We cannot say enough good things about Angel's Wish. We adopted all three of our babies, Frank, Archie, and Freddie through them, and the entire experience was nothing short of wonderful. From the very beginning, they were patient, kind, and incredibly thoughtful. They were so sweet with our three boys, even when the kids understandably got antsy and loud because well... they were done. Angel's Wish never made us feel rushed or uncomfortable. Instead, they met us with grace and understanding. Our cats are truly amazing and fit into our family perfectly. You can tell how much care and love goes into the way Angel's Wish places their animals. We were especially grateful to receive handmade small blankets and toys upon their adoption! Such a thoughtful and kind gift that our cats adore! Angel's Wish doesn't just help you adopt pets...they help you build your family. We are endlessly thankful for them and would recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking to adopt. We also want to share that while reading reviews, we came across a few negative ones that felt discouraging at first. After going through the adoption process ourselves, we truly believe many of those concerns come from misunderstandings rather than lack of care. Policies like encouraging kittens to be adopted in pairs or carefully reviewing veterinary records clearly reflect Angel's Wish's commitment to doing what's best for the animals long-term. We also saw mention of serious illnesses that developed after adoption, which is heartbreaking, but we learned that these are things no rescue could reasonably predict. When one of our own cats showed mild URI symptoms after coming home, Angel's Wish was kind, responsive, and reassuring, and we fully understood that this was not something within their control. Our experience consistently showed compassion, honesty, and a genuine desire to support both the animals and the families who adopt them. read more

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We adopted our tripod cat Cooper over 10 yrs ago and he has been a Godsend. Angelswish was so accommodating the adoption process went so smoothly. read more

A truly terrible, painful experience. Our application to adopt kittens was rejected in a condescending manner based on incorrect information about the veterinary care our late cats had received. Their email even insinuated that our failures of care (which, again, were factually inaccurate, almost comically so, and could be disproven with the records we have) were responsible for our previous cats' deaths. Avoid Angel's Wish at all costs, especially if you're someone emotionally invested in the care and attention you devote to your cats. There are too many other animals in need for me to be gaslit by those who spend their time and energy (inaccurately!) policing others' care. read more

Terrible, terrible, terrible animal rescue. I would never recommend this rescue to anyone else. I fostered with them for almost 2 months. Had two of my fosters adopted out and a couple transferred to different fosters, per Angela Jaskot. (Although that was never necessary)! Today, 02/22/2025, we dropped off two of our fosters -- Magnolia & Wisteria. Which, a friend of mine had asked if I could foster them, I of course said yes and asked if AW would consider intaking them, which they did. All was fine up until today. (As of late, Magnolia has had random and unknown fur loss, intermittent and excessive vomiting at times). I'd ask Angela about a vet appointment on numerous occasions of which she declined and shoved it off as something else. (That she was allergic to fish, anxious, stressed, etc), something non-medical. Which had come to be VERY normal for Angela. That was one of my biggest frustrations with AW -- was how seemingly challenging it was to get in for a vet visit. To continue .. on today, 2/22... We loaded Mag & Wisteria up and took them to the center for an adoption event. Approximately around 12pm, I receive a text from Angela stating that she was moving Magnolia to a different foster because "she was closer to the vet" and Wisteria was going with so "she had a friend"... both ridiculous excuses if you'd ask me!!! We're furious and heartbroken for both of our fosters ... that we're never going to get to see again ... and for their wellbeing, sanity and happiness. For further context, these two girls... and their brother, Rowan, when they all came to me ... they were petrified. They were found living on a farm and were rescued by an elderly gentleman that had brought them inside for a few days, before I trekked to Boscobel to pick them up. After the initial acclimation phase of a week or less, they had slowly but continually started to warm up to us! We were making great progress with them. We're beyond furious and disgusted that Angela Jaskot and Angels Wish acted SO selfish, secretive, demeaning, disrespectful and with the ill intent of acting and doing so behind our backs and failed to consider communicating with us prior to doing. I am broken hearted for both of my foster girls, Magnolia & Wisteria. I'm maddened, sick and furious that these poor sweet kitties have to go through this bullshit again and have to go through an entire re-acclimation phase with wherever AW chose to send them. It's selfish and cruel that Angela Jaskot and AW chose to act in this selfish, cruel, immature and disgusting way. How will I ever have peace and be able to recover and feel comfortable knowing I'll never be able to see or communicate with these wonderful kitties again?!?!!! That's right!!!... I won't! I will NEVER, EVER forgive AW for acting in such a cruel and sick way. It shows their true colors and what a terrible rescue they are!!! I will never, ever, never forgive them. Angels Wish should be called "Devils Demise", or something along those lines. They need some new people running it to have any faith at becoming a better rescue again! Take yourself and your sanity elsewhere before ever considering to adopt out of Angels Wish. Do yourself a huge favor!!! It also shows how they lack to appreciate their Foster's and all they actually do for the rescue -- not only to help the animals!!!! But, further... to help keep their fng rescue afloat!!!! Your fosters are the backbone of your rescue -- and WE are what keep you in business and what keeps your rescue alive. We help the animals in need!!! You do not! You deserve 0 out of 1 billion stars!!! I am thankful for my one cat I was able to adopt from you. If there ever an issue with said animal -- I can guarantee you to hell and back -- that if one things for certain -- she would never ever NEVERRRRRR be returned to Angels Wish!!! Regardless of the circumstances!!! Extenuating or not!!!! See two of the three beautiful babies I rescued ... that they stole from me as a foster. I worry about these two day in and day out. What a sick and disgusting organization!!! read more

Angels Wish - Wisteria looks frightened because Angela took this at Angels wish at one of the adoption events. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Verona, Wisconsin

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Absolutely terrible rescue who cares about money rather than placing these wonderful animals in an amazing home. My daughters and I were interrogated by the woman at the front desk before we even got two steps in the door asking if we had filled out an application to adopt and if not we could not meet any of the cats. My daughters spent the week making sure all paperwork was complete, vet set up and house filled with everything a kitten could want then headed back today to adopt with a healthy donation in hand above the adoption fee. Again walked in and treated with disrespect by workers and then one of the workers said that they could not adopt the kitty without taking two. My daughter proceeded to tell the worker they could only have one per apartment rules and she told them " I don't believe you". so very sad when the kitten they chose and clearly chose them did not get her forever home. PLEASE don't adopt from here and try Dane County Himane Society instead. Dane County workers were thrilled and helped them with the best fit. Happy to say they were amazing and educated my daughters on kitten needs and the found their new family member. Please look into Dane County whom doesn't care about the money and wants to give their cats and kittens to a good loving home. Our generous surprise donation and future donations will be best spent at Dane County Humane Society. Angels Wish you should be ashamed. Definately adopt from Dane County they are absolutely amazing and 100% for positive placement and not money hungry. read more

We chose Angels Wish to adopt a cat from and we had a great experience. The space was clean and we felt the cats were well-taken care of. Shout out to Amy, Amanda and Angela for their friendliness and helpfulness as we met with cats and found one to adopt! Quick note - check out their website and put in an application for some cats ahead of visiting so you can be approved to adopt the same day! That helped us out a lot. read more

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Worst application process. Do not waste your time or your money on donations. They should be shut down for their incompetence in rehoming cats. I think they are so stringent since the cats are in foster care and there is no sense of urgency to rehome them immediately. They actively discriminate against applicants that don't fit their ideal profile when foster care is less scrutinized. I'm surprised they are still around based on their reviews. This is not uncommon though - https://www.humananimalsupportservices.org/blog/common-barriers-to-adoption-and-how-to-bust-them/ read more

Over the weekend, I went to go see a cat that my husband & I were interested in adopting and was very impression with Angel's Wish. The staff & volunteers are great to work with and take very good care of the cats. A lot of the cats/kittens are placed in homes so they aren't always in a cage - which is a great thing. Go adopt a cat on 06/01 & 06/02 because Angel's Wish gets a donation from the Maddie Fund, which helps out the shelter. Also, the adoption fee is waived! read more

Angels Wish is a great place to find your furever cat cats or kittens. This organization puts the cats well beings above all else. The staff is helpful to help both you and your pet match. read more

"Holier Than Thou" adoption agency. Easier to adopt a child than a cat. They don't want you to adopt so don't waste your time. Also as some of the other reviews have eluded to, if you have EVER had a cat pass away from old age you will be denied. Their expectation is that you will keep the cat on life support indefinitely. read more

Angels Wish is hands down the BEST rescue in the Madison area. Yes, they are sometimes difficult - but in a good way. They say no when others can't. They always have the best interests of the pet and family in mind. Not only do we have Angel's Wish cats as a part of our family now, but we have also very much enjoyed fostering kittens in years past. Thank you to Linda for always being there and taking my call no matter how busy you are! Simply the best! read more

I received my first cat from this group several years ago. After my cat died - I applied to adopt another cat - but was ghosted by the person handling my application. I don't know why. I had vet records to support that my cat received all of their needed shots annually. I own my house and have no other pets...not sure why I wasn't approved. I did some follow-up, but received no response. I think they do a great job fostering - and their Verona center is quite nice - but if I am not worthy of a response - it makes me wonder about the people running this organization. read more

My husband and I stopped there a few weekends ago and spent a few hours looking at and playing with a few kitties. The volunteers had us fill out an application and we were approved a few days later. LOIS didn't think we were good "cat parents" because we have an indoor/outdoor kitty that walks on a leash/harness but goes out on our balcony with us (attended) without a harness. She also went as far to advise us that we need to change our habits? so, untrain a trained cat? I would not suggest this place to anyone looking for a family pet. There are so many caged kitties that she will not let go of because apparently from other reviews we are all bad pet owners? Get over yourself lois!!! Last I knew it was illegal to hoard cats! read more

update --- They asked me to remove this review saying I was interfering with animals not getting homes . These people do not fully understand how they are treating people in the name of saving animals . Please read their Google reviews I am not the only one who had this experience by far . read more

Do NOT adopt from here. I adopted my cat 1 month ago exactly and I have already spent $1500.00 in veterinarian bills. My cat was given to me with a severe double ear infection and early onset pneumonia. I have tried to speak with Angels Wish multiple times to get her prior records and some sort of reimbursement with ZERO response. We are on our way to the vet for the fourth time in a month today. You deserve a rescue that is honest and takes CARE OF THEIR ANIMALS. Angels Wish does neither of those things. read more

Demeaning staff...particularly Lois. Other rescues will work toward helping you adopt and making sure that there is a good match between you and the cat you will potentially adopt. read more

This was the worst pet adoption experience I've ever had. I can not recommend this company at all. Take your adoption needs elsewhere. They seem to treat you like you are adopting a the second coming of Christ. And they are pretentious and have a "better than you" approach to their communications. They all need some basic customer service training. They seem to be very interested in making the pet adoption experience extremely difficult (they don't seem interested in getting a pet to a good home). read more

I got two cats from Angel's Wish more than seven years ago. One of them recently died. I tried to adopt another cat, but the person who took my application decided that I was just not good enough for their cats. I have a job, a house, two tall cat trees, and a wonderful healthy, grown cat that would like a companion. I have very long experience taking care of cats with chronic health problems. I am knowledgeable in every way about cats and have cared responsibly and well for cats for more than 25 years. I have tried to discuss the problems they perceive about my application, but it seems as though they make their assumptions and that is just that. They foster cats, which is great; they offer weekend open houses, which is great, but I think they have skewed, very rigid and unreasonable assumptions about what a good cat owner is. I will not recommend them to anyone in the future. It just makes me sad. read more

While I absolutely love my kitty and I'm grateful we took her away from the horrible people that run this place, my experience has been awful. LINDA has been the worst most disrespectful, rude, manipulative human garbage that I've ever met. She told my family that if we weren't going to take two kitties that we might as well piss off (not in those exact words but you get the vibe). She then proceeds to show us kitties "from the same litter" as the original kitty we were interested in. We pick out two, whatever. The day comes where we get to pick up our little bundles of fur and the original kitty we picked IS HISSING AT THE SECOND ONE WE PICKED OUT!!! Linda the monster then proceeds to tell us, "oh yeah they aren't from the same litter........" WHAT!!!!! Her whole point in us adopting two was so they would be with a sibling, someone to comfort them, FROM THE SAME LITTER. Whatever, it ends up being fine. Anyways fast forward to when we get home with our kitty's and we notice our girl kitty has awful discharge from her eyes, she won't really eat, she's sneezing, diarrhea... hmm. Surely Linda or our kitties foster family would've noticed green goop coming out of her eyes and going down her face as well as cleaning diarrhea out of the litter box??? Were we ever told she had any sort of illness going on... NOPE! So we call Linda up and are like hey whats the deal and she is the rudest most insulting person we have ever come across. So we block her number because wow, and now here we are a few days later with a sniffly, goobery eyed kitty and are going to be out who knows how much money because Linda didn't care enough to disclose our baby is sick or have her taken to a vet before we picked her up. It's absolutely sickening that the people who run this place could potentially be depriving kitties of good homes because a.) they're extremely rude which typically turns people off and b.) they tell people they HAVE to adopt two when in reality a single kitty is usually just fine! It's also extremely frustrating that our kitty has very noticeable symptoms that indicate some sort of illness and wouldn't disclose that to us. I hope somehow new owners come to own this place because it's not fair to the kitties that they're potentially not getting adopted because some despicable humans are getting in the way. read more

Stopped in after 3 p.m. on a Saturday. Cats looked to be well cared for. That's the main and most important thing. But the customer pleasantries were very lacking. How are these furry babies going to be adopted if visitors feel unwelcome. Mostly elderly people working. They were constantly on your back as you tried to view the cats. Felt like they were afraid we would walk out with one under our jackets. No smiles. Felt like we were being judged. Just an icky feeling. No desire to go back. read more

I volunteered with them for about a month and Lois is HORRIBLE and very demeaning to her volunteers. I went as far as to have my uncle(who is a retired dairy farmer) and people dump of cats at his place, He had some kittens due to this so i thought it would be nice if we could get a few of the kittens a home thru Lois and Angels Wish. Right away Lois started Belittling my uncle saying he shouldnt have cats but sure took the kittens. That was not only an insult to me but towards my family for trying to help the cause. Needless to say i quit after that. My uncle cant help it if others dump their cats off causing litters. No wonder Lois cant keep volunteers, i truly feel sorry for the cats at her organization read more

I wish I could give zero stars. Let's start off by saying our adoption application was pre-approved. Most of the newer volunteers were great to work with, however, the main volunteer (Linda I believe) who seemed to be in charge was extremely rude and difficult to deal with. She had no sympathy and seemed like she doesn't want to see any kitties go to a good home. First of all we went in to look at kittens before our adoption date and her response to this was "well you guys are looking at the wrong time so that sucks". In addition, there is a policy that is not listed anywhere in which you must adopt 2 cats if you would like one under 6 months old. This was told to us after playing with an individual kitten for over an hour and falling in love with it. We even saw them break this policy for another man who adopted a kitten, and then tried to cover their tracks when we asked.. Its crazy that they let someone like this worker represent this shelter. She is a terrible person and seems like she really hates working with people and the animals. If you are looking to adopt, GO ANYWHERE ELSE. These cats are all fostered. Take a cat out of a cage at the humane society. That is where we will be looking next... read more

It doesn't matter what you want at Angels Wish. They tell you what they think is best. I wanted to adopt a kitty and was denied because I wouldn't take two cats and I wouldn't adopt an older cat. Unless you are willing to take more than one and if you like being told what is the right for you and your family, then this is the place for you. read more

Marilyn needs to learn more about the animals she plans to adopt. Indoor cats live an average of 15 years, but outdoor cats have an average lifespan of 2-5 years. Linda and Chuck volunteered the day we got our kitty, both of them were very helpful, professional and clearly cared about giving their foster cats a good home. I am so glad we adopted from Angel's Wish, Joey's foster parents gave him a lot of love. Joey is such an sweet, outgoing, affectionate kitty, I can't imagine allowing a volunteer's behavior stop me from adopting him. However, I would have had a talk with the volunteer coordinator at Angel's Wish. There is something to be said for good manners. If we get another cat in the future, I would not hesitate to adopt from Angel's Wish. read more

We have two fur babies from Angel's Wish. It is very nice to know that all of their cats and kittens are raised in homes with wonderful volunteer foster parents. These people are great resources when looking for the best fit for your home. AW staff are very friendly and their love for animals is very evident. AW also has great supplies and super fun cat toys, our two furgirls, Molly and Zoey vouch for them too!!! read more

I called them twice because no one called me back after the first call. They called me and told me to quit calling that it is not accomplishing anything calling more than one time. Do not use this shelter, there are better ones out there. read more

My husband and I, along with our three granddaughters visited Angel's Wish on Saturday, December 29, 2012. We'd expressed our interest in adopting a kitten. We'd completed two online applications because Lois Lawrence, the founder, couldn't open the first one. We also played phone tag and left messages on her voice mail. Every volunteer with whom we interacted was helpful and pleasant. The only unpleasant interaction we had was with Lois. Her abrupt, dismissive and just rude demeanor was off putting to us and other potential adopters. She was an embarrassment to the volunteers who witnessed her interaction with us. She made it clear that she didn't care for our vet, whom she said she'd need to get a recommendation before we could adopt the two kittens we fell in love with, which struck us as unprofessional. We left Angel's Wish feeling that because Lois seemed to have a particular dislike for me that she would not let us adopt. Because of these feelings, we decided to stop at the Humane Society as did another couple who'd been at Angel's Wish when we were there. They also felt Lois' people skills were awful. The volunteer staff, on the other hand, are fantastic; helpful, friendly eager to answer questions. Based on our interactions with the volunteers, I was seriously thinking of volunteering, as was the other couple. But that changed for both of us after our interactions with Lois. Neither of us wanted to be subjected to her treatment on a regular basis. We think Lois does important work, but her style of relating to people is most likely a detriment to more of her animals finding their forever homes. As for us, we found two kittens at the Human Society who also touched our hearts. My husband, our 3 granddaughters and I debated the pros and cons of waiting for Lois to contact us vs. taking the two at the shelter. The three deciding factors were: 1. Angel's Wish keeps the animals until they find a permanent home 2. We felt Lois would not allow us to adopt 3. Shelter animals have an "expiration date" With these three things in mind, we decided to adopt and take home with us on Saturday, Zena and Ralph. Everything I'm writing here I've emailed and written to Lois because I wanted her to know why we went elsewhere for our pets, and I know we aren't alone in our feelings and assessment. I wrote to Lois and writing her not to "tell her off", but to point out the one short coming we experienced at Angel's Wish, and that was with her. I think most people wouldn't take the time to communicate this; they simply go away. I offer this as constructive criticism. I felt it was important for her to understand what might be behind some of the aborted adoptions, and to give other potential adoptive families a heads up. I know Lois cares about the animals she services, that much is clear. But if she was as personable as her staff of volunteers, Angel's Wish would not only place more pets, but probably get more people to volunteer. So, if you plan to go to Angel's Wish, have your application printed off and in hand, try to overlook the high handed manner of Lois and go pick a pet that needs a loving home. My rating is despite the negative Lois presently presents. Dena Jenks read more

Hi! I wrote a "Yelp" review recently ( which currently should be the second review, right after this one, on their website) about my horrible experience with Angel's Wish and how I was treated by Volunteer Sue L. while going through the adoption process to adopt Sargeant, a beautiful 10 year old white domestic shorthair. He is also deaf. Towards the end of the adoption process, just before I was to sign final adoption papers, I was turned down and told to go elsewhere to adopt when I insisted on doing what I thought was best for Sarge's welfare. I realize that Angel's Wish does not have the best reputation in this area, but it is so sad that the animals are not getting adopted due to that! I have checked their website periodically, and see that they have a very low turnover of cats. ( I was told Sarge had been up for adoption almost a year, and many of the cats are there week after week after week!) I am asking each and every one of you to take a look on their website at Sargeant. There is also a video of him. He will melt your heart! I was told he would do best being the only pet in the household. He cannot attend "showings" as he gets so frightened, probably due to being shy AND deaf. PLEASE find it in your heart to give him a nice home! He is being given up for the second time in his life and recently lost his sister to adoption. Keep in mind that I only gave Angel's Wish 1 star due to the attitude of the staff, esp. Sue L. It is SO sad that this prevailing attitude affects the animals that need good homes. They need to change their name as no Angel would want these pets in this situation. Angel's Wish no doubt started out with good intentions, and just got off track on the way. Again, please take a look at Sarge, and all of the others as well, who have waited so long for their "forever home"! I did adopt elsewhere and my overall experience was great, but I still cannot get beautiful Sarge off my mind! Thank you. read more

I enjoyed interacting with the volunteers and people who worked at the Verona location. However had a very very very negative experience with the application process lady. We adopted a wonderful cat however experienced a lot of emotional stress from the process of the application lady. In the end the second cat we adopted we went through another agency and it was much more positive. Don't give up on the animals get rid of the lady that does the application process. read more

A wonderful organization - we've adopted several cats over the years, they are well cared for and you can tell the individuals there really care about each cat or kitten. Maybe Marilyn doesn't get it - let your cat run loose and it may end up back at a shelter as a stray, injured, or abandoned animal. read more

The cats at Angel's Wish are well socialized since they live in foster homes. Also, their retail department has great products...everything you need. My cats are picky about their litter. Angel's Wish carries the brand I like at a great price. read more

We adopted our cat almost two years ago. The staff at Angel's Wish did a great job of matching us. We went in thinking we wanted a kitten, but hearing about how we work and have kids, they suggested a slightly older cat who was good with kids in her foster home and wouldn't get bored and destructive while we were at work. read more