You can immediately tell that this adoption center truly prioritizes the safety, health, and well…read morebeing of their animals over anything els, even money. that's honestly so rare and really refreshing to see. they're very strict about their process, which i actually really appreciated. before you can even view the kittens or other animals, you have to fill out a form. they want to make sure every animal goes to a safe, loving, and responsible home. most animal shelters don't do this so i really appreciate it. the whole place felt clean, calm, and well cared for, and the animals all seemed happy and properly looked after. the staff was also super kind and made sure we took our time looking at the kittens. overall, it just feels like a place that genuinely cares. if you're looking to adopt, this is exactly the kind of environment you'd want. responsible, thoughtful, and focused on what's best for the animals.

We had a very disappointing experience at Pet Orphans of Southern California. We adopted a dog…read morethrough spcaLA and were referred there for his neuter procedure, which was required as part of the adoption agreement. The issues began at drop-off. I arrived on time at 8:30 a.m., but there was a long line of owners and dogs waiting outside. Many of the dogs appeared to be puppies, fosters, or newly adopted pets still adjusting and difficult to manage. I waited approximately 20 minutes while trying to control my 65-pound dog. When I reached the front, staff said they had no record of our appointment and asked, in an unprofessional manner, whether I had completed the intake form that was supposedly emailed to me. I had never received it. I was then handed paperwork to complete on-site while continuing to manage my dog in a crowded environment. On the form, I disclosed that my dog had been experiencing chronic diarrhea since being picked up as a stray, that we were actively working with our veterinarian to identify the cause, and that our veterinarian had cleared him for surgery. Staff then told me they would not proceed if he had diarrhea. I explained that this condition predated the adoption, that the neuter was required by the shelter, and that we had already obtained veterinary clearance. Staff repeatedly went back and forth between me and the veterinarian before eventually presenting a high-risk consent form. The communication around this was especially concerning. When the form was presented, I was told that by signing it, I was accepting that if anything happened to my dog, it would be my fault. I understand that additional risks can exist, but this was handled in a dismissive and inappropriate manner. If the clinic had sent the intake paperwork in advance or reviewed the medical concerns beforehand, this could have been addressed prior to my driving an hour from West Adams to Van Nuys with a dog who does not travel well. I was also disappointed that additional charges were presented for items such as an e-collar, pain medication, and IV fluids. For a required adoption procedure, these added costs felt excessive. Pick-up was similarly poor. When my dog was returned, a staff member commented, "Make sure to take care of the diarrhea because he still has it," despite our earlier detailed discussion of the condition and treatment plan. While loading him into the car, I noticed feces on his cone, tail, and legs. This suggested he had soiled himself and had not been adequately cleaned before discharge, which was both upsetting and concerning from a sanitation and post-operative care standpoint. Overall, this experience reflected poor communication, lack of professionalism, and inadequate attention to patient care. I would not return to Pet Orphans of Southern California and would not recommend this clinic to others. I also plan to share this experience with spcaLA so they are aware of the concerns regarding this referral partnership.

I will begin with the positive: This is one of the cleanest shelters I have visited. As my review…read morehistory suggests, I rarely leave negative reviews, and only do so when the conduct is indefensible. Our experience matched the dozens of other negative reviews perfectly. We are a family of color. I pay close attention to tone, body language, and how staff choose to speak to us. The difference was obvious the moment we arrived. We came to look at cats. Before we were allowed to even view the cages, an older woman with a Russian accent immediately began firing off intrusive qualifying questions. The final one was, "Well are you even ready to adopt now?" I chuckled and replied that it all depended on how the visit went. She followed up by counting our children out loud. "Well I see you got one, two, three kids." I explained politely that not all of them were ours (I am the headmaster of a school serving autistic children). She responded by clapping me on the back twice without permission and saying, "I see you already got enough." This is often used to 'shame' people of color. At age 50, I only have two children of my own and the income to support them; I think perhaps I should get parenting advice from a more qualified source. Do not touch people without consent. Do not talk down to them. Do not try to establish superiority through sarcasm or volume. I walked away while this gross weirdo continued prattling on. We stayed close to an hour. No one asked if we wanted to meet any animals. No one offered information. No one showed interest in helping us adopt. When my wife asked a male staff member about the likely size of a litter of very young puppies, his response was irritation and "I have no idea." Size matters when adopting a dog. Acting annoyed by a basic question reflects poorly on the staff and on the organization. This shelter looks good on the surface, however the staff needs to understand that their behavior makes them look like buffoons and makes the organization that employs them look tacky. The treatment we received did not match the mission they advertised. Clean facility. Unacceptable conduct. We'll stick to our regular shelter.

I came here yesterday because I am very interested in fostering and or adopting a new dog…read more Visiting Best Friends Pet Adoption Center was a truly heartwarming experience. From the moment I walked in, I was warmly welcomed by the kind and knowledgeable staff who took the time to thoughtfully explain the fostering and adoption process. The one staff member even gave us a mini tour to see their dog Simba who was the only one available for fostering at the moment. All the others were only available for adoption. Unfortunately, since I am only looking for small to small-medium sized dogs there wasn't a match for me yet. But it was so great to see the row of dogs held in this warmly heated section of the center who all had mini lifted cot like beds to rest on instead of having to lay on the cold floor. The facility was so clean, well-maintained, and heated, providing a comfortable environment for the animals, who were kept safe and warm inside this wonderful non-profit, no-kill center. The kitties are displayed right by the entrance so that your heart can view and connect with animals as soon as you walk inside their facility. I learned so much during my visit and felt inspired by the care and dedication of everyone involved. During my visit, they didn't have any small to small-medium sized dogs that I hoped for but I hope to go back frequently to check on their on going availability for incoming dogs to come. Crossing fingers. Overall, it was a splendid experience, and I'm excited to return soon with the hope of finding the perfect dog to adopt.

We recently adopted our pup from AGWC and they were fantastic! Fabienne and Antonia were so helpful…read morefor the entire process and helped us find our best friend. We are so thankful!

Thanks to AGWC I met my soul dog Duke in 2015 (who sadly passed in 2024). AGWC and Duke made me…read moreinto the dog lover I am now and we adopted Cash, Harlequin and Summer. Everyone at the rescue is amazing and the work they do there is so important for all the animals that need the chance to find a home. The staff knows the temperaments of the animals, they know the likes/dislikes. They save so many animals from the shelters and allow them to have a chance at a life! Fabienne makes sure the animals end up in a forever home. She works so hard and is a voice for all the AGWC residents. Antonia was such a great help when we were adopting Summer. Adopt and don't shop!! You will have the most grateful bundle of fur. I love my dogs so much and thank AGWC for all they do!!

This place REALLY cares about which cats go to where. I got my cat (named Captain when I adopted…read moreand now named Doc) after going over there for a few days. They talked to me and figured out my personal life and then suggested cats that they thought would fit in. Doc has become the perfect friend. And I can't thank them enough for helping me. UPDATE: also got another cat named Marty and we have been a family for over 5 years!

adopted my sweet baby boy from here a couple of years ago!! i met with his foster mom, met my baby…read moreboy and then it was instant love!! his foster mom informed me of the process on how to adopt him. as soon as he went to perry's place, i went there to spend some more time with him then took him home the same day! the process was smooth and the lady helping me was kind. she even showed us some other cats and kittens. when i came to perry's place, my boy cat was having an allergic reaction (nothing serious, just red patch of skin with fur missing in between his shoulder blades on his back), and the staff here informed me of it and pointed it out to me before i signed anything. they showed me the medical history and on it, they noted the flea medication that was used that caused this. i was super grateful for this since now i know which flea medication to not use and i was grateful it was brought to my attention when i was there still and before i signed anything/paid. i recommend adopting from here. whole process was smooth and all the cats are so cute.

They were really nice and understanding, I wasn't able to take care of my dog due to my mom being…read moreallergic to dogs, They messaged me and they took care of her and found her a good loving family. I recommend them if you are looking for adopting a pet message them for more information. They take good care of dogs and finds lovely family.

These people were great. Had bad feelings with other groups never with them.. There animals are…read moreall in great condition and they take care of everything even food( if u foster) . I couldn't speak higher of them. The donation they ask are not out of line either. Our Missy has been a God send!!

I didn't adopt a pet from Furbaby, but I attended their open house and was really impressed. The…read moreprocess to meet the dogs was quick, and communication was prompt. After completing the questionnaire, we were invited to the open house. Furbaby is located on the second floor of the "blue house," right next to Westside German Shepherd Rescue. The staff were very thorough in answering our questions about the dogs we were interested in. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the facility is, it didn't smell like dogs at all, and there wasn't a lot of barking. It's clear they genuinely take great care of their animals. The only slightly awkward part was that other families might be interested in the same dog. In our case, another family came after us, and it was obvious that the dog was a better match for them. It was a good dog, just not "our" dog, but that's part of the process! Overall, Furbaby is professional, caring, and well-run, I'd definitely recommend checking them out if you're looking to adopt.

Genuinely just disappointed. After calling a few times with no response, I texted the number and…read moregot sent the questionnaire. I filled it out, and sent it back. They claim they'll get back to you. Haven't gotten anything back. It's been a week so far. Called over the last week about this pup multiple times and just goes to voice mail. (I understand shelters may get busy, but a week is a bit long). Keep in mind i also reached out within HOURS of the pup being listed. Felt it was almost "meant to be" you could say. So after about a week and still nothing, out of curiosity I checked the website to see if she was still listed. Imagine my surprise last night when she wasn't listed anymore. Didn't even get to meet the pup, let alone get a call or text that she had been placed into a home. Which was heartbreaking to say the least since she literally checked all my boxes for what I was looking for as far as breed and age. I don't know if I answered one of Dawn's questions wrong, or if I wasn't deemed acceptable to adopt, but at least a message that she had found a home or that I didn't qualify to adopt would've sufficed. There should at least be the guarantee of letting everyone who applies meet the animals so everyone has a fair chance. I read through every single review on here a few nights ago, and so I don't know if it was because of my age (which I genuinely believe does not indicate who can and cant parent a pet, that is absolutely ridiculous, but apparently for some breeds there is a age restriction to adopt, which is 25, and is no where stated on their website or during the adoption application). If this shelter believes in an age restriction on a specific breed, they need to at least disclose that information upfront. I don't know if it was because I said I would crate train. My living situation, my job, etc. But what I can say is you shouldn't be judging people and how they can take care of animals based on whatever your interpretation of them is through a questionnaire. I know people get busy, but updates are just a sign of respect and should be guaranteed especially when someone is interested in adopting an animal. Just so then there's no confusion and people don't sit around waiting for something that'll never happen. Happy the pup was placed in a home, just communication needs to be improved and I think listing the qualifications and things you're looking for in a person would be helpful so people can know whether or not they would qualify. I still don't know if I even qualified but, oh well. My search continues.

We've been taking our pup to vanderpump dogs for the vanderpuff haircut for years. Our pup is a…read morerescue and isn't always great with strangers but we always trust the staff at vanderpump and they do an amazing job Prices are pretty similar to other groomers but the profits go to help the rescue doggies in need which makes it even better

I appreciate when celebrities use their status to advocate for a worthy cause. Case in point: Lisa…read moreVanderpump established The Vanderpump Dog Foundation to rescue dogs in China from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. The foundation also encourages more humane treatment for dogs worldwide and also assists dogs domestically. As part of this initiative, she opened the Vanderpump Dog Rescue & Retail center in Los Angeles. 100% of proceeds from sales & adoptions go to the foundation. They also offer grooming services. A few years ago, a friend of mine adopted a dog from here - a beautiful tripod chihuahua mix. She was happy with the adoption process and loves her little princess. I was having dinner next door and stopped in to check the store out. As expected, the place is meticulously perfect and the décor is bougie with lots of cute plush dog toys & merch. Off to the side is a section where the fur babies that are up for adoption reside in posh play pens with white picket fences. There is also a nice area on the rooftop where potential adopters can spend quality time with their future fur baby. The staff here are very friendly, and I got to meet one of the pups named Meatball as he was on his way out for a walk. Thank you LVP for your dedication to helping our furry friends. *Metered street parking

My heart is broken following the loss of founder Laura Dash. She has rescued over 5,000 dogs since…read moreits inception. So glad to hear her legacy will continue on with the new director. Amazing work with dogs.

I found my cute pug at this place. the feeling of rescuing a dog is amazing. Laura and Laurette…read morewill make sure the dog is going to a good family. Forever grateful to Them. adopting is way better than buying.

Vicky is the best for matching you with the perfect rescue, Vicky provides all the training if…read moreneeded and goes beyond the health and loving care for all her rescues. I highly recommend her if you are looking to adopt a rescue dog or help with fostering.

I'm writing this as someone who was introduced to Vickie through our trusted vet, and worked with…read moreher in a personal one-on-one training setting for my beloved dog. I have zero to gain from this review, I just felt compelled to offer some clarity, after stumbling upon a few Yelp reviews that mischaracterize both Vickie and the mission of Eloise Rescue. It's easy to make assumptions without knowing the full picture--but I can say with confidence that this rescue is run with the utmost heart, integrity, and care. Yes, Eloise Rescue charges a $700 adoption fee, and yes, you can adopt a dog at a shelter for $50 with a free vet visit. But that lower price does not equate to greater altruism. At a shelter, you often don't know whether a dog is good with children, other animals, or how they'll behave in a home environment. Nor is the true health status of the dog always known, and the quality of the free vet care may vary significantly. With Eloise Rescue, every dog is temperament-tested before adoption to ensure they are safe and a good fit for their future family--whether that family includes kids, pets, or seniors. No dog is adopted out in under two weeks. That time is used to observe the dog, treat any medical or behavioral issues, and prepare them for success in their new home. Each dog receives a full blood panel, vaccinations, spay or neuter if needed, preventative treatments (for issues like giardia and kennel cough which many dogs leave the shelter with), and a full grooming. The rescue doesn't rely on donated food, either. Instead, food is purchased based on each dog's individual health needs prescribed by experts in veterinary medicine and holistic animal nutrition. When dogs are placed in foster care, everything is provided--from toys and treats to crates, belly bands, bowls, and more. The only thing asked of fosters is their time and love. Yes, adopters are also required to attend 7 group training classes--not as a money-making endeavor, but because Vickie wants to ensure dogs and families are set up to thrive. As a highly sought-after private trainer, Vickie could easily focus on more lucrative one-on-one sessions. Instead, she chooses to offer these group classes to her rescue families so she can stay connected during the critical first weeks, help troubleshoot any early challenges, and make sure both the dog and adopter are adjusting well. It's about long-term success, not short-term profit. In talking with Vickie, I learned that since founding Eloise Rescue nearly 40 years ago, only 13 dogs have ever been returned. That's nearly unheard of when it comes to other rescues and shelters. And Vickie remains in touch with 90% of her adopters for the life of the dog--a testament to her unwavering commitment and the relationships she builds. Vickie's dedication to animal welfare is truly extraordinary. Every decision she makes is rooted in compassion and a deep sense of responsibility. She pours her heart into Eloise Rescue--never for recognition or praise, but because she truly believes every dog deserves a loving, safe home. Vickie goes above and beyond, often taking in dogs others have turned away, paying out of pocket for care, and providing each animal with dignity and individualized attention. I share all of this, purely because I believe Vickie is one of the most genuine, honest, and kind-hearted people I have ever met, and that any dog who is fortunate enough to be rescued by or gets to train with Vickie has won the dog-life-lottery. If a negative review exists, I can only assume it stems from a misunderstanding--or perhaps disappointment from someone who did not meet the thoughtful, high standards set for adoption. The only misfortune here is that Eloise Rescue doesn't receive more charitable support and the visibility it deserves, because if it did, Vickie would have the ability expand her altruistic work with Eloise Rescue even further.

Diamonds In the Ruff is aptly named!!! I adopted a pup from them nearly 10 years ago~ so I…read moresuspect I may be a bit partial!!! But they in fact rescue the bottom percentage of dogs from shelters as they are nearly escaping being put to sleep for no other reason than a shortage of space at our "shelters". The people that run this rescue are amazing, have hearts of gold.... and have only one motive~ to save precious souls that are discarded like an old appliance or worn out piece of furniture! I have nothing but praise and the utmost respect for this particular rescue and would never hesitate to recommend them..... They run soley on donations... so if you would like a worthwhile charitiable place to place your hard earned money into- they will put it to wonderful use and you will know that it is money well spent!!! This team runs like a "well-oiled machine"!!!!

I really want to thank Cindy at Diamonds In the Ruff Rescue for allowing my family and I save our…read morebeloved rescued Staffy Hans from being put down due to someone else's dog attacking him and Hans simply defending himself, but injuring the smaller attacking dog. I was literally going through hell just to maintain my own sanity from such a horrible situation!! Cindy put her own stability on the line to make sure Hans could be temporarily held at a kennel until my family and I were able to take him back into a happy and wonderful home again!! We were able to visit him and take him back home without any drama or issues!!! She understood the plight of the bully breeds and was amazing in her level of compassion and support!! Please donate whatever you can to Diamonds In the Ruff Rescue and know many lives like ours are being blessed by such great and challenging work!!! Thanks once again Cindy!!!