New Haven Animal Shelter

Tari Sikpi

2022-05

Had a lovely experience adopting a silky terrier from the shelter in November 2021. The blonde woman at the front desk who was mentioned in other reviews was hospitable and kind. She called me regularly to update me on whether or not there were any small dogs available for me that would fit my apartment weight limits. She really did her due diligence helping me to obtain a pet companion. I had an excellent experience with the staff at the shelter and I hope to work with them again in the near future!

tony bolton (Philly-810)

2024-02

Wow this animal shelter is the first that gave me food for my dogs 🐶 and I didn't have to pay them for the dog food. God Bless them at that Animal shelter 😎😎😎

Bill Atwood

2023-11

I see a lot of negative reviews by a lot of people that don't really understand the difficulty of running an animal shelter. Every animal shelter in America is underfunded and everyone who works at one is under-paid. As my grandmother used to say, "don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes". If you are upset because they wouldn't give you a pet the second you decided you wanted one, or because they aren't open 14 hours a day like a Dunkin's, then volunteer for 6 six months to clean cages or walk dogs. The people who work there care very much for the animals in their care.

mireille ortega

2023-11

I’ve tried going to the shelter multiple times the doors are always locked. I’m not sure why they have “public hours” if they aren’t even open to the public. How are we supposed to adopt pets when we can even get in to see them? I have also tried calling they never answer! Super unfriendly staff. Very disappointed.

mike prim

2024-02

Found are pretty girl here and she luvs er new home and we can't thank Amanda and everyone we wer so happy plz ppl go see if u can help these great ppl u would be surprised to see how much these ppl do wth so little 💗 😊 PLZ HELP OUT

Yung Deep

2023-08

Absolute irresponsible, disgusting human beings work at this facility, answering the phones. The lady straight out told me because I was trying to do the right thing and help a kid who rescued a dog off the road. Find the dog a new home she told me that the kid himself would have to call the shelter. I repeated multiple times that the kid had no way to contact and would probably not even attempt to contact because he’s a child. The lady said that’s the way it Hass to be and hung up on me. I wonder if these people even care about animals

amanda miller

2023-05

I contacted this shelter to adopt a dog and they told me I had to wait until one of my dogs was spayed. I rushed to get her an appointment out of state just so I could adopt this dog after I was told my application looked so good. I called the day I set up her new appointment for the next week and the next day I was told Phil was adopted. Tammy tried to get me interested in other dogs at the shelter but Phil was special to me which was made very clear to them multiple times. My “second choice” was Diesel which I was just told “No” to without explanation which would have been nice. There are reviews saying they care about the dogs and they want the right home for them but to me I feel like they weren’t looking in his best interest.Though Instead of telling me he had someone was adopting Phil they told me he was still available, from Friday to Wednesday Phil was adopted but he has been with the shelter since March or April. Tammy was incredibly misleading and unprofessional in this way. Very disappointed to hear this after I worked so hard and told multiple people there that I was a serious inquiry. Tammy in particular was the person I spoke with on multiple occasions and she told me “if it’s meant to be” as if to say “oh well” when she told me the ONLY reason I was being denied was for my dog being intact when Phil has been neutered for years. I was told I could reapply then. I understand their policy and I told them I was getting my dog spayed asap. Phil has been a dog that spend doggy day care at my job and I was excited to hopefully bring him back to his friends (There are multiple pictures of him with his friends that I see almost daily) which was clearly stated in my application. I wish that Tammy had been more clear that someone else was looking at Phil instead of getting my hopes up. I’m happy he has a wonderful home but it’s unprofessional to get peoples hopes up.

G S

2023-05

The shelter did not look well cared for on my visit in late 22. Employees we engaged with gave the impression of not being interested in assisting us with adoption. We were advised an application needed to be filled before anything could be done including seeing or speaking about animals available to adopt.Never heard back from them.

Emily Robles

2023-10

They don’t pick up phones, or open the door. They didn’t let me or the others waiting outside go inside at all. The man says to go online and get approved then an interview will be set up. How do they expect the animals to find homes when we arent even allowed inside?

Elida Acevedo

2023-05

We visited this place to adopt a dog.I feel this place just don’t care about their animals finding a home. We told them we wanted to fill an application to adopt a small or medium size dog but the person there just insisted to take the application home and bring it back. But we told him we will just fill the aplicación there so that the process could be faster. We have a fence yard, we have a good job and we know having a dog is expensive. But the guy said that because we have an 8 year old son, our options were limited. Like I said at the beginning we wanted a small dog or medium size. They said they will contact us and is being almost 3 months and no call.

Michael Rossi

2023-08

Called numerous times enquiring about adopting a dog never returned calls. Directs you to web page that is just public info. Poorly run cites have poorly run dog pounds, go figure.

Kenyatta Wilson

2023-05

Lost my dog awhile back in they found him. I'm a truck driver so I'm on the road a lot but my family told me that he had escape the yard so for 2 day I'm going crazy looking for him just to see him on TV with them. I go down there to get him and to my surprise they wouldn't give him back unless I had payed $647. And that was due to a rehoming fee because other people wanted him. He is chipped and vacs. So why didn't you call knowing all this information I asked. Blondie at the front counter told me to leave the premises before I get arrested. Had to get my wife to go an get him the next day in which the price climbed to almost 800. this place is the worst and needs to be shut down.

Sarah Connor

2022-05

So many mixed reviews here, and I can understand why most people feel the way they do in either direction. Here’s my perspective:The staff here genuinely care about the animals. The animals are their priority, not “customer service,” so if you feel slighted or ignored, know that it’s really not their job to make you happy. It IS a part of their jobs to find good, safe homes for the animals in their care, and ensure they’re never mistreated or hungry or homeless again. This is no small task, and their work is largely thankless.As for adoption fees, they’re remarkably low. I have rescued my pets through a couple of organizations, always paying hundreds of dollars more than the New Haven Animal Shelter charges.If you’re going in there to find a pet to adopt, remember that the priority is to find each dog and cat the right home. If they decide you can’t provide what they’re looking for, I know that’s disappointing, I’ve been through it myself! But keep looking for the right pet, rather than lashing out, even if that means looking elsewhere.

Haley Bussey

2023-05

This is so bad, I wanted to give a zero but I can’t, so I’ll give you a 1. My friend had a bad experience with them. Gave her false hope when she was serious about adopting a dog. You wouldn’t give a foster kid false hope about going to a family they wanted would you? A family that went out of their way only to give them to another family they didn’t want. Bad service!! All these 1 stars make sense. Poor Phil.

Edmund Rogers

2020-05

We "rescued" our first dog from here. We absolutely loved her!!! She was the most amazing friend and family member and we love(d) her beyond words. But sadly we lost her about a year ago. So when we were "ready" our first stop was the NH Animal Shelter.All of the officers are very friendly and a pleasure to talk with. They truly care for the dogs & cats. I will say be very aware that the animal you rescue might not be the age you think. We were told a dog we wanted to rescue was 2 or 3 years old. Then it went to 5 and ultimately when we went to have her "spayed" the Vet said he wouldn't do it because she was most likely 9 years old and might not survive the anesthesia. Although we already paid the fee and were excited to welcome her to our family, we just couldn't handle another "heartbreak" so soon. We ended up just donating the $80 to the shelter but were left with a "bad taste" because we believe they knew how old she was and weren't forthcoming.After many months of rescue events and adoption "interviews" we finally found our "Luna". She is not a rescue or adoption but she is amazing just the same and we love her! Always rescue or adopt when possible!!!

Janelle Duff

2020-05

Adopted our little Boston Terrier Bitty April 2018...still one of the best decisions we Ever made...we had a great experience. If the staff is tough that is commendable because they truly find the right fit for the animal to not go through another nightmare and end up back in a shelter. Thank you again and sorry this took me awhile to put a review.

Ludmila Brito

2020-05

I just adopted a very lovely cat there. Not only the shelter had found him, but he had a broken jaw from being hit by a car. The shelter paid all of the costs for the surgery and recovery and neutered him.The adoption process was detailed but without unnecessary complications. The price was super fair and they even gave us a little bag full of new cat toys for him!The adult volunteers were lovely and seemed to care and love every single one of the cats as well as the front desk staff.

Jill Minervini

2018-05

The staff is very friendly and helpful Especially Nicole. She is the best animal control officer they have. She is caring and extremely knowledgeable. She takes to time to really walk you through the adoption process. She is super patient and will answer any and all questions you have.

Victoria AndBella

2022-05

Horrible blonde woman at the front desk had such a terrible attitude. I figured someone helping animals would be much nicer. If only her horrible attitude wasn’t there such poor dogs would be adopted, but she scares her customers away. I do not recommend coming here unless she is not working. In fact she should be fired the way her customer service is. AWFUL!

beth m

2021-05

What an absolutely horrible experience I had today. I called the animal shelter because of a stray that is living under my porch . Understandably they don't take in stray cats but it wasn't the fact that they don't do that it was the fact of the way I was spoken to and was told since you fed her she's your problem now you bring her to the vet and have her checked out she said she's now in your custody. I explained to the woman that I can't take in another cat I have my own cat that she was starving and I fed her until we can find somebody to come pick her up and she reiterated that she was now my problem that I need to have her checked out that they don't take stray cats. That's a wonderful way to treat your community, to tell them if you feed a stray cat you then have to take care of them and take them to the vet.

G R

2023-05

You can never reach them on any given day, EVER for the 4 hours of the day that they’re open. Animals would be adopted way quicker if they were more communicative especially when they already have scarce hours

Gabriela Castillo

2023-09

This is not a place of shelter for animals at all I took three kittens that I found lost for a week, it was evident that they were homeless and they told me that they could not do anything and that what I should do is return them to the street.

shel fro

2018-05

We went there today to look at some of the cats. The people at the front desk seemed friendly enough...but we went to meet the cats and really liked one of them. We asked if we could meet her and they said I don't know...she's a little testy. They all are. Every cat came to the front of the cage for attention and they all let me pet them and wanted to come out for attention. They don't really want to help you adopt a cat here. I am a certified Vet Tech and a cat could not find a better home where it would be more loved or cared for. Sad that some of these cats have been stuck there for months and they don't even let you meet them when asked. They were sitting at the front desk with their feet up...too lazy to get up and help us give one of these special cats a home. Will not go here again.

Benjamin Gagne

2021-05

These people truly love and care for the animals in their community. I have had the privilege of witnessing countless dogs get rescued by this shelter. They harbor neglected and abandoned dogs then find loving homes for them.This shelter needs funding!!!If you can not adopt or volunteer, yet feel the need to help, then please donate. These guys help soooo many animals in need!

Jean Gabriel

2017-05

On my way walking in I saw a police officer that I think was adopting a dog. Mostly pit bills, but I visited each of them and most gave me likes and kisses in their cages. After, I donated blankets and food. The staff, in my opinion, really appreciated what I donated. EVERYONE made it a point to say thank you. With that said, I do feel they truly love the animals there. I had read prior to my donation ot great things about the shelter, I am happy I looked beyond and went in to visit.

William B. Meyer (sixone)

2019-05

I don't care for the supervisors style. Otherwise the shelter looks and smells better than I've ever seen it. Good work. I probably can't adopt from there because I'll probably "slip-up" during the interrogation, uhh, I mean when you discuss which dog you want....

Alvina Molocko

2020-05

This place is amazing. The staff there r great and helpful. I just adopted a dog there today. I can't believe how clean the shelter is and it doesn't smell at all. I cant say enough about how this amazing place is.

Dymin Ellis

2019-05

The worker at the front desk was pretty rude to me yesterday when I asked for a cat adoption form. She told me she didn't think I would be approved for adoption, then continued to explain that it didn't look like I could afford a cat. To discourage someone from giving a cat a good, loving home, in an environment that is supposed to encourage that? I was so upset! I talked to her about it and let her know that she didn't know me, and that what she said was dismissive of my long, affectionate history with felines. I made her realize that she didn't know me, and to assume something like that -- "you don't look like you can afford a cat" -- was just abrasive and microaggressive as hell.Also, it's kind of awkward that there's an open room for everyone to bond with and look at the cats available. On more than one occasion, me and another potential adopter were ogling the same cat... it feels lowkey competitive. Also, they don't make it clear what happens if two people are interested in one cat? What if they both get approved? What if they put in their applications at the same time? I can imagine getting attached to a cat or the idea of taking them home, and then someone else comes and yolks them up! It's a bit disheartening...On another note, I've been going to this shelter to look at dogs and cats (just for therapeutic fun until I recently decided to adopt), and everytime I'm there, I feel bad for the cats that spend most their time behind bars. Unless they're a cute kitten (of which get adopted FAST), they spend hours, days, weeks, even MONTHS in cages without getting attention from visitors. And the workers hardly encourage playtime with cats.

Marcus Occhialini

2021-05

Awful application process! I tried to apply to adopt a cat and the head of here wrote to me in an email that he is denying my application all because I don't have a job. That is discrimination against people with disabilities and in poverty! I have disability income to support myself and my expenses so that is lame to say that I cannot adopt. I will take my business elsewhere. I highly recommend to the disabled to stay away from here for this very reason. The city of New Haven needs to hear this.

robert streeter

2023-07

I'm adopting a pitbull from the shelter. If you love pitties this is the place. They have at least 6 to choose from!