kingdom is definitely a "one of a kind" shelter!!! read more

Caring people who genuinely want to help place the animals in the correct house. After going there to meet one dog I was reluctant to tell them I didn't think it would be a good fit for our family, they were so nice and let me meet the dogs that were there. Luckily they were really understanding and I was able to find the perfect dog for us. Everyone there was so nice and patient as I was a bit overwhelmed and they never made me feel rushed as I took my time in deciding. Would definitely recommend it there. Thanks! read more

Lovely, caring group of people! Please donate cash, pet food and toys, cleaning supplies, towels, blankets, harnesses and leashes to help them! We did! read more

This peaceable kingdom is a socialist kingdom more suited to a police state. The volunteers may be animal friendly but most certainly are not people friendly. The atmosphere is an un-caring fierce one controlled by the volunteers to put humans leaving an animal or wishing to adopt an animal 'in their place' and treat people as an un-welcome interruption in their 'busy' day. I recently found an animal in a wooded area, left it in one of my pet carriers under their awning as the web site states they open at 11:00 and it was only 10:40; I had to get to my real work-a-day job. I thought I was doing the right thing rather than leaving it in the woods! Did I learn my lesson. This snotty little teen comes out threatening me that she will call the police as I am abandoning an animal. I explained that it was not my animal; I was leaving it at a shelter, not abandoning it, and she angrily threatened me again with 'abandonment' as if it were my pet, telling me that if I'm holding it, it's mine and that I have to fill out the 'proper' documentation. I went inside and left my license for her to copy feeling like I was the bad person. Then I remembered that three years ago I'd visited there with my grand-daughters to view their cats and dogs in filthy enclosures with an eye towards adoption, and was treated the same way, being told that wanting a pet was no guarantee that I would 'qualify' for one. I was told to come back when they were not so busy (I was one of only three people searching at the time) and a young man told me to not get my hopes up. I wound up purchasing an animal from a pet shop instead where I was treated with respect and courtesy, as someone who wanted to give a pet a home, the opposite of how I was treated by these unruly overbearing pet politicians who seem to view humans as evil interruptions of their heroic efforts to house pets 'their way'. read more

I have recently used Peacable Kingdom for several services in their vet clinic: neuter, flea/tick treatment, dental cleaning/extractions, and some routine vaccines. All have been very reasonably priced, especially the dental work, which was very well done. Expect your dog to be there all day long, as the clinic seems to be quite crowded. The vets have also spent time afterwards explaining any supplied medicine and answering questions. read more

My husband and I adopted three cats from Peaceable Kingdom this past spring, and the experience could not have been more wonderful. Initially, we wanted to adopt one cat to give the 13-year old senior cat we have at home a little friend. When you go into the cat room, you're surrounded by adorable buddies meowing at you so we were like, "hmm, ok, I guess we could bring home two?" We fell in love with another cat who had a pending adoption, so we chose two adorable cats that we thought would work great in our home. Everything went really smoothly with the adoption process. The people at PK absolutely love and care for the animals with such genuine affection. We ended up getting a call about a week later saying the cat we fell in love with didn't get adopted, so of course we brought him home too. We're so grateful to PK for bringing these little loves into our life. They're wonderful people to deal with and I hope if you're looking for a new friend, you'll go see them. It's heartbreaking seeing all these animals that need homes so if you have room in your life for a new family member, I hope you'll remember to check them out! read more