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North Shore Animal League America

North Shore Animal League America review: Be very aware of the animals you get from North Shore 61

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12:00 am EDT
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On Saturday August 18th I adopted a puppy from the mobil unit of North Shore Animal League. When I took the puppy she had very bad diarrhea I returned to the mobile unit the same day to ask about this. I was told it was because she had just been spay. I trusted what they told me and took the puppy into my home of which I have a 3 and 5 year old. On Monday Aug 20 my husband and I took her to the vet and she was placed on medicine for her diarrhea and a stool sample was to be tested. I was told by the vet that if she had any worms I would be notified the following morning. Tuesday Aug 21 I received a call from the vet telling me to get the dog away from my children IMMEDIATELY and to put her outside in a quarantine area. She had not only hookworms but Giardia. Giardia is a parasite that is very easily transmitted to people and can cause dehydration and death in the elderly and children. Needless to say I was terrified. I put the puppy outside in her crate and went to the vet to get the medicine she needed. Once there I began to ask more about Giardia. She would have it for up to 4 weeks and everything she came in contact with while sick had to be cleaned with bleach and water. She could not go to the bathroom on the grass because Giardia can survive for up to 6 weeks in the right conditions and she would have to be kept away from everyone while sick. Giardia is highly contagious and it not visible to the naked eye, it is transmitted via water and feces. It a dog has it, licks their butt then licks your mouth you got it. If she sat on one of her toys and you touch it then put your hand by your mouth, you got it and ready for this. ONCE YOU HAVE IT, YOU HAVE IT FOR LIFE!. You can take meds but it just controls it, it does not kill it. Well that same day I called North Shore, I explained that the puppy was very sick and there was no way I could keep her especially not around my children. I was told to bring her back BUT I had to take her to Long Island, I live in NJ and had no way to transport the puppy that far. I explained this and asked if they had a sister shelter that I could take her to, I was placed on hold then disconnected. I called back and went through the whole story again to another person, I was placed on hold then transfered to voice mail. I hung up and called back again, I again explained the story and was again disconnected. I called back again and demanded to speak with a manager, I was given Linda. She agreed to send someone to pick up the puppy. I asked if the puppy could be treated then returned to us I even offered the medicine I had just purchased. I was told they would not do that. I asked what would happen to her, I was told that she would be looked at by their vets but she would not be able to remain in the hospital until the sickness was gone, that she would be looked at and would be put back up for adoption. I said so basically you will give her to another unknowing family without treating her, I was hung up on. I called back again but was either recycled in the queue or sent to voice mail. A nice man came to pick up the puppy later that night. I just want everyone to be very aware of the animals you get from North Shore. They are adopting out animals they KNOW are sick and do not care about who they infect.

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Josh.A
US
Apr 21, 2011 4:21 pm EDT

I'm a volunteer at NSAL and I think the organization is doing more good than harm. Of course there are some downsides such as the URI dogs and other unhealthy dogs but you have to understand that they come from Southern mills. Imagine being kept in a cage since birth, then suddenly one day put into a truck for multiple hours, being cradled by a stranger for the first time as they move you from cage to cage, given vaccinations and shots, put into a room with many strangers that all want to hold you, then finally put into a home all in the time span of about a month. DUH the animal is going to be scared out of its mind and will not be the utopian dog you wish it would be at least for the first week. Some dogs just get used to the fact a lot easier than others. I've seen a dog ready to give you a hug when you're about to clean the cage and others that cower in the corner because of their horrid experience they've had with humans before they arrived at the shelter.

For the person who adopted the Pointer Mix and wanted a 30lb dog. This should be a fault placed on the organization and YOU. I'm ashamed that none of the employees told you that Pointers are rather big animals but YOU should have done a little research on the breed yourself. There is a huge poster with pictures of about every breed in their adult stage on the wall and there are various books we carry about certain breeds. So, really? No need to blame everything on the organization for your arrogant ignorance.

And it is not JUST the volunteers who care. I know plenty of people who i work with that work for pay that truly have a passion for saving animals. Actually, most do and they even adopt from NSAL. So please stop bashing the blue shirted employees because a lot of them work because they love what they do. They go there more than 4 times a week while volunteers usually go about once a week (at least i do) so I think that they need some kind of special bond with pets in order to work there.

I'm sorry if you don't see things as I see it but I still believe that NSAL is a great organization and more people are satisfied than upset. My advice to those people who want small dogs such as the Pointer Mix person: Get a dog or young adult dog. You'll have a better idea of how big the dog will be and we really don't carry many 30lb dogs here. Most are hounds, shepherds or labs. SO I'M JUST SAYING STOP WITH THE BLAME GAME AND KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GETTING YOURSELF INTO WHEN ADOPTING FROM A SHELTER.

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Mnice
US
May 31, 2021 5:12 am EDT
Replying to comment of Josh.A

In reply.. please read my explanation of what happens in another high capacity rescue facility. No animal of any age should be available for adoption until it is FULLY vetted.
That means vetted mentally or physically long before it is considered for adoption.
What is happening here in definitely not in the animals best interest. You can read that people are walking out with animals that are sick or damaged from a mill existence . The rescue does not sincerely have the best intentions in mind for animals that have been placed in a no win situation.
A facility as large as this should only be taking in animals it can truly care for in the long run. Which in some cases may be for life. Taking in mill animals is certainly NOT a week stay event. Nothing can be achieved fir a mill dog in that short time. Having their hearts in the right place is most certainly NOT enough. Dogs should NOT be placed for adoption that have Parvo. That the animal didn’t have it when and if they tested it means the animal was pushed through the process. Sounds like the facility really didn’t want to know if the fog was positive, pay for the treatment or care for the animal.
Just taking in hoards of mill dogs and pushing them out the door to uninformed owners is a true disservice to the animal and new owner.

Why is this facility doing this? At this point in their development they must have a long listing of organizations that they could contact with an extra heavy intake. There are large organizations across the country that help each other out all the time. I know because we have adopted from one. I write about the place in the comment I left. They will take 50+ animals from across the country several times a year. Our second adoption from them was a dog that came from TX, our fourth was from WI.
My point? When you have a top executive that is being paid a six figure salary, the place should be better run than what is being written about. Ask yourself, “Why are more animals coming in the door than can be cared for and why is the animal turn around out the door so rapid? Is the process in the animals best interest?” Is there reliable paper work that goes home with the animal? It’s been tested for what? How exactly does the prospective owner know WHAT they are getting themselves into when adopting? What information goes home to explain any issues, mental or physical, that the animal. I’ve personally adopted from two very high captivity rescue facilities. and from one breeder. All three sent home detailed
Material regarding mental and physical issues, as well as written explanations from the veterinarian that corrected physical issues on the dog. I write more about it in my original post.
I’m simply questioning the unusual procedures. The high number of animals coming in when the rescue facility may not have the room or ability to care for the animal before its ever considered to be placed for adoption. What’s the rush to push them back out the door? Why not refer those dogs to another number of large rescues in other states.
Volunteers are available to handle transfers for large numbers of animals from and to other states all the time.
I’m simply asking. Investigative reporting might be one place to start looking for information. If all things are on the up and up.. all the better. I thank you for your opinion .

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345678jhgvfcx
US
Jul 11, 2011 6:18 am EDT

Its truly a shame. I, myself, am a volunteer at NSAL, and recently adopted a 7 week old tiny terrier mix puppy. Our beagle died 6 weeks prior, and my family needed a new little bundle of joy. Thus, we took the handsome baby pup home. All was well for the first three days-- he was playing, socializing, and acting like a normal puppy should. Then, on the fourth day at 2AM, he started to vomit constantly as well as liquid diarrhea. Immediately the next morning, my mom and I rushed him over to NSAL medical center. He, of course, has parvo. Shocker. As upsetting as this was, we have been visiting our little pup every single day in hopes of recovery. He's been there for 10 days (and we only had him in our home for 3 1/2) but we're so attached to him. Things are looking up for little Ralphie, and we're praying for the best. North Shore is a great facility and Ralph is getting the best care possible, but I just wish that they would have been able to diagnose parvo before we took him home. Although there are always the possibilities of illness, I still believe NSAL is a great place-- I truly enjoy volunteering there and I think we (volunteers, associates, and vets) give them the best care possible. I find that the vet techs are the ones who screw things up. Ralph had a URI infection which was cleared (even though he showed symptoms) by a vet tech. Evidently, right now, he's getting treated for URI intravenously as well as his nutrients and water. Please pray for Ralph.

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tiziana H
New York, US
Jul 30, 2011 11:23 pm EDT

I don't know about this shelter. But here's the thing. If you adopt a dog, you made a commitment. You now OWN a dog. Just like with any kid, you don't know what you get - it might have ADD, it might be disabled. You learn to deal with it. The same is true for your dog. It might be a cute puppy but have behavioral issues later on. If you don't have to means to train YOUR dog, get a trainer. If you can't afford one - do not get a dog. Dogs are expensive and they need by far more than just some cheap can food. Should you be that frustrated that you don't think you can handle your dog anymore - try to have relatives or friends adopt your dog. Don't just take it back to a shelter or have it be put down. Any of you who have written things along these lines SHOULD NOT BE DOG OWNERS! (nor pet owners). Be responsible and know what it entails to take on a pet.

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Loky45
US
Aug 17, 2011 9:20 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

People need to stop bashing NSAL and shelter dogs. Whenever you get a pet from anywhere there is always a chance that it will have health problems. I adopted a puppy from NSAL 16 years ago and we had her for 15 long, happy healthy years before she died of "old age". Never had an issue. I have been involved in dog rescue as well. At one time, we had 2 foster puppies (not NSAL dogs) from the same litter...in the few weeks that we had them, they came down with parvo and of course were vetted, both fully recovered and were adopted out. Unfortunately, parvo and other horrible diseases happen and are not always easy to detect at first (one puppy, for example showed NO signs, we only brought here in because her brother was really sick and that is how we found out that she had it too). I recently got a beagle puppy from a reputable breeder but he too had a "cold" and had to be on antibiotics for the first 2 weeks we had him. Another friend of mine bought a bulldog from a breeder who had kennel cough and a (curable) skin disease. Another friend bought a golden retriever from a breeder and within months, a vet discovered a heart murmur. There are no guaranties for a healthy puppy no matter where you get it from. I sympathize and understand the disappointment in adopting a sick puppy but can't believe people would bash an animal shelter because there puppy got too big? Either way, when you lodge a complaint about a shelter, you are hurting the animals that it is serving. This is a non-profit organization who's mission is to help animals. Save your complaints for the airlines, restaurants, etc.

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Nancy A Larson
US
May 31, 2021 4:08 am EDT
Replying to comment of Loky45

I have adopted four dogs from HEARTS UNITED FOR ANIMALS out of Omaha, NE. I was offered a room to spend the night there because we knew we were arriving late. We live in MN. It’s a six hr drive. We met with the staff first thing the next morning regarding the adoption.
My husband is a veterinarian. With each visit to HUA, the buildings were in excellent shape.
Understanding that they can have over 750-800
animals in their care at any given time, the buildings are clean. If an animal did have an accident, some one was available to clean area quickly.
They have several buildings for various animals and their care A veterinarian udon staff as well as vet techs. Animal behavioral specialist are also employed at the foundation.

At no time we’re we ever shown sick animals. Those animals were never placed in the adoption process until they were well. Every animal was physically examined be the medical staff before it was allowed into the general population of animals. If there were medical issues, above and beyond being nurtured, those items were taken care of and the animal was sent to private veterinary practice. Specifically, with each dog we rescued there, we received all of the information regarding his age, type of dog, what he was being fed and each health issue they may have had while the dog had been at the facility. In every case of the four rescues we went through, each dog had a file that contained invoices from the veterinary practice stating what service the dog required, what was done and what meds were dispensed for the dog. Each appointment was on letter head,
Dated and signed by the particular doctor at the practice that actually treated the dog. In the case of our first rescue, HUA had spent over $4500 on our rescue in 15 months or the length of time the dog had been at HUA. All of that material came home with us... with each of our four rescued dogs.
If a dog is sick or has behavioral issues, such as depression, fear, biting out of fear, aggression to other dogs, for example... that animal is NEVER OUT UP FOR ADOPTION until those issues are resolved. It’s a complete dis-service to the animal. The animal runs
a very high chance of being returned. THAT process is VERY depressing and stressful for the
animal.
HUA is all about what is the best thing for the animal!
If an animal is severely distressed or emotionally traumatized for life and will never be able to be placed, that dear soul becomes an HUA SWEETHEART. Meaning that animal will stay with HUA for life. Loved and adored, and provided with medical for the rest of it’s life. My husband and I sponsored a dog in this situation. We sent gifts, special food beds, blankets and whatever the staff felt would improve the animals spirits and care. There are special staff and volunteers that care only for these very special residents.

My point? The rescue that I’m reading about needs to have the state go in to inspect the place. I’m confident when I say that letters written to this complaint site will not be enough. This horror show should no longer be getting the donations that are coming in, or
potential funds from the state, should that be happening. It sounds like every animal placed here is looking at illness that could be terminal
because of no care or lack of correct care.
There also sounds like money is being cycled to pay out and not enough is going to the care of the animals that the money was given to assist..

Do you have a TV station that would be will to do an undercover investigation? Perhaps a state Senator that would be willing to dig into this? I would recommend an investigative TV station. Another heavy hitter is the NATIONAL HUMANE society. WHATEVER, some one or some group has to start talking to volunteers, techs or staff that can give you facts. Just suggesting. Bottom line? This place sounds like a money machine for someone. Animals sound like the last thing the top executives are interested in.

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ji123
US
Sep 17, 2011 6:14 pm EDT

I adopted my black lab mix November of 2009 six short months after having a miscarriage. Picked him up and loved him instantly. My husband wax hesitant but I didn't care I needed so thing to live and PJ is just what I needed. He too was sick and on medications when we brought him home. And although it was trying. I took him to our vet where aside from the terrible upper respiratory infection he had he was perfectly healthy. Now he's 2 and half years old and just the best dog ever. We now have a small child who loves his PJ so much I couldn't imagine him not being part of ourfamily. I wish you all would have had a better experience at NSAL... who knows what would have happened to PJ had we not adopted him that day.I do know that today my family would still be incomplete. One other thing I'm confident of after reading all of you posts I will always rescue dogs, but never again from NSAL.

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North Shore Animal League are killers!!!
New York, US
Sep 25, 2012 9:21 pm EDT

North Shore animal league sucks! I found an abandon kitten wrapped in a blanket around the block from the North Shore In Por Washington NY and they wouldn't help! They sent a fat, big goon to escort me out as if they were helping me by sending me to the ACC which is where they kill animals!. They lied to me. They told me the ACC helps find animals homes! ###! On my way out I found a woman who was willing to care for the kitten. This big fat dumb goon had the audacity to tell this woman not to care for the kitten and continued to follow us until I threatened him to step away from us before I call the cops. He made no effort to help me find a home for this kitten but made every effort to make sure the kitten was put to sleep and every effort to push anyone away from me that showed an interest in caring for this baby! Son of a ###. Who raised you you fat ###.! Go stand in the parking lot and continue picking up dog ###...like the piece of ### that you are!

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ashergirl
Islip, US
Jan 15, 2013 3:35 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

After reading all of these comments I must say I am shocked that there are not more negative ones...unless people just don't realize that you can come on here and leave your feedback! We took a 10 wk old puppy out of NSAL after hearing its breathing...we had just lost a dog adopted from NSAL. Mercy was 10 months old when she died from a bacterial pneumonia. Mercy was brought up from tenesee...the tags have a letter in the beginning of the #..it stands for the state that they were brought from. We went back a month later to adopt another dog after losing Mercy and came upon another cutie but she sounded like she was breathing exactly like Mercy right before she died. This pup was a rescue from the NYC streets along with her brother. We took her out and took her right to our vet...it turns out both dogs had the same bacterial pheumonia! We had had Mercy tested right before she passed and found out the strain of pneumonia so we could treat it! Well thank god my vet still had the meds for Mercy. It seems both dogs, one rescued from tennessee and another from NY, 10 months apart had the same strain of pneumonia. It was given to them at NSAL...I found out that they do not sterilize their equipment and use the same breathing tube in one sick dog as a healthy one therefor just spreading diseases all over the place. I will never adopt another dog from them ever again! Rescues is the way to go from now on!

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VeganVet
US
Apr 06, 2013 9:05 pm EDT

I worked for NSAL. The people who work there really do believe in the mission of shelter medicine, and they want the best for the animals. You can't blame the vets, vet techs, assistants or volunteers. Administration strong arms the organization into taking as many puppies as possible from out of state shelters. The public sees the "good" of NSAL - the clean and well staffed adoption center. What the public doesn't see is that every last hallway and room at NSAL is full of animals - most of them sick. The staff tries to reduce the chances of infectious disease being spread, but there are just too many sick animals to keep up with. Animals come in at record rates, and get turned around in 48 hours, some of which never see a vet prior to adoption. It's absolutely heartbreaking to see families come into the medical center with animals suffering from pneumonia, intestinal parasites, distemper or parvo. A lot of these animals die, and NSAL offers the family another pet for free...another pet that's most likely going to be ill. There is NO quarantine area at NSAL for new animals. Mrs. Lewyt wanted a large building in the back of the property to be a quarantine building, but NSAL has so many animals that need medical care or "foster care" (bottle feeding) that they spill over into what was supposed to be the quarantine area! Besides the issues with infectious disease, NSAL allows unlicensed people to draw blood and put IVs into sick animals. There is no demarcation between a licensed vet tech and an assistant. Anyone can basically work as a tech as long as they are going to school. It's such an insult to licensed techs who spent time and money to go to school and pass the national exam.
NSAL might be a better organization if they didn't spend 350K of their $31 million dollar revenue on the CEO and buy him a private jet. Another large chunk of money goes to fundraising, and the pittance that is left over is spread out amongst the departments. I truly believe if NSAL had more money to spend, they would fix A LOT of their issues. There would be more room for animals, less sickness and less unhappy adoptive pet parents. The medical center needs a major overhaul, and they need a large and fully staffed quarantine center.
So, think twice before donating or adopting from NSAL and if you do, make sure that you have done your homework on basic infectious diseases of small animals. Chances are, you are going to become an expert after adoption.

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dakota45
Jamaica, US
Jun 22, 2013 3:12 am EDT

I have been to North Shore on many occasions, and I know people who volunteer there. Despite their glowing reputation, I find the premises filthy, and have seen both staff and volunteers ignoring the puppies, dogs and kittens, and on one occasion I saw one staff member take a very young puppy, hold it upside down by its rear legs, and blow in its face. She was laughing, and thought it was very funny to see the dog's reaction. The kennel area, which has the older dogs, has bare cement floors, and there are never any beds or toys for the dogs. There does not seem to be a constant presence of staff in this area, and the runs are not cleaned out on a regular basis, so if a dog defecates, it has to keep skirting the area for ages, till help comes. Dogs are not walked regularly enough, and are not taken out to play areas for exercise. One room which golds puppies has healthy ones, and another one has puppies with "colds". They are all on medication, and often vomit or have diarrhea in their cages. I can not understand why they are even being put there for adoption, instead of being treated. I also wonder why so many are sick.

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gynmratjudy
Massapequa, US
Jul 27, 2014 5:31 pm EDT

We got a puppy from NSAL adoption truck on Friday 7/25/14. Beautiful dog, but quiet and very skinny-protruding ribs, spine and hind quarters. My daughter and I had gone in just to look but saw the 4 month terrier mix(that is what the label on cage stated) and decided to adopt her. We asked to hold her and she was pretty docile, looked happy to be out of the cage. We had to come back with my husband to adopt the dog. Again we each took a turn holding the puppy. I mentioned to the employees that she looked like a pit bull. Their response was"maybe a tiny bit; she looks more greyhound." We decided to adopt her. They then asked if there was any other dogs in the house (yes, 13 yr old rescue) and for 2 references although they just ended up calling just one. So they call the reference, start to fill out the paperwork and then tell us that she is on medication for conjunctivitis, and parasites. I hesitated at that point but the employee said well just think about it while I finish off the paperwork. So of course, we end up taking her home. Well, she ate like she never eaten before 3xs per day. But I noticed her stomach would get super bloated but her bones were really showing-I figured she maybe had worms. We also noticed she had what seem to be mites on her ears and by her incision (spayed) on her stomach. I also looked closely at her coat and she looked like she had a slight case of mange. I noticed she was scratching a lot and I too had been itching since I had gotten her on Friday and today I woke up what seem like a rash on both side of my nose. (I've have had dogs all my life so I know I'm not allergic to them.) As much as we had already gotten attached to the dog(Harley) we decided that it was best to return her. We returned her this morning. I told the employee that I thought she had mites-her response "yeah, that is possible." I told her that I think she has worms, "yeah, well that happens." She then asked, "didn't they tell you before the adoption?" I responded, "no, they said conjunctivitis and parasites." Her response, "well, worms are parasites." I told her no, that my idea of parasites were bugs not worms. In fact, the paperwork they gave me had only "Coccidia " checked off, none of the worm choices were checked off. She then asked if we wanted to take her to their vet to get her checked out. I responded, "its your vet that cleared this dog for adoption knowing she was sick-how am I supposed to trust his opinion. Why would NSAL allow a puppy to be put on a truck to be adopted knowing that the puppy is sick? Why would employee allow someone who has another dog to adopt a sick puppy that may and can infect it." I also stated that I thought the dog was a Pit-her response "yeah, she is a terrier." I signed the surrender paper and left with a heavy heart. My daughter and I are still crying over the decision but like I keep telling her and reminding myself-do we want to risk getting our other dog sick? Are we going to risk getting sick ourselves. I came home, lysoled the furniture, washed all the linens. Had my husband clean and spray the backyard. I can only hope Harley's conditions gets taken care of before she is put up for adoption again. If anyone comes across this copper coat, soulful green-eyed dog ask the right questions as to her health and if she is healthy adopt her please. She is a pretty dog and smart too. She learned the sit command in 5 minutes. She is also super affectionate. If it wasn't for my older dog, I would have kept her and dealt with her health issues. I do regret giving her back and hate myself for it. I hope she ends up with a great family, that will love her and cherish her forever. She deserves it.

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Tom Mullen
San Diego, US
Dec 22, 2014 12:49 am EST

It's almost impossible to transfer Giardia to people. Whatever vet you visited, I suggest you change from him or her.

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sitadevi93
East Elmhurst, US
Feb 06, 2015 11:39 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My first experience at North Shore was the worst because my fiancé and I were treated like crap. We adopted a 6 month old kitten named Charley. We bought her a lot of food, carrier and other necessities. Before we left we donated some money to you guys. We had Charley for 10 days and my fiancé started having some allergic reactions to her so not knowing what to do we brought her back and said she was perfect but it was just allergies. We donated several cans of food and or cat carrier which was over $100. We were told we could have her back if he went to an allergist to get medication for allergies. We scheduled an appointment with an allergist and he got medication and is going to be receiving allergy shots. The doctor wrote us a note to bring to North Shore because they wanted a note. When we went back they didn't want to give us Charley back yet then wanted to wait. I call back 2 hours after we left to check the status of Charley and see how we can bring her home and the supervisor rudely tells us Charley has been readopted. I cannot tell you how upset I was...we donated to guys and were very generous and you treat us like crap!

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KSzabo
Cleveland, US
Mar 17, 2015 12:52 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have never dealt with them but was looking to make a donation but now I will not after reading all these. This place needs to be shut down and those precious animals taken care of with love so they can be healthy and adopted into good homes like they deserve. I am sorry for everyone's troubles and it is a shame as it is not the animals fault but human.
In Christ,
Kim

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Anthony Steven
US
Apr 09, 2015 6:15 am EDT

DO NOT VOLUNTEER AT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE
If you plan to do volunteer work I suggest you select a cause or venue other than North Shore Animal League. The volunteers are out on the floor working their hearts out (with good intentions ) to have dogs and cats adopted and make the adoption process pleasant. Although they are very successful and do anything required or requested from picking up after the animals to completing the, the adoption process from end to end, the volunteers are not appreciated and are often embarrassed. The unit also has some very stringent rules which in some cases need to be more flexible.. For example, a North Shore employee or volunteers not allowed to hold an animal out of the cage (for an adopting family) for more than one minute. In one occasion, a woman and her four children fell in love with a puppy and all agreed they would adopt the dog.She called her husband and he agreed they should adopt the dog. She asked that the volunteer to hold the puppy for one minute while she went to the restroom. Within one minute another couple came in, an employee grabbed the pup out of my hands and gave it to another family who adopted the dog. The woman and her four children left North Shore crying and screaming they would never go there again. A very young inexperienced supervisor reacted insufficiently and quite poorly and the volunteer was openly scolded like a child.. The volunteer (who had over 20 pets adopted within 4 months) was treated as a scapegoatfor this very visible situation and was let go. Again. if the head of volunteers was out of her office and observing what was going on, the situation would have been handled better for the family, the animal and North Shore. By the way the animal was returned to the shelter by the adopting couple.
The person who is in charge of volunteers (who by the way is not a volunteer but is very well paid never answers her phone or makes an effort to see what is going on in the adoption areas.
I also do not understand what the head of the unit does. He has absolutely no presence with employees, volunteers, in the adoption area. He also does not even know the names of many volunteers and some employees. Without getting involved or being present to see what transpires daily, hIs reaction is often knee- jerk and incorrect.
I believe benefactors who support NSAL, (both financially and with their free time), the animals and the public deserve better and someone should take a fresh look at NSAL procedures and the performance of senior ( and extremely well paid)managers.

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Alexis Meola-Moreno
US
Mar 02, 2016 12:23 pm EST

I was just googling "NSAL told me I was getting a different dog than I got" and I came upon my review of NSAL from 2008. I was complaining about them having adopted me out an aggressive dog and then a puppy that had parvo. I forgot how upset I was, probably because the sick puppy survived and 8 yrs later is like my 4th child! Funny thing is we just adopted a second puppy from NS. We specifically avoided anything from down south (parvo is more prevelant). We wanted a big dog. My husband was told he was getting a 60-80 pound shepherd mix. Well he actually got a 20-30 pound Corgi mix. Asher is a sweet little pup! I'm not complaining exactly, it's more of a buyer beware. If you want what you want you might be better off somewhere else. If you are up for a mystery pup that maaaaaay be sick (they will treat it for free at their vet facility) than NSAL may be for you.

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MommaNuge
US
Oct 12, 2016 8:45 am EDT

I adopted a puppy from North Shore and within 2 weeks she was dead from Pheumonia. They gave me 30 days free insurance. PetPlan refuses to pay stating that she was prior to them even putting her on the insurance never prior to letting me adopt her. I have complained to the Attorney General and will be complaining to anybody that I can get to answer. My Puppy was also adopted in August on the 13th. I am out $950 and they give me my $100 adoption fee back. Thats just bull. There should be a law against adopting out sick puppies and telling people they have pet insurance when they do not. I am going to keep filing complaints with the Attorney General until I get some results. Was even thinking about going to an adoption event and telling people to beware. Just Heartbreaking!

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fwabi
US
Oct 25, 2016 1:01 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I adopted from NSAL 17 yrs ago it was a decent experience. Lacey was a puppy lived to 16, was a wonderful dog, will always miss her. My husband and i went to NSAL 2 yrs ago and adopted Lilly an eight month old hound mix. The woman who took Lilly out of the crate she was stuffed into with another dog, was impatient and mean to several of the dogs (shame on her, I should have gotten her name) unfortunately Lilly was filthy dirty had feces all over her. When we got her home and gave her a bath, she shook all the time and was afraid of everything, took her to our vet she was so sick with so many different things took over a year to get her healthy, she has permanent lung damage from neglect on NSAL part. I donated regularly to them, but will no longer, I know there are some good well meaning people there, but J. John Stevenson with a salary of $360, 000 a year does not deserve my hard earned money 82% of what NSAL takes in goes to him. How this is legal I do not know, I would not recommend donating to them any longer.. It is condoning the greed and selfishness of their CEO, and upper management...

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Fake or real
Meadville, US
Nov 05, 2023 12:45 am EDT

This place is a big scam been entering sweeps for three or four years they offer you a prize if your a quick responder.they say they give numerous prizes away so don't you think after that many years of entering and sending donations I should of won 50 dollars or something f_ing joke

  1. North Shore Animal League America Contacts

  2. North Shore Animal League America phone numbers
    +1 (516) 883-7575
    +1 (516) 883-7575
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  3. North Shore Animal League America emails
  4. North Shore Animal League America address
    25 Davis Avenue, Port Washington, New York, 11050, United States
  5. North Shore Animal League America social media
  6. Nick
    Checked and verified by Nick This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn more
    Nov 21, 2024
North Shore Animal League America Category
North Shore Animal League America is ranked 4 among 40 companies in the Animal Hospitals category

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