These are wonderful, caring people. They do incredible work saving cats and kittens of all breeds, mixes and ages. I put in an application for a kitten, waited too long and lost out. Pretty common. They let me know when another became available and I adopted her . When I met with John and Lorena I saw how caring they were to all of the animals. They take in cats regardless of the condition. The fees we pay help rehabilitate the sick cats and kittens, as well as spay neuter them. I could tell that my kitten was lovingly cared for by the way she responded to me, even when I trimmed her claws. Second Hand Siamese does incredible work and I am so glad that I connected with them! read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - My playful Siamese girl - Pet Adoption Near Me

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I couldn't have been more pleased with my adoption of Obie! It all happened smoothly and quickly and it was clear when we went to pick him up that the rescues were all well cared for and treated with love. I would highly recommend them if you're looking for a cat to rescue! read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Pet Adoption Near Me

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It's been two weeks since we adopted our kitten named Tuft (now Ghost) from Second Hand Siamese and I can't say enough good things about the experience. Having been involved in rescue in the past, I was happy to see her adjust quickly to our home and her true personality come out: confident, social, playful, and a bit mischievous, which suits our bunch. The introduction to our dogs a week later went very well and it helps she was already housebroken by the time she came with us. John at the rescue was our main point of contact at the rescue and he was gracious as could be. He showed us a few other cats to explain their condition when they arrived at the rescue, really driving home the work involved in some of the cases their fees and efforts are applied to help. We truly adore her and are thankful we were chosen as her family. read more

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Just wanted to share more photos. Carmella has absolutely blossomed and is showing more of her personality every day. She loves cuddles and following mom (me) around the house. Her favorite things are looking out of the windows and watching cat TV with her kitty roommate, Remi!! read more

We had been looking at Second Hand Siamese on Petfinder for someone or a pair that was a little different and who could live up to the big personality of our former one eyed wonder cat.  We emailed and got an immediate response that they had the perfect pair for us! Part of that is luck but I was impressed that someone had actually taken the time to read my email and think about possible matches in a group of cats that they were really familiar with. That's unusual and says a lot. We went to see them and this pair far outshined what we had been told about them. We were told that despite not having eyes they were totally healthy, bonded, friendly and outgoing and all around amazing cats.  They are incredible! One of the best things I had read about this rescue was how well socialized the cats were. They clearly spend a lot of time with them and that makes all the difference when they come home with you. These are 2 of the most flexible accommodating and comfortable cats I've ever met!  The rescue took care of all their vet needs and carefully reviewed the records with us so we had all their immunization info, chip number and other vet records. Everything went really smoothly, nothing felt rushed or pressured and they even sent us home with a bag of treats, toys and food for these guys so they'd have everything they were used to plus some extra treats when they got home with us.  I know a lot of other reviews discuss their cost and that many of these are from people who have not actually adopted with them. Yes, this rescue costs more than some others. Breed specific (or really just suggested in this case) rescues often do. Small home based rescues are often more expensive as they don't have the fundraising larger non profits do. They are literally driving hundreds of miles themselves to pick up these rescues then bringing them into their own home, taking them to vet appointments and keeping them happy healthy at home. That's a lot of work and certainly more attention than most rescue cats get.  I'm clearly biased as a week after meeting our pair we are head over heels in love with them but I think we got quite the bargain. Between a new phone or years and years of cat love this is the right choice for me. We would have had to spend years looking at shelters every weekend to find a pair this perfect for and instead we're spending the weekend all snuggling and playing together. Money well spent! read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Sleep hugging!!!!! They're happy, healthy, very social & everything we could have ever dreamed of! - Pet Adoption Near Me

We adopted the best kitty! We are so happy, he is a little lover that is quite funny. Ollie is adjusting well to his new home with his cat sister and dog brother as well as his human family members that love him so! read more

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I recently had a wonderful experience with Second Hand Siamese rescue! I found a gorgeous kitten of theirs on Petfinder and quickly reached out to them for an application. John responded promptly and before I knew it, my application was approved and I was setting up a time to meet the kitten. The kitten's description on Petfinder was completely accurate, pinpointing his silly personality and more so his confident nature. I cannot believe how well adjusted this cat is and how social he is around new people and in new surroundings. I took him to the vet and they were impressed with the medical records that the rescue sent him home with. This was an all around amazing experience! They have the most gorgeous and awesome cats - check them out! read more

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I recently adopted the most beautiful kitten from Second Hand Siamese. The application process was quick and uncomplicated. John reached out to me within 24 and verified my answers/information. A few days later I was driving to Connecticut to meet my new fur baby, Fabulous Frank! John provided me with Fabulous Frank's veterinary records and history; Frank was 1 of 4 kittens born in the Carolinas and transported to Connecticut for adoption. Sadly, Frank's mother did not make the journey with him and his siblings. I mention this because while John was telling me this story, it was glaringly obvious how much he cared about Frank and all of the other cats and kittens under his care. My impression was that Second Hand Siamese was more than just a business to John - he truly cared and is a genuine animal lover. read more

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We recently adopted a cat from this animal rescue. John, who I had been in contact with was very communicative and friendly. We enjoyed our experience, and have a great new addition to our family! read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Pet Adoption Near Me

Two weeks ago we adopted a little 12 week old Siamese/Ragdoll kitten from Second Hand Siamese and he is AMAZING! I have a 3 year old cat and a 15 month old child and wanted to make sure that there wouldn't be any personality clashes. While that's hard to predict, John talked to me all about this kitten and as soon as we met him we knew! He's the best combination of playful and cuddly, silly and easygoing, talkative and friendly, curious and fearless...just a wonderful cat! While it did cost (significantly) more than some other shelters, I feel like getting a cat is not something to be taken lightly--this is a family member. Thanks again to John who helped make sure this kitten was the right match for my home and then processed my application quickly and painlessly. My kid is obsessed with this kitten (and the obsession goes both ways which is amazing!) and my other cat is already warming up and playing with him a bit. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - This kitten is such a love! Great fit for my family! - Pet Adoption Near Me

We came across an adoption listing for a beautiful 7-year-old cat. We were back and forth between adopting a kitten or a grown cat. When we met our Princess, her age did not show! She was beautiful, loving, sweet, and playful. We couldn't wait to bring her home! On the way out from SHS rescue, we fell in love with a kitten and decided we needed both! So we adopted both and so glad we did! They are little buddies and our sweet companions. At home, they instantly bonded. They follow each other like a shadow. They have each other and we have them! John made the adoption process easy and efficient. Would recommend SHS2 and adopt again in a heartbeat! Thank you for our beauties. -Elena read more

I saw this young lady's picture posted the morning of 04/14/2020 at approximately 9 a.m. EST. After having sent an email, knowing that these places don't return them in prompt fashion, I followed up with a text message. That DID get a response to which I was told a reply to my email would follow. At 1:30 p.m. John informed me that HYACINTH was available and the adoption fee was a WHOPPING $450.00. To put it bluntly I was shocked since I had been getting adoption fee figures of $100-$120 and to see one that was 4x as much, I thought it had been a typo. I wrote back to John and asked this very question and then was met by a very rude LORENA who stated in no uncertain terms that I was a liar and if there were such "cheap" shelters that they must be co-funded by the government. This was at approximately 3:45 p.m. She further replied that HYACINTH was adopted. My response, "that was a quick hour???" Now, I ask you how good can this rescue be at SAFELY placing cats and kittens when in a matter of an hour or two they just give this precious little girl away. Because I ask you, could they have gotten a VETERINARIAN REFERENCE on a SUNDAY, EASTER SUNDAY especially and checked ANY PERSONAL REFERENCE in under an hour. We'll even give them two hours. I say NOT. I say LORENA who we've already come to know as rude is also not above stretching the truth!!! So, to close I do NOT recommend this rescue. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - HYACINTH - Pet Adoption Near Me

John and SHS are a great bunch of people dedicated to finding these cats and kitties a home. Don't let the name fool you, they're helping all breeds find homes. I adopted Bosco over a year ago and to this day John is still wanting to know how he's doing. Great people doing amazing work. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Bosco (now named Apollo) the cat that helped me through cancer. - Pet Adoption Near Me

Second Hand Siamese is an amazing organization. With other shelters/rescues, I never got calls or emails back. When I contacted SHS I was called back within an hour. Overnight that night John gave me 3 possible matches and I was elated and got my application in right away. The adoption process went along very smoothly. John was supportive whenever I asked questions about anything at all, and Lula-Belle is completely beautiful and wonderful. She is very socialized about being touched by humans and has safe paws when she is dealing with human skin. That's tough to teach but they did it! I had such a good experience all the way around with John and SHS. I admire them for saving and finding homes for all kinds of cats even those with special needs. They are exceptionally kind! read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Lula-Belle Violet - Pet Adoption Near Me

Teddy is now a year old and still acts like a kitten! He's super affectionate and wants to jump in my lap and purr away. He zooms around every night and morning and chases after my other cat. He sleeps next to me all night, whereas my other cat seeks affection on his own terms. I'll be looking here first for my next cat! (see my first review in "not recommended") read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Pet Adoption Near Me

We got our little Siamese girl from the Second Hand Siamese Rescue and had a great experience with it. Caring for an animal requires a lot of love, time, energy, responsibility, money, etc. The Second Hand Siamese did a good job rescuing and taking care of their cats. I learned them from the Petfinder website. Initially, it seems risky to adopt an animal from somewhere far away in a different state. Talking to John through emails, I realized they are carefully looking for loving new homes for their cats. I believe I will find a good match here. We got such a precious gift of life from Second Hand Siamese, and we love every day with her. Thank you, Second Hand Siamese. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - my girl and her toy. - Pet Adoption Near Me

Shelter should not charge this much for a rescue cat. I WAS QUOTED $900 FOR A RESCUE CAT THAT IS MOST LIKELY NOT A PUREBRED! I understand there are vet bills, etc to be paid. But upon looking at the cats on Petfinder, I found many mixed breed tabby cats they labeled as "bengal" or "Russian blue". If people do not know their cat breeds they can easily be fooled and pay very high prices for tabby cats that would be $120 MAX at any other rescue. Even with vets bills etc, it would not equal the asking price. I do not know about the health of their cats, but I have seen many reviews that say they received unhealthy animals. With that being said, it's safe to say there are some sketchy practices going on. The owner of this rescue may love animals and may have a good heart, but PLEASE do not lie to people about breeds of cats and set price points as high as $900 for a rescue. That shouldn't sit right with anyone. Please adopt form a shelter or a different independent rescue. Maybe the owner will change their ways if enough people do not support that type of practice. read more

We adopted a 6 week old kitten named Aphrodite (Now Graycie) from John. When we sent an inquiry for her, John responded quick and professional and sent me the application to fill out and got approved the same day. The process went smooth and fast as we picked her up only two days later after getting approved. You can tell the cats are treated with love and care to the best of the owners ability. Remember when adopting it is hard to find every single health of the animal in perfect condition especially with the cost of adopting the animal at a much lower rate than buying them (so keep that in mind and have a couple extra dollar saved for their first check up) We are really happy that we chose Second Hand Siamese and appreciate the owners effort in caring for them. Graycie has been the most loving, cuddly cat and perfect addition to our family. read more

Adopted a 14 month old Siamese cat through this organization. John was very professional and helpful through the adoption process. I can't tell you how grateful I am that John chose me to adopt this amazing, loving cat. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to rescue a cat. read more

I adopted coco from this rescue. It was clear from day one that they truly love and care about these animals. The entire process was really easy and the meet and greet was in no way rushed, I was sure that coco liked me and was comfortable before I took her home . She has had all her vet checks and is in perfect health and continues to grow and be the best addition to my home. They also love follow-ups!! I love this rescue, don't hesitate to support them. Coco also grew up very well trained and gets along great with my other cat read more

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The man behind this organization is very scetchy. He doesn't disclose his name, sends email at 3.30 am. He talks weird on a phone too taking long pauses to answer you. He made me go thru the whole process filling out an application to email me 3.13 in the morning next day to tell me the cats have been adopted. He must have known that ahead of time because i just submitted an application. I asked him numerous times if the kittens were healthy,. He ignored me completely and never answered if they had any health issues. The guy emailed me a million times threatening me with my employer because he didn't like my review. Than as a defense mechanism he had audacity to accuse me of wrong doing. He was never sympathetic or expressed any kind of compassion that he led me on and extorted my personal information knowing the kittens have already been adopted. I've requested for him to delete all my personal information and stop harassing me with threatening emails or i would be forced to report him to the appropriate authorities. I would strongly recommend avoiding this scetchy adoption shelter if you want to be sure you're adopting healthy cats. read more

My boyfriend and I adopted a kitty from John and Lorena a month ago and we couldn't be more in love with our new fur baby John made the process incredibly smooth it was amazing especially that we were getting put on a bunch of wait lists (and getting denied??) from humane societies... we were loosing hope until we came across Second Hand Siamese on Petfinder and found Holly: her description was spot on and she's just the silliest little thing, literally everything we were looking for in a cat. John and Lorena truly cares about each cat that they rescue and it's heartwarming - I love how they still ask for updates on Holly to ensure she's doing ok in her new home with us. Overall a terrific experience!!! read more

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I was happy with my interaction with John and though the adoption fee is pretty steep, our boy Tobias is worth it. These cats were all socialized and you could tell that he cares for each and every one. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Pet Adoption Near Me

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I filled out the application and got an email back in 2 days. I called and was told it was $400 to get the cat who was 7 mos old. That is more than most shelters but they are not a non profit and are privately funded. But she was updated on all her shots and was fixed. The pick up went smoothly. She was well worth the money. She is a great cat with a great personality. She has surpassed my expectations. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Pet Adoption Near Me

The people running this "shelter" are absolutely insane, unsanitary ( no masks, no SHOES, no temperature checks, no hand sanitizer), and unethical. READ MORE: They sold me a sick cat, refused to own up to their mistreatment of the animal, or pay the vet fees. Long story short, they told me the cat I was adopting was up to date, healthy, and ready to go. Whilst adopting him I witnessed the owner, John, wrap a vacuum chord around my cats throat to try and put him into the carrier , my cat then cut his own ear open he was so frazzled. The cat they sold me was sick. I kid you not, $900 later (3 weeks into having the cat), we find out he has conjunctivitis, an upper respiratory infection, and trauma to his salivary glands from when John strangled him with the vacuum chord. So grateful to have our cat out of that place. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - I've included this photo, his throat is swollen from being strangled by the owner, his eyes shut with infection - Pet Adoption Near Me

We have adopted two awesome kitties from SecondHand Siamese. John was terrific to work. They take great care of your fur babies before they become yours, treating them like their own and making sure they have all the right vet care and immunizations. With all of this investment and care, I did not even blink at the adoption fee. We drove 2 hrs each way to get our kitties because we especially liked the thoughtful descriptions of each cat on the PetFinder site that SecondHand Siamese writes. You really feel like you can get a sense of the kitty before you pick them up. read more

I think I applied for about 20 kittens across petfinder without a single response (or one weeks later). John was extremely responsive and approved me for a beautiful girl within a week. When I met her she seemed scared and I got nervous that she may not be the right fit for myself or my dog. I felt awful being uncertain but also knew what a big decision it was for me to bring home a new kitten after the loss of my previous beloved cat. John was understanding and brought out a kitten who was more outgoing. Fia has been an absolute joy since she came home. She is a crazy, cuddly bundle of energy who loves my dog and loves to watch tv with me when she's not bringing us her toy mice. I could not be more in love with my new addition and the work John and Lorena do. read more

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I could not be more happy with the process of adopting Sophie. John was very responsive and made the process easy. I absolutely love my sweet girl. I'm so grateful. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Sweet Sophie - Pet Adoption Near Me

Lucky! Lucky is how I needed to start this review. A little over a year ago I happened upon these wonderful people. I was lucky enough to be able to adopt a kitten from them. They represented my kittens personality perfectly! They helped me pick the absolute most perfect cat for me. My Lenny is so amazing, and if not for the excellent care they gave to him, I wouldn't have him. Thank you!!! read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Lenny - Pet Adoption Near Me

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She is an amazing affectionate kitten. Process was quick and easy. We have all paper work for Tweed. We are so happy and in love! Thank you !!!! Tweed is so fun and affectionate. We adore our kitten. So glad we did it through second hand siamese. We got to get to know Tweed then take her home. Thank you so much! We needed her in our lives! read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - So happy we adopted Tweed! - Pet Adoption Near Me

It was a fast efficient process to adopt my kitten. The owners of this establishment get to know each cat. John told us specific characteristics of our kitten that have proven to be true. She is the perfect fit for our household! read more

john was nice and very helpful. ella is been a beautiful addition to our family .. smooth transition from adoption to home. read more

Second Hand Siamese 2 Rescue - Pet Adoption Near Me

My interaction with John began in February 2020 with Boots a Mainecoon. I am in Nj I drove 125 miles To find out that he wasn't one year old as you advertised but he was three years old underweight losing hair with an anxiety disorder. So because I went with my gut instinct I found Glenn. Then fast forward to July. I was looking for a mainecoon. You had a kitten up for adoption you then said he was spoken for. Within the next couple days you said he was available. You have never been forthcoming when I had questions. You didn't have time to answer them and then said you were moving on to the next adopter within 7 minutes of my email, because I was a second adopter in matter of months and asked if something could be done about price. Then I found Oscar on your page you led me to believe that he was socialized. He was scared out of his mind you couldn't even pick him up. So then I went With my gut instinct and I found Fox. You charge way too much for a rescue it's obviously for profit. read more

Hands down- the best and most caring cat people, adopting cats to cat lovers all around. The time and attention they give to care for special needs kittens and cats is nothing short of heroic. We adopted three kittens from them and can't even describe the love we have for them. read more

John was extremely responsive and helpful! I adopted with little notice and he provided some litter & food for overnight. He answered questions about feeding & was generally very supportive. I asked for bonded kittens & I got very bonded littermates - he clearly knows what he is talking about & is socializing the cats well. My kittens are very, very friendly & well behaved for their age. Thank you for bringing feline love into my life. read more

EDIT EDIT: Lorena reached out to me upon seeing my updated review. It seems there was a bit of miscommunication between John and Lorena when I mentioned my kitten was sick. She apologized and said she would be willing to compensate for some of the vet bills I've incurred. I have immense respect for anyone who reaches out with no excuses but a genuine apology and THEN an offer to help. I know reviews can really make or break a place so while this review is now pretty lengthy I think it's important to know the full scope of how things have played out. It's clear John and Lorena LOVE and care for the cats they rescue. I don't believe for a second they're purposely adopting out sick cats/kittens. Sometimes things can slip through the cracks and this was one of them. With that being said, I take back when I said I wouldn't adopt from them again and it's not because I was offered money or anything like that, it's because I appreciate the call and the apology. That goes a long way in my book! EDIT: John had told me the kitten I was adopting had a cold and that's why his eyes and nose were runny. I haven't had a kitten since I was a child so I took his word for it. Few days later the cold didn't let up so I brought him to the vet and turns out he had a eye, ear and upper respiratory infection. I reached out to let him know so he could keep an eye on the other cats that he was around. I wasn't expecting him to offer any money back, which he didn't and I don't have the time or energy to push the issue. So far this cat has cost me almost $800 between the adoption fee, vet visits and medicine. Max is really a great kitten so he's been worth it. I have pet insurance on him now for any expenses going forward. With that being said I probably wouldn't adopt from Second Hand Siamese again based upon that. I adopted a 12 week old Bombay kitten from here last night. What a great experience! This is run out of John's home (which is beautiful) and despite the amount of cats it was pretty clean. It did not smell like you would think it would smell so right off the bat I was impressed. As soon as he pulled Squid from his carrier I heard him purring, loudly. I don't think he's stopped purring since! Despite his unconventional start Squid (now named Max because he purrs like a Duramax diesel truck) is very well adjusted. I have three dogs at home, German Shepherd, Shepherd mix and a Shih Mix, all quite a bit bigger than Max, and after a few mins he had all the confidence in the world. Even playing with their tails when they weren't looking. He played, ate drank, explored, used his litterbox, cuddled and purred and purred some more. This morning he was walking through the house as if he's been there forever. He follows us around and loves to be held and scratched. It's exactly what I was looking for in a kitten/cat. This guy is the sweetest little thing and I'm so happy to have him a part of the pack! read more

I'll have to concur with another reviewer that these folks are clearly motivated by something other than saving animals. The one difference I had though is that they are now quoting fees of $500(!). I can understand there are costs with saving and treating these animals but this is solidly 3-4X what any other shelter is asking in terms of adoption fee / donation and this includes other rescues that bring cats from down south. It's very disappointing. You could have a pure bred cat for prices close to these. read more

I personally had no major issues with this rescue organization, however I do feel that they are extremely overwhelmed with the amount of cats they house. The rescue is literally inside John's house and is a mess (to put lightly). In their defense though, they had just received DOZENS of feral kittens recently and were working very hard to get them healthy and adopted out to loving families. While the price is significantly higher than most places, they do not receive any government funding or grants as with most rescue organizations, and they spend their own money on each and every cat they bring in. You can tell these people LOVE these animals. John seemed legitimately sad to see our kitten go. We got our cat through them in August and she is AMAZING. Just the sweetest most lovable silly kitten ever. Totally worth the money and the long drive to CT. read more

I was interested in adopting two kittens from Second Hand Siamese. While they respond to my inquiry very quickly, I was shocked by the adoption fee they wanted. One kitten would have cost $700 and the other $500! I understand there are costs associated with adoption and I was more than willing to cover REASONABLE fees, but this was excessive! This seems more like a profit making business instead of a rescue. Stay away from these guys! read more