I walked to the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter that day because I thought I might be ready for a…read moredog. Or maybe I just needed the feeling of a living thing nearby again--the kind that looks at you like you exist in a way the rest of the world sometimes forgets to. I first met Tito, who was perfectly good and perfectly himself, but the chemistry just wasn't there. So I told Melissa, one of the shelter staff, something a little strange. I said, "Just pick a dog for me. Anyone. Don't tell me anything about him. Just bring him out." And she did. The dog she brought me was beautiful and bright-eyed and eager in the way that makes you think a dog already knows something about you before you've said a word. I warmed to him immediately. We spent a little time together outside the kennel, and it felt--quietly--like a small pocket of calm inside a very loud world. Then I asked his name. Elliott. Spelled the same way as my daughter's name: E-L-L-I-O-T-T. My daughter Elliott is named after my mother, whose last name is Elliott. Three Elliotts, suddenly converging in the middle of a shelter yard on an ordinary afternoon. The kind of coincidence that makes you pause for a second and feel the strange poetry that sometimes shows up in everyday life. But the part that stayed with me the most wasn't just the dog. It was Melissa. We talked--really talked--for a moment. The kind of conversation that isn't long but still somehow manages to feel human and grounding. She shared a little of her life, and I shared a little of mine. And there was something about her presence that made the entire experience feel gentler, more thoughtful, more real. The shelter requires that every member of the household meet a dog before adoption, so I went home excited to show my daughter Elliott the pictures. She studied them carefully and then said, very plainly, "No Mommy. That dog is too big for us." And in that simple honesty there was clarity. I realized that what I went looking for that day--a companion to fill a quiet space in my life--might not be the right step just yet. But something else happened instead. That afternoon left an imprint on me. Meeting Elliott the dog, and more importantly meeting Melissa, reminded me how much compassion and patience exist in the people who choose to work in places like that every day. So instead of adopting right now, I've decided to volunteer at the shelter and spend time with the dogs there--especially Elliott, if he'll have me. Those dogs need love. And the people who care for them deserve recognition. Melissa, in particular, left a mark on my heart that I won't soon forget. In a world that often feels rushed and transactional, she offered something simple and rare: kindness, presence, and a moment of real human connection. And sometimes that's exactly what you needed all along.

We love Toto! Thank you for changing our lives. He is absolutely perfect. The care and patience we…read morereceived from the staff is very appreciated. We will be going back to try to find Toto a brother or sister.

I absolutely love these people! so kind and loving toward my dog and cat. I highly recommend them!read more

After going to Pricilla for 3+ years, my review is still 5 stars…read more We have now added a new addition to the family, and Pricilla does just as amazing! She is also very flexible with time and has worked around our changing circumstances. We will keep trusting our babies with her as I know she loves my girls just as much as I do!

I am SO glad I came to this animal shelter to adopt! This experience was honestly so good. I went…read moreto Rancho's animal shelter to adopt but the dogs I was interested in were no longer there. While the facility did look clean, my goodness, it smelled so bad. So I came to this animal shelter on a whim and the building is so nice. I was helped immediately, everyone was friendly, and I went to go look around at the dogs. I found a dog I was interested in but was on a hold. I was told that once the dog is no longer on the hold, I could call and set up an appointment for a meet and greet. Well, my first time at this shelter was on Wednesday, the dog was no longer on the hold today (Saturday) so I made sure to call and make an appointment for a Meet and Greet. The lady told me she had times available same day and I was able to meet the dog a few hours after making the phone call. I came in, I was helped promptly. And I got to meet the dog. I asked the worker if I would be able to walk the dog. It was a little misty outside so she gave me a jacket to give the dog and the staff member was with me outside with the dog and she was so friendly. Once I was done, I let the staff member know I wanted to adopt and she let me sit with the dog a little longer while she got the paperwork ready for me. The fee was not bad at all because it included the adoption fee, vaccines, check up with vet, pet insurance for a month, neuter, and microchip! Once I completed all the paperwork, I was given all the forms in a nice little folder and a bunch of flyers and coupons. I was also given a goody bag and a variety of blankets to choose from. I wish I remembered the lady that helped me because I truly feel like she made this experience extra special. She set up his neuter appointment so I haven't gotten a chance to take him home yet, but I'll be able to after he's neutered. I am really happy with my experience at this animal shelter and I'll definitely be referring friends and family to come adopt here!

I adopted an adult kitty yesterday on 5/25/26 and the experience at the shelter was overall good. I…read moreloved that they gave us a bag of food and treats, toys, a blanket, etc. They also gave us an opportunity to sign up for a free 30 days of pet insurance. And they microchipped him. 24 hours later, my kitty is at the vet because he has tapeworms!! I am upset because they allowed us to adopt a sick cat. I noticed the tapeworms and soon as he made his first bowel movement at home. I took him into the vet first thing this morning. And even though we received a free 30 days of pet insurance, his treatment will not be covered because it is a pre-existing condition. There's no way the shelter staff didn't notice his tapeworms unless they really weren't paying any attention to his stool. So either they noticed and did nothing about it or weren't being thorough with his care. I wish this had gone differently.

Very rude lady. I'm not sure if it is the owner of this recuse or the blonde lady in the pictures…read morebut she was very rude and a Karen. She has the biggest attitude and treats others very disrespectfully because things didn't go her way! Don't support a rescue that has an ignorant owner who thinks she is above other workers at other jobs. She threatened to get workers in trouble because they didn't have something she wanted to get. Very rude and entitled!!!

No one really understands how hard these rescues work for animals. To read comments like 'where is…read morethis place even at" is so disturbing. You act like you're going shopping for some commodity. Many rescues use fosters or don't want to list their location to protect the animals. Their job is to PROTECT the animals - and no I'm sorry, you will not all be the right home or qualify. So if you don't get the dog you wanted, you might be fully just absorbed in your own emotions but you are not the one doing the tireless work here for the animals. Royce has been helping animals for years! She like many other rescues are amazing, the real super stars and most people don't have any glimpse into what that daily hard work is like. It's a labor of love and it's to help animals.

I came to West End after a few years since my dogs passing after he was attacked by a wild dog. It…read morewas heart breaking and difficult to think about getting another dog and it took a while for me to actually get comfortable with the idea, but I finally decided to check out West End on my 30th birthday and I found Oso there and I was immediately drawn to him. I decided to play with him a bit so we can get to know each other and it just felt right so I adopted him and I don't regret it one bit. I just want to say thank you to the entire staff for answering questions and being so helpful the entire time I was there! Oso and I are very happy together and we've already made such a huge impact on each other! He is extremely happy, healthy, playful, sleepy, extremely intelligent and very obedient and full of love (he gets very excited when I get back from work and loves to howl when i come through the door, I love it)! Thank you West End! Thank you so much for helping me find a new best friend! And thank you for everything you do!

Do not adopt from this shelter!! Recently returned an…read moreadopted cat from this shelter due to the cat having health issues. The cat was given a clean bill of health it as soon as we got home it was clear the cat was not okay. Dental issues, incontinent, cannot put on weight. The cat is skin and bones. Due to a recent layoff, we were not able to care for the cat financially and thought returning the cat would be best. The front lady was so rude! Not sure why she's working there. We were just trying to get the cat the help it needed and were met with attitude. They have put her back up for adoption, they say she is healthy but they are lying! She's not potty trained and has major health issues. They also lied about why she was returned to the shelter. Disappointed!

Friends of Upland Animal Shelter was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. I recently…read moreadopted my puppy, and Reina provided exceptional support throughout the entire process. We feel so fortunate to have found such an amazing addition to our family. If you are considering adoption, I highly recommend it -- you won't regret it. Be sure to ask for Reina, as she truly goes above and beyond to help every step of the way. Thank you again! We absolutely love our Maverick.

Nice shelter but the front office staff is rude and seemed aggressive . Was not a fan.read more

Hello fellow yelpers!…read more So if you want the best of the best care for your fur friend, come to this establishment. Dr. May, Ashlin, Kayla and Laura took amazing care of my sweet oldest "daughter" who is a double digit aged feline that is generally nervous (albeit sweet and quiet) and does not do well in unfamiliar situations like vet visits. My kitty did quite well with Dr. May (just like the previous 2x I have come in for appts) because she takes her time petting her and genuinely cares for my little furry child. I don't trust anyone else with my 4 cats, so please strongly consider this vet office when you are looking for a safe place for your pets to be seen. PS My cat was so relaxed (and this was without medical intervention to calm her) I honestly think she may have fallen asleep at some point while Dr. May and I were coming up with my little girl's care plan.

As an update on my feline --- I went to a Veterinary ER and Specialty (MarQueen) the next day ---…read moreThe vet knew exactly what was going on with my boy. He could not swallow or eat, at this point he was unsteady and ataxic (difficulty walking) The conclusion was a neurological disorder/disease My precious Ringo had to be PTS- to end his misery--- July 14, 2024 - RIP sweet boy- Again Terra Vista should be labeled CANINES only---

Rescued young cat approximately 4 months old very well behaved needs home badly. Litter box…read moretrained very playful loves to cuddle

They helped me every step of the way to c et three orphan kitties of the streets . I am so very…read moregrateful for them .

We adopted Luna, our precious Husky, through All Paws for Joy. They kindly allowed us a few days to…read moresee if Luna would get along with our other dogs--and she fit in beautifully. We decided to keep her, and she has been a beloved part of our family for the past three wonderful years. Thank you, All Paws for Joy, for your ongoing dedication to rescuing animals and helping them find the loving homes they deserve.

The owner is the most unprofessional person I've come in contact with. She broke her own contract…read moreand blamed me. My foster killed one of my animals and I informed her he needed to another placement. She blamed me and then stopped responding. When she has responded she is nasty and blames me for the stepping up to foster. The dog is still in my care because she hasnt done anything to help. She charges $400 + to adopt but hasn't helped this dog at all. please Find a more reputable rescue to work with if you want to foster. This has been a HORRIBLE experience.

These animals are so well cared for and fully vetted. You'll never find a rescue that treats…read moreanimals this well and ensures that you'll get a successful adoption. I've adopted two dogs through this rescue, and I highly recommend this rescue

Very nice people and compassionate. They truly care for their dogs . I am…read moreHoping I get a chance to adopt one small dogs from them . Nikki