Hotel For Dogs & Cats

Mia Gobble

2024-03

tl;dr Good intentions, awful execution, high price. It seems like the people running it have control issues. Go to Escambia Animal Shelter instead!I came here to adopt a cat since I wanted my other one to have a friend. When I went in I had a good first impression; rather than animals being crammed into many cages, they had big cages in rooms they could roam in. It felt intentional and as if they did care a bit.There was this one cat I fell in love with and filled out an application for. While the application was "under review" I visited the cat every day for about 30-60 minutes per day, which was about a week.I then got a call back one day, and seeing the caller I got excited, because it meant I got the cat! I had no reason to believe I would get denied because I'm not a smoker, I do my research, and put in a lot of love and effort.I then was told I got denied. Apparently (and they did not disclose this to me prior to calling), a family that walked in had kids and they told me that because the cat "does well with kids" they would give the cat to them instead. This actually broke my heart because I really did bond with the cat and spent a lot of time with him. I told them okay, hung up, and cried for a couple of hours. It really hurt.But then it took a twist. I got a call the next day, where they said "I was so nice on the phone" and that "they reconsidered", and asked if I wanted to adopt the cat still.Of course I said yes! But one of two things happened, they either were testing me (which is not cool), or they changed up on the family and broke their hearts instead (also not cool). It overall felt really weird and came off as if they cared more about the person rather than the animal.The adoption fee was $100, which is an insanely steep price. Regardless, I paid it, and now I have a sweet buddy. It's a shame the process to get him was so awful.I'm not hateful but I am frustrated and disappointed. I won't be coming back here.Pros:- Humane, no kill shelter- Easy to visit animals at any time- Open on weekends- Good intentionsCons:- They don't disclose other people can apply for the same animal- They are more likely to give an animal to a person they like, not a person who is fit- Adoption fee is steep- Review process takes ages compared to Escambia County Shelter- They might "test" you, which is awful for mental health- Ran by people with control problems with lots of weird practices- Poor communication

Janis Ste Croix

2023-08

We adopted the love of our lives here. Wish we could give all of these babies a forever home, Hope if you have room in your home and heart for a new family member, you will check out the hotel for cats and dogs. If you can't adopt, consider donating. We did both.

lance bowersock

2023-10

My wife and I were looking to rescue a dog from here and told him we had two pit bulls (who have always gotten along great with our smaller dog for many years that passed away last year due to health reasons). Then we filled out an application for one of the dogs there. We were then told that they were concerned that the dog wouldn’t get along with big dogs, after we filled out the application. This was pretty much the same answer for all of other dogs they had for adoption there also. Worked out for the best though. We were able to adopt a dog (20 pounds) from another rescue and she’s already best buds with our other big babies.

Emma Cooper

2024-04

Do not buy an animal from here. I found a cat that I absolutely loved had a connection applied. Just to be told no bc of a bunny that had cancer they told me I am being denied bc I put a bunny down THAT HAD CANCER for financial reason not bc she was sick. Then told me bc I have never had a cat I am being denied. So bc I’ve never had a cat I can’t get one? I am 19 years old I know how to take care of an animal I had my bunny for 4 almost 5 years she got sick very quick and I would not spend thousands of dollars for an animal to be miserable the vet told me they recommended me to put my bunny down bc she would’ve died either way. This place is a disappointment and have serious control issues my heart is shattered and will NEVER do business here this is the worst place to get an animal. The price of adoption are insane I can go anywhere else to get an animal but I didn’t bc I fell in love with that cat. I absolutely disgusted that I was denied for a bunny that had cancer and I had to put down. And bc I’ve never had a cat Never doing business here. Def have favorites of who they want people to adopt from them. Disgusting lol when I called Davis animal hospital they said that they never said any of that and yall twist words I’m not the only customer that has happened too

MaKayla Wolski

2024-04

The lady that answered the phone was very rude and disrespectful.. She was nasty, and said that people don't take responsibility for their pets because we are in a situation where we cannot take them with us. Would rank no stars but it won't allow that. This place is horrible and they do not care about what you are going through. They act like they do it ALL. When in reality they do the bare minimum.

Dawna Brown-Homes By Dawna

2023-08

Our old girl went over the rainbow bridge, and Hachi showed up on my feed. Asked if he was available, and he was. Went, with our younger dog, for a meet and greet. And he vame home with us! Now named Wookie!! 2nd time adopting from Hotel for Cats and Dogs. Appreciate all they do!

Amanda Mikulin

2023-05

I really loved the energy of the hotel when I went in person. The staff that were there were extremely nice and accepting and accommodating! This is no way a review about the helpful staff and volunteers they have working there. As far as the owner/manager named Kimberly wasn’t very helpful. She was short with me after I returned her phone call and left me on hold on the phone for 58 minutes. I’m a patient person but when I called back she wasn’t sincere or apologetic about how long she kept me waiting and I think she forgot about me while I was waiting on the phone. So yes when I called back I was a little annoyed because she asked for my information again and I said maybe if she hadn’t had me waiting I wouldn’t have had an annoyed reaction. I understand adoption is a complicated process even for animals going into caring homes but she didn’t need to say I was being rude there’s ways around this and better solutions. I doubt I will be selected for the puppy I put an adoption in for but I hope all of those lovely pups find their forever homes and I’ll have better luck finding a forever home for a dog/puppy at an animal shelter who has twice the amount of animals who need homes.

Darlene R

2021-05

Friendly staff but thrilled to have adopted two of the most beautiful & special kittens! So grateful💖There getting so big. They are so crazy sometimes but i love them and I love when they want to snuggle, they are precious. They have been wonderful medicine and therapy for me, I'm very thankful to have them💝

Steve Miller

2023-10

I tried to adopt a dog and picked up an application late Monday after work. They showed me the dog and gave me the application to bring back the next day. I could not come by the next day due to work so I left a message Tuesday afternoon since they closed early. I called today as they are closed Wednesday. They told me that he was adopted already. So I asked why when I left you a message on Tuesday. She told me that she didn’t read my message until today. I have given so much in donations to this organization and made my employer aware to get involved which they have been generous as well. As of today they will not get any support from me. Horrible communication and no sympathy.

B Howe

2023-10

Met a volunteer, vet tech, and the front desk manager. All care about these precious lives and are so careful to screen for a compatible match.It's clean, and during the week, at least, the animals get lots of love and attention. I was not there on a weekend, but I believe the office is closed. Animals are still cared for, of course!

Jim Burns

2020-05

They were absolutely wonderful ❤️. We stopped by just to see if they had any small dogs that we might like to adopt. We had been there less than two minutes when a lady walked in behind us with a Shitzu that she was bringing in to drop off for adoption. My wife immediately fell in love with this dog. The drop off paperwork had not even been filled out yet and while the lady was filling out the drop off paperwork the staff gave us the adoption paperwork to fill out. We spent about four hours there, getting to know "Maggie" while the staff expedited the adoption paperwork and got our new dog into the veterinarian's office the next day so we could pick her up the next afternoon and take her home. We are thrilled with our new dog, Maggie, and are so impressed with the care that Hotel for Dog's and Cat's provides for the pets they care for as they wait adoption. Excellent and caring staff and they are an excellent asset to the community. They deserve the support of our community and we give their hotel a well deserved five star rating...

Tim Wentworth

2023-06

I encourage everyone to read the one and two star reviews for this business. All of their experiences are accurate. We went yesterday to see about getting a puppy and we were denied adoption. We have a fantastic relationship with our vet and we had two dogs that were 14 and 12 years old when we lost them due to heart problems. I wish I had read the reviews first, but reading them after the experience actually confirmed their stories. The staff is generally rude and not helpful in any way. They tried to talk everyone that was there out of adopting the animals that they were looking at on the visit. There are plenty of amazing other agencies to get a pet from and I recommend you try someplace else.

Ryan Dice

2023-05

Me and my wife stopped by a few days ago. When we walk in the older lady at the desk seemed a bit scattered but that's fine. She greeted us nicely and things started well. We saw a few dogs and cats up front but most are in the back.We asked to see the dogs as we have been wanting to adopt a dog for a while now.The other lady there was a younger woman and she had quite a different attitude from the first lady.She asked a lot of questions which is fine but they were very weird sometimes considering I've adopted from shelters before and those aren't things they really ask.We answered all her questions and after everyone she would basically insinuate that none of these dogs were right for us.We felt very uncomfortable and unwanted there by her especially. She kept making it seem like none of these dogs would work in OUR home based of almost no information about our home and life.Then both her and the older lady would come by as we were petting one of the dogs in the play area with the kennels and basically kept saying why these weren't good dogs because of such and such. I wont go into detail but it was wrong. Don't down the dogs you are trying to get adopted.In my opinion it seems as if the owner opened the shelter with no REAL want to have dogs and cats adopted but to instead just have all these dogs and cats to themselves almost.It was a horrible experience by the end of it.Please 🙏 go elsewhere. Please.There are babies at other shelters where they won't degrade the animals and the people trying to adopt. At normal shelters they put the animals first and the adopters.So save yourself gas and time. The reviews are true. Go elsewhere!

Amber Lynn

2023-05

I try not to leave bad reviews on small businesses and especially shelters, but this place needs a change. The care staff were extremely helpful and friendly, great energy! The issue we had is that the adoption process is in no way ideal, or fair. We came first to the door to meet our potential new baby. Our application was ideal and the living situation was perfect for the dog we wanted. I was told I’d receive a call the following business day after they did a vet record check, (it was a Saturday) and they never did. I ended up calling and leaving a VM asking if they have checked the records yet or if I needed to bring them in, with no call back. I saw on Facebook they adopted the dog we so badly wanted, the very next day. My vet wasn’t open yet so I know they didn’t even bother to call and verify records as they said they would. The entire adoption application process is faulty, as they clearly don’t even take them into consideration, instead they go off whoever comes in that they like personally in the moment. We are so sad we won’t be bringing home the puppy we felt a connection with, but I will be looking elsewhere to adopt. Never here again.

Gretchen Henderson

2023-05

Do not suggest at all, they tell some people one thing then tell others totally different. We were told the dog we were looking at couldn't be a done deal on the day we were there only to see a couple that came at the same time we did to see the same dog left with him that day! Seems it doesn't matter what they say or if the animal connects with you, if they like someone else better that's who is getting "approved" regardless! That's no way to run a business especially one like this!!

B. Carter Robinson

2022-05

Went there eight years ago and got my baby Penny. She is still happy, healthy, and silly! Thank you!

Michelle Lee

2023-05

Came here in search of another furry friend for the cat I already have. I spend majority of my time at home but when I do go to work I know she just wants someone to play with. Came to this establishment just originally looking and fell in love with a sweet angel kitten. She said they wouldn’t be ready for about another month which I completely understand. Front desk lady, kinda short and stocky, didn’t catch her name, im assuming is the owner, started off with what seemed like an attitude. Tried to ignore it because she was on the phone so maybe she was just irritated, busy or focusing, so no biggie. Start looking at all the furry friends. When she gets off the call she doesn’t even come to us. We had to ask someone else for assistance. When I ask about a certain cat in particular she looks at me and goes “Oh they won’t work for you”. Ignored the comment because at this point I had decided I wasn’t going to adopt from this establishment with an employee blatantly telling me no. Overheard a conversation she was having with another elderly lady who was explaining that her cat had passed away Monday. The owner asked if it was an outdoor cat, to which the lady replied yes. The owner proceeded to say “Well that’s why then” in a sassy attitude. Which I can understand outside cats are more susceptible to having bad things happen, but to put the blame on the owner and to say it in such a rude way. Just appalling. Have you never heard of barn cats? They HATE being only inside and like to roam and come back home later. It was very ignorant of this woman. I hope the sweet babies are being taken care of and treated better than she treated us. I understand they want a sweet, loving and lasting home for these babies but it really just seems like she doesn’t want these animals to be adopted with her rude remarks, snappy attitude, and interrogative questions.

Amanda Silvia

2023-05

This rescue cares so much and all the animals are doing well because of their love. They can tell quickly if someone is matching well and their knowledge base is very thorough and will happily answer any questions you have. I've adopted from here as well as many friends and I've also donated items to them as well. They LOVE donations and its all volunteer based, so you feel the love when you walk through.

Maddy Adams

2023-05

My friend and I went in looking for a cat and had such a bad experience. I’m not normally one to leave reviews but I feel like people should be aware before going here. The animals were kept in good condition, other than it being a bit cramped there was no problem in that department. The problem was with the very rude older blonde employee. My friend and I are in our early twenties and we both already have very well loved and taken care of cats at home. Obviously we wouldn’t be able to adopt any other cats that aren’t friendly towards other animals. However, the employee proceeded to question our living situation (my friend lives alone, I have roommates) and kept saying that “roommate situations” aren’t good for cats to live in which wouldn’t have really bothered me but she kept sneering about it. She kept telling us that our living situation were incompatible with any of the animals. Basically it seemed like she was doing everything in her power to not get any cats adopted.

Yasaman Bineshtarigh

2022-05

Sweet animals here! But horrible staff. The owner was extremely rude, I felt like I was being interrogated the whole time. I hope she doesn’t treat animals the way she treats humans. We were trying to adopt a kitten for a adult family member that has always wanted one but she made it impossible. There are 3 working adults living in our home so that kitten would’ve been cared for . She proceeded to ask who would be paying for the kitten when we explained it will be a family cat and taken care of by everyone. She wanted to know our income, job, and to see our home. I understand they want safe homes for their animals but there is no reason to be rude and extremely intrusive of personal details. Even after explaining that We worked and could afford a kitten, she continued to question our ability to. She asked us if we had a backyard with a fence and when we said yes. She started being hostile about the kitten never being outside. We never said it would be an outdoor cat, she asked a question about outdoor fencing so we answered it. And even when she followed up with a phone call a few days later, she kept saying “ I’m confused how you’re going to be responsible enough to take care of the kitten”. Bottom line, I hope the animals are taken care of and treated well. But I will not be adopting from this rude and unprofessional establishment/owner. Adopt from the escambia animal shelter instead.

Cindy Bright

2023-05

I really want to adopt a dog but after reading these reviews I don’t think this is the place to go. Bummer… my husband and I would be perfect dog parents. Husband is retired and home all day we have .5 acre fenced yard with a pool. We’ve had many dogs in our lifetime. Guess I will look else where. Sad that the owner/manager is so rude. Sounds to me like she is in the wrong business. I hope the animals are taken care of properly.

Steve Cowley

2021-05

I donated lot of older towels to them and they were so appreciative. They also have good rates and take very good job of the animals.

Laura Anderson

2023-09

I have a friend that brought home 2 cats from this place. It's just amazing that they do this for our community. God bless them and keep them safe forever and ever amen!

Trish O'Hara - Collins

2023-05

Hotel for Dogs & Cats in Pensacola FL is a very homey feeling animal Rescue. The staff is amazing & the place is cozy and comfortable for animals. They have wonderful animals there just waiting for new loving homes. This is by far the absolutely best place to go to find your future forever Dog or cat companion.I highly recommend this place. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Francesca

2020-05

I adopted my dog here and the service is wonderful. Everyone is kind and they didn't pressure me with what dog to get😁🐩 I recommend this no kill shelter.

Cindy Cherry

2023-05

They are not friendly. After me having to put my 17 year old cat down, they made me feel as though I couldn't raise a kitten. I had to be doing something right. I would not recommend this rescue for any animal.

Alexis Halley

2022-05

Very unprofessional and judgemental staff. Don’t ever bring an animal you found here. They question you like you had something to do with it. We filled out papers, and at 9pm I get a text about more questions. I’m not sure how much they really want to know. Felt like an interrogation. Just help the animal get adopted instead of harassing the people who saved the animals life. After telling the owner her staff was being rude, I still not get one single apology. I will not recommend this place to anybody, and if I ever find another animal I will rehome them myself! Very bad first impression.

Victor Schilling

2022-05

We were looking for a young, lovable kitten and found her and many other kitten choices at Hotel for Dogs and Cats. Pam and her crew and helpers are very helpful and concerned about all their resident animals. They are very dedicated in finding homes for their house full of beautiful dogs and cats. It was wonderful to meet Pam and staff and we want to donate and help support their compassionate work. Anyone looking for a companion pet should look here first and meet Pam.

Ron Chamberlain

2023-05

I stopped by HFC&D in 2016 on my lunch break. I saw my beautiful tortie siamese & paid the adoption fee. I instructed my husband & son to pick her up. The "volunteers" did not like my husband & tried to deny our adoption. I spoke to them on the phone & argued that there was no reason to deny us the cat. We adopted her but those jerks called our landlord. Thanks, we were charged another pet deposit in addition to what we paid when we moved in with our other cat. Last year we lost our beloved cat to lung cancer. I called this shelter to find another cat to adopt. Kimberly kept telling us over & over that the cat we wanted to adopt was not ready. We called over & over. The cat we picked was adopted out & featured on their Facebook page. The "volunteers" at this animal shelter are evil, lying sociopaths. They don't care about animals or finding loving homes for pets. I will bet they fight over who gets to euthanize the pets left there from all of the potential adopting families that were lied to & turned down. Shame on you!

Hope Toben

2019-05

Adopted my best friend here. Thank you Hotel for Dogs and Cats for bringing Doris into my life. I love her!