North Shore Animal League America

Kat Gutierrez

2024-02

My boyfriend and I had gone to North Shore with a bit of puppy fever and no expectations and about 5 hours later we walked out with the sweetest boy! Everyone was super nice and helpful and super patient when I was stuck between two pups! I can not recommend North Shore enough and have been recommending them to everyone that asks where we got our pup from!! Milo (formerly Titan) is fitting into our pack quite nicely! ☺️

Mrs Fabiola Frias

2023-12

This is where we were chosen by our beautiful, rambunctious boys. This place is truly magical. After losing my 14yo princess Cleo, I never thought that my heart could handle having cats again. But in this place, I found out my heart has expanded to give love to many more!Yin & Yang ☯️ thank you 😊

ammaraza

2023-12

We came here with our kids to look at kittens and my husband decided to get a cute cat the same day. The place is nice and clean and I was told we would need to provide references and fill out application and the process will take 2 hours. The nice ends there because the rest of this experience was so horrible. Staff member at the front desk was offended when I asked about the kitten shots schedule and how that works. I felt like I was asking a forbidden question, but that’s a basic question a potential cat owner should know. The man that overlooked our application was rude and condescending and no other word for it - I felt discriminated against the minute he sat with me. I didn’t expect to be interrogated and lectured that a cat was part of a family - because we had to give away our first and only cat away to move before. I said my previous cat went outside sometimes, and that was deemed as a criminal act, because he used it against me to deny our application. On top of that, a miscommunication with our landlord (who is family and was more than happy to clarify) was deemed as a whole conspiracy! It was such a disappointing experience to be treated like this. This is an organization that receives so much funding I think it’s paying the staff to keep their jobs more than placing the cats in a loving home. If you do come here - hopefully you don’t look brown or live in queens because you will be discriminated against.

David B

2023-11

Very professionally run organization that does right by a lot of animals. The volunteer staff and employees are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and committed.They are really executing on their mission.We love our new 9 month old adoptee. In just one week our lab mix has fully integrated into our family. She was the perfect match for us; thank you North Shote Animal League.

Yanira Hercules

2023-11

Saw a puppy and immediately loved her. She was a very shy puppy but we were willing to be patient with her. At first the employees told us we couldn’t adopt because she was unusually shy for a puppy. But then they saw how much we were interested in the puppy and they examined the puppy with us and decided it was okay. I read the reviews and saw discrimination comments. We are Hispanics and everyone was super kind and wished us good luck in filling out the application. They all made us feel welcome and we were excited to hear we could take her home. Highly recommend.

Lilly Bear

2024-04

Best animal shelter I been too, they have amazing cat options and crazy dog options 😝 I’m so happy I went there because the cats are super friendly and cute and I was able to get one ( the one in the picture)

James Didier

2024-04

Unfortunately, during our visit, we encountered treatment from the staff that was not in alignment with the Mission and Value statement of this organization, which has led to further concerns regarding its reputation. These actions may also hurt donor reputations who are pictured throughout the facility for branding and marketing purposes.As activists with a long history of helping animals, engaging in charity work, and adopting pets, my family and I were eager to adopt a cat and potentially partner with the staff at the center. We approached the situation with a desire to do our due diligence and ask relevant questions. The manager seemed bothered and when we asked if we were being denied, she said, "No." However, instead of being given the opportunity to engage with the staff honestly, we were instructed to wait in our car while the adoption process was supposedly being prepared. This occurred in front of my 7 year old son.To our surprise, after the center had closed, we received a call from the manager informing us that our adoption request had been denied without any reference checks being conducted.The concerns that were raised during our interaction could have easily been addressed by implementing simple measures, such as ensuring doors were securely locked to prevent any potential escape by the cat. As experienced pet owners with a history of excellent pet care of over 10 dogs and cats, none of whom have ever escaped, we were dismayed by the manager's decision. It is worth noting that we also have pet insurance in place to provide for the wellbeing of our animals.We feel that the actions of the manager were misguided and have ultimately tarnished the reputation of North Shore Animal League. We hope that our feedback will be taken into consideration to prevent similar experiences for other potential adopters in the future including addressing this manager directly. I have reached out to the CEO and Board. I will inform contributing donors and community activists who are not aware of these activities.I recommend adopters and donors focus their time elsewhere on those who truely live up to ethical and moral standards.

Serena M

2023-12

Honestly very disappointed. I have been waiting for the perfect time to adopt and needless to say after years of preparation I felt extremely ready. I have a great paying job without working too many hours I have plenty of free time to truly spoil and care for a pet. Ive been around animals my whole life my family even jokes “animal whisperer” cause I'm great with every pet I meet. I have even dogsat constantly. Doing research I always knew I wanted to adopt because their are so many animals out there homeless looking for loving homes. I have amazing referrals, great tenant history and the best schedule to care for my pet. Yet I was denied due to not working 40 hours per week. However this shouldn’t be the ONLY reason to deny me. To not even see the rest of the application through just because of the hours seems like a disservice to SunFlower. If asked annual income they'd see Im well off to care for an animal and myself plus some. To be frank I could easily request more hours and reapply in 3 months but then it wouldn't be the best time to own a pet because Id want to devote majority of my attention to her and being in a single household my poor pup would miss out on time with her OWNER and just have friends/family watching that doesn’t seem like the ideal scenario either. You wouldn’t want a pet homed just to go to multiple different places for dog care you’d rather have an owner 100% invested. I truly hope Sunflower finds a home frankly I hope all these animals find homes especially with these ridiculous application standards.

K O

2024-03

The new cat and kitten floor is amazing. Different rooms sponsored by amazing people from Billy Joel, Rachael Ray, hallmark channel, and others. So many kitties need love there.First floor completely dedicated to dogs and puppies. Again so many need homes and love also.Great people helping and giving time, love, education and support.

Alison D. Gilbert

2024-04

North Shore Animal League is a clean, well kept shelter for all kinds of dogs and cats. They have special needs services like their 'Seniors for Seniors' Program. The available animals range from puppies to senior dogs. They have hypoallergenic animals, too. Check out their website to learn more. There is so much to learn.

Kanako Miyamoto

2024-04

She was rescued when she was 3 weeks year old. She is now 4months, 4.6lb.

linda ekstrand

2024-04

I had a great experience - everyone was very kind and helpful.Deborah the behaviorist had some good insights into `what I am looking for as I recently lost my 8 year old spaniel to cancer.Jamie the manager was also wonderful as was the young man who brought out a. very sweet dog that I considered getting .I would say since my dog passed away a couple of weeks ago this was the first day I felt hopeful about finding a new dog.

Christina R

2022-05

Came here to adopt a dog and had a great experience through the adoption process. I went on Labor Day weekend when they were extremely busy and had to wait a while but it was worth it to bring our dog home. The staff took their time to interview and explain everything we needed to know. Because we went near closing we had to wait a day to see if our application was approved then wait a few more days to have our dog recover from his scheduled neuter. All in all it took four days, and I assume we wouldn't have to wait that long if he didn't need to be neutered. It looked like many dogs were going home same day.The pickup process was fast and we were sent home with his kennel cough medication for free. We were also given a bag of dog food to help him transition home. He's as healthy as can be and will recommend North Shore Animal League to anyone looking to adopt a cat or dog. The associated pet health center has affordable prices and great staff as well so we took him to get microchipped and vaccinated there too.

Lizzie Harrison

2024-03

If I could give minus stars I would … Having been an experienced dog owner and trainer, I am absolutely appalled by the way I was spoken to and patronized this evening. I was accused of encouraging a dog to bite when all the puppy was doing was trying to show affection in the only way it knows how to after being caged and un loved from birth. I have trained and worked with mountain rescue dogs, working farm dogs and this evening I was told, I was unable to control a puppy. A manger with an ego to feed at the expense of those babies looking for loving homes who doesn’t have clue what she is talking about. How sad that now I will go to a breeder when the shelter was so full of babies looking for homes. I will never step foot in this place nor recommend to anyone. I will not stop until I get the name of this manager and take it as far as I can because I owe this to the dogs in that shelter ..

Axle Bruzzese

2023-09

Love this place I adopted my dog from there in January of this year and this place was just amazing the entire process took about 3 hours but the staff was so kind and awsome they have so many dogs there that are so perfect the vet section over there is great aswell such a nice place to adopt a dog

Jennifer Perinetti

2023-12

We had a very upsetting experience trying to adopt a cat for my mother-in-law. I feel there is a problem with their process. We were allowed to look at their younger cats and she picked out an adorable kitten. After that we filled out their questionnaire and answered all questions honestly. She had a cat who recently passed away from natural causes. We provided 3 references. She was questioned extensively about her previous cats beyond the 15 years on the questionnaire. We were told to wait outside while a decision was made. After almost an hour we got a call that she could not adopt because she had previously let her cats outside even though we told them adamantly that this cat would not be allowed outside. She was heartbroken. It would have been much better if we had filled out the questionnaire BEFORE becoming attached to a kitten no to mention wasting so much of our time. I also feel that she was treated differently because of her age. If that’s how they feel they should have been upfront about that as well. Please be careful when going there and make sure you are approved first so you are not disappointed as we were.

Angel Tsai

2023-07

I was astounded by the wonderful clean and calm environment they had for the cat. The staff helped me match with my adorable cat. At first I was nervous about how the cat will adjust to the new place, but she is adjusting just fine! First day already she is asking to explore the whole home with her tail high up of confidence! The whole adoption procedure was nice, and staffs were very helpful!

Doqueen

2024-04

If I could give 0 starts I would !.I got BANNED from this place when I decided to adopt my first puppy .I was in the process of moving so I didn’t have my new address Registered in my license yet , but that’s where I reside, so I put my address down because that’s where Im living at , not where my ID States!.They made me wait from 11:00am till 4:30pm to tell me they will not give me the pup because they have a conflict of address on my application . It’s frustrating to say the least because I had explained my situation very throughly before I began filling out the application .THEY WANT TO KEEP KITTENS AND PUPPIES FOR THEIR DONATIONS !!!…meaning you application has about 1% chance of being approved the other 99% is revenue on their pocket .They wasted my time & ENCOURAGE me to NEVER COME BACK !💔💔💔💔💔💔

Conor Coen

2023-10

We went there Sept 9 in the hopes of adopting a dog , we were met by Chris , who could not have been more helpful in helping us choose the correct dog. Chris introduced us to Tigger and we fell in love and the dog seemed happy and friendly. We got there around 10am and left at 2pm with Tigger ( now Jack ) everyone we interacted with was wonderful, the staff really love their work and it shows

William Kucmierowski (Brimstone)

2024-03

Love what they do and that they've been around doing it for so long. Wasn't crazy about the ultra small pens that the larger dogs were kept in. Listen, I completely understand that there is just so much space available, and to maximize the amount of animals that can be saved, real estate is limited. But it's just sad to see them cramped in such small spaces. You just feel awful for them. Anyway, that's my gripe... otherwise everything is great.

Lilly

2024-01

We got our puppy from here and even though I am very happy with him, this place feels a bit uncomfortable. Majority of the staff members are VERY inexperienced and I get the feeling they have their preference in who they treat better when it comes to people, if you know what I mean. Their application is very biased. Just be prepared to answer questions as if you are applying to be the presidents body guard. Seriously so ridiculous.

elias92x

2024-03

Quite frankly disgusting treatment. As a proud dog owner for the last 15 years and unfortunately passed away and finally decided we’re ready for adoption. To be denied because the potential adopted dog would have access to a yard, and they could not find all vaccination records for a dog that passed away. Complete waste of two hours. But was basically told that if I lied on the application, I wouldn’t be denied.

Tracey Lee

2024-04

Came to look at the dogs and was warmly welcomed by the short blonde girl. Was never told by her to not put our hands near/on the dog kennel. I like put my hand by the gaps to let the dog smell me so they know who I am and to know not to be afraid. However, I was met with an extremely rude employee (short male). Yelled at me to not to stick my hand in the kennel, with no rhyme or reason. I looked at him and acknowledged what he told me. I then placed my hand near the gap but not inside the kennel. He then scolded me again saying that if I did anything else he would kick me out. I'm sorry how do you even communciate with a dog if you're just staring at them. They can't smell you closely and they're gona be afraid. With that kind of attitude it really ruins the face of Northshore and shows that you hate your job. Would be that type of owner who would hide their dog. When I went to other rooms no other employee told me to not put our hands near the kennel.

MercuRay 1111

2024-01

Just had a horrible experience, we came in and fell in love with one of the kitten, the volenteers in the blue and red shirts were very accommodating and nice letting us hold the kitten we wanted and answering any questions we had. Once we got to the application process we were immediately treated like we were unfit to own a kitten because our current cat loves to sit outside SUPERVISED. We stated that if putting the cat outside was a problem then we would not do it but it did not stop them from immediately discrediting our application. They told us we had to go outside while they did the application and I believe it was because they were going to deny it and did not want to deal with the frustration they caused. It is extremely disheartening that they make such superficial judgments. Many willing and capable families are going to come trying to bring a new addition to the family and they crush their hopes and dreams. Why not have a process where you can sit down with the potential owners and discuss these things so we can be the best kitten owners we can? Horrible place not worth it you are better off finding a smaller shelter. Don’t waste your heart strings and time.

Josh Haslup

2023-05

Absolutely love this shelter! My partner and I recently adopted a 6 month old cat from them and it was very simple and everyone we talked to was extremely nice. The animals are treated very well, and there are volunteers that come in to give the babies company during their stay.

Cat R

2023-05

The doctor on rotation when I went was superb. Very caring. Took her time listening to me. Was very loving towards my beloved pup. And helped me make the right decision for the procedure that my pup needed. Their prices went up but still lower than a regular vet.

dorothy leslie

2024-04

Went there in 03/24/24 to get a puppy and I filled out the application was told the dog was available the lady claimed she called my references and didn't then she told me I have to wait the next day for my references to be called again. After about 30 minutes I was on the road I get a call telling me I'm not qualified for the puppy because I received social Security and that's my income and I need a job to qualify so I told her if I have a job it will still be my income...smh that place is racist and I wouldn't recommend anyone to go there they need to be Investigated..

Amir Yarahmadi

2024-03

The facility is great, super clean, very nice, modern, no odors or bad smell at all.Yet they have many rooms with so many beautiful cats / kittens which are called “ fearful “ and apparently they are not to be adopted !!! The staff would come up with billions of excuses that these cats are fearful and can’t be adopted, if that’s the case why are they there ? Just for display and decoration ? Such a ridiculous excuse!!!!That makes people go and buy one instead of adopting one, well the cats in store need a home too, my visit certainly made me to go and buy one, I didn’t have to answer 60000 unrelated questions, and nobody would chase me and tell me those are FEARFUL, keep them !!! All yours !!!!! I got one, bought one !!! There’s a reason people don’t adopt, you’re the reason !!!!

Chris Klein

2022-05

As a child, we got our first family dog from North Shore…..and she was the greatest family dog you could hope for….so in 2009 when my girlfriend and I were considering a dog, working with North Shore was a no brainer.We were lucky enough that they had an adoption event in NYC, and we fell in love with a little beagle mix that we named Baxter.Last week, we celebrated Baxters 12th Birthday and hoping he outlives me as I can’t lose this little guy.If you’re looking to adopt a dog or cat, go to North Shore. So many wonderful animals to choose from!

Robin Boyajian

2023-09

We adopted our cat 20 years ago at North Shore as a kitten. He was awesome and when he died in January, we were devastated. After 7 months without him we decided it was time to adopt a new little baby. We adopted the most beautiful, sweet 8 week old kitten. We immediately fell in love and we brought her home to love and spoil. We were so excited to have our new fur baby. Hours after we got home her playfulness stopped. We thought she was tired from a day of transition. She refused to eat and we were told before we left the adoption center that she was a picky eater. I didn’t think much about this statement until after the ordeal we all went through ended. It was a sign and something that should have been watched before she was adopted out. I went to the pet store that night and bought several different varieties of kitten food. She wouldn’t eat at all. I called the medical center the next day and they said she could be just getting used to her new environment. By the afternoon, I called them back and asked if I could bring her to the clinic. They said it was by appointment but we could come and wait for a vet to see her. We didn’t want to stress her out so we brought her to a local emergency veterinary clinic. She had fever, but the vet said this isn’t uncommon in kittens. We had her less than 24 hrs at this point. The vet got her to eat some food and we were elated. We thought she was ok and got a good bill of health. Checked her blood sugar level etc. I got her to eat very little the next day and her energy level was going downhill. We must have called NS’s clinic 15 times over the next 2 days. We even tried to feed her kitten formula. We finally brought her to the clinic. We had her 3 days. She was dehydrated, she was drinking a lot. She had a high fever and very lethargic.she also lost weight and she was only 1lb 8 oz at the time of adoption They admitted her. They were trying to diagnose what was wrong. She was hooked up to fluids, antibiotics and we thought she would fine , but this wasn’t the case. Her fever was like a roller coaster. Up and down at times very high. After days of ruling out other diseases, we found out she had a fatal disease and unless we were willing to subject her to an 84 day treatment for this disease she would die. She was so tiny and frail. The vets at the clinic were great. They gave me updates daily and I called every morning to see how she got through each night. Unfortunately, she took a turn for the worse and we needed to make a very hard decision. Subject her to 84 days of treatment in the hospital which could have side affects and may or may not work or end her misery. We chose the latter. This situation was heartbreaking for everyone involved. I spoke to many higher ups and the chief of staff at the hospital while this all was occurring. The staff at the hospital was wonderful, caring and tried their very best to save her. Our new little baby was gone and we were heartbroken but we were very grateful to everyone involved for their dedication and attention to our little girl. We are devastated. I have experience with cats. We knew that it wasn’t normal for a kitten not to eat. I just wish she would have been watched a few more days before she was adopted out. We were happy she was shown love, had a name and had an advocate during this horrible illness which is very rare. The clinic at NS did everything they could to save her. The clinic at NS is amazing, the adoption center should have been a little more aware of what it means to have a picky eater at 8 wks old. She would have gotten very ill regardless if she was there or with us. Horrible experience but NS did everything they could. We thank them for that. We will come back to adopt again. We just need to heal from this experience.