The Ark

The Wonderwall’s

2023-11

We absolutely love the ARK.Not only did we have a wonderful experience, We gained a wonderful four legged family member. Owner and staff are awesome. Went in with an opened mind, told volunteer it didn’t matter what dog we wanted to see, just that the pup’s personality must do well with cats. Volunteer asked the owner what pup would be good for us. She brought out Sally Anne.It was love at first sight. Owner and staff sure know how to make a perfect match.

Alexis Randitsas

2024-03

Great experience! You can tell within the first few minutes all the ladies care about the animals there. They genuinely want the best homes. Sherry was so nice to us and we definitely have the best pup we could have ever imagined. Sherry helped pair us with her and we are so grateful!😊

Savannah Musselman

2024-04

We recently adopted a 6 month old puppy from them and have been overall satisfied with the experience HOWEVER, after one week we noticed our dog had roundworms. If they have roundworms, it’s highly unlikely they have been treated for heartworm and I believe this is not only unethical but extremely unprofessional. Any rescue worth their salt should be deworming their puppies on a monthly basis.

Daryl Hellman

2024-04

Initially we did not have any issues with the place but a couple years later our dog ended up having puppies. I would recommend having your vet verify your dog has been spayed or neutered as they are claiming to do this and charging for it but not actually doing it in all cases.

Jess Hart

2024-02

I don't think this shelter deserves ANY star, but I had to give it something so I could post this. The owner, Sherri, PUNCHED the dog I was looking at adopting in the face! He was very hyper and just couldn't calm down and kept jumping on her. It was as if she wanted him to behave so he would be adopted- she told me I was the only one who had expressed interest in this dog for the last 5 months, something I do not find believeable at all, since he is a rare and beautiful dog. Regardless, NO animal should ever, EVER, EVER be hit in any way, ESPECIALLY ones who have ended up in a shelter! I wanted to punch her and see how she would like it! I almost walked out if it hadn't been for me wanting to see if I could rescue this dog from her.Animals pick up on the energy around people and other animals, and he was so spastic, as were others I looked at there. It is a horrible and stressful place for them, and I know why- her energy with them was terrible- frantic, hostile, and loud. He acted just as any dog would around something like this. I have well-trained therapy dogs and understand that a calm and gentle, firm but loving demeanor is what was needed here. Again, resorting to hitting a dog means YOU are out of control- and she was all over the place. Her staff, minus the rude woman who does paperwork, were more than willing to help her, but she seemed like a control freak and they were afraid to move without her barking orders at them. She made more work for herself by being this way instead of instructing them on her expectations and training them so they could do their jobs without her controlling every move they made.I have worked with animals my whole life, and even ran a county shelter for awhile, so please believe me when I say this was the WORST shelter I have seen in a long time. You could smell the place from outside, and most of the staff (not all) were aloof and rude. Some staff seemed afraid of the owner, and I don't blame them. She yelled, cussed, and accused me of not calling her when I arrived, when in fact, I had. I drove hours to see this dog TWICE, and left empty handed, ONLY because the dog scared my dog and it didn't work well between them. I tried to make it work with them, giving him calm energy and walking with him for a long time- I wanted to rescue this dog from this terrible place very much! I left so upset that I couldn't save him and others from this hell hole. She tried to push off a shy, dirty, mangy dog on me, who clearly had medical issues, when she knew this dog wouldn't work. I was so insulted by this and I couldn't get out of there fast enough. It truly was a miserable, smelly, horrible place with (mostly) rude people.Before anyone responds with something like, "It's a shelter, what did you expect", or "Shelters smell bad anyway", let me tell you- you're wrong. I went to Friends Forever shelter in Freeport, IL and they were AMAZING!! You couldn't smell a thing- it was hospital clean, the dogs had THREE dog parks around the facility, and the staff were knowledgeable and you could see they truly loved the animals there. I was truly impressed! So....it very much IS possible to run an efficient, clean, CALM, and loving shelter. The A.R.K. clearly isn't one of them! I had to strip my clothes off to wash them, leave my shoes outside, and take a shower directly after I got home from The A.R.K.- not true with Freeport, and it wasn't true when I helped run a shelter either. I had the stench of this place in my nose for 3 days.If you want to adopt, please do- it's the best thing for a dog or cat. IN FACT- put this woman out of business by adopting every animal there so she has to close- somehow, I think it's the only way she will go close and do something different with her life. If you think this is harsh, it may be, but nothing was as harsh as what my family and I witnessed there. If I could have adopted every animal there and found homes for them, I would have. No animal deserves what this place has to offer.

Shane Armbrister

2021-05

THIS PLACE IS GREAT DEFINITELY ADOPT FROM HERE.Note It's best to follow them on their Facebook page, they post new dogs for adoption there first and believe me the dogs go quick!We adopted a puppy from The Ark a week ago and first off she's an amazing pup. The Ark was great they take great care of the animals that come in, they are knowledgeable about the animals and make sure to be there for introductions. They took care of making sure our new pup was spaded and had stitches removed before we took her home, The Ark gave her a full Vet check up and got her the initial shots she needed. This place is great and I would adopt from here again. When I took our pup home they said if she ever needs anything to let them know she's part of their family for life.COVID-19 PROCESSYou need to have a reservation to see the animals.When you get there the process is to wait in your car and call their phone number to let them know you are there. They will come out and talk to you and bring the pups out to see you. They have a semi fenced in are to walk to pups to let them get to know everyone. The people who work there usually hang around to make sure all goes well during the pup/human introduction.

Patrick A

2024-04

Great place to get a pet just a short drive!

JMAE

2023-10

I had a truly disappointing experience at this animal shelter. My family and I made the trip, along with our dog, to meet a dog we saw on Facebook, a dog they were actively seeking to rehome.Despite arriving during adoption hours, the owner appeared disinterested and aloof, barely acknowledging our presence. It felt like every decision had to be cleared with the owner, which made the process needlessly complicated.While the other staff members were more helpful, the owner remained glued to her phone and didn't engage with us. After what seemed like an eternity, I was finally allowed to meet the dog we had come for, a dog I instantly fell in love with.However, my excitement was short-lived when the owner casually mentioned that two other families were scheduled to see the dog the next day. Despite my immediate willingness to adopt the dog if it got along with my own, the owner seemed uninterested in our genuine interest.We were left hanging, with no callbacks and no explanations. It felt like we were not wanted here, and my kids were heartbroken, as they had already formed a bond with the dog.The inconsistency between the website's description of the dog's behavior and our experience added to the frustration. In the end, we were left with no choice but to look elsewhere for a new furry family member.Overall, our visit was marked by indifference, lack of communication, and a sense that our interest was not valued. Sadly, we'll be taking our business elsewhere.

Ashlyn Sargent

2022-05

I have never in my life been to a shelter that has been so personable and welcoming. Sherry was such an absolute angel and was so knowledgeable and very informative. We were so blessed to find this shelter and blessed to be able to take home our Knox. Thank you so much to sherry, and everyone else who works or volunteers at The Ark♥️

Barbara Bohm-osborn

2024-01

Clearly the ppl who run this place love and take care of the animals that are up4 adoption.they don't take in more than they can take care of.they check references and make sure the adopter understands that they are agreeing when they sign the contract

A

2023-10

A couple months ago I contacted this shelter regarding a beautiful cat. I was sure I wanted to adopt but was told I could only adopt in pairs. which I understand to an extent but it’s in the animals best interest to go to a loving home rather than wait another month or even years for a family whom can adopt both. The woman on the phone was highly unprofessional & said they would call me back regarding my application & I never received a call back or an email. I was very disappointed. I hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else who falls in love with one of their fur babies!

JK Outdoors

2023-10

I will definitely be taking my business elsewhere, The owner is very rude... I had a bad feeling since the moment I walked in. I don't want this review to affect the staff they were very nice and they know everything about the animals in here, we were very interested in a dog that had special needs, yes we understand we need some training on how to properly take care of a animal like this, before we could say we are willing to take all needed training to obtain this dog that we fell in love with she said she would absolutely not let us get this dog and shut us down.... so we will go somewhere where we are talked to with respect and with someone who will give us a chance

Evan Ruach

2018-05

Love the Ark. This was the best experience at a shelter yet (of 4). Wonderful people who want you to meet the animals. They want you to find the right animal, not just push the longest standing resident. "Sometimes, they pick you," they said. They were right. It is a little more expensive than most (most cats are $100, most dogs $200), but very much worth it to see how the animals are treated, and to be treated as well as we were (the staff spent over an hour guiding us through the 5 rooms full of cats). They lost the fifth star because our beautiful boy has a bladder problem (they made us aware of it, but they weren't aware of the true cost of food and vet bills, etc.) and the instructions we were given were a little vague. Other than that, it was a perfect adoption experience!

Darcy Earley

2023-05

They work very hard to place you with the right dog. These 2 are 4 month old Aussiedoodle puppies. Both girls and there are more from this litter.

Muskie Dave

2023-08

Local shelter that needs more financial support by local communities. I donate regularly and will eventually adopt a dog or two in the future. The owners/staff try very hard to find a good fit for dogs/cats. Please help them out.

patrick Hietpas

2023-09

We picked up a heeler from the ARK in the past. We should have picked up his brother too. They were very good people. Please support no kill shelters before breeders.

Michael Ragen

2021-05

Great place with amazing staff. My wife and I adopted a puppy from here at the beginning of November. We toured the facility, it’s nice, clean, and the dogs are well taken care of. The staff took time to speak with us about our preferences, experience and living situation. There was time to interact with the dogs outside the kennel and no pressure to adopt. They prioritized finding a good fit for everyone include the dog.We were lucky enough for them to take extra time and give us pointers for raising a puppy. When they reviewed the records, they gave him another vaccination. Our vet at the puppy check up was impressed with the vaccination schedule and the records. Said everything looked great.Amazing place, they made the process fun and tried to make this easy and straightforward.

Dave Reams

2023-05

Amazing place. Have adopted three dogs here and they do such a good job of helping find the right fit. Dogs are well loved and the staff truly cares for them. Love that they are a no kill shelter- much more work for them but shows that the animals are what matters to them. Highly recommend.

Madisyn Yarger

2024-02

They gave someone a dog with giardia without telling them and when notified about it all they had to say was “thanks for letting us know”.

L. J.

2023-05

I would never return to this Dog Rescue. I drove from quite a distance away and they completely lied to me about this pet. It had two medical conditions that they were acting like were no big deal, which they were! Or more importantly they should’ve told me about when I originally inquired, NOT when I got there!!! You don’t keep things hidden about a pet someone is going to adopt, it’s a LIFETIME commitment, TRANSPARENCY Is the best route, not to mention the money I was going to be spending to adopt, to what, leave there and have to go to a vet and spend hundreds or thousands more? They also did not seem like they were doing background checks, a family was there getting a dog and I was there the entire time and they didn’t do any background checks. When I questioned about the health concerns, they got angry and the Director Sherrie, was extremely rude and unprofessional. She told me what happened to this pet was common and it wasn’t common!!! The animal also seemed wild, almost feral. Also they should not be using code words like, rambunctious, for animals that have serious serious behavioral issues! Again transparency is key Sherrie. I realize that they are overworked and need more volunteers/help, but there is NO excuse for lying to people re: the health of one of their animals. They also had the breed of the animal wrong. It was literally one thing after another. I walked in the place with an immediate bad taste and I left feeling even worse. Talk about red flags, not impressed at all! It almost seemed like they couldn’t wait to get rid of the animal. I left there feeling very sad and disheartened! I guess the lesson here is, honesty is the best policy!!!!!

angie hagerdorn

2023-05

Bless these people who work and volunteer to take in these beautiful animals that are just left or discarded by humans. They are so sweet and loving. The animals just want our love and a home. I really enjoyed my time there.

Sharise Sutter

2023-05

Had to get rid of two sweet kittens. The Ark took them with no issues... I did give the carrier and other items also. I plan on donating more food to the Ark. Thank you very much for everyone doing such a great job taking care of all the animals. 🐈 🐕 Sharise

alexcia pemble

2023-10

The staff was very nice the owner on the other hand was very rude ad disrespectful the place reeked of urine as soon as you walked in the door yes I get it’s an animal shelter but it can be cleaner then that would not recommend this place

Kylie Fay

2020-05

We adopted two dogs from here almost a year ago. It was the most pleasant experience ever. The staff at the shelter know their animals and know who is a best fit for your household. We couldn't have asked for a better adoption experience through the A.R.K.!

D & V

2023-05

I lost my MinPin Mix six months ago and I finally saw a female MinPin Mix on the Ark’s website. We called about her and were told we needed to have a fenced in yard to adopt her. The lady was a fast talker and hardly let my husband get a word in. He tried to explain that we’ve had a MinPin and are familiar with the personality but she kept loudly talking over him. Then she lectured him about not letting the dog off leash but we would never do that She wouldn’t even tell us how much the adoption fee is. It’s either $225 or $250, but we don’t have a fenced in yard so I guess it didn’t matter since we wouldn’t be approved. I want to give the right dog for us a home but it looks like I’ll have to find a breeder and buy a puppy instead. My heart goes out to those poor animals who could probably have a good home but someone like that rude lady is stopping that from happening.

Frances Hanshaw

2023-11

Very nice place, animals are so cute and a great place to take kids to volunteer

Joshua MalaMaker (Malamaker)

2021-05

The place is very fair when it comes to the adoption process and is very focused on trying to fit the right animal with the family/person. It's definitely a quirky and unique place. The volunteers are very friendly. Thank you for the opportunity to adopt our newest furry family member.

Erin L

2017-05

I just adopted my first kitten and everyone at The Ark was so polite and patient while I saw a few kittens. They were very welcoming and I asked specifically for black kittens. I first met Darla, who was SUCH a sweet kitten but it was Roman (now Arlow) that stole me heart! He is a domestic long haired tuxedo kitten that has found his forever home with me. Thanks to everyone the The Ark for all of your help! Definitely recommend everyone make the trip to adopt from here!

Will Koehrsen

2019-05

A no-kill animal shelter with many dogs and cats of all sizes. I'm not sure how you can visit this place without wanting to take home at least a few dogs or cats (I certainly did) so plan to gain new family members if you visit! Places like The Ark are trying to make the world a better place for all creatures (not just humans) so please support them if you can. If you're looking for a great loving companion, I can think of no better place to adopt than The Ark! I appreciate all they are doing.

Lynne Schall

2021-05

Very happy with this shelter, I have had my dog for three weeks andJust love him!!! I rescued him, he rescued me!! Can't say enoughGreat things about the Arc, Sherri is the best!!! Volunteers are greatAlso!!! I give Sherri 100000 stars!!!!!