Hello Prospective Parent(s), My name is MEA, and I would love to tell you a little about my life as a cat. I don't recall much of the first ten months of my life, but around that time I was dropped off at Sun Cities 4 Paws Cat Rescue at the Youngtown Adoption Center (11129 W. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1, Youngtown, AZ 85363). Which was about 14 years ago, give or take a day. I'm sharing my story because, at that time, I was on what you might call death row. Four Paws could not claim to be a no-kill shelter, and my time was running out. Just days before I was scheduled to be euthanized, a beautiful woman looked at me, and we had an immediate connection. Her name was Kathy. She had the biggest brown eyes and the kindest smile I had ever seen. And she chose me, and at that moment, I felt incredibly lucky. They couldn't let her take me home right away. As I needed my shots and had to be spayed, which meant waiting a few days. Those were the longest three days of both our lives. You see, when an animal is scheduled for euthanasia, they don't receive those things like shots ahead of time because they aren't sure if you will even be adopted. I was one of the lucky ones at that time. Fast forward, the last 14 years of my life were and have been incredible. I was given a home full of love and kindness. I never went hungry, not one day, never wet, or cold. Always had a clean restroom, countless places to sleep, my own bed, any chair or couch I wanted, along with their bed too, where a special blanket was laid out just for me every single day. My story with Kathy and Gaylan, here on Earth, came to an end on Saturday, January 10, 2026. I know their hearts are heavy, and they miss me very much, as I miss them. We loved, laughed, and cried together. We are believers in God, and we know we have a good God, and one who would never keep us apart in heaven. So, my challenge to you as a Prospective Parent(s), is this: Find that connection, Adopt, and Love each other the way we Loved each other. MEA read more

Thrift shop has good prices and nice stuff. Worth your time to stop and shop. Money supports rescue.

Wonderful volunteers, cats are well socialized, started adopting cats for my Mom in 1987, the last one is still with us, Mom passed in 2020. I'm now a volunteer and see what a dedicated staff they have. read more

I'm not sure if this rescue is still around, but when I worked in the Veterinary field, they used to accept a ton of kittens and cats and took very good care of them. read more

I'd give it 5 stars since I got my sweet kitty from the rescue, but because of their thrift store they had to lose a point. Don't get me wrong, the store is fabulous with fair prices, regular sales, and often lovely seasonal displays when you first walk in. So why did I drop the shop a star? They need to reevaluate their donation policy since the days and times for what they will or won't accept is inconsistent and confusing. The first time I went to donate, I was told it was too late. Too late? Too late to place a small grocery bag in the bin by the curtain to the back room? I had walked that bag for about 2 miles since I don't have a car. The woman harrumphed and allowed me to put it in after I explained I wasn't about to haul it back home. Second time I checked the website and got a ride over for about 3 bags. Sign on door had different hours than on website, so I explained and a woman said, well they had changed the hours, so I explained I got a ride to bring the donations and didn't want to have to inconvenience my ride so wouldn't she please let me drop them off. "Yeah, but don't do it again!" I was warned. The third time I did everything right, I checked the website, I called, the sign on the door told me there was still an hour to go before the cutoff time but as I walked my bag over to the bin, a woman in back spotted me and said they are not taking any more donations today--something about it's just too crowded back there, something about the fire department and needing paths, etc. Well, geez, temporarily put my bag elsewhere but don't get agitated at me for simply wanting to drop off my donation according to the instructions I was following. Three strikes and they are out for my donations. Too bad since they are now the only animal welfare thrift store in the area since Sun Valley Animal Shelter had to close their store, and we know animals need all the help they can get. They need to work on their customer relations at the shop and be more appreciative of the efforts it takes for people to donate. Maybe being made aware of this will cause them to improve. All we all want to do is to help the poor kitties and your shop helps them to do that, but those who donate need to be given accurate information and be treated with respect and gratefulness. read more

Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue - My cat was adopted from Four Paws and is grateful they are there to help other kitties - Thrift Stores Near Me - Youngtown, Arizona

The day I was in the people seemed more interested in thrift shop than adopting any fur babies out. That was just vibe I got. I do appreciate anyone working for the benefit of the animals and I realize it costs money to stay open. read more

Went to the thrift store with a friend last Saturday and the volunteers needs training in customer service. Christmas was half off and so was men's coats. One volunteer was telling the cashier the price of the item since my friend was purchasing a lot of items. My friends bought a men's coat and they charged her full price. They were trying to figure out other items price when I was talking to the volunteer. The lady saying prices, looked straight at me out her hand up and said please stop talking to me until after we ring this up. Instead of trying to figure out how to make up $12.50 of items, why don't you void the $25 and put the correct price in the cash register My friends says I hope they are ringing it up right (after the employee was so rude to me) and I told her well look at your receipt when she is done. My friend said she forgot her punch card so could she bring her receipt and punch card for the discount. The same rude volunteer face expression showed disgust at the question. The cashier said no the punch card could be used for future purchases and they would provide punch cards for this purchase. My friend sign the card receipt and walked out of to car with some of her purchases. The cashier grabbed the receipt and crumpled into a ball and threw it away. My friend never received a receipt to verify that she was not over charged. I purchased my item and left with a receipt plus addition items my friend purchased. Need to train the volunteers to have better customer service and not be so rude/disrespectful. I will never be back to this thrift store read more

Tried to adopt but after fill out adoption form some women with a power issue walked in the room (note there were 3 volunteers also in the room) and yelled from the opposite side my application "denied" and went on and on about me having a doggie door. Then took the kitten away. Was asked to leave. Cried for two days. What a bad experience no one should go through that. read more

I adopted a kitten from there. And I also have supported the thrift shop for the past 10years. I am a little surprised about the days we can drop off donations. I live in Litchfield Park and it's not close. I try to drop off when I am going to be in that area. Now it doesn't work with there hrs and says, so I've changed were I donate. I also donated money for the surgeries. Haven't got a receipt in my email yet. Guess I will have to call them. That should be something they do right away. Also I'm a little concern that they were asking on Facebook for people to be on the board. Isn't there community leaders that would want to serve on the board. Four stars because I'm not sure about the management. read more

What an awesome place! Now I know where to find my furry friends. I'm waiting for a litter to be born.

this is a big need for our community and some of the kindest most caring humans work/volunteer here. highly recommend

The rudest lady ever works here. Did not adopt to me because I have a doggy door in my laundry room (a room the cat would not have access to) she snapped at a lady who came in trying to donate blankets and towels & got aggressive with me when I tried to explain how the cat wouldn't have access to the doggy door. Very rude, horrible customer service, and ended up driving an hour round trip just to adopt from the humane society. She's a rude lady who handles the cats roughly and all around just a negative person. read more

This place is great we did adopt a kitten from here. She is doing great.. They do great work here. If you or someone needs a lovey cat please give this a place a try... You will not be sorry. read more

4 paws is a wonderful organization!! You can tell the volunteers really love their cats! My family and I adore felines and we recently had to put our oldest and most beloved cat down . We decided that our hearts were big enough to give love to another cat that needed a home since ours felt a little emptier. We adopted our old boy from 4 paws 5 years ago he was 7 at the time and we just adored him. This time we adopted a younger cat but it was almost like she chose us. Anyways, the volunteers are lovely. This rescue works on donations so please if you love animals/cats as much as we do make a donation to this great cause. Thank you 4 paws for all you do! read more

Good intentions, but poor operations. I believe in these guys! I like the idea of a no-kill cat shelter that supports itself through volunteers and the thrift shop. I donate all my used items here, several times a year (they give tax receipts). I've even bought a few things out of their thrift shop next door. Please get better organized. i know you are overwhelmed, I wish you good luck and I will continue to support you. read more

What a great organization, the people who Work at the shelter Have a heart for animals, each one is treated like they are the special one there, they work hard to keep the animals well fed , healthy and Find good homes for them. read more

Please read all the reviews and stay away from this shelter. Do not take a cat there and for heavens sake, don't donate. They delay and deny treatment and then they kill the cats. They need to be shut down. read more

If I could give this place a fat zero I would. I called at least ten place before I got to 4 Paws animal rescue. Someone abandoned a little kitten in front of my house. It nearly died from the Arizona heat, and was clearly malnourished. It stayed near my door trying to find a cool spot. I gave it water and food but my full grown male cat was too territorial and feared he would kill it. No shelter or rescue would take it in, neither would Animal Control. So a worker at 4 Paws was very rude and when I mentioned my cat was going to kill it so what should I do ? , he replied " I don't want to hear this and hung up in my face. I will never donate to any animal rescue ever!! now that I've seen the bull #**%! that these shelters do when you try to get an animal help. I found a home for it from some strangers , thanks to loving care that the kitten received from 4 Paws. Good Samaritans BEWARE!!! read more

I love going to their Thrift Store. I can always find something there that I like. But, more importantly, I'm very happy to know that the monies received goes to help our little homeless kitties. Sometimes I shop there just so I can visit the kitties next door. Thank you 4 Paws for your wonderful service to our little furry friends. read more

Ahhh, 4-Paws....I've silently watched and read reviews and news articles about 'what the h#ll happened there', circa 2012-14..... Having been a volunteer and employee there for almost a decade, it was an interesting, gratifying, and ultimately cynical experience. I am still engaged with animal rescue, but was compelled to walk away from 4-Paws, years ago, needing a shower. For many years this shelter functioned with good services, and dedicated people. It wasn't perfect by any means, but it had strong, mature leadership during Pat Sherman's (presidential) tenure and in the years earlier (another 'Pat' Cropley). Their dedication and 'hands-on' engagement was every day and always accountable...the 'buck stopped' with them. Integrity had meaning at this workplace. Animal rescue is a difficult, complex BUSINESS and 'business' is not a dirty word. It's how the world works...done right, it can be transformative for many little souls. Non-profits are run by BOARDS and are only as good as they govern. Animal rescue does not operate under a 'universal mandate'. Individual BOARDS write the script. If there are 'problem' employees or volunteers, there exists clear, procedural policies to deal transparently and fairly as they occur, as stated in vols & emp. handbooks, and signed agreements of acknowledgement... LIKE A BUSINESS. DURING THOSE YEARS, perceived issues were dealt with 'ad hoc'; no fair hearings and swift, biased judgements. Rules of order were ignored. The board lacked insight regarding its own behaviors. No challenge would be entertained. THE FOLLOWING ARE FACTS, not 'feelings'...much of it verifiable and public record (law enforcement, court records, bank records, dismissals w/zero procedural paperwork).... as I was privy to a large arena of operations for many years in an official capacity: principle's discussions & witnessing events..... POLICE ACTIONS, LAW SUITS, character assassinations, purges, cover-ups of medical tactics that resulted in tragic outcomes (eliminating people who WERE NOT responsible, as scapegoats, with no procedural hearing), banishment of whistleblowers, 'gaslighting' by board attorney$ at member re-call meetings, cavalier, sloppy money handling and plundering of formerly robust bank accounts (donations) to fund 'vanity' projects, 'free-lancing' by random board members who funded THEIR ideas with shelter resources, 'troubled' board member 'breaking into' facilities after hours-STEALING ANIMALS (twice, setting off alarms, ANOTHER police involvement, why wasn't SHE already gone?), 'disappearances' of donated computers--never challenged-not a concern (NO police report THERE), and RIVERS of VOLUNTEER TEARS as a result of abusive tactics from the board occurring almost daily, in the hallways. WTF. It had taken years to carefully, responsibly build a modest 'nest-egg', a safety net for the animals ongoing care in bad times; it was decimated without a second thought. NOBODY with authority was alarmed. W. T. F.?? Services for the animals sharply declined. There was, literally, no one left to do the labor intensive day-to-day. They had eliminated essential personnel with no justification & no PLAN 'B', and believe me, THEY weren't going to clean cages twice a day, every day. Only ONE board member had even 'worked' in the shelter. BTW, I applaud the new requirements for board members to now have EXPERIENCE IN THE SHELTER THEY WILL BE GOVERNING. Long overdue. Shelter work is no place for dilittantes. 4-Paws became an organization driven by ego, bullying and mood swings, fueled by 'cocktail hours' in the thrift store back room with cheap wine from Circle K and a dedicated clique.....long and frequent absences by 'leadership' interrupted by 'drop-ins' to issue uninformed orders, create problems, & then disappear again for a few weeks. The results proved to be crippling. Constructive, thoughtful change is healthy; running a shelter like the parking lot of a bar at closing time is appalling, with distressing consequences for everyone except the big-mouth drunk pushing people around (and her buddies). ADDRESSING THE PROBABLE BACKLASH TO THESE STATEMENTS; You can have your own opinions; you can't have your own set of facts. The people who were victimized are long gone. The bad memory lingers in the local rescue community. If your memory differs, I have to ask who you allied yourself with AT THAT TIME. Today, some claim 'neutrality' because the resulting mess was indefensible. The problem here is when 'bad actors' don't leave the stage. 4 Paws still 'harbors' individuals who participated in those behaviors. When it's difficult to find volunteers and dedicated employees even in good times, ANYBODY is tolerated. The bar is set very low indeed. Accountability and a balance of power can help dim this unfortunate history. I want 4 Paws to restore itself to a mission-dedicated, financially sound rescue, with shining integrity. I hope they are on their way. Good luck. read more

We shop there very often, for a thrift shop they have very high quality goods. We are there at least once a week. We had lost a wonderful kiddy, so we looked at theirs, and found the nicest kiddy, she was old, but a nicer cat you would never find! That has been 3 years ago, and she is such a love, along with a big part of the family. Only thing I would change is the fact of their upper management is a bit stand offish. We tried twice to donate money but I was unsuccessful each time? Most of thr staff there is gteat.Keep up the good work. read more

I wrote my review on Google. Though that be the case. They actually ARE NOT open on Mondays either. Frustrating due to it being my days off(Sundays & Mondays) and my searching for weeks for the perfect kitten for myself and growing family. Good luck! read more

This rescue has good intentions but are very disorganized. I have offered to volunteer numerous times over the years. My daughter has filled out the forms to volunteer there as well. Neither of us ever got a call back. Yet they are understaffed. They also do not check out homes where their cats are going to. I personally know of a person in Surprise that had to relinquish her pets to animal control on 2 occasions after pit bull fights. She was still able to adopt at petsmart one of 4paws cats. This cat was put out on the street in a short period after adopting him. I ended up adopting him off the street and found out his background. If 4paws would follow up with people who genuinely want to help, they would be much better. I would even stay after hours to give the cats their meds. In fact I would spend the nights there if they needed the help. Im writing this review in case who ever is in charge there might read this and look at ways the community can help besides just donating. read more

4 paws if you have people willing to stay overnight with the cats or come into help out why aren't you calling them back to come in I worry about the cats being alone there I recall person or persons broke into 4 paws about a year ago I just pray the cats were alright!!!!!! is it true that you people don't check out the homes that youre sending the cats too and also what about the review stating that 4 paws routinely puts down hundreds of healthy cats I thought you were NO KILL im very distressewd over this my husband and I have donated a lot of nice stuff and we shop at the thrift store I hope you get your act togethyer please for the cats read more

Awhile back when we had to move I had to put some of my cats in 4PAWS as we were having problems finding a place to lease that would allow even one pet let alone more than one after losing our home due to the fall of the economy. Regrettably, I did not know what I know now. I thought 4PAWS was a RESCUE in every sense of the word and trusted them. At first my sister and I would go to the shelter to check on our cats and to let them know we still loved them and kept praying something would work out that we could get them back home. Then we were told it would be better that we didn't keep coming down to check on them even though that upset us because they had gotten sick. We continued until we knew they recovered. Before we even found another place to live we received a call from 4PAWS asking, "What is it about Precious and water faucets?" I replied, "Oh, she's always loved drinking from the faucet." I was shocked at what I heard next. "We're going to have to put Precious down, I don't know how it happened, but she's skin and bones. We tried to throw a cat treat down her throat, she wouldn't even eat that." I said, "WHAT?" I was stunned. More than stunned. I was in shock. "No!, No! Don't put her down, don't. She's had such a hard time even from birth she had to fight for life after being taken from her mother only days old by a little girl who was going to throw her almost lifeless body from atop of the monkey bars at the play ground. She was almost dead then when I saw her tiny body being passed around from one child to another like her life meant nothing at all. I outbid the kids at the playground to save Precious' life then, she fought, fought hard to live. Please don't put her down. I'll come get her. And... I'm coming back for the rest of my cats too." Even the vet said Precious was too far gone, he said "she went under the radar." "What do you mean - under the radar?" "That's what it's called when the animals end up like this." I never knew there was such a thing and common enough to have a term for such a horrific thing. Our poor animals are given in trust to be taken loving care of when we have no other option. We support these people we trust. I had to pay to adopt my own cats back out of 4PAWS the ones we could get back 'Thank God', yet, to this day we live with the guilt of where our 'Star' and 'Return' our two beloved cats which we were told were adopted and we could not get any information on where they went from 4PAWS even though we continued to try and find out about them. Now, today a friend told me to read the reviews after her experience going to 4PAWS. I had worried before, now I am devastated as she mentioned they may have been euthanized. Oh, Precious fought hard to continue to live again, HARD! even the vet was surprised SHE RECOVERED. How anyone (and everyone), at 4PAWS could not have noticed this poor boney cat whose head was bigger than her body is beyond me AND ... even I know not to throw a dry treat down a sick cat's throat! read more

I have volunteered at 4 Paws Rescure...I loved it...they treat the cats with love and care...If there is a problem with the vet they use..they need to find a new vet...I agree totally with that...The cats are the most important and as far as I could see they were treated with great care...I understand the frustration BUT if the tests given from the vet were faulty and she is responsible YES..GET RID OF HER AND GET A GOOD VET THAT CARES..BUT..I would still recommend highly taking your cat or kitten to 4Paws..I recommend that all that read this or have concerns to visit this wonderful shelter..there is none like it in the valley...It is clean,spacious and plenty of love in this home for unwanted cats and kittens...and plenty of love from many volunteers!! read more

This shelter information was given to me to help during a crisis and found myself homeless. My church sent me there for possible help on dog sitting so I could still work, until I could get an apartment or someone else to watch them. I had been there several times to check in and offered money on at least 2 occasions, see if they needed any food and such. Also, took in linens to help with the cages for the shelter. They were all so kind and helpful, consistantly telling me they were not a bother and a joy to be around, even showed me pictures and asked me if I wanted to see them. Of course I did, but was afraid of traumatizing them more and myself. The week after Easter, I went in and they were at the facility and just had to see them, took them for a walk and such. Before leaving for work the person working at the time was told that I would know on the 1st if I got one of the apartments and I got paid on 2nd, and that I would be in after work that day. Also, that if they needed anything to contact me, I just worked acrossed the street and knew how to get ahold of me. I go on the 2nd and another worker stated they were sorry but adopted them out the day before. My dogs were not for adoption and this was never an option... they all knew this. Now I am having problems getting my dogs back. I kept getting accused of threatening them, which I never did and that I abandoned them.... THIS WAS NEVER THE CASE....THEY KNEW WHEN I WOULD BE RETURNING, WHERE I WAS AND I WAS NEVER CONTACTED!!!! THEY CAN NOT SELL MY DOGS JUST BECAUSE THEY DONT THINK MY SITUATION DOESNT WARRANT ME HAVING ANIMALS.... WHO ARE THEY TO SAY ANYTHING LIKE THIS ABOUT ME. THEY DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT... ESPECIALLY LYING ...DO NOT BELIEVE THEM ABOUT ANYTHING. AND, if anyone has anyother information to help me get my dogs back please email me at jezzie1959@yahoo. read more