I thought I was adopting one cat, but I ended up with two. That was two years ago and it was one of…read morethe best decisions I've made. They take excellent care of these animals and I am sure they don't look great when they come in. By the time of adoption, they looked like somebody took good care of them.

I volunteer here often and the rescues are all so so sweet and they get taken care of so well by…read moreall the other volunteers and staff. There's such a huge variety whether you're looking for pet bunny, cat, puppy, etc they have them all.

We adopted from these folks recently. Unlike another rescue, the cages are bigger, two level…read more"condos" or entire rooms with only 4 cats. Their cats did NOT all have health conditions unlike another rescue we visited. We expressed interest in two cats in October but were traveling. So they said they can't promise anything but if still available we could apply to adopt. Our adoption application was approved in less than a week. When we finally went there in January, they were very helpful with the process. And we adopted the two cats we've been watching since October!

Pet friendly place. Gives a furry friend a temporary home while at the same time finding a forever…read morehome for these pets. Associating with Paws on death Row, I dropped off food, toys, leashes and beddings for these pets to live comfortably.

I adopted Nellie a week ago from the Wake County Animal Center. Very little has changed since I…read morelast adopted a cat from the WCAC, 15 years ago. Now, though, you can't open any cat compartment on your own. Compartments are kept locked, and an employee must unlock and stay with you. Although it's less convenient, it's a lot safer. Also, make sure you sign in and get a sticker from the front desk, so everyone knows you have the right to be there. The adoption process was quick and smooth, and employees were friendly and helpful. The fee for adopting a kitten is always $45, and adult cats like Nellie are $5 (right now). This includes altering, microchipping, appropriate vaccinations, vet records, and a small bag of cat food. Wow! To me, Nellie is special, but all the animals are deserving of love, and the shelter is always in danger of overcrowding in the summer. Maybe you'll find your new best friend there!

The young lady sitting at a side window was very cordial…read more We completed paperwork and left to go look for a dog. My husband went back to the desk to as for help because there was not anyone around. He was told someone will come to unlock a cage. No one showed up. We saw someone bring another person in but she left immediately. We saw 2 ladies standing outside in the hall talking. We told them we asked for help, but instead of offering to help us the spent time telling us they are not to blame and someone's radio must not have been on. But still no offer to assist. Wonder why these pets can't get a home. Slow or no help. This should be a joy when someone comes in to adopt. We have to kook to adopt through another organization.

Excellent rescue. This is a place that fosters animals in an incredibly loving environment, all of…read morethe dogs get along spectacularly. I have adopted once from them and will definitely use them again. Charlie is such a sweet boy!

Im facing a tough situation right now with a bite history dog and I reached out to this rescue for…read moreadvice and resources. They're responses were short, clipped, and cold. They offered no information no leads on who to contact nothing. Any other rescue worth their salt would have said SOMETHING of note even if they couldn't help themselves and I would know as I used to run a Feline rescue. These people were mean, and didnt offer up any kind of knowledge or information until I told them they were mean. At which point they did give me some information about how certain training certifications can reverse a dangerous dog lable legally that WILL SAVE MY DOGS LIFE that the Animal Shelters here withheld from me. If they had led with that information instead of just being mean put of the gate, this would be a different review.

I have been volunteering at Safe Haven for almost 2 years now and have found the experience to be…read moregreat. There are several different positions so you can be as involved with the cats or as little as you want. I was initially nervous to volunteer as I was afraid I would fall in love with every cat and want to take them home. There have been a few I've wanted to take home but mostly I am just happy to see the kitties taken care of. There is always someone to help you if you aren't quite sure what to do and plenty of training provided. Everyone has been friendly.

1. When I looked it up on Google Maps, it said closed. When I called, no one answered. They're open…read moreon Sundays, so idk why it would say closed. We arrived to look at potential kitties for adoption, and there was some printed sign on the door that said "appointment only today sorry" no info on where or how to schedule an apt I went online and no links were working just a link to schedule a neutering No one to greet you, no one to welcome you when you walk in. Just an empty room filled with clutter and trash We asked the couple that was also waiting, and they said they just filled out a paper application to view for adoptions, so we did the same. Some guy came out after said it would be about 10 min and he'll come back and give us a tour of the facility ? I rang the doorbell twice one time 5 min after and a second 15 min after to at least give him the paperwork We walked in at 4pm. They close at 5pm. It's now 4:35 the same guy comes out. His name was Kyle. Had us waiting forever just to come out and say it'll be another few minutes and he can give us the tour. He said "I'll just bunch both couples into the same tour" I just asked "are were even going to have the chance to look at or enter a room where kitties are available." Mind you he still hadnt even taken my paperwork just the other couples He had no clue what was going on He said probably not because they were closing at 5. He didn't even collect the clipboard I had filled out. Just such a shame to sit in a waiting room for 30+ minutes hearing all these cats crying behind this closed door in the lobby ALSO MOST IMPORTANTLY , the inside of the waiting room was a PIGSTY. Amazon packages everywhere, boxes of donated items, and those little tools that are used to administer cat pills that they put in a cat's mouth just left on top of the donated boxes outside of the bathroom in the waiting room. Horrible, disappointing, and frankly depressing. Kyle also had no business running that place alone, and if someone was back there not helping him, then shame on them too. I rang that doorbell probably 3x just to ask a question and it's like everyone was ignoring the people in the lobby. This place needs a revamp , cleanup and organization clean up. Absolutely depressing

MEEEE-OW!!!! These guys rock!!!…read more I am a traveling contractor who does not get the opportunity to be at home with my pets very often and the majority of that responsibility goes to my partner. With an ill pet, all you want to know is, "Is he going to be ok?" "Is she getting better?" Our pets are more than a part of our family, they ARE our family. When my pet, Sparky, became distant and annoyed, and began to eat less, he also had a growth on his chin that I could not help him with...because I am not a doctor. Ah-ha! I reached out to HOPE Animal Rescue and I can't be more grateful. They stepped in and helped get Sparky to a veterinarian within a few days, after the application process was completed, and Sparky is a HAPPY CAT. Laurel was especially helpful in that she made the process seem like there wasn't a process...even though we all know what it takes to get things done today. Feats like this are not marginal notes in life...they are magnificent, loving, caring moments in time that help us to remember, "Wow. I really don't feel so alone out here in the world." I cannot say enough about HOPE Animal Rescue. In a way, Hope Animal Rescue rescued my pet AND me, because I was so distraught over what was happening to him and the not knowing is what creates the fear. Thank you to Laurel and the entire VOLUNTEER staff and businesses that help to support Hope Animal Rescue. You rescued the best part of me today...and if you're doing that for me, I know that you're doing this for a lot of other people. THANK YOU for all of the hard work that you're doing out there for the animals that aren't a part of our health care system.

After seriously searching to adopt a dog for roughly 5 months, Hope Animal Rescue made the process…read morequick and easy. Not to mention, they gave me the absolute greatest gift and the most perfect dog. I am so grateful to them for their cooperation and haste with the adoption. They have a specific system where you submit an application, meet a dog at an event, and demonstrate considerable interest in a dog. After that, you have a home visit and you get to adopt! Our dogs foster parents came to the adoption as well. Our dog is everything I could have wanted and more. Obedient, friendly, quiet and outrageously adorable. Thanks so much Hope Animal Rescue!!!

Independent Animal Rescue (IAR) goes above and beyond to care for companion animals in the Durham…read moreand Chapel Hill communities. They are truly all-volunteer and every decision they make is made with the best interest of the dog or cat in mind. I started fostering kittens with IAR in 2014 and continued on as a foster for several more years before transitioning to other volunteer roles. I also am what is known as a foster fail, having adopted an adorable lanky kitten early on as a companion for our resident kitty. Due to personal health concerns, I sadly stepped down from my volunteer roles last year, but I have a deep love for IAR and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to adopt a dog, cat or pair of kittens, or to foster or volunteer! If you happen to be on one of the North Durham Nextdoor websites, on just about every post concerning community cats or dogs you'll see numerous individuals who have found help through IAR recommending them as a resource for guidance and support. I am sure the same is true throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. IAR is quick to step in when there is a need - whether it's saving kittens who are in storm drains, feeding and spaying and neutering feral colonies, or rescuing and caring for homeless dogs and cats until they find their forever homes.

I admire these people. I really do. But I'm not sure of the vetting process. I put in an…read moreapplication for an available dog who sounds GREAT...like a real character...the description fit the type of personality I adore..quirky, small and silly. According to the application, I am not a good fit. Really? I would assume that if IAR wants an animal to be adopted, perhaps the protocol should be a meet and greet, rather than words that can be interpreted wrongly..I mean really...how can one even tell a dog would be compatible without looking in her/his eyes?... I'm not sure why the dog I wanted is STILL UP ON THE SITE months after I put in my application; perhaps a foster fail? Maybe some change in protocol would be helpful.

omg! I cannot say enough about how personal this co is. we went to Hawaii for a family reunion and…read morememorial. for three weeks I was able to relax and be with my family. the videos, pictures of proof of life and job requirements done! very cool. but the videos of my scaredy cat coming out to snuggle was what really did it for me. knowing my rag dolls were loved and really cared for allowed me to relax and enjoy my time with family. I never worried about my house or doors being left unlocked. they have an impeccable business model that proves they did the job and gave so much love. mahalo and aloha paws of serenity! we will be using this co again and again for my rag boys! if you are looking for personalized service and comfort of knowing you can ask questions while you are away? they are the best choice!

I can't send enough appreciation to Melissa and Paws of Serenity. I ended up taking in a kitten…read morethat was abandoned by her mother, I got her when she was 24h old. Unfortunately this was 2 weeks before I had a week long trip planned. With little notice, Melissa agreed to take on our tiny bean of a fur baby. Waking up every two hours for feeding and care, taking her in when she noticed signs of respiratory distress (upper respiratory issues), identifying dietary needs, the works. We couldn't have done this without you and little Lilo is doing terrific. Thank you so much for who you are and what you do.

We have a border collie. And she needs exercise. So we were thrilled when the K9 Cabana opened…read moretheir doors in Garner (note: they moved from Maywood a few months ago). My husband talked to James, the owner, about our over-excited, anxious, semi-trained lovable puppy. He was encouraging, reassuring, and calm. The first few visits were rough but he was patient and super sweet. He talked to her in soothing tones, tossed her treats, and was more than willing to help us with her separation anxiety. I'm pleased to report that our dog is absolutely in love with K9 Cabana and has no signs of the former anxiety afflictions. We've been taking her once a week for about 3 months. But she loves it so much, we might have to increase to twice a week! All we have to say "you wanna play with the puppies?" and she bolts to the door about ready to jump out of her sweet doggy skin! When we drop her off, she doesn't even give us a second glance. She's ready to bolt into the room and play! The pricing for day visits is reasonable... $25 or a pass of 10 for $200. The location is a large warehouse with a fenced in outdoor area. They are working on installing the webcams and still getting some of their fun murals finished. Overall, the K9 Cabana has been a godsend for our little bundle of energy that needs to run with the doggies. Great place, perfect location!

We have only positive experiences with our 18 pound Goldendoodle. She gets excited when we turn the…read morecorner because she knows where's she's going. The owner is professional and you can tell he loves dogs. Amelia loves him to death. I feel you can tell about a person by the reaction of a dog!!

One of the best rescues I've fostered for and adopted from!!…read more It's apparent from the some negative write ups that the people who wrote some terrible things about this rescue do not have much experience with rescues ?? for one it's not a job or a career !?!? it's 100% volunteer and the rescue Director spends most of her own money to save these dogs. And and guess what she is the one doing 90% of the rescue work if you look at her webpage, she needs all kinds of volunteers for the different volunteer jobs. No one is getting paid. We are all donating $$$ thousands to these rescues each year so they can pull the high risk dogs from the Rural shelters in particular ! The Rescue is located right Downtown Cary, which makes it very convenient and the Rescue Vet is right nearby too! The rescue Director works about 18 hours a day seven days a week saving pets. And I have worked with her for quite some time. What I really like is that she doesn't require the whole payment when the dog goes to the home. They're still in foster care for two weeks to make sure it's a great fit and no one has hesitation, returning a dog that isn't a great fit. All her dogs are always vetted well!

Not helpful. Not organized. Kind of rude. If you need help to surrender dog, don't go to them…read more. In my message they didn't answer, responded saying "she called me I told her to reach out to german shepherd rescue there are several." I never called. First, they had to prove themselves right on what a foster is. I know what I was looking for. So I them I will have to surrender. They asked for information, and once sent, I got that weird response. Not helpful. Not professional. Not okay.