Humboldt County Animal Shelter

Kato Zion Ballesteros Lora

2024-02

My fiancé and I went in to see potential animals for our home since our cat is getting older, there was a full staff all behind the desk, it was eerily quiet no one greeted us and it took several minutes before making eye contact to the point I just asked where the cat section is at.One woman was extremely cold and rude and claimed we had to fill out an application before we even see any of the animals.I am all for and actually encourage shelters to do an application and a thorough background check for animals before finalizing adoption but it does not hurt anybody in this situation to see the animals before considering an application, there is no need to fill one out before seeing them.They said we can look at the wall with the potential animals, we were shocked how little pictures there were of the animals considering it’s huge size of the facility.It’s hard and deters people from just looking at a picture of an animal. The main reason people adopt is when they build that in person bond that they can’t feel through a pictured wall.There was no enthusiasm with the staff and they didn’t even look up to see us leave.We found their behavior odd so we did some online digging on their website and it clearly states that you can fill out an application AFTER seeing the animals. We also noticed on their website there were way more animals than what was on the wall.I’m not sure if they do this with others, but we can’t rule out that it could be them being discriminatory since we’re a queer interracial couple.Considering so many animals are in humboldt and so little shelters cannot take them all in it’s sad knowing that so many animals can find their forever home if people are able to see them in person and then they can fill out an application after.It was also disturbing to find out they’re a kill shelter and kill perfectly healthy animals if they fail a temperament test (which most will under a lot of stress and aren’t like that once they’re in a home) and minor health issues like FIV cats (have owned FIV cats all my life they’re completely healthy just need to be indoors and be with other FIV cats if a multi pet home.)Their adoption fees are extremely high as well and they have privileged policies such as deterring low income from adopting like making it mandatory to build a 6ft fence for any dog over 50+ lbs.With this economy, most cannot afford a built fence or don’t have a yard or own a home. Majority of people rent houses and apartments but are still able to provide a loving and comfortable space for these animals. (We live in humboldt anything can be our backyard since there’s so many hiking trails and dog parks and beaches for dogs to get proper exercises for those who don’t own a yard.)It’s sad that most of these animals can get a home but are killed because of unnecessary policies.The only reason I still encourage people to adopt pets here is for the sake of saving a life but this is a poorly run shelter.

Margaret K

2023-12

The friendliest happiest cats literally speak for themselves. Huge gratitude to everyone who loves and cares for these angels. The staff is incredibly helpful and informative and the adoption process for a cat was easy and quick.

Raine G

2023-05

Great staff who take great care of their kittens. I adopted my black kitten, Boo, and the process was thorough yet speedy. Jenna is a sweetheart who is great at her job, and I highly recommend to anyone who also wants a sweet cat in their lives!

Madison May Molgaard

2024-04

April fools! They're closed! 🙄😂 04/01/2024

Lux Taloo

2023-08

Terrible service rude people who work here lost my dog and they made me pay 250$ to get him back it’s a money grab and the people that work here don’t care about your animal they only care about money and are have terrible attitudes. Worst shelter in humboldt county.

Katie Eisenberg

2022-05

I went in to see what was available and turn in my application. The lady that created me was very kind but the one that processed my application was rude her name was Jenny. I don't know what her problem was but she was unfeeling and stuck up. I knew I needed a doctor's note for son to have a dog in our apartment and said it was coming and that I didn't have it yet. She said "that's what I thought" in a nasty tone and with a smirk on her face. She acted as if she were up high on her petistal with her nose to the sky. I was discussed with her behavior there was no reason for that. I went in there with high spirits in hope with starting the process of adopting an animal in need of a good loving home. Now I'm going to go elsewhere because I don't want to deal with Jenny ever again. She needs to get off her high horse and have a nicer nature like the other employees I encountered.

Deanna Caris

2020-05

Wonderful and caring staff and a facility geared towards the care and training of all animals. Well worth the communities full support. They even offered to help with cherry eye surgery for recent stray rescue that was then given up to us to adopt. We're getting a new cherished member of the family and they're helping us keep her sight. May God Bless Them!!

Barbara Curtis

2023-12

Extremely rude. Chip on the shoulder. Do not come here to adopt. You will regret it. What evil and ungodly people.

Geraldine Krook

2019-05

Clean! Animals well cared for. We adopted a little dog because my doctor said it would get me up and out of the house. It did. I also lost 50 pounds. Really love her. Thanks, I had never had a small dog before, but quite literally, she was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Lily Judevine

2019-05

Got my awesome dog, Molly, here back in June. Staff was amazing...kind and helpful, and went above and beyond to help me take home my dog before a long weekend. Clean facility with great volunteers who walk and interact with the dogs. Shoutout to Jeanette, whose kindness and knowledge made the whole process a great experience.

Reba Christos

2016-05

I got an excellent dog from them. They rescued him as a stray. He was neutered, brought current on his immunizations and has been my constant companion for the past five years. I know they wish that they could do more, and with more support from the community they could. Volunteer if you have the time, donate, and help to spread the word to others about their great adoptable companions.

Sean Hare

2023-05

You couldn't have a better set of employees in this establishment I thank you for being there and to that employee that went obove and beyond just the other day night by saving my dog my baby my life thank you your very much appreciated from the bottom to the top of my heart thank you your the best ever if I can help in any way I can I will the father of Memphis I thank you.

Aaron Wase

2023-05

I highly recommend adoption from this facility! Incredible experience from start to finish. Extremely helpful caring staff that helped me find my new best friend.

Kalvin Smith-Davis

2022-05

Horrible customer service. I called and left message. They called back and I asked if I can come down and pay my bill. She looked up my account and said yes it will be $30 cause I am late. I went down there 4 hrs later and was then told it has went to collections. So I wasted my time and gas to drive down there for nothing. Well I use to donate them but now I’m not. Ha e fun getting the money now.

Aaron Wase

2021-05

I just contacted them regarding a lost rooster that has been living on our front yard for two days. The associate I spoke to was extremely arrogant and rude. I explained to her that I was concerned and was hoping they could rescue him and her response was questioning the validity of my concern because I wasn't willing to trap the animal myself and that they don't have the time to chase a rooster around the neighborhood. Absolutely no concern or regard for this animal !!!

Cee Vee

2017-05

This is one of the cleanest shelter facilities I have ever seen. The animals are well cared for, and Redwood Pals Rescue works closely with the shelter to provide regular enrichment and training for the adoptable dog population.The Animal Control officers are very professional and clearly care for the animals very much.

Adrienne Parks

2024-01

Brought home Ms. Tilly today. Great experience with wonderful staff!

Kathleen Huntress

2019-05

This shelter is a clean and happy-feeling place. The cats here seem optimistic and contented. I have adopted two cats from here and they were well adjusted and healthy. The staff is caring and professional. It is a pleasant experience to visit here.

True Thunder

2019-05

I had to be persistent and proactive as this shelter is under staffed. Once the ball got rolling I was given permission to adopt after a week of calling them everyday. I live out of the area and happened on this shelter while searching closer to home. Could not find what I was looking for local so I went with my gut instinct, I bring her home tomarrow we are so excited! I will come back in a few months and let you know about the rest, and possibly give more info about the facility after I have been there in person. It could give them more stars. I am grateful for the REDWOOD PALS RESCUE as they were very helpful with the process. But have no influence over the shelter adoptions.

Christopher Nunez

2020-05

June 5th 2019 we adopted our beautiful Peaches from hear. A Border Collie/ Pit Bull mix. One of the most Loving and smartest dog I've ever had.An if all works out Tuesday eve we will have another baby to add to our family.

Raelene Justice

2020-05

I adopted a puppy last monday. She had to get fixed. Can't wait till I can bring her home.❤ this puppy talked to me when I left. However when I left cam and when I left. She was mote impatient as if to say "Mama" and" come back"...take me home!" So I had no choice but to adopte that lil puppy into our family!❤

Iain Harley

2016-05

Helpful staff who seem to care a lot for their animal wards. Newly acquired dog had all vaccinations and came neutered. Only downside is the dog cane down with kennel cough while at the shelter, but didn't show until we got him home. But, the shelter is covering the vet costs.

Natalee A

2018-05

Very rude old lady at the front desk.I was just asking how the adoption process worked at this location. The first thing she asks me is if I am over 18 in a rude way assuming I was not and not even giving information about the adoption process. She then proceeded to ask me about if I had asked my landlord about having a pet assuming I even have a landlord. Very very offputting just wanted information on adoption and was judged immediately as if I wasn’t serious about adopting which I am. If you want the animals to be adopted into good homes maybe you should give out better information from the start and not be rude.

Paula Mushrush

2022-05

Cat fell in a bucket of usef oil in a nearby garage, near death a neighbor took him to shelter. Everyone was kind and caring. They took him to vet and cleaned him twice, released him to me and after several more washes he made a full recovery.

Katie Saaty

2019-05

Our lost dog was brought to this shelter, and since I did not find out until after they closed I skipped class the next day to pick him up as early as I possibly could, only to find when I got there that they were closed for a holiday I'd never heard of before when their website said they would be open. A kind volunteer outside tried to help me out, but the employees inside the building refused to come out and speak to me. I tried to call and leave a voicemail afterwards explaining that my dog was there and I wanted to come get him the next morning, but once I was finally directed to the voicemail box, the line beeped and hung up on me before I could even finish my message.

Kathy McWhorter

2023-09

I rescued 2 of the sweetest kittens, and they were wonderful to work with..

Retired Yet Active

2015-05

This animal control service fails to enforce required rabies vaccinations and pet licences of the county homeless population. Citizens have to live in fear of being bitten by possible rabid pit bulls while homeless dog "owners" harass people at every corner for money.Lack of equal enforcement is the norm in Humboldt County

chelsea ryan

2023-05

Thank you for bringing back the breed, Staffordshire Terrier back to their original, rightful majestic title. They deserve it 👏💓

Elizabeth Mccullough

2019-05

Even if your landlord has no breed restrictions, these people feel it's their right to impose their own breed restrictions on you. What a load of garbage.

Gail Narum

2017-05

Found the "love of my life dog" there. Adopted Sadie when she was about 2 months old and she'll be 9 years old this month, October ; )