Humane Society of St. Joseph County

Sara Van Emon

2024-01

We brought a new family member home :-) She's still a bit skittish (prefers to approach us over us approaching her) but she climbs up on the couch (with help) and snuggles with us and her big sister. Her favorite thing is to hoard ALL the toys behind the couch where the extra doggy bed is (the pile is at least 4 times bigger than her). ALL the toys. And my shoes, slippers and socks (very specific to only mine and only one shoe/slipper out of each pair).She won't go do her business unless we tie her outside, alone. She's very private that way. And she likes to yip when anyone comes through a door as though she is a fierce protector.She loves to hop around and play with big sister (when grumpy, old big sis feels like playing). She loves to tease her and then run and hide where big sis doesn't fit.She went and saw the doggie doctor and got her last shot until next year. Her and big sis spent their time in the room trying to out bark each other and get all the attention.

Beth Beitzel

2024-03

The Animal Placement Specialist Team was excellent to work with!! Their communication skills and email response time was superior to any organization in the area. They were skilled, courteous, respectful, and organized in their interactions with us. They displayed to me that they are conscientious and diligent with their job of caring for animals in their care. They have a positive social media presence as well, emphasis on positive, positive, positive, and showing ways that we can give support to them and our pets. Thank you for your work and kindness to me and the animals!!

Linsey Masnari

2024-03

I had a great experience adopting from the Humane Society. Everyone involved was so helpful and they paid the costs to save Jazzy’s life the week before I got her. I’ll always be so grateful for that.If you’re thinking about adopting a dog or cat, do it! The staff at the humane society are there to help you - they provide you with so many great resources and are always there to help you even after you officially adopt.

Erin Milnikel

2024-01

This is the worst organization I have ever dealt with. I have a dog who killed my cat yesterday and shows aggression in other situations and around my children. I called them and they won’t take the dog because they are “full”. You would think that an aggressive animal that can hurt children and has hurt other animals in the home would warrant some kind of response and help. But no. They just said we can’t take him and if you try to take him somewhere else you will be held legally responsible and charged. Then they forced me to sign and complete a “bite” form that says he has to stay in my home for 10 days. They won’t even let me return him to the breeder I got him from. So they told me I had to complete that “before they could help me” so I did it. Thinking then they would take him. NO! Liz, the arrogant and rude person I’ve been talking with told me because I did that bite form he has to stay in my home. Even, though she KNEW I was trying to get him out as soon as possible. Now he’s in my house another 9 days, all to rule out rabies. He has his rabies vaccine. And I provided that too. I have lived all over the U.S. and NEVER have I dealt with such a horrible humane society, or any animal agency, for that matter. They lied, tricked me into keeping this dog even longer, and refuse to help in a dangerous situation with children present! I will NEVER go to them for a thing again. I will never donate (which animal funds are the only thing I donate to), I will never get an animal from them, and I will definitely NEVER try and surrender an animal to them again because they are NO HELP.

Justin Thapar

2023-05

This organization has me sick to my stomach. It is not clear to me who or what they are protecting! I live in Florida & recently had my parents visit. They left their tea cup chihuahua with my independent great grandmother, the dog ran into a “rural” cornfield near Lakeville, IN. For 6 days I watched them worried sick, recording voice messages to be played aloud in the middle of a country side (hoping the dog would come out of field to relatives), their vacation was ruined knowing Zoe (their dog) was missing. They get home after a week & continue the search. It turns out the dog was picked up by this organization. My parents were told after 9 days that the dog was adopted out! That they missed the grace period for picking her up. Billions of HOMELESS animals & they choose to keep animals hostage. I grew up in this house & know how deeply my parents care for their pets (sometimes better their own selves)! Animals & people are hurting. Very sad

Jon Day

2024-02

Me and Jennifer brought Dale home a couple months ago. He has been great and getting spoiled rotten!! Humane society just an absolute pleasure too work with!!!! They got it spot on with Dale. Definitely an asset too our family. Thank you.

John Jankowski

2023-06

The staff was very nice during the hole process of surrendering 2 dogs. It was hard enough giving up the dogs because they are brothers and we had them from birth till now. The staff treated me and the dogs with respect. It made the hole thing a lot easier. Thank you for the way you treated all of us

kim weaver

2018-05

We just moved to the area and didn't have a vet yet so I called to ask if they did shots and tags for pets and if they recommend vets in the area, they were so sweet! They gave me the information I needed to call about the vaccinations and tags but were also very kind when I explained we needed to know the regulations for the county on pets that needed to be put to sleep. They kindly explained that they offer the services the (although only unattended) and they will hold your pet until you can pick them up and take them for burial or they handle cremation and allow you to choose what you'd like done with the ashes. They asked for my dogs name (a 14 year old beautiful rescue mix named Midnight) and when I called back to schedule it over a week later they still knew her name and remembered the situation. It's a very nice facility and we were able to go into a quiet room and spend time with her and say our goodbyes. We'll be looking at them for our next family member when the time is right and they have a lifelong fan!

Desire Leedy

2023-12

My dog ended up at the shelter and I went to claim her and take her home and I was given the runaround being told I had to fill out adoption papers and be approved, which I then get denied on because of my background check? They wouldn’t allow me to adopt my own pet, and the reason my pet was taken there in the first place was due to ex husband lying to our son saying she was with a friend when they moved and we find out he in fact attempted to abandon her in a house from which he moved. I was unaware he’d done this to my son and mines dog but the humane society wouldn’t even acknowledge she was our pet. Idk if they are a no kill shelter but I’d like to hope so considering they make it beyond difficult for these animals to be placed with loving caring individuals. Not pleased with this facility. My son and I had this dog from her birth so very devastated to the outcome.

Toni

2024-02

My domestic partner got eviction from our apartment and we didn't have anywhere to go with our 6 cats. So had to surrender them to humaine society .It's been 2 weeks and they told him that they would keep them together because they were brothers and sister and the momma and I looked at cat pictures of other cats there that were in metal cages not big enough for a mouse if my cats are in cages like that..'iim gonna flip out im still devastated over losing them anyway and still cry everyday I'm 60 years old and I've never been this broken hearted in my entire life ...I pray 🙏 to God they aren't in cages and are still together My cats names are Lily.. the momma ... loki ..Levi and Willow Sammy and Crash...Miss you all so much

TwoFoe Lott

2024-02

Very racist staff. Had no cause to get my dog and of course because I’m black I can’t get him back. I hope you all find a career in really helping animals not the ones who have Homes . Contacting my lawyer as we speak

jacqueline Mccord

2023-08

They were very knowledgeable about all the kittens. Their names, their temperaments, etc. Very impressive. I got a kitty named Pearl. I paid $75. She was vaccinated, and spayed. Can't beat that price for all you get. Pearl is a perfect kitty. Very loving. I am so lucky. Thank you to the staff.

Shalin Gray

2023-11

My sister had a horrible experience adopting a cat named Meeko. Humane Society downplayed the cat's condition, reassured my sister that it was handled, and that the cat would be OK in a home. Was absolutely not true.Be very wary of what these people tell you just to get you to adopt an animal. I have two adopted cats of my own, I am all for adoption! But lying in order to get an animal out the door is a whole other level of wrong.

Margaret Souayah

2021-05

Just got our beautiful new dog here! The staff are super friendly and helpful. They give all kinds of great advice! Made our new family member's transition nice and smooth!

Sandra O'Neil

2023-08

I’ve always been happy with everything to do with your shelter!The staff is great and caring and seem to match the right animal to the right person.I have renamed Pop Beau Thomas O’Neil.He is a wonderful emotional support animal for everyone in our community!

Laurie Gyuga

2024-04

We had no idea that the rules changed so when we took a cat to the shelter they were very rude about it and they said that you have to make an appointment to bring an animal to the shelter

Irish Dave

2024-04

Great organization with very compassionate people who work so hard to protect pets.

Bob Herbert

2023-05

The application process seems lengthy, but once you complete that and set an appointment, all goes well. We were warmly greeted and respected for why we were there, and the type of dog we felt was good for the family. We were not rushed at any point of the appointment. Aside from retrieving the animal and its information, our family led the pace of the process. The dogs were introduced to us in a private room where we were allowed as much time and interaction before moving onto the next animal. We enjoyed the time spent looking for our next family pet. Great job.

Daryl Lewis

2023-09

I was approved to adopt a cat back in 2021. After getting my cat and spoilng her for 9 months we decided to move. Well the new landlord was against pets. So I had to surrender my pet I paid $20 plus gave these people all her toys and food scratch post bed and carry crate($150). Now I'm wanting to adopt again and they refused me saying I had an altercation with one of their staff when I returned my pet. Nothing happened on that day, I paid the money, went to the back gave the lady my pet said my good byes with tears in my eyes and left. I was destroyed taking her back there.

Christopher lehman

2023-10

The cats that are housed there are in the life of luxury while the dogs in there kennel are living and the slumps. The dog kennels smell so bad that you can barely breathe so I can imagine that the dogs are having the same effect on. I was not expecting to go in there and smelled the funk. I took a friend here to look at the dogs and because of the smell we had to turn the adoption away.

Charles Kirkman

2023-06

The staff was nice and friendly, at first. I was interested in a cat it was nice and friendly and I decided to adopt it. Towards the end of paperwork the lady tell me the cat had a history of biting and said it was because it was a stray and downplayed it like it was no longer a issue. Told me I need to place the cat in a room to get accustomed to area which I did (it is bed room)Left cat alone for a hour then went into room sat on bed cat jumps onto my lap I start petting it and it bites and draws blood OK thought maybe it doesn't like stomach petted. Come back into room a hour later cat once again jumps on lap start petting its head bites me again. Later I'm playing with cat it bites hand again. This cat is so nice rubs against you purrs very nice cat. Later I take a nap cat jumps up on bed rubs against my arm I'm just laying there not moving cat turns around and bites my arm for no reason. Get out of bed cat bites my leg.Took cat back only like 5 hours, They wouldn't allow me to exchange the cat for another because they said I didn't give the cat enough time to adjust. What I'm just supposed to let the cat keep attacking me for no reason. I only have one bedroom what I'm supposed to do lock it in a closet? So I asked for my money back they said no it was a donation, nowhere does it say donation it says adoption fee . Thinking about protesting them. It's not about the money but deceptive practices

lawmasterm

2023-11

Rude people. We drove a half an hour to see a couple dogs they had and their website said that walk ins can visit up to two dogs but they wouldn't let us and lied that they didn't have the staff to do that even though there was no one there besides us and plenty of workers there.

Matthew Warman

2023-12

What a joke over filled and want to look at someone recorded of what they did 10 years ago and denied me to adopt. I take care of my animals but no I have a a background 10years ago and wants to hold it against me

Jennifer Crawford

2022-05

OMG, THE STAFF IS AMAZING, HELPED MY DAUGHTER AND I. EVEN MADE A SPECIAL APPOINTMENT FOR US ON A SUNDAY SO WE COULD MEET OUR NEW BOY BUDDY. AND HE IS AWESOME.WE LOVE ALL THE STAFF HERE. THEY LOVE THE ANIMALS AND THEY ATE TRULY AMAZING PEOPLE WITH HEARTS OF GOLD.I AM THANKFUL

Brett Jamesen

2024-04

Workers are contentious and have a terrible attitude, I guess putting animals down constantly would make anyone that way eventually...

Michelle Fenner

2023-07

Thus place is very rude and gave me a really hard time trying to adopt. I recently about two weeks ago wanted to get a new fur baby for me and my children. I went online and answered a very lengthy application questions. A week or so later they called and re asked me the same questions I asked on the app. A few days from that, another woman called requesting again the same info. I informed her that I spoke with someone a few days ago. She insisted I answer all the same question and replied "well if you want to adopt you have too". I proceeded with the call but this time she asked almost like trick questions. She called back and said no you can't adopt here because your cat was pregnant and ran the streets. Funny because I had a boy cat. I told her that info was wrong and she came up with another reason I wouldn't be able to adopt. Asked to speak to someone else and she immediately sided withe first girl. My overall experience was horrible. I felt discriminated against more importantly the cats there all seem to have some sort of trauma if I wanted any cat I could easily grab one off the streets but no I wanted to give a fur baby in need love and I was treated unfairly.

M Gray

2023-05

⚠️ They will straight up use the threat of euthanasia as a manipulation tactic into making you keep a pet, even when you've clearly told them you aren't able to care for the pet anymore.They care so much about adopting out animals that they will downplay special needs, reassuring you it's all completely okay and will stay okay; they may even reassure you by telling you it'll get better. When things get worse and you realize you're not the best fit for the animal and it would be best (for BOTH you AND the pet) to surrender, they will guilt you into keeping the pet (even when at this point the pet would be better off in their care.) They will straight up use the threat of euthanasia as a manipulation tactic into making you keep the pet, even when you've clearly told them you aren't able to care for the pet anymore.The "cat specialist" Rachel flatly told me that "if it's as bad as you're saying, we might just have to euthanize him." I (like most anyone who has to surrender a pet) was already grieveing and hearing this made me feel even worse, but I literally could not keep him anymore- there was a higher chance of him enjoying his life in their care than if he'd stay with me.I continued to feel so terrible about this that I called again and asked to speak with their vet about euthanasia (if they actually do it and how likely of a chance it would happen). I also told her about the talk I had with their cat specialist and how I personally felt it was wrong to coldly suggest euthanasia to an already grieving owner. At the very least, she apologized for how harsh it sounded. She did however tell me that they do indeed mention the possibility of euthanasia in hopes the surrendering owner will change their mind.This literally solidifies the fact they they really do use the threat of euthanasia as a manipulation tactic.The possibility of euthanasia is clearly mentioned in the paper you have to read and sign when you surrender your pet, so is it really necessary to mention it to the already grieving owner? If so, why not at least be empathetic about it? At this point it heavily sounds like they just don't want to deal with a returning animal and would much rather guilt the owner into keeping the pet, regardless of what's actually best for the pet.

Jennifer Anderson

2019-05

We adopted 2 kittens just before Christmas. The cats were bogo the month of December. The staff and volunteers were knowledgeable and helpful. And the cats are healthy and so happy to be home.

T V

2023-05

Called because we were interested in adopting a dog. We have a pomeranian, but decided the next dog we get will be a rescue. But they told me dog adoption cost $200 and my spouse said "I thought they wanted to find good homes for these animals? At $200 they are wanting to keep them, not find homes." So my spouse told me No, we will look around, $60-$100 is okay, but $200, is asking too much."

Darcy

2023-05

They sent me home with a cat who had an ear infection!When I went to see cats, I found one I liked but I could see some goop in his ear, so I told one of the workers.About a week later when I decided I wanted that cat, I adopted him and was so excited to adopt my first cat that I forgot to check the ears (also, I had trusted they listened to me and did something about it when I told them a week ago)Fast forward another week and I noticed my cat scratching his ears and sure enough, there's goop in it. I go to the vet who swabs it and comes back to me saying it's a fungal infection!