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.

I volunteer at LYFF and foster and have adopted. I'm so impressed every day at the knowledge and…read morecaring that's is shown and shared with volunteers and adoptees and guests that come to cuddle hour. You can absolutely tell that the cat or kitten you adopt from LYFF has been physically well cared for but even more been LOVED on by cat crazy volunteers . We are all there for the cats and it shows.

I had a very disappointing experience with LYFF. I submitted an adoption application because I was…read moreinterested in providing a loving home to one of their cats, and I was ultimately told that my application was not approved. When I reached out for clarification, I received a response stating that the decision was not specific to a particular cat and that I would not be approved for any future adoptions through the organization. What was most frustrating was the complete lack of explanation or transparency. I completely understand that rescues have to be careful about where their animals are placed, and I respect the volunteers who dedicate their time to helping cats. However, that does not excuse treating applicants as though they are not entitled to basic communication or respect. After being denied, I was given no explanation whatsoever beyond a generic message saying the decision was final. When I expressed my confusion and disappointment, the response essentially amounted to "we don't have to tell you why," followed by a lengthy explanation about how carefully they review applications. That may be their policy, but hiding behind a policy does not make the experience feel any less frustrating or impersonal. If you are going to ask applicants to provide extensive information about their home, lifestyle, references, and ability to care for an animal, I think it is reasonable for applicants to expect some level of transparency in return--especially when they are genuinely trying to provide a loving home. I would have appreciated a respectful conversation or even a basic explanation of what concern led to the decision. Instead, I was left feeling judged without being given an opportunity to understand or address whatever concern they had. I hope they reconsider how they communicate with potential adopters. The process made me feel as though I was being discriminated against based on factors unrelated to my ability to provide a safe, loving, and stable home. The animals deserve excellent homes, and the people applying deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect, too.

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.

Adopted our pup at the Oceanside location! Amazing and Friendly service, excellent recommendations…read moreand everyone was so kind. We adopted a 4 month old terrier in January 2026 who is thriving!

Terrible Experience! I assumed care of a almost 3 yr old chihuahua that had been neglected,…read moremalnourished and un trained. He bite me- of course he has been abused and here I was another person he didn't know, He was humping my dog (yes he is neutered) and I tried to stop this. The bite has healed. I reached out to them because I have 2 older dogs and this little guy was not right for our home, he is young with lots of energy. SD chihuahua rescue would take him because of the bite. After talking with a counselor their recommendation was "Humane Euthanasia" OMG!!! I was appalled!! they did not even meet this dog, the recommendation came from my phone call with them! what kind of organization is this! I will no longer provide any finical or word of mouth support to SD Humane

They post dogs who have already been claimed. Other dogs I've requested, they just haven't…read moreresponded. This has happened multiple times. Perhaps check other local rescues.

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!

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!!