I have been adopting from Animal-Aid for roughly 12 years. My first adoptee was a senior toy poodle who had physical limitations. He was one of the most wonderful dogs I ever had. I next adopted a Cat, Cousin Mitt, who is still with me. He was about 9 months old when I adopted him. This June he will be 12 years old. Since then I adopted 4 additional dogs over the years, all seniors. Two of them, a male and female chihuahua were both about 11 years old when I adopted them almost three years ago. They're both doing well. This past Friday I adopted another dog from Animal-Aid. Logan. He's the youngest dog I ever adopted. He's roughly 2 years old. He's a mini-schnauzer/poodle mix and is about 12 lbs. He's the cutest little guy. Before I took Logan, I actually took another dog, "Tristan" a British Bulldog (mixed with something else) who was terrific. However, another person also wanted Tristan; a lady who had actually fostered him for a short time initially. I did take Tristan home and had him with me for about 24 hours. He was amazing, but being I knew there was another person who wanted him who already knew him and knew both the bad and the good, I felt the right thing to do was to let Cindy have him, and I save another dog ... I believe I did the right thing, and Logan and I have bonded already. I love him to death. Animal-Aid provides a much-needed service to these animals who are abandoned or lost or otherwise unwanted. Tamara works her butt off saving the lives of unwanted dogs and cats (not to mention rabbits, guinea pigs, etc). I'm sorry to have read a couple of not-so-good reviews. I don't know what those person's experiences were, but to some degree the two I read sounded as though they expected perfection and/or that they should have received some kind of special treatment. They sounded a bit as though they expected the red carpet to be rolled out for them when they entered the building. Animal-Aid is a non-profit organization. Most folks working at Animal-Aid are volunteers. They work for free. All services they provide (such as shots, neutering/spading are done at extremely low cost) ... They don't have a huge number of folks working there daily. if you don't feel they provide the perfect customer service experience you'd like, then take your pet to a regular vet hospital where you'll pay the cost for that special service you feel entitled to. Volunteers who work at Animal-Aid do so because they love animals. Most persons working at your vet's office work there because they needed a job and are most likely only being paid minimum wage. So if you think your pet is being treated better at a different vet ... Think again. Anything "negative" you may have seen at Animal-Aid isn't any different than what you aren't seeing at your vet's office because they do everything in the "back area" where human customers cannot go. I will say, once I adopt an animal, I then usually begin them on a Wellness Plan through Banfield Animal Hospital. Animal-Aid is a bit out of the way for me, so I don't often take advantage of too many of the things they provide. though I have on occasion. I did have a dog I adopted elsewhere neutered at Animal-Aid years ago. It was an overall positive experience (not to mention how much money I saved). I have NEVER had a negative experience at Animal-Aid. I think they do an amazing job and offer extremely valuable services, but at the same time I recommend everyone who adopts a dog/cat should also be willing and able to find a long-term family vet for the long-term care of their pet. read more

Serious Concerns Regarding Animal Welfare, Facility Safety, and Fraudulent Practices I am writing to formally express grave concerns about the condition and operation of this so-called animal rescue shelter. Upon visiting the facility, it was immediately apparent that the animals are being housed in conditions akin to hoarding, with the animals visibly unwell and living in squalor. The facility itself poses a significant and dangerous fire hazard. The hallways are obstructed by stacked crates of cats, creating an impassable situation that would prevent safe evacuation in the event of an emergency, which is a clear violation of fire safety regulations. In addition, the owner engaged in fraudulent misrepresentation by claiming that the animal we adopted was up to date on all vaccinations. After taking possession of the animal, it became evident that this was not the case. The animal was, in fact, seriously ill, and we have since incurred substantial veterinary expenses to address the health issues the shelter either ignored or concealed. We have now spent double the amount initially paid in an attempt to save our pet's life. Repeated attempts to contact the shelter, both directly by us and by the veterinary hospital treating our pet, have been met with complete silence. This lack of communication is unacceptable and demonstrates a blatant disregard for the welfare of the animals and the individuals who adopt them. The actions of this facility are not only abusive and neglectful but also amount to consumer fraud. I urge immediate action be taken to investigate and hold this facility accountable. Based on the deplorable condition of the animal we adopted, it is reasonable to assume that other animals housed in the same facility are similarly neglected and suffering. This facility should be reported to the appropriate authorities and shut down to prevent further harm to animals and unsuspecting adopters. read more

This sweet boy was saved right before #hurricanedorian was supposed to hit #southflorida. He was so small and just kept meowing at me and didn't go away so I thought there must be something wrong with him. I took him to #animalaidinc in Oakland park and they took him in and saved his life. He would not have made it through the night, he was literally on the brink of death. Animal Aid selflessly stayed open late on Friday night, August 30th, 2019, with no certainty of what the hurricane was going to do, like the rest of us, and nursed him back to health over the last 5 days. They gave him An IV drip, antibiotics, vitamin shots, de-warmer and a warm safe place to recuperate. ALL FOR FREE! The poor little guy at about 2 months old was so anemic he could hardly hold himself up! He is getting stronger every day and we are calling him Dorian because if it wasn't for the possible coming storm I may not have taken him for help right away and he would certainly have died. We caught his sister too and there is a third one out there also. Animal Aid made a deal with us that was if we fostered the 3 kittens they would all get medical and care at no cost, you know why? Because they care and we cannot afford it!! It would have cost thousands of dollars to do what they did at a regular vet's office. We have our own animals that we spend money on and cannot take more on. They are wonderful, self-sacrificing humans full of empathy and are absolutely selflessly fighting the good fight for those that cannot help themselves!! If you are able please donate to them, I am witness to the good they do in our community! Also, if you are interested in adopting Dorian please message me and I will put you in contact with Animal Aid as he is still with them recuperating. He is the sweetest most grateful kitten !!! #oaklandpark #stormsurvivor #adoptdontshop read more

4/22/2021 I lost my cat to unfortunate accident a few months ago. It left a hole in my heart. this was that one special pet that won't be forgotten. I remembered how amazing this place was when I came in last. I came to help fix that empty spot. So many cats in the same room. They all looked so happy. I can't imagine how much work it must take to feed and keep things as clean as they were. Alexandra was really great with me and showing me around. There was one kitten with 3 legs up front who was just calling my name. I need her and she needs me. She a sweetheart and loves to sleep on me. She's still learning how to adjust with a missing leg. she loves my daughters Labrador. The first night I looked down and they were sleeping back to back. I see her muscles moving when she tries to swat the phantom limb. I settled for the name toothless. After all Isn't it obvious her name should be Toothless. It's been over a week and she's adjusted more. She has fear still from the trauma of losing her leg. I would really love to find out what happened or hear what the doctor saw to end up removing the limb. She has figured out how to climb the cat condo. She's really starting to play a whole lot like a regular kitten tossing fur balls around. I made her a scratching box with catnip and she loves playing in there. Still a bit nervous when standing up she's always looking for an escape or protection. It shows more everyday that she is full of love yet not 100% convinced human won't hurt her. It makes me even more curious of what's happened. She's adjusting well to 3400 sq ft to run around and play. Not quit what she was accustom to. I thank you all so very much. It takes big hearts to do what you do. I might be interested in another kitten but I want to give more comfort and security to toothless first. I'll send photos when i have more time read more

This is not a shelter- it's an animal rescue. These guys seek out dogs, cats and small animals who are on death row in not just the surrounding areas' high-kill shelter's- but shelters in other counties of Florida. While they do take in owner surrenders, some of the animals there have experienced trauma or are being rehabilitated for physical illness/injury. This (all-volunteer run) rescue gives them another chance. What Animal-Aid does is truly honorable. Additionally, they follow adoption procedure standard to more popular shelters, like the Humane Society. The only negative thing I have to say is that when I adopted my Chihuahua mix, I was told he was 4 years old when a vet confirmed his actual age to be 5 or 6. Not that big a deal though. I adopted Rocket a month ago, after I saw him cowering in the corner of a kennel among other more sociable dogs. I felt sorry for him. I took a leap of faith that he could recover emotionally from whatever abuse he went through. Literally when I brought him home, he wasn't just hiding from me and shaking. Whenever I made any sudden movements he would draw back as if he presumed he was going to be hit. It was obvious. He still has a bit more fears overcome, but present day Rocket has made incredible progress. With fascinating resilience, he has revealed a silly, sweet-nature and a fun-loving personality. He's a happy, energetic and curious boy who loves rolling in the grass and trips to the park! Before I got rocket, I didn't want to give an older dog a chance. But I am glad I did! He is so full of life and love. Please consider saving an animal today! read more

I have been to more than 10 vets from new jersey to florida for two years to try and help my baby oscar. He has suffered from a face wound that was wrongfully treated for two years no one could figure it out. Originally i came to animal aid one day accepting the fact that he may have to be put to sleep and may not come home that day. I was sure that this is what i was going to hear. For years, i have been spending my life savings trying to help this poor baby that i rescued from the street after he had been abandoned. THESE ANGELS at animal aid have given me the gift of happy tears and given my baby the chance at a better life. That day that i dropped him off i expected to receive a call saying im sorry theres nothing we can do but instead i got REAL RESULTS. Tamara and the doctors that volunteer precious time for animals are nothing short of ANGELS and beautiful people. Tears are streaming down my face as I type that they have found a resolution when no one else could. My heart is overwhelmed with happiness. I will forever support this eatablishment of caring souls!!! To nee comers, PACIENCE is key. They are very busy and sometimes it will take longer than you hope for answers but believe me you will get real results. Do your part on following up and be patient!!! Good service takes time! Thank you animal aid and Tamara for founding such a beautiful thing, I am forever in your debt xo. read more

Amazing, amazing, amazing! I think many complaints come from people who expect top tier veterinarian treatment -- which you can tell the staff tries hard to achieve -- but these reviewers often forget how demanding the work these people do is. They spay/neuter some 30 cats a day, if not more. And on top of offering crucial services for an unbeatable cost ($70 for a spay/neuter compared to the usual $200+ in private offices), they are also a shelter for adoptable dogs and cats. This is a small business with a small staff who just wants to help animals and pet owners! I've taken my own cats as well as various strays from my street to be neutered and have never been disappointed. The staff has always been informative and attentive, and even provided us with free vaccinations for some of our stray cats at times in which they could extend the offer. Unfortunately, they often end their nights being bashed by impatient pet owners who arrive before having received the phone call for pickup (as if they don't operate on dozens of animals a day!). This place is a gem, full of people that are doing the best they can while making their services as accessible as possible. Their job is not to provide customer service, especially considering how flustered they must get, but as long as you treat these people who work their butts off with the respect they deserve, you'll have a pleasant experience! read more

Animal-Aid is a great animal rescue facility. Tamera and her mother are fantastic. They run an HONEST and TRUSTWORTHY rescue shelter. I have found several questionable places, but Animal-Aid is the real McCoy. I have rescued several dogs/cats over the years from them. I rescued a senior toy poodle who was handicapped many years ago. He passed away a bit over a year ago, but he was a fantasic little dog. I also rescued my only cat, who I call Cousin Mitt. He's still doing great. Yesterday, I adopted two chihuahua's. They're both seniors. Both 10 years old. One male and one female. The male, Gramps, is 10 lbs and the female, Granny is about 6 lbs (she's tiny). They've been with me just under 24 hours now and they're loving it. I also have an 11 year old Pekingnese. They all got on fine. I highly recommend Animal-Aid in Oakland Park, FL. If able, please donate to this wonderful, worthy cause. Or if you have things to donate they often need donations like towels and blankets, so please check with them if you have such items to see if they need them. I'll attach pictures of Gramps and Granny meeting Snuggles (my Pekingnese) when I brought them home yesterday. Gramps is wearing the pink sweater and Granny the blue (Hey, I didn't dress them, LOL). The pictures aren't very clear, and I will take better pics of them soon once they've gotten fully comfortable in their new home. read more

I have had MANY quality experiences with the Animal Aid facility in Oakland Park as well as the staff there. Tamera herself has devoted her entire life completely to caring for animals and finding them a good home. I recently went in with my ex due to a sick young cat. We also needed to get medication to treat her other cats for worms and her dog was way past due for his heart prevention. I wanted to help my ex out and her animals as they are also dear to me ( all rescue pets) but as the numbers were adding up...the probability of me being able to help my ex slid further and further away as it reach over $150 just in stuff in boxes! And the Vet hadn't even come out yet to tell us what was wrong with the cat we brought in! Tamera saw this frustration. Tamara's primary goal was to get all our pets treated and protected, profit be damned! So she offered the meds at HER COST! Then a very kind long time client of Tamera's also chimed in and offered to donate $50 just so we could all collectively treat and help the animals. Now THAT'S "CARING"! I have know Tamara Gibson for almost ten years now and she is the very first person I would go to when I need quality assistance in helping an animal. She truly does care and has devoted her life to defending and saving helpless animals. She has my vote hands down! Sincerely, Brian Travinski read more

I have been going here to get a feral colony neutered and vaccinated. Tamara and her staff have been extremely supportive in assisting us with this daunting task. They have definitely gone the extra mile, and administered additional care/medication when needed; even keeping the fur-patients overnight if we didn't have a place for them to recover or they were too sick/weak to be released right away (you will not find that at any other low cost spay and neuter especially with ferals). On top of that, they also identified that one of our cats was much too friendly to be completely feral and instead of letting her go back to living on the streets they found her a forever home!!!!! Like I said the extra mile!! I have also personally adopted a furry critter from them and they have always been willing to assist me with whatever they can. They are limited in what they can provide from a veterinary/medical standpoint due to their limited diagnostic equipment. They primarily offer spays/neuters and vaccinations, but will work with you any way they can (i.e if your vet prescribes medication you can probably get it from them cheaper). They do get quite busy at times, therefore it can seem hectic if you happen to be in there at one of those times, so be patient. read more

For the past two years I have been the photographer for Animal Aid. I have seen 1000's of dogs come to their shelter and then leave to new homes. I am always amazed at the dedication and hard work that the entire staff and volunteers preform on a daily basis. They really have their work cut out for them, as they rescue and rehabilitate many dogs that other shelters would just euthanize. This is one thing that sets Animal Aid apart from many other rescue groups. The cost to rehabilitate some of these dogs can run from the $100's to the $1000's, but Animal Aid thinks they are all worth it. Knowing that Animal Aid operates solely on donations makes this even more remarkable. In addition to rescuing all these animals, Animal Aid also offers low cost spay/neutering and vaccinations. Not only does this help the people that would not otherwise be able to afford these services, but it is a big step in controlling the overpopulation of dogs and cats in general. Again, Animal Aid's dedication and caring for so many animals has really been an eye opening experience. When you adopt a dog or cat from Animal Aid, or even just make a donation, it allows them to continue doing the great work that they do. read more

Thank you Tamera. I will also need to have my New Chihuahua spayed. Please. If you can set me up a time and date I can come in. I'm driving all the way from the Boynton Beach area. I can't thank you enough Tamera for saving yet another kitty senior one at that she is doing a 180 from just yesterday. I really can't thank you enough if you need any work done before or after Pumpkin is spayed from no other then Animal Aid. I'm putting Animal Aid on the BLAST IN palm Beach because of the complete unconditional love and help you have done to thousands of Pets !! I thank you from my heart and please let me know if there is any way I can help you. I hope to see Jim when I'm down that way which is not often at all. Lori told me she would love to meet you !and thank you personally for all you have done for her kitty she found when she was about 8 to 10 weeks old on the streets !! Sadly I say this !! God bless please give me a date for Pumpkin to get spayed please !! Once again thank you for the love you give and show to all animals Amen your the Best Tamera and Staff and a special thank you to the Dr. read more

I have been a volunteer with Animal Aid for the past 4 years. I love the philosophy it lives by; the caring and compassion it shows to both the animals and the people who bring them in; and the humble way they go about to do the best they can, knowing that they rely solely on donations for funding. The staff are professional, kind, caring, and competent. I have witnessed customer service at its best! These people care that these animals find good homes. They value the volunteers who come in and help them with the daily activities of running the shelter. I am proud of being able to say that I volunteer at Animal Aid. I am proud of the good work that this shelter and its' owner does for the animals and the families of these pets. I see the thanks and hear the words of gratitude that people extend to Tamera and her staff. I have been deeply touched during my time there when I have heard the stories from people who Animal Aid has reached out to help. The staff at Animal Aid do excellent work and are to be commended for their efforts. They are making a huge difference in the world of rescue. read more