Metro East Humane Society - Highland

Aubrey Dempsey

2023-09

Such a nice place. They have cute kittens and they even take care of dogs recovering from surgery. Volunteering is so much fun and I can garenty that the shelter is clean and the animals are healthy 😊👍

jacki ellington

2024-04

Took my dog for her shots. They have a drive thru event every month in the summer. Piper's shots were $35 and license on top of that. Better than a vet bill. Very nice people, they treat your fur babies with care.

Kawaii Galaxymews

2023-12

It’s with a very heavy heart I make this review. I’ve been thinking about making this review constantly. But haven’t out of the fear of seeming like a burden and or a Karen.But as it’s what would’ve been a year ago today my girls gotcha day. I’m doing this as a way to cope.Upon adopting her she was a Black Friday free adoption. I was told she was returned to shelters and “shelter hopped” for no good reason and that she was gentle. Dog friendly and cat friendly and tested.She was obviously a herding dog breed and resembled more of an Australian shepherd. And as such I had asked if that would be a worry to have and how to handle a dog of that breed.)They told me that breed is not important that she was an “solid super mutt” and that they do not advertise breed so they’re not adopted for just that reason and that she had “zero instincts and not to worry”.The adopted dog in question, was introduced to mine. They got along but my small dog snipped when she got too over bearing. I was told “oh that’s a great thing. That’s proving dominance and that she will show who’s boss in a fight”. As a 19 yr old first time adopter at the time. That seemed off putting. But I was very oblivious as I never done this before alone.I came overly prepared. I had questions pictures of where I lived the animals she’d be living with etc. for her application approval. But before I could ask any questions or show any proof I was literally handed her and served adoption paper’s automatically. They asked me no questions whatsoever and it was like they were trying to get her off their hands.When we arrived home the adopted dog immediately lashed out. She attacked my small dog she met and my cats almost immediately. She latched on so hard me and my guy friend could barely pull her off with both of us.I immediately frantically called unsure what to do. They answered and said she needed to destress and settle in. She could be scared. Understandable!I did my research and allowed for the 3 month settle in rule for adopted dogs. But at three months she had gotten 10x worse. She constantly attacked and latched on top other animals and wouldn’t let go. She eventually was so stressed out she’d stay in the corner of the room and spend HOURS pulling her fur out from stress. And she was long haired dog.I called repeatedly throughout the months trying to get answers solutions anything. And at one point I’m very sure that these people at the shelter blocked my number. It went to voice mail immediately after calling during business hours all day.As a fur baby momma. I knew this wasn’t going to be her perfect fit even tho it broke me. And I knew her quality of life was not best served with me. She deserved so much more.It took me months to motivate and get the courage to return her because I felt so awful. And the last straw is when she sent my cat to ER for almost killing him and nearly biting me while lunging at him in the process.I returned her next day, I had such a heavy heart and regret. I told the desk lady over and over I didn’t want to do this but I had to. She needed a better life. I constantly asked for reassurance if this was the best decision in the dogs favor. And all this lady did was scoff at me. Acted horribly annoyed with me etc.While returning her I said that she needed to go to a no dog or cat home based off my experience. Because she got very violent. I genuinely wanted the best family for this dog since it couldn’t be me. Again I got scoffed at and eyes rolled.The phone was going absolutely off the hook while I was there. She ignored it.When I finished I asked if it was ok if I gave her her collar toys and food. I was told no. I had this dog ripped away from me literally dragged away before a goodbye as she was clawing her way back to me.Customers scoffed at me, filmed me. I was shamed shunned pushed in a corner for returning herEtc while crying. It was a nightmare.Every day it’s a regret. I never seen her reposted for adoption. And to this day I believe she was put down because of me.

Lysa Graham

2023-12

I work at this facility, foster for them, and have adopted 2 fur babies from here. It is a great facility if you're looking to find a new family member or are interested volunteering to help these little guys stay happy healthy. 😊

Casey Imel

2023-05

They were amazing and so excited when we decided not only to get the kitten we came for but also the sweetest senior kitty as well.

Morgan Redding

2023-11

Adopted our dog here. The staff was very nice and the place is clean. Highly recommend adopting from here. They make it a smooth process to adopting your forever friend.❤️

Evan Kelley

2022-05

we love this place and what it does for the animals they care for. However, today we visited the highland location for the vaccine clinic for our 6 month puppy. He is a large breed dog and has always been shy of new people. My wife let the technician know of this shyness before she opened the door. The technician used swear words and talked poorly of my wife and how she takes care of our dog. We strongly suggest that they take more care in how people are treated, who they allow to interact and take care of their business and maybe some training in human relations. how to deal with a scared or shy dog, every single dog has different personalities. This place should not belittle people or dogs and should work to be more professional

Don Langendorf

2023-05

Different young lady at front desk each time we went. All but one were very helpful. They have a great group of volunteers that were very friendly and knowledgeable. Had a great experience adopting our new pet.

Lisa Martinson

2023-05

Took my dog for his yearly vaccines. I have been using Metro East Humane Society for this service for many years now. Very streamlined and can't beat the prices. Love this place and their employees, vet, techs, administrator, in short everyone who is associated with them!

VICKEY HOUSER

2023-05

Great service and prices for the community to get pets vaccinations up to date at a reasonable cost especially those of us on a fixed income is hard to afford a large vet bill in one month, it really great the humain society comes out and gives redused pet vaccinations! A great big thank you to madison county humain society!

Terra Brown (Goobergirl)

2019-05

I wanted to give this place a higher rating, but I couldn't... based on my recent experience. Before I go any further, I WILL say that I appreciate what they are doing. They are a NO KILL shelter and they care for a lot of animals. They don't receive any type of government funding and rely on donations from the community for support. The people who work there are unpaid volunteers. Due to this, and the exemplary care they provide, I have the utmost respect for them.Having said that... I recently came to the shelter with a mother cat and her baby that weren't mine. They had been living under my porch for a while and unfortunately, I couldn't take them in. When I came to the shelter, I was approached by a woman in the parking lot. She asked me why I was there and when I told her, she said that the shelter was completely overrun with cats and they couldn't possibly take them in. She suggested that I take them to a place in Edwardsville that was NOT a no kill shelter to which I replied that I really couldn't do that.I understand that if you don't have the room, you don't have the room. And I've witnessed the effects of failing to spay or neuter your pets!

Rebecca

2022-05

Adopted a cat about a week ago and brought her straight home. She's never left the house or the car except to bring her from the garage into the house. On day two I noticed a weird white thing came off her fur and I was worried it was worms, but it didn't move and I had only seen one. Yesterday I found the third white rice looking object and it was moving. Most likely tapeworms. The shelter said she didn't have it from them and it comes from fleas. I mentioned that she's been inside since she's been adopted, their paperwork indicated she was given flea/tick treatment, and my other cats do not have fleas since they are indoor cats as well. The worker proceeded to tell me that tapeworms can lay dormant and the medicine may not have gotten rid of the eggs, so she likely had them at the shelter, but they were just eggs. I asked if the shelter would cover the cost of taking her to the vet and the medicine she would need, and it was a quick no. Despite them adopting out a cat that clearly had tapeworms when she was there. Now I'm worried my other cats may have them, concerned that there are other issues they missed, didn't find, or failed to mention, and I'll need to clean my entire house in case one of those segments fell off and one of my other cats decides it's a tasty treat. Terrible service.

John and Marilyn

2018-05

Very Friendly staff who show much love and great care for all the animals there!! Great place to get loveable kitties for sure! Love my new fur babies, Amelia and Sapphire! They are so sweet and adorable! I feel truly blessed to have found them and this shelter!! Many thanks to the staff for taking such excellent care of them!!! They also work with Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital, Collinsville IL. They were awesome too! Highly recommend this shelter!

Joe Kamm

2019-05

I feel they are trying to do the best they can, the place is smaller than you would expect. VERY loud here, would suggest coming alone first, if a dog is liked, then bring the family. Very limited on where you can spend time with the dog to see if you bond.Multiple aggressive dogs were observed (one even had an overhead enclosure) and the volume was so loud it was nearly deafening.They got 2 stars ONLY because the staff was very nice, leadership that was present was knowledgeable about the animals and did present both competence and compassion toward the animals.Their adoption process is very much like any other shelter, so no surprises here. Your best bet to spend time with a potential new “forever friend” is to go outside in their outside area to allow interaction.They definitely need more separation for the aggressive dogs as I feel more dogs would be easier to consider if they weren’t jumping, barking and at times snarling at you and your family.

J.W. Turner

2018-05

My wife and I have adopted 2 cats from here. Both FIV positive. One passed from a rare cancer, and the people from the shelter have been extremely supportive and helpful during the entire process. Things may seem messy/disorganized, but given the budget they are working with, they do a great job. And, let's be real, things seem messy and disorganized because animals are messy and disorganized. The sheer number of animals they take care of explains any "faults" such as that. 1000000/10, strongly recommend adopting these lovely animals from these lovely people.

TsunderTay

2016-05

This animal shelter is extremely unorganized and unprofessional. They had listed a dog in the paper for adoption for a few weeks and also advertised the dog on petfinder. My grandmother had her heart set on this dog so we made a point of trying to contact them by phone THREE TIMES during their open hours. Each time we were sent to voicemail.I stopped by the shelter during their open hours on a Thursday after not receiving a call back. I went to the side door of the shelter as the sign on the front door said to and rang the bell. No one came to the door after a few times ringing the bell so I went back to the front door to peek in. I was disturbed to see a room no bigger than a large closet full of at least 20 cats. A worker saw me peeking in and directed me back to the side door and informed me the bell no longer worked.Upon walking in I saw the dog that my Grandmother had been looking at, the worker informed me that she was an applications only dog and a woman named Mary was who decided what family the dog went to. I was given an application and told that Mary would be there that coming Saturday so we could speak to her personally about adopting the dog.Saturday morning my Grandmother and I got up early to head over to the shelter. The bell on the door still hadn't been fixed so we let ourselves in. We could see the dog in the room across from us with a sign on her cage that read, "Applications Only." The worker who had helped me the Thursday before greeted us along with another woman who introduced herself as Mary.Mary then informed us the dog had actually been adopted last Saturday and was being picked up today. My Grandmother was so disappointed and I was infuriated. Mary tried to pass the blame onto the worker saying she was new and didn't know the dog was adopted. It just showed how little communication goes on throughout that shelter.Now a week later the dog is still being advertised as adoptable in the newspaper and on petfinder. After doing a bit of research I am not the only one who has had a poor experience with the Highland Animal Shelter. I'm glad they are a no kill shelter but I believe they need to hire more capable staff.

C K

2018-05

I do NOT suggest this animal shelter at all. They do NOT return money, any phone calls or emails. The one time I finally got someone on the phone, they listened to my story and hung up on me.I adopted a cat at Petsmart through them. They said he wasn't good with cats. I asked about dogs and they said they weren't sure. I asked and made sure that I could get a refund if he doesn't like dogs. They said yes, that I have two weeks with the cat to see if it works out.Paid the $100 cash (cash is required) and brought him home. He wasn't happy at all in the house. Constantly tried running out the door and growled non-stop at us.He also came with an ear infection. Took him to the horseshoe vet (they offer a free wellness exam with adoption of a highland shelter animal) and spent nearly $50 on getting him medicine and tests to clear it up.I kept trying to get him settled, but ufortunately he attacked the dog and started peeing on everything in the house.We called Highland and told them of the situation. They said we could bring him back that day, but that we'd have to drive to highland to do so. We took him back and they said to expect our refund in the mail within 30 days. It's now been around a month and a half and they have not sent anything nor responded to my voicemails or emails.The cat is still at petsmart too. His updated info says he is not good with dogs. I kept copies of all adoption records and of all conversations in regards to returning him and getting our money back. I also have the owner or director on video saying we returned him and why we returned him.I even tried going to Petsmart and asking what my next steps would be. They gave me Judy Davis' (director) direct phone number. I have called multiple times and left a few voicemails. Nothing has been returned.I honestly should have listened to the reviews. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE. I highly suggest driving the other way and going to St Louis Humane Society. They answered all my questions and concerns and were very honest about their animals.

Kendall Dane

2018-05

This place is as poorly managed as it is poorly maintained. After being unable to reach them (during business hours) by phone and email we drove to the location ourselves.I was let in on what seemed like a technicality, one of the employees was taking out the trash and I caught her outside, asking to come in. As I entered, I was immediately disturbed by the facilities.To get to the cat room you have to walk through the two dog kennels, rooms with 3x3 concrete cells with a dozen and a half dogs barking loudly, most showing clear signs of extreme stress.The cat room has WAY too many cats. The cat we went to look at looked different from the pictures we’d seen, she was malnourished, her eye was infected and weepy, and she had clear scratch marks on her face, this is because violent, unfriendly cats are kept with everybody else. I was immediately left and filled out pre-adoption papers (which I had emailed to them days before).After spending 30+ minutes in this gross, overcrowded room trying to spend time with the cat we planned to adopt (while fending off other violent swatting cats, explained away by the staff as “just jealous” and being pushed away with their foot multiple times) I turned in our paperwork, gave them alternate means of contact and left, being told that it would take up to 48 hours to receive a callback.It has been a week, I have sent emails, my wife and I have left calls, we have been told nothing, not even a “we decided not to move forward with your adoption.”Astoundingly poorly managed and maintained shelter, whatever love and money you’re hoping to give to this place are better spent anywhere else.

Lester White

2018-05

I saved a stray dog off the highway. I asked permission from a board member if I could save the dog and Sandy said yes. I then received a letter of reprimand from Judy because I asked if I could save this dog. I was yelled at by a board member if I worked overtime. I attended a recent board meeting when Sandy said she 'was waiting for someone to die" so the shelter could receive funds. She also used curse words at other board members while guests were present. A guest present at the meeting offered to give a monetary donation to help pay for an audit and Judy advised the guest the shelter didn't need the donation and advised the guest not to come back. I recently returned to the shelter to volunteer and walk dogs and there was food all over the floors and huge piles of soiled linens. I received a call yesterday advising me that I was banned from returning. To date, former shelter manager, two employees, and two board members have resigned. To date, it's alleged that the board has banned employees, volunteers, and a recent guest from the shelter.

Jessica Arbuckle

2019-05

I put a 4 star, for a couple reasons. While we were there looking at dogs, the people didn't really know much about them. Like they had to guess on everything. We were told a few things about our dog that was the wrong information. We would've gotten him either way, but I like to know everything the animal I'm about to adpot to make the transition easier for them. I just feel like there could be more.

Lauren Jatcko

2017-05

Very unprofessional. Highly disappointed in the fact that I have called the shelter during their listed open hours over a dozen times and have yet to speak to someone. I then decided if no one would answer my calls I would have to go there myself. I went a couple times to the shelter during their open business hours. Went to the directed side door, knocking and ringing the door bell for minutes each time only to find no answer. Lights were on and I could here talking but no one ever came to the door. It has been absolutely impossible to get in contact with anyone from the shelter. Wouldn't suggest doing business with these folks.

Kat Havoc

2018-05

The cats aren't in cages! Instead, there is a "cat room" where furbabies can run around and play, which really helps show off their purrrsonalities. Very kind, caring people volunteer their time here. LOVE this animal shelter.

Denise Getz

2018-05

The people who work here are very caring! They do the hard work. They love and care for these animals. Remember this is a no kill shelter, there are not many no kill shelters! Thank you to all!GOD BLESS Y'ALL

Bryce Hambleton

2017-05

This is a corrupt organization. I served on the board of directors for a few months.....long enough to see the corruption! The last board meeting that I attended will always stick in my mind. Sandy Poelker a long time volunteer with the shelter (now the secretary) stated "we just need someone to die" when the board was discussing how to raise approximately $5,000 to pay for the schedule audit that every 501c3 most do to apply for grants etc. to the best of my knowledge the current board (full of corruption) will avoid any kind of audit at all cost because this organization consistently FAILS to operate as a 501c3 (not for profit) and more like a regular business with one or two members making ALL the decisions. Long story short, if you are thinking about donating ANYTHING to this organization...DON'T!!! Chances are good you would cringe when you see how your donation is used... if you can ever find out because as the Sandy and Judy (president) refuse to answer questions honestly that come from the public. And remember that if you are leaving anything to the shelter when you pass away; Sandy Poelker will be wishing death on you ASAP so they can get your money ASAP!

Jack Dawson

2020-05

Tried calling last weekend and this weekend, no response.Mailbox is full.Glad I read the reviews bc they aim up to your act.You guys are a joke and I'm getting a good laugh.Volunteer or find a career elsewhere bc you obviously dont care.: )

Windee Parker

2017-05

Got our gorgeous dog from here. Love these people so much for what they do.

Leah Wyvell

2023-11

Love MEHS, great people doing wonderful things!

Genevieve Cotton

2023-12

Great place, good people, friendly staff

Itsnaturalstate

2018-05

Worst response time ever! They won't call you back and now their mail box is full. It would seem to me if you are only open a few hours per day, a few hours per week, you would be more professional. Sad!

Andrea Blackmer

2023-10

It's a wonderful place to adopt an animal.