It Takes A Village Animal Rescue & Resources

Jocee McFate

2023-05

Although I haven’t been for long, I am a current foster at ITAVARR. To become a foster parent was an extensive application along with a thorough reference and vet check (of my own animals). The team at ITAVARR want nothing but the best for these animals that go into foster/adoption. The team has been nothing short of excellent when it comes to any questions or concerns I may have. They work very diligently and hard to ensure all of these animals have the best vet care and go into the best furever home. Meagan has always been very open and honest with me about the health and or temperament of any dog I have looked into fostering. I am currently on foster #6. ITAVARR is a great place to work with. Please, adopt don’t shop! And, if you can find it in your heart, foster families are always needed.

Brian Fox

2023-05

This place clearly cares about their animals. They sent a team down to a kill shelter in oaklahoma, and saved as many as they could (in that trip I'm aware of). Thankfully one of their fosters was able to take my girl. The application had some hoops, but clearly only out of concern for their animals, and making sure they'd find a proper, stable, loving home. Sure, I may have been a little frustrated about the process, but they're a team of volunteers, doing their absolute best. On behalf of pups that don't get to speak for themselves.Anyone complaining about them, likely has some red flags. Which can be proven incorrect, or complained about. The former likely gets the opportunity to adopt. The later, thank goodness are turned away. These animals don't deserve more instability in their life.Thanks for saving my best friend, my ride or die, my cuddle bug and 70 lb lap dog.(you knew her as C. D, but she's Sadie now(I played it off as my northern accent). And we're quite smitten with each other.)Thanks, ITAV, I'm so thankful for you, and your foster, Kathy Bresnahan.Photos:-making sure my toes are warm early morning work time.-never lonely in the bathroom.-loves cheering the iowa women's basketball-loves holding hands, but also loves her ball.-lap dog extraordinaire. Even at the office desk.

Sandra Crelia

2023-12

We adopted Cady (formerly Coyote) and she and our other dog Bailey are now inseparable! She is such a good girl!

Danielle Holder

2023-05

Had a great experience rescuing from ITAV! We have 3 kids and another dog so choosing a new family member wasn't easy. The first dog that met, wasn't a great fit but when we met Ren (formerly Stormie) last October, we knew she had to come home with us. She took a few weeks to warm up to our crazy but she fits right in! Thank you to It Takes A Village!

Brittany Burkard (Britt)

2023-05

Easy application process (it was a bit longer than I originally expected, but nothing too difficult!) Staff was so kind and gave us space to check out the kitties independently while still being nearby to answer any questions we had (they're great with kids too!) and the animals were kept in clean and healthy conditions. You can tell how hard they work to make sure they're all well cared for and socialized before adoption. Every single kitty we met was super friendly and it was hard to pick just one to join the family, but we're so happy to have found miss Raven. She's fitting in so well, she was almost immediately buddies with our dog and it didn't take much longer before she and our other kitty were comfortable with each other. She's fantastic with the kids and with anyone else she's ever met. She is the most relaxed cat I have ever known. 😂❤️ Big thank you to It Takes A Village for helping us meet our new family member! ❤️

Linda Kelty

2023-05

I've fostered dogs for ITAVRR as well as helped support them in other ways. The care they give their animals and the efforts they go to to save them is amazing. They've had many successful matches. There are many happy "fur ever" homes due to their efforts.

Jan Martins

2023-11

Be careful when considering adoption from this organization! I rescued a standard poodle this past weekend with the understanding she was a 5 month old puppy. When I got her from the foster mom, I questioned the dog's age and she said by looking at her teeth she thought the dog was older. So on Monday I sent a text asking about verification of the dog's age. Finally on Wednesday I get a response that the dog is 4 years old! They apologize for a "clerical " error - that's some error - like 4 years! They tell me I can bring her back and they'd consider giving my fee back.I told them I will keep the dog but they should take some responsibility for this 'error'. Then they tell me if I hadn't been out of line with them they would have considered giving me a puppy that came in this past weekend but I'm out of line? I'm not returning the dog I got this weekend. My family does not want this dog to suffer anymore - am I in the wrong? BTW, when i ask for the director's name, they won't give it to me - nor have they cooperated regarding sending me this dog'proper paperwork!

Tammy Carle

2023-05

Karen and all the other volunteers are amazing. You can tell that they truly care about the animals and be sure they are cared for until being adopted. I have been a foster momma to 3 little guys. It has been a fun fulfilling experience to be able to be a part of their lives when they did not have a very good start. The rescue listens to my concerns or any medical question I would have about the foster babies. I do have a hard time seeing them go to a forever home but the rescue makes sure that the adopters are approved and so I know that they are going to a good home. Each of them will always have a very special place in my heart. I’m a proud foster momma!!

Becky

2023-05

I adopted my little girl Winnie (once Pebo) from It Takes A Village Animal Rescue. It was a great experience from beginning to end. The application process was easy and I liked that they went the extra mile with making sure their fosters were going to good homes. I liked the fact that I spoke with and met the foster. That proved a lot of how much they love and care for their fosters. I am so happy I chose this organization! Winnie is happy and a well mannered puppy because of he love and attention from all of them!

Carolyn Kay-Buckelew

2023-05

I came across a puppy on Pet Finder that was available through It Takes A Village. I would be lying if seeing some of these 1-2 star reviews didn’t make me anxious about pursuing adoption through this facility, and I am so glad I decided to move forward with ITAV despite this. Far more upset people tend to leave reviews than happy people. So please don’t let those reviews deter you from working with this agency because I can confirm these people care deeply about their animals- their vetting process is very thorough to make sure their animals are going to a home that will be a good forever home. Their records keeping was meticulous and made for an easy transition to our new vet. Their foster families also treat these animals with love and respect while also working endlessly to give them the foundation they need for leash walking and potty training to be successful adults. Our puppy has been with us for four months now and he is the sweetest, most gentle, and eager to learn dog I have ever owned. I can’t even begin to think about him being put down at a kill shelter if ITAV hadn’t rescued him from that situation. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for doing all that you do for these animals. And if you’re still on the fence about adopting with ITAV, run, don’t walk, to complete that application!

Jacob Simmering

2023-05

We had been planning on adopting a dog "in about six months, maybe a year" for a while when one day Sully popped into my wife's Facebook feed.Tuesday: "Jacob, look at him!"Saturday: Sully came to live with us.It Takes a Village made it super easy to apply to adopt him, to have references submitted, and Sully's foster was great at answering any questions we had about Sully before making the commitment. He has settled into his forever home very nicely and is changing our lives, all because of the work done by It Takes a Village.

Cathleen Bethea

2023-05

It Takes A Village is a fabulous organization that cares about helping animals. We adopted our puppy from them and were so impressed with how nice, caring , friendly and helpful everyone was during the process. This was one of our best decisions to adopt our puppy from them.. He has made all of us so happy!! Can’t imagine life without him!!! Thanks so much It Takes A Village for giving us our puppy— we are truly in love with him..

Chrystal heasley

2023-12

One of the fosters from ITAVAR introduced me to the senior pup I have now. I was impressed with how thorough ITAVAR was in the adoption process which just made be feel better about the dog I chose because they do put the pups first. He is exactly what I needed and is the best cuddle baby ever.

Meagan Koehler

2023-12

Sure...I am biased... As this rescue is my baby. But I am also an adopter from this rescue. Our cat, Blue, came from It Takes A Village. He had arrived a stray injured tom cat who had been nursed back to health.As per the standard procedure, Blue was fully vetted before adoption. Not just neutered either. He was vaccinated for rabies and FVRCP. He was microchipped (including lifetime registration). He was treated and free of fleas, ticks and mites. He was fully dewormed and free of intestinal parasites.This crew goes above and beyond to provide the best and most comprehensive care for all animals in their rescue!

Sarah Majerick

2023-05

I adopted a 10 month old goldendoodle from this organization in October ‘21. Charlotte has been a wonderful addition to my family and I appreciate all the support from ITAVAR. They have demonstrated time after time their commitment to animals in need and they go the extra mile to make a difference.

Angel Husser

2023-05

We brought our puppy to it takes a village animal rescue to have her spayed… at first we were kinda leery because we had never been there before but it turned out to be a very nice and clean environment for our dog and we were truly happy with the outcome of everything that took place the people there were very nice and caring about our dog. So if you are looking for a place to take your dog, I highly recommend it you won’t be sorry.

Krista Regennitter

2023-05

Our family has fostered 20 dogs and adopted 1 through ITAVARR. This organization is devoted to the health and safety of the animals they serve. They are as also a committed community partner, agreeing to do presentations about fostering and responsible pet ownership in the local schools. Our family has been enriched by our involvement in ITAVARR and we are so happy to have our “foster fail”Bennie as part of our pack.

Debra Moncivais

2023-05

It Takes a Village does an excellent job coming to the rescue of soo many animals and finding loving homes for each one. We adopted our dog Chimi (formally Uno) and had a great experience with this loving organization. Would highly recommend them.

Rachael Ortega

2023-12

We have loved our experience and are so happy to have our new family member, Angel!

Jennifer Thomas

2023-05

We adopted this sweet guy about a month ago. It Takes a Village did a very thorough job with our application. They were terrific with communication and did a great job helping us to coordinate a surprise pick up for our kids. We would HIGHLY recommend them! We’re so thankful we found this little guy to add to our family!!

Sophi Carlson

2023-05

Because of this rescue my baby found her way to my arms! You rescuing her rescued me. I was treated so amazing in the process of adopting my baby Ruthie!!! Thank you everyone who made our little family a little bit bigger!!!!! We love you!

Beth Morgan

2023-05

The shelter did such a great job with helping me adopt my pup ! They explained everything to me and we’re pretty quick about always getting back to me. Her foster mom was so sweet and kind. I’m very grateful

jennifer reed

2022-05

We adopted our new baby here- a beautiful little American bulldog mix! They were great, thorough, fast and I was very impressed with the foster!

Blu Morpho

2023-05

I had high hopes and respect for ITAV until I was taken for a ride by them. Unfortunately, I was taken advantage of, hung out to dry and then ghosted when all I wanted to do was help dogs and support this rescue.I’m a grown up. Likely fostering wasn’t for me. But (after successfully fostering), I tried to have an adult conversation with the “higher ups” of this group, I was not even given the respect of a response, in spite of my support - personally, professionally and financially.If you want to be part of a responsible rescue, respectfully, I suggest you look elsewhere. There are LOTS of deserving rescues out there that will be respectful, mature and trustworthy.I expect that it’s possible this review will light a fire of righteous indignation from the founder(s) but rest assured to anyone that bothers reading reviews - if you love dogs and want to be a foster, there are many other local organizations that are worthy of your support and help. Ones that will not take advantage of your time, good will and trust. No company, charity or any other organization should treat volunteers so poorly.The 1 star I did give is reflective only of 1 or two fellow volunteers and the small handful of dogs I did foster that were wonderful, amazing creatures and I’m thankful to have known them.

Sandy Pickup

2023-12

We have fostered and adopted from this wonderful place. I am so happy to recommend them to any good animal lovers.

Kara Phelps

2023-05

My family and I adopted our sweet pup Ellie from It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources. Ellie is our first dog, we had no experience with dogs, vets, rescues and the processes. From start to finish, we had people answering questions and leading us through the process. The process was very easy, online application, clear instructions on how and what to fill out, what the pup needs, Information on training, vaccinations, and what to expect in the next 3 days, 30 days, and 3 months. The foster family that had Ellie was loving and helpful. Picking up our pup was easy and a clear time was scheduled and communicated. We have since become very involved with It Takes a Village. My family volunteers as much as we can. We enjoy working with the Koehler family and have made many friends that have similar compassion and empathy for the animals in our community. I didn’t realize that It Takes a Village also has resources available for pet owners needing assistance. They have also provided free and low cost vaccination clinics for our community. I cannot say enough good things about this organization. They truly have animal welfare as a top priority. I am forever grateful for the “Village” and finding our special pup, Ellie. Thank you so much! I highly recommend adoption, donating and volunteering for It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources.

Katie Zitzow

2023-05

I have adopted from It Takes a Villiage twice and have been fostering for them since June 2022. This organization cares so much, not only for the animals In their care, but also for the families that chose adoption! They do whatever it takes to ensure dogs and cats are healthy (physically and emotionally) and ready for their forever home as well as providing support to people as they transition these animals into their homes. They are doing amazing work as they match humans and animals that can save each other and provide for a lifetime of love, affection, cuddles, and rubs.

Jenny Yassin

2023-05

I foster cats for It Takes A Village...16 of them so far. Before this I fostered for 2 other organizations, but I have been so impressed by the level of commitment It Takes A Village has to the animals in their care! They are fully dedicated to the health & well-being of every single one of their cats & dogs, and setting them up for a bright future with the right adopter. When a foster cat leaves my home, I feel good knowing that the adopter has passed an approval process that is taken very seriously.... even if it means ruffling some feathers by declining some applicants. This work is a labor of love for them and I have seen it in action many times! For example, one of my foster cats arrived as a pregnant stray and ended up needing an expensive c-section. They did not hesitate to do whatever it took to protect every precious life involved. Heck, they're even advocating for animals that are NOT in their care - trying to improve city policy around animal well-fare, create free services & resources for the community, and looking "upstream" at what can be done to prevent so many animals from needing rescue. This organization is 5-stars, all the way.

Amber Brackey

2023-05

I have nothing but kind words for ITAVAR. I fostered then adopted from them in August. My fur baby was in great standings when I received her. The rescue was wonderful to work with. I have since started volunteering and see the positive impact they have on animals in need and our community.

Aleana McNabb

2023-05

I currently foster for ITAV and it has been a very pleasant positive experience. Meagan is such a kind caring person who really cares about the future of the animals. We have so many helpful resources available as foster parents. I wish all rescues had firm adoption policy’s as ITAV does.