We had a really good experience with Toni and a Wish for Animals. We inquired about a puppy we saw online and Toni responded within 24 hours. I have always had dogs but this was the first time adopting through a rescue agency and Toni was great with answering all my questions. When the first puppy did not work out she invited us to other adoption events and sent me pictures of new puppies almost weekly. We finally found a puppy that suited our lifestyle and house but we still wanted a few days to think it over as we both work full time and wanted to make sure she could be looked after during the day. Toni was really understanding of this and after deciding we were ready to adopt the puppy Toni brought the puppy from the shelter to give to us and even left a dinner to do this. Our puppy was under six months and still needed shots, spay and microchip. The process was really easy and the vet she works with for the spay and microchip is great. The vet is very busy and we had a mix up with the microchip and Toni called them to sort issue out - a huge relief when you are trying to look after a dog that has just come out of surgery. Toni is obviously very busy running an animal rescue and I think this why people sometimes get the wrong impression. She may take some time to call you back but, from what I have seen, she has the animals best interests at heart. At an adoption event I overheard her telling a volunteer that she didn't want a couple taking a dog home that night as she didn't think they were ready for it. This isn't her being mean, this is her looking out for the dogs and making sure they aren't returned three months down the track. I am sure everyone has different experiences but if you are unsure about any of this I recommend going to an adoption event and meeting Toni in person. read more

I can't thank this rescue enough. They gave me my absolute, best friend in the entire world! I adopted Bentley, a...lets say terrier mix (who knows!), from them. I adopted him in July of 2013 at the Irvine "Super" Adoption Event. He was the last one of a litter of seven, or eight. He was about ten months old. They had me fill out an application and then sat down and talked to me. We talked about how this was my very own dog (besides family dogs), and we addressed all the concerns & suggestions they had, for me. They really care about the homes their dogs go to. They are allowed to be picky, they are a private dog rescue who has invested so much in these dog- that they have personally saved! I couldn't appreciate anything more, and couldn't imagine Bentley in any home other than my own! There was a little bit of delays in getting me his vet records (post adoption), and he ended up not being microchipped (was supposed to be included), but who cares! I got my best friend. Adopting Bentley inspired me to start volunteering and fostering, for a dog rescue, and I've been doing it ever since! I completely understand how they are 100% volunteer run, and they do the absolute best they can for themselves, and these amazing dogs! Bentley does "Rally" (the dog sport) now, goes on road trips up the coast with me, goes to dog beach all the time, goes to breweries with me, runs 5Ks with me...we do everything together! We are living the good life. read more

A Wish for Animals - Bentley! Adopted by me, in July of 2013! - Animal Shelters Near Me

If I could give a 0 star I would. Let me start with I never got a dog from Toni (a wish for animals). But I did everything she wanted, I was patient between emails (she doesn't get to you very quickly) and patient between phone calls. My Family and I relentlessly searched the internet for a dog to adopt. We found one, and contacted Toni. Long story short we had a good phone call with her, and at the end she asked for one last item from us, a short video of our main living area, and then after that she would disclose the place and time of the adoption event. The second we hung up the phone, we took the video, and sent it to her. A couple minutes went by, then an hour, then two hours, now we're feeling a little depressed, our place wasn't good enough?? My kids kept asking about the dog in question, and I said were waiting for a response...........we never got one. Needless to say she had the adoption event and the dog my family was so Interested in, the dog of our dreams, was adopted (I'm sure by another deserving family). Feeling a little bitter I sent her a message, explaining how disappointed we were and that next time, instead of ignoring, she should at least explain to the family why they were not good enough to adopt one of her dogs. She responded back with "I'm confused, I was wondering where you were, and why you didn't come", fully knowing she never responded to the video she requested. Then she responds with "I wish you would have said something", I'm sorry, she asked for a video, we sent it promptly after the call, and she wanted me to remind her to respond! Needless to say my kids and fiancé were bummed we didn't get the dog. I've learned my lesson, next time I won't involve the kids, because letting them down was hard on me, Thanks to Toni at A WISH FOR ANIMALS. Very Disappointing read more

Awesome rescue. We got our little Percy from AWFA and it was nothing but a memorable experience that we will have forever. Toni was great, all along. I would definitely rescue another pup from this rescue. Five stars Toni! Thank you! read more

This rescue is TERRIBLE!!!!!!!! The "leader" is a complete scam artist who cares nothing for the animals and is only in it for the money. Fortunately, we got a healthy, adorable, loving puppy out of this ordeal but I made the mistake of not reading up on this rescue before adopting from them. Toni who was in charge is a very aggressive person who made us feel uneasy from the moment we met her. The whole process was lengthy and unorganized. She was trying to talk us into buying essential oils for the puppy. We were told that the adoption fee covered all shots, spay, deworming, and microchip. As soon as she got our money, we never heard from her again about the aforementioned items. After about three weeks of calling and leaving messages and emails and texts, I decided to call my bank and dispute the charges because I didn't get what I paid for. This got her attention. She called and threatened to take our puppy away and even went so far as to send someone to our house during a storm to retrieve the puppy. She must have shown the bank that we signed a contract because I ended up losing the dispute. TOTAL SCAM!!!! I wanted to take her to small claims court but it's just not worth it, which is why she continues to get away with what she does. I have found countless bad reviews about her "non-profit" organization and about her personally. Not a good person. The organization even lost it's status as a non-profit for violating tax reporting procedures. I recommend going to local shelters for rescue animals and avoid this nightmare of a person. read more

If I could put a negative star I would!!! My husband and our children made a family decision to open our home to foster animals. I was offered a dog that had a very sad story and of course we were quick to wanting to help. I was sure to ask when speaking to Tony, if the dog was good with children, good with other dogs and cats. We have a cat that is blind so and two small children along with two teenagers with two dog on our property already so I was sure to ask all of the above. I was completely assured by this woman I have nothing to worry about. I filled out the foster agreement and noticed it says "I will have (blank space for animals name) neutered/spayed by such (blank space for date)....... Wait a min!! they are asking for the foster parents to spay or neuter the animals. Isnt that what the outrageous adoption fees this "non profit" organization charges is supposedly paying for? Don't worry I didn't fill in that part and have the original emails and hard copies of my signature. so why would the foster parent be responsible but not have rights to keep the animal if they chose to adopt with out paying the adoption fee? Or why would the organization charge adopters so much and keep the money for something they didn't even pay for? Just curious if anyone else sees that as scam. Moving on, a dog was brought to my home not just any dog a great big pit bull. When seeing him I was immediately intimidated. Now let's get one thing straight I have absolutely nothing against pits. I think they are the same as children, a product of their up bringing. I was told he was lab. The person who dropped hi off in a hurry didn't even have a leash to leave with us she said you have to get one. Did I forget to mention they said they will provide the supplies all we need is a safe pace and a loving heart they provide the rest. She took the leash, when I asked about a bag of food she called Tony on her phone handed it to me and said you ask her. Tony said she was too busy she will have to call back. The other woman left very quick. With in five ok maybe ten mins the pit bull caught a glimpse of my cat and attacked him. Thank god we were cautious and still had him on a leash. There was cat furr in the dogs mouth my husband had a tooth mark on his hand there was blood and furr everywhere. Immediately I contacted tony and told her what happend. She attempted to say we should not have let the cat be around our home and tried placing blame. Thankfully everyone is ok including my Kidy (that's his name). Shortly the dog was picked up. We are very sad for his and hope he is able to find a home that fits him. I am sad for all the others that have been dooped by this so called non profit organization. I can honestly say I am glad the incident happend here and not somewhere else that the home owner would have called the pound. There is nothing wrong with that boy. The person that has his fate in hand is the problem here. Misleading kind hearted people using innocent animals for leverage is terrible. If she had just been honest from the start none of this would have happend. Like I said he is a good boy and beautiful dog who is loving and sweet and has had an exptemely rough life. I can hope the next people she misleads don't send him to a pound where he can be put to sleep just because she doesn't do what's right. Good luck to all of you who choose to go through this organization. I'm sure there have been many successful adoptions through them but overall zero stars is my review. If not less. read more

**I felt the need to write this review after being told explicitly they have no money for veterinarian expenses** I tried to contact this shelter numerous times because they say they help animals in need. A little backstory- I am a student with no money had to leave my dog with my dad. My dad is unable to take care of him any longer because he can't afford him due to him being hit by a car 5 years ago. Their website says they help animals and also take them in. My mother contacted them through email and said they would take my dog and try to find him a new home. A day or so later someone texts me from the rescue, no call, no email even though they had all my information. I try to call them, email them, now reply for almost 2 weeks. I text the number back and they coulsnt even remember from the text they sent me who i am and try to get me to adopt a dog first. Then they say they don't take dogs and don't cover any veterinarian expenses. I never asked them for any money but that's all the woman kept saying back to me, when I told her I didn't want her "rescues" help she became so angry and told me I wouldn't be getting any money because rescues don't ever have money to help animals that are sick. After seeing the reviews of all the dogs that people received from this rescue that were sick I felt the need to write this review after being told explicitly that they have no money for veterinarian expenses. I didn't pursue this rescue any further after being treated with such an unprofessional manner and being yelled at for something I never asked for. read more

It's been just about 6 months since we adopted our dog from A Wish For Animals. To be clear from the outset, this is not about our dog. She is amazing, and adopting her was the best thing we could have done - she's really changed our lives for the better. This "review" is about the total lack of follow-up on the part of A Wish For Animals. In fact, since the adoption, we have yet to hear one word from that organization by way of checking up with us on how things have gone with our new family member. The following quote is taken directly from their website: "Our goal is to find the RIGHT home for our animals. Factors taken into account are the family's lifestyle, does it match the needs of the animal, awareness of the cost of veterinarian care for life and the ability to provide instruction, house manners and obedience." How the principal, Toni, has the nerve to say that is truly astounding. From our perspective, she did absolutely no verification of who we are or how suitable we might be to care for another life. In our particular case (our dog had to be carried to our car as she was so nervous and scared about what was happening to her), I expected, at the very least, a phone call to see if things were ok. Nothing. It is now quite clear that once Toni had our money, she was done with us and our new dog. Fortunately for us, however, the lady who fostered our dog prior to the adoption has been an absolute gem. Beatrice is the one who carried Jesse (our dog) to our car back in April, and since then, she has been there for us whenever we've needed her. I understand that she is no longer affiliated with A Wish For Animals, something to do with a difference in philosophy about dog rescues and adoptions. I can see why, as Beatrice truly has the welfare of the dogs uppermost in her mind. Toni/A Wish For Animals obviously do not. Bottom line: if you're seriously considering adopting a dog, contact Beatrice (I can provide contact info, just let me know). Please, stay clear of Toni at A Wish For Animals. read more

I did like them. For a couple months. BUT I emailed them multiple times asking to get my dog neutered since they provide that service, and they never responded. My dog started getting aggressive towards me so I emailed once again saying that he needed neutered and that if nothing changed in his behavior that I wouldn't keep him any more. The owner emailed me back throwing all this false crap at me saying I'm not training him, I can't get rid of him, and that she needed to do a home visit. I told her no, and how he's been trained, etc... She said she's getting the police involved. I am younger, she is obviously taking an advantage with that. Although she doesn't know my background with law. I told her I needed to see a contract since I lost mine during our move. She replied saying she would bring it along with the police. I told her no one is allowed over until I see a copy of the contract. Which legally she HAS to provide. She emailed me back a day later saying: You don't have a say in it. I have the right to come and do a home visit and see our adopted dogs anytime with notice. It's not our fault that you lost your contract. I will bring it with me and show the police- you can see it at that time. I will see you this week. I'm not going to respond to these emails anymore- don't have time. Although, I will send you the info once I get his neuter apt set up. One of the first times she actually mentioned WHAT I EMAILED HER FOR. Neutering. She never stated a time she was coming. Simply said "this week". I am scared to even be home at all. Never once I mentioned bodily harm to my dog or anything dangerous. And she went batshit crazy when I said if neutering didn't help, he would go away. Away as in somewhere that's not my house, and not back to the shelter, because I've seen for myself, they literally live in their own fecal matter in those tiny crates. Her name is Toni. That's all she would ever disclose to us. So that's that. If you ever want to get your dog neutered/spayed from them, don't mention they are aggressive or have behavior problems, she will blame it all on you and want to take your dog away. read more

I wish I could give zero stars. Just know no matter what Toni or the foster parent says it's not true. It's on a first come first serve basis. We waited almost 2 weeks to get our puppy from them. Did the app, sent pics of our house, went and met the puppy on a Thursday. All the while thinking we were picking her up that day. Until we got there we were told we couldn't get her until Sunday around 230. We got there at 3 on Sunday and our forever puppy that our entire family was at home waiting for was sold to someone else. We bought all he supplies, what she's was being fed, Etc... Heartbroken and such a terrible terrible experience. I do not recommend putting your efforts into this organization and if you choose to adopt from them BEWARE!!! read more

We had seen a dog on Petfinder.com. We put in an inquiry using the contact info provided. The rescue/shelter's name was A Wish For Animals in Dana Point, Ca. (Each pet is sheltered or fostered at different locations). Toni E responded via email saying the dog was still available but he already had a couple of applications in but suggested we fill out an application just in case the others didn't work out. Since we were interested, we decided to do so. Turns out the other applicants didn't work out. (Hmmm) Toni then told us via voicemail that the dog would be in our area with the foster parent for the next 2 days and she could probably arrange a meeting but would get back to us. (She sounded pleasant in the voice message). We didn't hear anything for a couple of days. I tried contacting her to see if the meeting was still possible. No response again. This is not how you conduct business. Eventually, Toni called and left a voice message apologizing for not getting back to us and her reason was that she didn't want to say anything until she heard back from the foster parent. (Well, how about you don't even mention the possibility of a meeting until you have your facts straight? Why get us all excited for nothing?) Then Toni proceeded to ask if we were still interested. (Well, yeah! Why do you think we filled out an application and have been calling and emailing you?) When we finally spoke directly on the phone Toni was very moody and rude. Whenever I asked basic questions (age, neutered, shots, etc.) she became quickly annoyed and would literally become exasperated on the phone. Then she threw out the old "If you're not interested I have other people who are". Before we ended the call Toni told me that the dog could possibly be at an adoption event that coming Sunday in Orange County but she would let me know. That Sunday we didn't hear a word until about 2pm. Toni texted saying the dog would be there and that the event would be until 5pm but she would wait for us if we wanted to go. First of all, we waited all day to hear from this lady. Second, she texted us at the last minute to let us know that the dog would be there until 5pm. It was 2pm and we live 2hrs+ away. Totally ridiculous!! I texted her and told her that the time and distance was not going to work at such short notice. Never received a response. Haven't heard a peep from her since. After reading all of the other reviews it all makes sense. I feel bad for the dog but I'm glad we dodged that bullet. Read the other reviews and tips!! read more

After giving up a dog to this org I regret it 100 percent after reading the reviews and dealing with her. Especially the lock him in your car and they will be about five minutes to pick him up. Which she really had no clue how long, which would have been more like 20-30 minutes in 90 degree weather. Of course I refused. But if even half the comments here are true. ( which who knows) there should a complete inspection of records. And follow up on some of the disturbing comments on Yelp. Example Lack of records of immunization, etc. read more

I agree with GT. W. I adopted via this organization and subsequently had to return a dog that I loved after 10 days due to aggression issues. The dog was very timid and scared. Also, The pup was not spayed and I had to coordinate the spay. She was much older than a wish for animals stated and was about to go into heat. This seems like an irresponsible thing for a shelter to do. Also, I had a great deal of trouble getting a legible vaccination record. All of the shots were given in Mexico and it was unsure what she had already received, so I paid out of pocket to vaccinate from scratch to ensure her safety. Upon returning the dog, Toni refused a refund and did not care to acknowledge the fact that I had the dog vaccinated and treated for a skin condition and a sinus infection at my expense. It seems like a scam. I feel bad for the animals under the care of this organization. read more

A wish of animals is a scam and it's NOT an exempt organization. They do not spay/neuter/give shots to the dogs as they claimed. Don't just take my words here but please read other reviews in Yelp including the hidden ones and you'll see the patterns of what they are doing. Here is our experience with them: We adopted Bailey on 5/20/16 after a long and stressful process the organization A Wish for Animals put us through. Long story short, Bailey was dropped off at our house with fleas and in very dirty condition. They weren't able to provide us with Bailey's spay certificate, she has not had Rabies shots, no microchip and no shot records. They promised that they would take Bailey on 6/9/16 to get them done at their vet. On 6/9/16 at 8 am, Gloria came and picked up Bailey from our home and that was the last time we saw Bailey. She promised us she'd bring her back to us by 7pm that same day but at 7.30 pm she called me and told me that Bailey had to stay overnight at the hospital for "further tests". On 6/10/16, the head (Toni) of this so called non for profit organization (which later I found out it's non profit status has been revoked since 2013 by IRS and not filing tax returns for years- this is a public record you can find out yourself from IRS and FTB) called and told me Bailey was already spayed after all ( and they didn't know about this before?) but she is "ill" and needs surgery right away but would not tell us what for or how much it'll cost until later (after they are done?) and would not let me talk to the vet. When I tried to contact the hospital, the hospital told me that they could not release any info because the organization does not authorize to release info to me (why?) and that I have to only deal with Toni. When we demanded Bailey's medical records of the vet's findings for a second opinion of her "illness", they refused and texted me that I "had relinquished Bailey" back to the organization. But we did not surrender her! We reported this to the police but despite our efforts, we never got Bailey back. We are sharing this story because the public should know. They are currently operating for profit and lie to the public, taking advantage of and messing with the emotions of the kind hearted people who truly wants to adopt using the face of innocent dogs as their front. And that's simply wrong! There are many good organizations out there. Do your research first. read more

A Wish for Animals - This is Bailey. Read our review on Yelp. - Animal Shelters Near Me

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I have been helping Toni and this rescue as much as I can. I realize some people get offended because a rescue does not hold their hand constantly or coddle them. Toni cares passionately for these doggies. I have seen people in desperate need for help with a dog and rescue after rescue refuse to help without a foster. And Toni steps up to do all she can to help the dog and person. She has taken dog after dog to her personal home when they did not have fosters. I don't know how she does it. She will also hold people accountable if she sees people treating dogs like a pair of shoes they no longer care to take care of. She is direct, real and to the point and sometimes people will not like that even if it is reality. She adopts out more dogs then most rescues do on average. This is not a business, this is serious org saving the lives of dogs and expects others as a part of humanity to do their part and step up. read more

The most wonderful experience working with Toni. She is so caring and knowledgeable. Goes above and beyond to accommodate and educate. A true selfless gem of a human! Thank you, Toni, for our boy. Calvin is the greatest gift! read more

I have been trying to contact them for 2 weeks to try and adopt a dog and have yet to hear ANY response. If you are looking to adopt a dog, don't call them. They were also listing a 300.00 adoption fee. Nice way to try and save animals. read more

When I was just 11 years old my family and I began fostering 2 small dogs from A Wish for Animals. Every weekend when we brought our fosters to the adoption event my family would end up staying to volunteer and help out. Over time this became a routine and those fosters eventually became our forever family members. I am now 21 and I am not exaggerating when I say that I have been to almost every adoption event with A Wish for Animals for the last 10 years. Over this time I have seen nothing but Toni giving her heart and soul to these animals. Toni is one of the busiest and hardest working people I've ever met. She does everything she can to give these dogs the best home possible. Anything from driving hours and hours to crawling in the dirt on her hands and knees under an abandoned building, Toni will do whatever it takes to save an animal. I have seen it for myself countless of times. My heart breaks when reading that some people haven't had a pleasant experience when adopting from A Wish for Animals. When raising a puppy/dog a lot of patience is required. Sometimes the adoption process takes patience too. But I can assure you that Toni and the volunteers are doing their best to give these dogs the best life, and I can assure you that the $300 adoption fee is going directly towards saving another dogs life. If you are looking to adopt, A Wish for Animals is the place to go. read more

I adopted my Brady from Toni this past Saturday. She let us foster him for a week to make sure he was a good fit for our lifestyle and our other pup Tucker- she provided a crate for us to borrow for that week, food, a leash, and a collar. Anytime I had questions she immediately texted me back. I can't speak to how it is to foster a pup for long periods from Toni, but obtaining a rescue was a pleasant experience. She does have her own belief system on vaccinating dogs, but she does get the initial shots done along with neutering and micro-chipping. The $300 fee for all of that is basically what it would cost you at a vet, so if she is making any money off of providing loving homes for these puppies its very minimal and probably goes to help provide the other puppies with food and such not. It hurts me if anyone does not check out her rescues because of the reviews on this yelp page. Please if you are looking for a rescue check out the events they have and meet Toni and the other ladies in person. read more

I was recently reading the reviews and was truly shocked by the negative ones out there. I adopted Tucker in October 2008 and met Toni, plus his foster mom, and this was the best rescue experience of my life. I found A Wish For Animals online through Adopt A Pet. I filled out an application and was immediately contacted. Toni helped me make a match and she, along with his foster mom, came over to my home and brought Tucker to introduce us. He was about two years at the time, had been the shelter for 10 months. He was obedience trained, current with his vaccinations, knew commands, how to walk, crate trained. He has been a dream come true dog and I know I will go back to Toni when we are ready for another one. I have recommend A Wish For Animals to ALL of my friends and family. My experience was stellar. I cannot thank you enough! read more

Sad that I have a wonderful friend who was promised an adoption of a dog. Then he was at the last minute lied to and turned down...My heart goes out to him and others who are put through a process only to be lied to in the end. read more

I was looking to adopt a dog. I found one that I was interested in however A wish for animals does not return calls or response to application. So I say this to you SHAME ON YOU! No calls are returned voice mail states send us an email for a quicker response. Still no response. Toni you try to act like pillar of the community yet nothing! read more

BEWARE of A Wish For Animals. ----- -This site does not allow me to show a NEGATIVE rating, which is what it deserves. ---- Here's the Post for the dog I tried to adopt (as of 11/14/15 - the post has not changed since I first saw it two weeks ago); Facts about Laila Breed: German Shepherd Dog Mix Color: Tan/Yellow/Fawn Age: Young Size: Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) Sex: Female ID#: 8160804 Laila's Info... I am already spayed, up to date with shots, good with kids, and good with dogs. Laila is a sweet, momma girl! Best dog ever! One year old and found with her pups. The pups all have homes and now it's momma's turn. Can you open your heart and your home for this wonderful momma. ------ -I filled out the application, it indicated I had no children. Made appointment to see dog on Saturday. Foster mom Taylor was late half an hour meeting me. Rude. When I first saw the dog I was surprised, while she is sweet she was very fat, overweight. The dog post says she is of medium weight. Red flag. Per Taylor, the dog weighs 78 lbs and should only be fed grainless dog food. She then admitted to feeding the dog, dog food with grain in it, that's why the dog is so over weight. Red flag. I told her I would only feed the dog grainless dog food, since that's what I used to feed my German Shepherd, no problem. Told her I had a small dog and a cat. She said good cause the dog needs company and likes cats. Told her I wanted the dog. Everything seemed to be going OK. - - Asked her what was the next step, she said to contact Toni. Texted Toni, told her I wanted the dog, she said yes I could have her, asked what was next step. She asked what did Taylor say, I told her she told me to contact you. Red flag - whose in charge here? Isn't there a procedure in place? Got a call from Toni she said Taylor told her I might be feeding the dog, dog food with grain in it. What the..?!?! So Taylor implied I would not be taking proper care of the dog? Why is Taylor trying to make me look bad? What is wrong with her, why would she lie? Who's not taking proper care of this dog? Who made the dog fat? Asked Toni if the dog was healthy, because she is so overweight, she said she did not know the dog was overweight. Said last time she saw her she was not fat. - -Found out that Taylor should have brought the dog to my home the following day, that Sunday. Jeez, another Red flag. Made appt to bring dog to my home on Monday, that evening Taylor broke the appt. Didn't believe her lame excuse, but said nothing. Made appt for next day in the evening, after going back and forth with her, she kept insisting that I take off work so she could come over during the day, 2:00 PM. Told her I had to work, so could only do the evening. She was NOT happy, total atitude. Did not trust her - I was not going to use vacation time so she could flake on me again. At that point did not really think I was going to get the dog. Next day of appt she calls says since I don't have children so I could not have the dog. So why didn't the dog post state this was a requirement? Probably cause she is lying, has mental issues and/or doesn't want to give up the dog. Is that why she made the dog fat - to make her unattactive? So no one would want her? Is that why the main picture of dog is so unattractive? Did she hope that I would not wait to meet the dog - was that why she was late meeting me? Why did Toni say I could have the dog - what is wrong with her? Another lie. Again who's in charge? This entire ugly experience was so absolutely unnecessary. - -This organization is totally unbalanced and unprofessional. - -After reading many of the other reviews, it looks like in reality I lucked out. I just feel sorry for the dog Laila (AKA Bella) - she is clearly not being properly cared for. - -How fat are you going make that dog get? Taylor. - Oh nooo Taylor may have to adopt out Laila, if this info gets out (just to prove me wrong). read more

It's been a few months since we rescued our dog from A Wish for Animals and we couldn't be happier. We are in love with our new "child'! Thank you Toni for all your advise. Your foundation is AWESOME! Patty read more

Please do NOT waste your time reading the awful reviews placed by ignorant yelp reviewers. "A Wish for Animals" is an amazing non-profit animal charity whom I have welcomed & adopted two of the most beautiful baby girls into my family. They have brought such love, joy, and happiness to my home.... A happiness that I never knew was missing. The charity itself is uniquely one of a kind and is run by the most incredible & selfless animal lovers who are trying to make a difference in this world. I myself will be applying as a volunteer within the next week. read more

The adoption consisted of waiting on a sidewalk in a small shopping center for foster families to bring adoptable pups. Mine came from San Diego (which probably means across the border). The vaccination records were filled in on site, not collected from the caretakers. I was told pups under 6 mos were $350, which included all shots, microchip, and neutering. A woman who was NOT A VET gave last of 3 injections and deworming meds right before we left. All paid services had to be at The Family Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa. The pup was terrified: shaking and tail btwn legs. The next day I noticed LARGE tapeworm segments in his first poop. I took him to my vet: exam, fecal test. Pup had tape worm, Giardia, ear infection, hair loss (probably due to flea allergy). Also, pup had all his teeth with some tarter which meant he was not under 6 mos (more like 8 mos). I paid for heartworm, flea and tapeworm meds, ear infection antibiotics, skin allergy shot ($$$). I asked Toni to reimburse for the meds. She refused. I had to get another fecal test to make sure the parasites were gone. The pup had an undescended testicle. I called Family Animal Hospital to see if Toni would pay for neutering. They told me to bring him for exam($). They said it was possible to do the surgery. I got the chip and rabies shot. The chip insertion was paid by Toni. The tracking database fee, I had to pay ($). I called twice before the surgery to see if Toni would pay for the cryptorchid surgery. They assured me they would confirm and she would pay. After the surgery they tried to charge me for the surgery. Finally got Toni to pay half ($). I think it would have been cheaper to get a pup from a shelter. At least he would have been seen by a vet earlier. This is clearly not a non-profit rescue. I paid $350 to Toni and at least $400 for vet fees. "All shots" was only the parvo and rabies, not bordatella. I paid for an exam and part of the neutering and chip. And for all the parasites and infections the poor guy had when I got him from A Wish for Animals. What a scam! read more

My experience with this rescue was quite pleasant. We found the love of our lives thanks to Toni. Toni was responsive, professional, supportive, and assisted us through welcoming a new dog into our family's fold. She took the time to answer all of our questions and calm our concerns. We never once felt slighted by Toni. I was a bit surprised to read some of the aggressive negative reviews. There are two sides to every story. Each contact a business has with their "client" is unique. So it would be a bit closed-minded to completely judge this rescue and what they do based solely on these reviews. If we were talking about a food product, I would probably want to be swayed by the bad reviews; but, reviews are meant to be more of gauge than a staunch judgement. Our experience led us to an amazing dog who completed our family. And, your experience could find you your next four-legged family member also. I would advise anyone to reach out to this rescue and give them a chance to show you they are as reputable, caring and professional as we experienced them to be. Judge for yourself. read more

We rescued a dog from this Great organization. I see some negative reviews. My experience was the opposite. They were the best rescue for us. I've dealt with several in many ways over the years and Toni & crew are the absolute best!!. I dealt with Gloria who is beyond amazing. We adopted our beautiful pitbull. Toni and I spoke on the phone and she was nice and professional. They pulled my dog from death row housed him and took care of him till I could get to him. When I visited one of the houses where my boy was being looked after. I seen other dogs all clean, sweet and being very well cared for. In fact every dog at her house already went out to play , ate and had baths by 10 am. That's impressive. I'm not getting the negative reviews. It's a rescue not a Starbucks. Instead of criticizing why not step up and help with fostering and donating. This rescue gave me my beautiful pit bull. I'll be forever grateful for all their hard work for the animals! Donate to them! Volunteer w them! Thank you A Wish For Animals. read more