Valley Oak SPCA, a no-kill animal rescue in California's Central Valley, demonstrates animal rescue done right. Their commitment to animal welfare in their care is excellent. Their focus on driving pet adoption awareness is tireless. I love that they also focus on fixing the pet overpopulation issue in the Central Valley via their low cost spay/neuter clinic that also offers low cost microchipping. Their treatment of their amazing staff and volunteers is exemplary. Thank you for all you do, Valley Oak SPCA -- your contributions to this area is critical! Folks often confuse Valley Oak SPCA and the city animal shelter -- two completely separate organizations. read more

Just coming back to my review because after 4 years I still never heard back from them when all I was trying to do was save a dog named Johnny. But they don't communicate and don't truly care about the pets here. I messaged them about Johnny on instagram and then they blocked me. They are very unprofessional and I feel very sorry for any animal that ends up in this place! This place should be shut down or get completely new staff. read more

This place will get your hopes up and cancel your appointment to adopt. I specifically mentioned that my cat went missing 1 year ago, and they never once mentioned that the "policy" says I have to wait at least 2 years for my cat I've had for 15 years to return to me. They waited until the day before my appointment to cancel seeing a kitten that I waited weeks to see. We spoil all our adopted fur babies and they even have records of them in their system because we have always taken our animals to their vet facility. I will no longer be donating to this shelter after this experience. read more

Valley Oak SPCA Adoption Center - Sorry Mimi, your brother won't be coming home. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Visalia, California

As I came to add my review based upon the experiences I've had at The Valley Oak SPCA, it was affirming to see the horrible ratings they have already. I have had several experiences there in the past two years, both professionally and personally, and each one was bad... The attitude of the staff, the bad dog handling skills, lack of knowledge of animal behavior, and really stupid adoption policies, like cats... the free roaming animals not allowed to go outside ever or you are a bad pet owner who is not allowed to adopt a cat..... Despite all of that, each time I'm there, holy cow, I am stunned about how unfriendly these people can be. They may love animals, but people are not their forte. They deserve the crappy reviews that were here before me, and that will be here after me. read more

The staff clearly shows that the well being of their animals is their number one priority. We had a great experience adopting. Join their walking volunteer program! read more

Valley Oak SPCA Adoption Center - Monty on a walk! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Visalia, California

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Doesn't answer phone. On hold as #1 for 42 minutes. Threatening emails stating if we're late no matter what we lose our deposit. Non profit haha they pocket that in my opinion read more

So I know I already left a review, but I decided to get the app and leave another one because there is a lot more to what the shelter was like before. Like I said I volunteered here with a friend when we were in middle school. That was about 16 years ago. Trigger warning! Some of the duties they had us do, would include going around to to the dogs kennels that were going to be "put down" because there wasn't enough room for all the animals. They had us flip they're name tags upside down.. it was horrible, we saw will borrows stacked with dogs that were put down. On some of the lunch breaks that the employees that didn't care at all about the animals we heard them say things like " oh here comes the big bad dog killer" and they would laugh. I understand doing that sort of job people need to decompress, but it was unsettling. Not all of the employees there were bad, they had a lot of great ones that were working hard on the expansion and making the shelter a better place, for low wages. We volunteered there for 2 years because we felt like we had to be there for the animals that were being treated poorly. Also, we would do car washes on the weekends to donate to the expansion plan. We raised like $150 for 13 year olds. Anyways, I'm happy that it's a "No kill shelter now" because the stuff me and my friend saw was horrific and terribly sad.. I just felt the need to share my experience in what it was like. This is only half of it too. read more

Went through the online adoption process. Spent my time downloading the pet adoption application (3 times because it kept clearing on me after I finished) My application was confirmed and my appointment booked. My daughter was so excited. We bought a liter box, cat toys, collor, cat nip, and various foods and treats. The night before the appointment I got phone message from a very bad cell phone connection informing me the SPCA cancelled my appointment because they had an event they forgot about. For people who supposedly care about pets finding a loving home...they sure don't seem to care about pets finding a loving home. Daughter is heartbroken. read more

Update::: we have officially adopted our fosters to keep them from being caged at almost 6 months of age. The receipt: $21 for clinical items. $49 for their 'adoption fee'. And all they provided these kittens outside of clinical items was ONE can of formula.... These people really are just about the money. Worst rescue organization I have ever worked with..... FOSTERS BEWARE!!!! **ZERO Star...... I have fostered for a handful of rescues for nearly 20 years and I have NEVER had such a HORRIBLE experience as I have had fostering for VOSPCA - FOSTERS BEWARE!!!! My daughter was working as a kennel tech when the first wave of CoVid19 lock-downs hit. They sent her on a "temporary lay off" saying that because the clinic was closed they could no longer afford to keep her on staff and talked her into taking 2 four day old orphaned kittens home with her and provided ONE can of kitten formula. Since she was no longer working she was unable to afford additional formula for them and her requests for additional formula was IGNORED. So I step in and provide ALL financial support to meet their physical needs for the kittens to be bottle fed for weeks and weeks, then weaned and well feed with clean litter boxes and a room of their own. We provide for ALL their needs - minus the vet items; shots, neuter, flea treatment provided by VOSPCA clinic (that is now open but my daughter still hasn't been offered her job back). We provided VOSPCA with updated photos of the kittens on a regular basis, we even created videos and all but begged and pleaded for them to PLEASE promote them on their FB wall, since the adoption clinic was closed and then via appointment only. They only ever posted one video of them on their FB wall and so now that they are nearly 6 months old, a bonded pair, never known anything but us and our home... VOSPCA has demanded us to drop them off to be put in a cage until someone adopts them, or for us to pay the outrageous adoption fees to adopt them ourselves. THIS IS THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD WITH BEING A FOSTER!!! THEY ARE JUST OUT TO MAKE MONEY AND NOT REALLY LOOKING OUT FOR THE ANIMALS. I feel I have spent fair amount of money on them, and believe that they should at very least drastically reduce the adoption fees. One thing I do know, will never foster for them again. read more

HORRIBLE. Here's why! We took a kitty we found in around 8 am, paid the fee and was told we'd get a call around 2. We informed them of the exact place we picked her up and that we were planning on adopting or keeping her. She was there all day long, and we got the call to pick her up at 3:33pm because her surgery was almost done. We started getting ready to go and at 3:36pm we got a second call that actually she had a chip, they had already contacted her real owners and that they would be on their way to pick her up. They said they could not refund us for the surgery because it had already happened and they said thank you for bringing her in. They told us the "real owners" had lost her for 4 days but actually we had her for 4 days and she was out by these businesses for over 2 weeks. Then today, 5 days later, we found her outside the exact same office building we had picked her up at the week before. She has not in fact been spayed... The owners of the office building said that she was dumped back there on Saturday... they same day we took her to VOSPCA. We are very upset that we paid for the surgery, was told it was done, and after being told to come get her, 3 minutes later they had "found her owners" and in reality there was no surgery ever done. She's been out in the heat now for 5 days without food and water. We've been completely lied to and because of that, the kitty has been suffering. read more

Filling out an online application for a pet on the SPCA's website is a waste of time. They are not reviewed. You MUST go in person to apply for a pet. If you get an email that says "Your adoption application for Xxxxxxx the Dog has been successfully submitted to Valley Oak SPCA. If you would like to check the status please contact Valley Oak SPCA at (559) 741-1121." Ignore the above email. It is robo reply and has no meaning. And be prepared to have a lovely young lady at the shelter tell you that you "have no common sense" if you believe the application for the dog on THEIR WEBSITE was actually an application for a dog. Don't bother to call the phone number. You won't be able to reach anyone. Don't bother to leave a message, they won't return the call. Don't believe the breed of dog. According to a lovely woman working in the shelter the breeds of puppies listed has no real meaning. It is just a rough guess from the people who clean the kennels. Don't believe that the dogs listed as available are actually available. The website is NOT accurate. Don't believe if a worker tells you that a dog is available. That is also not accurate. In the end, after reading other yelp reviews about the health of these shelter pets, I am glad that the puppy that I wanted to adopt was actually not available. Checking Craigslist instead. read more

Told us that we couldn't adopt a 3 legged border collie because we live in apartment and he has high energy but on the reviews I found another gentleman who tried to get him too but was denied for wanting him to be in a fenced backyard? So where would they want the dog if not inside or out? You guys are a joke. read more

Valley Oak SPCA Adoption Center - Other guys review - Animal Shelters Near Me - Visalia, California

I have fostered Mamma and baby kittens for them the last few years. My experience has been positive. They really care for the cats and kittens in their care. I supplied my own supplies because I didn't want to take from their donations. I might need to get supplies someday. But, any questions I have , they have always been there for me. I have only good to say about them . read more

I just heard a story on the news that someone dropped off a mom n her pups in front of the shelter. I know that I was in a situation before n I needed to see about surrendering my dogs n they put u through to leave a message but they never call u back. I left 4+ messages over the span of 3 months n I never heard anything back from them. Hopefully they fix their problem. read more

My wife, son and I scheduled an adoption appointment last Thursday. I took time off work to make the appointment. When we arrived, our application was reviewed and then reviewed again by a supervisor behind closed doors. We were told our application was rejected. Rejection doesn't bother me. What does concern me is that it was never made known to us that an application could be rejected. We are a loving family and had our previous dogs for 16 years before they earned their angel wings. If you're applying to adopt a let, please know that it's not a sure thing. The supervisor could not even come out of their office to tell us in person about their decision. read more

The worst place to adopt dogs from, this place is so picky they get off on telling people no. We were told no because we have a full time job, no other reason but that. Since then I been hearing tons of bad reviews from this place. They also blocked me from Facebook and Instagram because I shared my story so that no one else would have to go through the disappointment we did. They do not care about finding these dogs good homes what they care about is keeping them there long enough til they reach an age to where the dogs get shipped out of state and they get more money. I knew of this after I was contacted by someone who personally ships dogs for them. It's so sad, this place needs to be shut down. read more

Drove three hours to get told i wouldn't be able to adopt a dog because i have another dog. They're picky with who they choose, they question you and every answer to them is sketchy or not good enough for them. I never cried so much it was so embarrassing. I feel like they enjoy turning down people read more

Nothing but good stuff to say about this place!! Megan was so nice and very helpful! We adopted an adorable terrier mix!! Our Ollie!!!! Excellent Experience!! read more

I was basically told I wasn't good enough to adopt one of their dogs. They told me to adopt anywhere else but there. How do they expect people to adopt when they make it so difficult to adopt pets? I wanted to adopt but I'm going to have to shop. Thank you SPCA. read more

Horrible place my concern is they obviously don't care about finding good homes for the animals! We had a horrible experience here! My 6 year old left crying because we were told no. we have a huge yard over an acre and that's wasn't enough for them, obviously we weren't going to keep our dog outside, he would be inside most of the time but our yard is very spacious but it is divided between front and back yard because the front yard fence didn't measure 8ft that was their reason for denying us. Completely unjustified and ridiculous if you ask me, don't go here!! read more

Being a senior, I was discriminated against for the first time ever and at this facility in Visalia! I was told no to an Aussie that would be with me on the ranch. She told me repeatedly to choose a house dog! I suppose the playful family of young boys suited the "decision" makers profile for what would make a good placement over what this breed lives for and which I would provide for the dog: work herding, playing and being loved and cared for like a family member. I hope those little boys and father did their research on Aussies. read more

This place is not helpful at all. Went in to look for a dog to adopt and we were not greeted by the lady behind the desk as we approached and she watched us walk in. I had to greet her. We also were not greeted by the staff in the kennels. It was as if they were not interested in helping us. read more

I was interested in adopting a German Shepherd mix they had there. They called to clear stuff up. After answering their questions they declined my application because they "want the dog to be an inside dog only". Then they said since they're a no kill shelter, they have a right to be picky. Its a german shepherd. Who keeps a german shepherd cooped up in the house? They're a dog that needs to be outside to play and get exercise. Dumbest thing I've ever heard. I especially wanted her because shes young and would be great to train to go on camping trips. They then tried to sell me on the older shepherds they had. I dont know about anybody else but I'd like a dog that'll be around a long time. Don't get me wrong I'd love for the older dogs to find a forever home, but I have a young son and would like him to have dogs he can enjoy for a long time as well. read more

Very insensitive and ignorant. Went to adopt a kitten but was denied because my previous cat passed a couple of months ago. Even though I explained to them that the cat passed away for reasons out of my control and I did and paid everything I could at the vet to save him. I guess you can only adopt if you're the most perfect being in the world that doesn't have any real life situations happen to you ever!! read more

Awesome customer service! Very compassionate staff working with the animals! I highly recommend Valley Oak SPCA!!! Thanks, again!

We have a stray cat in our neighborhood we finally trapped her, wanted to get her spayed from the low cost center in Visalia, due to the covid-19 they are only accepting a few appointments a wee. Next we tried the no kill shelter on Camp Drive in Visalia, they were to full to take the cat. This is truly frustrating when you are trying to do your part to prevent pet over population and all you do is get turned down. I will be taking her to the vet on Tuesday and pay for her to be spayed and release her back in the neighborhood. No thanks to the city of Visalia or the no kill shelter. Next time these organizations need donations or supplies I will not be participating. My suggestions to the rest of you save your money and support your local veterinaries and spay or neuter the strays in your areas. Do not support the non profit or city ran adoption agencies they are worthless. If I could give a zero I would. read more

THESE HOURS OF OPERATION AND DAYS OPEN ARE NOT ACCURATE! After waiting all week to check for our lost cat because this says they are closed Tuesday through Thursday, we came out on Saturday AT 10:00 (because that is when this says they open) and we not only find a sign that says they do not open until 12:00, BUT ALSO A SIGN THAT SAYS THEY ARE OPEN DURING THE WEEK! We could have searched for our cat earlier :( read more

I adopted a beautiful kitty there and we just adore her. When we got her it's was in April and that's when the covid started and the vet clinics were closed. I was told I had to pay a compliance fee for getting her fixed and then I was going to be reimbursed when the clinic opens. So when the clinic opened they called me and scheduled the appointment and then I was going to get reimbursed as soon as it was shown I had fixed the cat. I got her fixed I believe in it was in the beginning of May and I still have not got my refund. I've called 4 times and every time I called they told me that they will take care of it and make sure that I got my refund. Some lady called Monday and said that she will be issuing my refund on Monday and she was rude about it. They barley issued my refund on Thursday and i still haven't received my refund. I'm very disappointed!!! read more

I do not typically write reviews but I had such a negative experience yesterday that I felt compelled to write one in this case. Yesterday, my boyfriend and I went into the SPCA to hand over a dog we found. We went in hoping that he would be taken in so that he could eventually be put up for adoption and hopefully go to a good home as we were unable to keep him. Unfortunately, in trying to rescue this loving dog, we were met with a very rude and uncooperative staff. There was a woman working at the front desk who was very confrontational and accusing us of not wanting to pay the 40 dollar surrender fee. We were more than willing to pay the fee, however, we were told we did not have to by another associate working for the adoption center as she mentioned that we had found the dog and were not his owners. Unlike this staff member who actually took the time to listen to our story of us saving this abandoned dog, the woman working at the front desk did not want to hear our story and was immediately accusing us of not wanting to pay the fee. She repeatedly talked down to us and interrupted us as we were attempting to give her all of the details. Frustrated that we were not getting through to her and fed up with her condescending tone, we walked away and left. More than anything I would just like to say that we were left shocked that people who are working for an organization whose commitment is to rescue and protect animals in need would appear to be such uncaring individuals entirely lacking in customer service skills. With this experience, having two dogs of my own, I would hesitate bringing any animal into the SPCA. Fortunately, we were able to do what we hoped the staff at the SPCA would have helped to accomplish, which is find a caring home for this sweet dog who is now in the hands of a great family. read more

We went into the SPCA to look for a dog to adopt on 8/13/16, and our in tial contact with the office staff was less than desirable. They didn't seems to want to answer our question, or just weren't interested in the whole interaction with us. The office was a mess, and smelled like urine & feces, which was very overpowering & unbelievable. We then proceeded out to the kennels to look at the dogs, and before you could walk in the door the smell of feces and urine again was overpowering. Once we got in the door where the large breeds are, we were discussed at how dirty these kenels were. There were so much feces, that these poor dogs were having to walk and lay in it. Disgusting & Outright dirty, you'd think that a couple of the employees that were sitting in the office would be out there keeping those kennels clean. The small breed kennels were just as nasty, and one van only imagine the illnesses some of these poor dogs must have. I will never step foot in that place again, it needs a complete overhaul of its procedures or staff. They should go next door to the Visalia Animal Shelter and take noted on how to keep kennels clean. read more

I WOULD GIVE THIS PLACE ZERO STARS IF I COULD! My girlfriend and I made an appointment to see a particular dog and drove three hours from Los Angeles. When we arrived there was no one at the front desk to help us and we had to find someone to get checked in. When I did find someone, we were asked to wait at our car. Finally, a young man came out to ask us the routine questions needed before adoption. This young man had the most condescending attitude I've ever experienced. Every answer my girlfriend gave to his questions was met with a snarky response. For example, my girlfriend explained that she would be going to grad school and commuting quite a ways from LA, to which he scoffed scornfully and replied, "That sucks." My girlfriend is 24 years old and this man was treating her like she's ten; when he himself couldn't be much older if not the same age. I don't know if he was having a bad day or what, but from a customer service standpoint his attitude and responses were unacceptable, and quite frankly unwarranted. Perhaps his utter disdain toward us came from the fact that we're from out of town. The reason we drove six hours round trip was because we wanted to support a no-kill shelter, but almost all of the ones close to home are closed due to the pandemic. We could of gone to our local pound, who is currently waiving all adoption fees, but as money is of no issue to us when it comes to the ethics of adopting, we decided to drive to 187 miles to meet our potential furry new family member. However, we cannot in good conscience support a shelter that treats its customers the way we were treated. We will never return to this SPCA. read more

I adopted a beautiful border collie puppy from the Valley Oak SPCA on 2.27.15, on 03.02.15 I was able to pic Paisley up from being spayed at their clinic. Within the next 24 hours Paisley developed a respiratory illness soon followed by Parvo. For the next 10 days I nursed her with IV's, Meds, fluids. . . anything I could do to try and give this precious baby a chance, no matter all of my efforts I had to make the worst decision ever and put her down. This has broken mine and my girls hearts, more so knowing that many puppies come out of that facility already exposed, already sick. The papers you sign tell you that if an adopted dog becomes ill and you bring back to SPCA for euthanized you will not be eligible to adopt. . . they expect YOU to foot all of the medical expenses for animals they know can be ill as they are not kept for a full incubation period to ensure health of the animal. Then they accept the vet bills to be presented to the board for reimbursement knowing full well they have NO INTENT to reimburse you. They are just trying to keep you quiet, to buy time so you give up on the hopes of being out all of this money on a dog you tried to give a good home to. I have called numerous times, left numerous messages for supervisors over the past couple of months trying to recoup the $836.17 I was out caring for Paisley, I was assured there would be no problems yet they don't have the decency to even call me back to explain why I have not received my money back. Every time I tell my story I am met with a yep, it happened to me too, or that happened to my friend as well. . . WHY DOES NO ONE CARE ABOUT THESE ANIMALS????? They deserve so much more protection than they are provided at the SPCA. . . they deserve a real chance to live in a wonderful home with a loving family than they get there. . . Take a puppy especially to another rescue where they have a better shot at a good LONG life. read more

My daughter Adopted a kitten from Valley Oak SPCA. We picked her up on Saturday, July 19. It became evident she wasn't well. Four days after taking her home from the shelter we took her to the SPCA clinic on Goshen for the free evaluation provided in the adoption paperwork. The kitten was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection, another internal infection and tape worm. When I complained that they had adopted such a sick kitten out, the response was to recite the policy that they don't adopt out sick kittens. Clearly, the kitten didn't develop these illnesses in the four days we had her. Also, they pointed out that the free evaluation doesn't necessarily include medication and it is their policy that they can charge for medication if they decide to and they did charge for the meds necessary to treat this kitten. When I complained they reduced the fee, however they did still charge a bit. Now a week later, we want to take her back for a recheck. They can't get her in today or tomorrow and said to call back Friday. They also told us we will be charged a $35 recheck fee. Had I known this is how they handle things I would never have adopted from them. The kitten was in a shed with other kittens and cats. I wonder if they are all as sick as ours was and if they find homes whether the new owners may have to deal with the same issues we have had at the SPCA Valley Oaks. read more

Very helpful taking in a puppy that I found. They are a no kill shelter and work hard to find fosters & families to adopt! Thanks for all you guys do. read more

I lost my dog a year ago, I saw her on this Facebook page, it clearly says to "If you recognize this dog please contact us". I wrote them a message via Facebook, the lady read it and ignored me then proceeded to delete the post of the dog that I know was mine. She was rude on the phone and said "I have no idea what happened to that dog because you have no ID#." Okay maybe you should put the IDnumber on the post then so people have access to it! Horrible customer service. The lady will probably delete this post too because she doesn't like it... smh!! read more

Attempted to contact for over a month to have my male dog neutered. Was advised would put on list and someone would call to confirm - didn't happen. Called and left messages twice a week for three weeks and nothing. Waste of time trying to do what's right. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. I just adopted a 6 month old cat from them. The cat is wonderful, kind, sweet, etc. BUT the valley oak SPCA staff is rude, unorganized, and unprofessional. They keep their cats in a large cage outdoors that has feces and urine all over the ground. The cats are not well taken care of at all. In addition, the cat that I adopted was treated for ear mites by the SPCA a week before I adopted her BUT when I took her to her wellness exam at the vet she still had ear mites! I had to pay an additional $65 for her treatment when the SPCA had already claimed to treat her. I love my cat, but I would not recommend this SPCA. There needs to be a change in management or something because those animals deserve better. read more

I wish I did not even have to give the Spca even one star. We found two sweet dogs, I believe were related it was hot and I was concerned they might get hit by a car our business is on a busy street also undergoing construction, unable to take the dogs home it was best to take them to the Spca as they had no tags so no way to reach an owner. The other lady in the office to them and because they were found border Visalia & Farmersville they refused to take them in and the staff was very rude about it. This is a new facility and apparently had a lot of space but instead they had to be taken to animal control. It is really no wonder people dump their animals on the street. Spca should be ashamed of themselves for the lack of caring that should come with the territory of being an animal shelter. read more

horrible!!! staff is extremely rude!! adopted a lab/golden retriever mix, i was told at the front desk that the do already had its shots. i told them i wanted to make sure the dog was vaccinated with the parvo shot and they told me the dog already had one and they reassured me that with that shot the dog couldn't possibly get it. i know they need more then one to complete it so i asked to make sure. the dog seemed extremely calm and sad so i was happy to get it out of there. unfortunately it was calm and sad because it had parvo already! 4 hours after having the dog at home it started breathing heavily and throwing up, we called the spca right away and they said to take it to the vet and they would re reimburse the vet bills and if anything happen to the dog in the first 30 days we woul get our adoption fee back as well. the vet said that the dog had parvo so we paid for the iv's and what not and within the next 2 hours it got worse. the spca told us to bring the dog back for them to put it down so we did. THEY DID NOT GIVE US OUR MONEY BACK OR PAY THE VET BILLS. THEY GAVE THE DOG IV'S, GOT IT BETTER AND RE ADOPTED IT WITHOUT TELLING US!!!!!! they sent us a letter saying the put the dog rex down and when we went in a week later somone was walking out with him and they had just adopted him. same dog, same name, same age. i asked the lady in the front when that dog got there and they said a family adopted it and surrendered it so they readopt it. i was furious!!! we should have gotten our dog back they should have told us they did not put it down and or we should have gotten our money back! read more