Long overdue but here's my review. Last year, when we visited this animal shelter, it looked very…read moreclean and the customer service was great. We had visited other shelters that day but this one was very impressive. The staff was very professional and answered all of our questions. They also let us meet multiple dogs and it looked like they really took care of their animals. We couldn't be happier with our little guy today. It's crazy to think a year ago we picked him up but he's a member of our family now.

I'll die on this hill...adopt, don't shop…read more In May 2022, I said goodbye to my sweet 15.5 year old golden retriever/yellow lab. She had a wonderful life...but it was her time. Fast forward to 2024, I entertained the idea of somehow welcoming a dog back into my life...I wasn't sure how, but I wanted to get back into the doggy world...and that's when I discovered all different opportunities at the SDCAS.... 1. Dog Day Out- this is a fantastic program to take approved dogs out for the day and market them to the world as being available for adoption. These dogs are sweet, friendly, non-reactive, and just love being out of the shelter. SDCAS gives you everything you need for the day. Our first experience was with Sal- a super friendly pitbull. He loved getting out and proudly wore his 'adopt me' vest! Our second Dog Day Out was with Zane- a beautiful, sweet rottie/husky mix. While we were out with Zane, we decided to foster him. Speaking of fostering.... 2. Foster- if you've ever wanted to foster a dog, this is the place to do it. They provide everything you could possible need. This is a great way to learn more about a dog, post pictures and tidbits about the dog on their website so others learn about them and hopefully adopt them. Fostering saves lives! 3. Adopt- We were a foster fail after a week with Zane. We got to know him SO much and he is absolutely perfect for our family. We wouldn't have known this unless we fostered... Highly recommend SDCAS! 5 stars!

We just adopted two cats from this rescue. They partner with Cats and Crystals Cafe in Oceanside…read more It's a beautiful set up. You go in and play with the kitties for a fee that helps the organization and then you can adopt from the rescue if you would like to. We fell in love with sibling kittens right away and adopted them. These little guys are so well adjusted. They are litter trained and are very comfortable with people. The adoption process was easy, and the people were all so friendly, helpful and responsive. It was a great experience.

My family adopted Leo (Mufasa) from TTF and it was such a great experience. I appreciate their…read moreinterview process that makes sure these fur babies get to the best homes. Leo was heathy, neutered and up to date on all his shots making him ready for his forever home.

My wife and I had such a great experience with LYFF! She had been wanting a kitten for a long…read morewhile, and found a happy, healthy boy available on the site in December. We went through a very thorough interview process to make sure it would be a great fit on both sides, and set up an appointment at PetSmart to meet him and his littermates. He took to us from the very first night home, and even though we've only had him a month it feels like he's been a part of our family for much longer. We're so grateful to have him in our lives, and have LYFF to thank for that.

I cannot recommend this organization to anyone looking to adopt a cat--particularly those who have…read morerecently experienced the loss of a beloved pet. During my interview, I was asked a series of questions that felt unexpectedly accusatory and insensitive. I was already carrying a great deal of guilt and heartache after the disappearance of my cat, Jasper, yet the conversation left me feeling blamed rather than supported. I understand and respect that rescue groups want to ensure their animals go to safe and loving homes, but empathy for the humans trying to provide those homes is equally important. Unfortunately, that compassion was missing in my experience. As someone with a busy schedule, I also regret spending half a day traveling to and from their facility only to be made to feel unworthy during the application process. For those looking to adopt, I highly recommend exploring other compassionate and reputable organizations such as Smittens Rescue, Frosted Faces, Rancho Coastal Humane Society, or SPOT (Saving One Pet at a Time). Spare yourself the discouragement I felt--especially if you're still grieving a pet--and consider adopting from a group that treats both animals and people with kindness and understanding.

Lcal is a sinking ship. Current leadership values policy and black and white rules over what is…read morebest for the dogs and the families that love them. Let me tell you my story as an 8 year supporter of lcal. We adopted our first dog (a boxer) through the founder, lisa (who is an absolute angel) in 2016. We loved our dog deeply until she passed away in 2022. When she passed, I started volunteering weekly with the rescue, walking dogs, trying to fill the void that my dog's passing left. I learned more about rescue and started fostering dogs through lcal. We took 4 foster dogs from intake through adoption, one of the fosters staying with us for 6 months! I also attended adoption events with these fosters, donating hundreds of hours promoting the rescue. I attended fund raisers, donated supplies and cash, and supported the lcal thrift store. I was invested in the mission. In December, I told the foster coordinator that we are looking for a dog to permanently add to the family, ideally a boxer between the ages of 2-5. I would send her listings from shelters, and she would explain why each dog was not going to work for lcal to pull for me. I appreciated her advice and was waiting patiently for a right fit. When she texted last week asking me to foster a boxer, Tyson, I was overjoyed! I expressed to her that we would love to and that we would hopefully adopt Tyson. Unfortunately lcal decided to advertise him on social media the next day and quickly got multiple applications from well vetted adopters. We were told on a Sunday (after having tyson for 4 days) that we needed to decide by Monday if we wanted to adopt. Otherwise he would go to a meet and greet on Wednesday and likely be adopted. On Monday evening, I texted the foster coordinator telling her that I had some questions about the adoption. She did not get back to me until Tuesday morning. We discussed my concerns (we have 4 cats and I ideally wanted more time to see how Tyson would interact with them) but I clearly told her we wanted to keep Tyson. She said she would ask the board for more time. Later that afternoon, I was told that because I wasn't sure, they were moving forward with the other adoption and I was no longer eligible to adopt Tyson. I was in shock. I responded that I wanted the dog and that I had put aside any uncertainty and please can we adopt Tyson. I was told no and that they would immediately come pick him up wherever I was. The lcal president contacted me and was so over the top harsh and rude, I felt like I was being treated like a criminal. My family is heartbroken. Just as we were bonding with what was likely the perfect dog for our family, he was forcibly taken away. Shame on you lcal. You've put deadlines and policy above what is best in complex situations. I understand the reasons for your policy, but you refused to have even the slightest flexibility for a long time supporter. You wouldn't even give me a few hours to get my questions answered before moving on to the other adopter who hadn't even met Tyson. You are burning your fosters, the very backbone of your organization.

Thank you LCAL for connecting us to the dog of our dreams! Our family found your matching process…read morestraightforward and supportive. Your staff and volunteers were also incredibly helpful as we transitioned him into our home. We didn't expect you to take care of the details for his neutering appointment, but you did. You went above and beyond and we will be supporting your work and thrift store for years to come.

First time fostering cats and I couldn't have asked for a better organization to shepherd my…read moreexperience. Steph spent dedicated time and care to work with me and monitor the wellbeing of the kittens I was given everything I needed (bed, food, litter, toys, etc) but not only that - a fantastic ample support for asking questions and sharing progress with the larger team of volunteers. What I love about this organization is that they genuinely care about the pets they take in and are willing to go the extra mile and due diligence to save and protect every little soul. Each volunteer working for this organization genuinely cares.

we "fostered-to-adopt" a kitten from Furballs Furever and it was an easy, wonderful experience. We…read moremainly dealt with Haley and she helped make the whole process seamless from start to finish. I would recommend this rescue to anyone. A+.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars!…read more I have been patient in looking to add a kitten/cat to our family and stumbled across Marigold on a fosters Instagram page which prompted me to submit an application. Kat reached out the very next day after reviewing our application and pre approved us. Yelena reached out for all coordination afterwards. Marigold was not even posted on the rescues page but they were so kind and were able to get us in to meet her. The foster mom (and dad) were wonderful and have been doing this for so long (60+ kitties). We instantly fell in love with Marigold and were able to be selected to adopt her (pat on our back for being able to provide a good home). She came from a hoarder home and was lucky to survive from malnutrition. We came back to get her after getting she completed her shots/spayed. Not even 24 hours in, my one year old tabby loves her and she is settling in perfectly. I will say I have had not so great experiences with other rescues in the area and Dirty Little Paws surpassed all expectations! I hope one day I can repay them and foster another baby in need.

I called with a simple question about rehoming a cat for a family member and was surprised by how…read morehostile and judgmental the interaction was. I was cut off, accused of wanting to "dump a cat," and spoken to in an unprofessional manner. The experience felt unnecessarily confrontational and upsetting. Unfortunately, I would not recommend based on this interaction.

yeah, so I got bit by a dog and all these people could tell me was that if it's not there still and…read moreon a leash then they can't do anything like what even is that this is a dangerous dog that attacked my dog and it bit me and you're telling me you can't do anything about it. The cops didn't want to do anything about it either so we're just gonna have a dangerous dog in the community yeah OK.

THE OCEANSIDE CAMPUS…read more I came here to just check on the dogs I saw on the news that were rescued from the hoarding situation in Vista. My heart literally broke when I saw that news. Unfortunately, they are in a safe area not accessible for the public and no they were not up for adoption as they are apart of an ongoing investigation. :: CAMPUS :: It's very tucked away off of Hwy 76. Not as big and glamorous looking as the San Diego campus. Sadly there weren't very many guests visiting or adopting dogs, I felt like my car and another car were the only visitors. But I did see some play areas for the dogs as I was driving near the facility which made me happy. I saw quite a handful of staff working or walking around the campus and they genuinely look like they do care about the animals - not just work here to just have a job. Anyone reading this... I truly encourage you to adopt a pet from a rescue. They are loving animals looking for a home.

A wonderful rescue! Although this review is a few months…read morelate, I wanted to say that because the fosters did not care about our ages, but were more concerned about the surroundings for their dogs, we became the proud "parents" of a foster named Ashton. He is a wonderful pup who attracts attention where ever we go because of his sweet demeanor and beautiful coat. Previously, we had filled out 14 applications, but no one contacted us because of our ages. SPOT believed in "never too old to love a rescue, "and here we are with a happy ending for both us and Ashton!

I submitted an application for a puppy and they didn't end up getting back to me until I called and…read moreleft a message to ask how long processing the application could take, they got back to me quickly but only to tell me that the dog had been adopted already. Shes still up on all of the websites and it's very misleading. Then the lady that called me to review my application was very condescending. I am 18 but I've been taking care of dogs my whole life from Shitzus to pitbulls to cattle dogs and i currently have a border collie. we make sure that he is very busy so he doesn't get bored and get destructive but the lady that was talking to me was treating me like I didn't know anything about my dog and his breed even though I was very thorough about how my dogs schedule is. She then told me that because my husband is in the military and that because we're still young we should be fine with the one dog. I come from a military family already, I've done moves with multiple dogs and my siblings and yes it can be hard but I've experienced it before and I tried to explain that but she kept persisting. After that she was talking about how the puppy I was inquiring about was so small and she was worried about my dog injuring it, my dog is the sweetest and he's very polite to other dogs he meets considering his energetic breed (we make sure he is not overly energetic by exercising him and keeping his brain occupied with the frozen Kong treats and deer antlers because he is a big chewer). I am not happy with the service I received and in the future I hope that the lady helped me can fix her attitude when talking to potential customers. I will be looking at other shelters and rescues that will hopefully have better representatives of the business.

Such a wonderful experience! Very well organized and so much love towards finding these pups the…read morebest home. Highly recommend and my husband and I look forward to rescuing another one when the time is right

We loved EVERYTHING about this rescue! I put in an application that I was interested in their dog…read moreLola, they gave me a call a couple of days later to talk over the phone, then we met the rescue organization at a park near our home and we fell in love with Lola and took her home that day! They answered all of our questions and more! We have had no issues with the dog whatsoever. The organization was completely honest and very kind! So happy with our new dog and she is so wonderful!! Definitely adopt from this rescue!!

On Instagram you suggested that one of the dogs was going to be put down and to please make a…read moredonation to try and save the rest of them. We have rescued and fostered 25 dogs and 32 cats. I'm living on social security and don't receive any funds to take care of those animals and I am offended that you would suggest one of the dogs is going to be put down so donate to save lives of the others instead of focusing all the great things that you do which is reflected in the reviews of people who have worked with you. Very disappointed.

I adopted my new girl Shelby from Wagging Dog rescue a little over three weeks ago at a pet…read moreadoption event in Encinitas. It appears that they have dedicated foster parents who help transition these pups from shelter life to permanent placement in their forever homes. They were very honest with us about the dog we were adopting struggles with timidness and fear. They sent someone to do a home visit and we had to do an initial foster to adopt agreement for 2 weeks. If all worked out fine for both Shelby and our family then we were cleared to adopt. Which we did last Thursday. Shelby has had all her initial shots, was spayed and treated for fleas when we adopted her. All we needed to do was provide the love. Done. I would highly recommend Wagging Dog Rescue to anyone who is considering adopting a new member of their family.