Woman was VERY VERY rude, I submitted an application to adopt a cat and she decided to lecture me on my dogs, because of them is not spayed YET. She did not even tell me from the beginning that the cat was going to get adopted the next day. She also said "Please educate your parents" as if they don't know what they are doing. We have done extensive research before we decided to get pets and give them the best care we can. This was like a slap to the face, I would give 0 stars if possible. read more

I have nothing but good things to say about Marin Cat Connection. I was in a difficult position trying to find homes for cats that for no fault of their own were in need of new forever homes and there was little time to accomplish this, kitten season was just around the corner. I researched many no kill shelters in two counties and they all had friendly, well meaning staff. Then I found, Marin Cat Connection. Ms. Allen was an absolute God send. She went well beyond what anyone would ever expect from a rescue in trying to help me. I looked at reviews on Yelp, and yes, saw some that weren't as positive as others but what those reviews were showing me was this is someone who has very high standards, like I do. I knew she was the person I wanted to contact. She literally bent over backward trying to find first a foster for the remaining cat, then finally a magnificent, permanent home. It didn't happen overnight but she diligently kept at it, until a fantastic home was found. Ann has a very strong love for cats, that's clear to see, shes been doing rescue and adoption for over 30 years I believe, and I for one went with her organization over all the others because of her high standards. She puts the cats first, over anything else, even at the risk of possibly offending people sometimes, (I know not intentionally), which is what I wanted in a cat rescue. I'm not thin skinned and don't easily get offended especially when I know someone is willing to work their butt off to find cats safe and happy homes. Finding good homes for animals isn't easy folks, I know I used to do it. I would say to those who thought her rude just realize she's looking out for the cats and wants what's best for them, and please don't take things too personally, what she's doing is damn hard work. I think the world of Ann Allen and this organization, she helped me tremendously and is an extremely devoted animal (cat) person. I was very lucky to find her and I think Marin county is very lucky to have her too. read more

I am in support of any and all people who work to lessen the suffering of animals..with that said, this woman was extremely hostile, judgmental and downright caustic and hateful..which is very sad because she is preventing cats in need from getting to loving homes.  I have had animals for my entire life (55) and loved and cared responsibly for them.     My sweet cat loved my dog so much that he would only sleep on top of her. My dog was maternal to him, they often preened each other and she is gentle when she meets neighbors' cats as well, they always rub against her chest. This woman was so hateful, after I joyfully shared a picture of my dog and cat lovingly sleeping together..     I was almost in tears bc I was still grieving my beloved boy, who would expect a person to be so hostile and hateful to someone who was grieving the loss of their beloved pet. She is a very mean-spirited person, misinformed and hateful re dogs, who was extremely cruel unnecessarily. She spewed out hatefully that she 'would never let me have one of her cats', to 'go to animal control and find a cat there'! I didn't even inquire to adopt at that point because I was still grieving..she was inconceivably malicious. My prior cats lived happy and healthy lives to ages of 15 and 18, I love and care for all my animals, and spent 2k for my senior cat's treatment when he had renal disease, home cooked his meals. When I lived in the city I had exclusively indoor-only bc of the traffic, but since moving to a cul de sac no- traffic neighborhood, I allowed them to spend some time in the yard during the day, with an indoor-only cat door so they could come inside at any time and not return outdoors after dusk. They were exponentially happier and lived another five and seven happy years into old age, until squamous cell cancer and renal disease in their senior years. We treated them for a year and two years until it was time to let them go peacefully. We had a local vet come to the home each time so that they wouldn't be pts in a clinic but at home where they felt safe and loved. After grieving many months, we decided to save some other lives and adopted two sweet cats from a shelter. He was the kind of cat who loved some time in the garden, or chasing fireflies when we sat in the yard with them. I would have to chase and coax him to get him inside safe by dusk bc he loved being outside so much. Our other cat was happy to be indoors. I carefully weighed the quality of life vs risk bc each situation and cat are individual. There was minimal risk in this family neighborhood w/ extremely low car traffic, our other cats had lived out their lives happily and safe, always inside safely before dusk, with their in-only cat door always available to come inside at will. That day had been an anomaly, had been involved in a car accident in the afternoon and bc of the upheaval had forgotten to call him to coax him inside before dusk bc he didn't always use the cat door, the one night in two years. Evidently neighbors had allowed their teens to have an unchaperoned party on a monday night. In the fifteen years there had never been a drunk driver or speeders. A neighbor messaged me days later that she had heard a rowdy party get out and teens looking for 'a ride to another party'. They drove drunk and speeding in the the wrong direction up a small, well-lit side street. He never wandered and was right by the house. We were devastated and grieving. The one night he hadn't gotten inside by dusk and the one night neighbors allowed teens to drive drunk. We were heartbroken.     She does a great disservice to those poor animals which is a shame bc they truly need advocates, but non-psychotic ones. Very sad to see this in a supposed animal advocate. If this woman TRULY cared about the welfare of those poor cats, she would allow loving adopters to give them homes instead of leaving them to linger in cages when so many more could be saved.  That is the true tragedy, she is preventing these sweet and needy animals from perfectly suitable homes. I hesitated to make a formal complaint, even though she was so horrible, because as a true animal lover..I did not want to hold back any help for the cats, no matter from where it comes...but in light of the other reviewers and my own experience, it's obvious that her concern is not for the cats but for her own bizarre control etc..especially as one other reviewer mentioned that she told them that 'all other adoption agencies have sick cats'..(which is patently false) and told me to 'go get a cat at animal control'...why would she dissuade people from adopting from ANY agency which saves lives?...and is the animal control cat any less worthy of a loving home? does she not care for these other animals getting saved? such a terrible human being. They need to find someone who doesn't prevent these poor animals from getting loving homes. She is venomous and causing harm to the very cats she supposedly to help. read more

We were looking for a cat, not a kitten but a cat. One who was experienced and knew the difference between my really nice Italian leather boots and a scratching post. So we began our search on line and through the magic of Craigslist (shimmer!) we found Marin Cat Connection. I knew they had a pet adoption at Petco (Montecito) a few days a week so I ventured down one Saturday and met Ann, the wonderful woman who started MCC years ago. She was so nice, she answered my questions and after hearing what we were looking for she said "I have a great cat for you" Enter Clara, our totally cool sweet cat. She was there, in a cage chilling as only cats can do. Wow I thought what a totally cute cat. I told Ann that I had to still decide with Hubby but to call me later in the week. After deciding that we wanted this super looking cat we went back the next Friday and filled out all the papers, paid the super minimal adoption fee and Ann brought Clara home to us. She also gave us a ton of cat swag, a scratching post, toys food etc...that all was probably the same cost as the adoption fee. All the cats are fixed, chipped, healthy and waiting for new homes. I really liked them b/c the cats are fostered in homes and not kept in cages. Cages seem to ruin an animal's psyche. Anyway, they are a non-profit too, which is wonderful. Ann is doing a great thing, she is very sweet and has her heart in the right place. Thanks for a great cat Ann, we totally scored! read more

This women single handedly refused to let me adopt an older cat who obviously had been around the block but at the time I didn't have a cat and thought I could give it a good home-the cat was already 9-she said you should never let your cat outside-NEVER! somehow this women thinks there are coyotes roaming the streets in broad daylight-I wondered if she had children-god forbid if something happened to your child while they were out of the house-same thing with a cat-I'm not willing to imprision any animal and I think your nuts! I agree with the other comments-you shouldn't be running a cat adoption agency read more

We love Marin Cat Connection... We adopted two cats from Marin Cat Connection. Though they started out feral newborns, rescued from a woodpile, Ann Allen and her foster caregivers prepared them well, and their guidance and love of cats is reflected in our well-adjusted and lovable little monkeys! Some Yelp reviewers may have missed the heartfelt intent of this group. Cat Connection is a small group of dedicated volunteers, organized by Ann Allen, who have rescued, medically treated, fostered, socialized, and successfully placed HUNDREDS of kittens and older cats for decades. Cat Connection has specific requirements that may or may not be for you: They won't release a cat into a situation that they feel will not work for the cat.  The volunteer foster caregivers that provide temporary homes for the cats, sometimes for months and months until an appropriate situation arrives, have full say about placement. The Cat Connection requires that the cats be indoor-only, unlike some other rescue organizations. Also, they deliver the cats personally to their new homes and will not leave a cat there if they feel the situation is less than appropriate. In short, you will not just walk away with a cat in a box. We often stop in at Cat Connection (at Montecito's Petco) on a Saturday afternoon to compare notes and ask advice.  Regularly, former adopters come by with stories and pictures to share. Ann loves seeing photos and hearing the stories and is always attentive and appreciative. After all, they're all like her children that have moved on to lives of their own. read more

Fist off, I want to say that I support any organization that saves animals, helps them find homes, and treat them with dignity. I would never discourage anyone from using this organization, but I do think that the experience you have when adopting a pet or attempting to adopt a pet should be a positive one. Unfortunately, I have to agree with other reviewers about the adoption lady pretty much ignoring you when you are checking out the kitties. I write this review so others know they aren't the only ones who may have found this organization to be a little stiff and to say that while I support this organization's mission and goals, I don't think they are necessarily easy to work with. I was at Petco at one point and I, too, was interested in finding out more about some of the kitties. No one gave me the time of day, and it wasn't the first time I had experienced this when visiting their cats at Petco. The difference this time was that I was actually in the market because our kitty had just passed away. I kept looking around trying to get their attention while they talked amongst themselves, and I guess I could have asked for help...but I was completely ignored, UNTIL, taking matters into my own hands, I gently put a finger throught the cage to pet a little cat on the side. Then, boy did they take notice! I was pretty insensitively told that I could not touch the cats because of my germs. Better way of handling it? "hey - are you interested in that little guy? Here, let me give you some purell and I can take him out if you'd like. We do ask that you not put fingers in the cages since we want to keep them germ free!" I am sure they are a worthwhile organization, but I think they have been hanging around felines too long and need a refresher on relating to humans! The Pet Cottage in San Anselmo rescues kitties, too, and they encourage and invite you to go into their kitty room and visit them so you can get to know them and so that the kitties can get socialized is what they say. They even thank you for coming to visit them - even if you don't buy anything at the store! I would highly recommend going there, locally, or visiting the Island Cat Resources and Adoption agency in Alameda - a bit further, but a phenomenal organization for helping abandoned and feral cats. You can find ICRA online and visit their kitties at the Petco in Alameda. read more

I have known Ann Allen and her wonderful Marin Cat Connection for over 17 years. Her organization is very caring and conscientious about finding the right homes for the kitties they adopt out. They know their felines and are extremely helpful in answering questions and offering sound advice. I like that they are available after adoptions, for follow-up and discussion about our new furry family members. Many years ago I adopted two 4 - 5 month old kittens from MCC, when they had adoption days at Northgate Mall. These boys came from a feral colony in San Francisco and were kept with a foster family until ready for adoption. Unfortunately Leroy died of cancer at age 13, but his half-brother Jeffrey is 16 1/2 now, and still doing great. Another cat I adopted from them, I met at PetCo. Bobby was there with his owner, who could no longer take care of him. He was 11 at the time and lived another 5 years until cancer took him away from me. The MCC received a stray tom cat from South San Francisco. Buster was 10 and had a very inflamed/infected mouth. After MCC took care of neutering him and providing extensive dental care, I "fostered" Buster and quickly became a "foster failure". That sweet guy was with me for another 9 years. The kitties adopted from the Marin Cat Connection are all tested, neutered, vaccinated, given any necessary medical attention, stay in loving foster homes, and are carefully matched to their new families. I have always believed that the safest and healthiest cats are indoor-only cats. I am glad that Ann Allen and the MCC advocate the same. Ann is the best! read more

I left Ann a voice message one night as I was sitting home alone and missing my cat who passed away after 16 years. She called me the next day and asked what I was looking for and why I was interested in adopting. My son and I met her the following evening at the foster home and decided immediately that we wanted these kittens she had. Ann brought the kittens to our home the following evening. These kittens are the most loving kittens and are perfect for our home. I truly feel that how the kittens are loved and cared for makes a huge difference in their personalities and how well they have adjusted in our home. I'm amazed and would suggest reaching out to Ann for your loving kitten or cat as Ann is wonderful at helping match the needs of all involved. read more

My husband John and I had a wonderful experience adopting our cat Smokey Jose from the Marin Cat Connection. We found all of the people working on behalf of the Marin Cat Connection to be dedicated, friendly, polite and responsive as well as excellent communicators. Our experience started on petfinder.org where we saw Smokey Jose listed for adoption. We sent an email, received an immediate response and arranged to meet him the next day. On March 30, 2013, we went to meet our future forever cat. We found the Marin Cat Connection tucked into a corner at the San Rafael Petco. We were struck by the cozy sanctuary they had created for the cats who are uncomfortable being away from their usual territories. The cats were in larger enclosures with fabric draped around them to provide an increased level of privacy. Within minutes, Ann Allen greeted us and directed us to Smokey Jose. We took turns greeting and stroking him. Within a few minutes, Astrid Dahlman joined us and began talking with John. Meanwhile, Ann started talking to me in a very low key manner about cats. John and I were both aware that we would be screened before being able to adopt a cat. So, we were prepared to share our experience with cats and philosophy. While talking, we completed the adoption application. John and I left to speak privately about adopting Smokey Jose. A short time later, we returned to the Marin Cat Connection corner and expressed our interest in adopting Smokey Jose. We were told a home visit would be a prerequisite to adoption, and we arranged to meet Astrid and Smokey Jose back at our house. A few hours later, Astrid and Smokey Jose arrived. We gave them a tour of our home and showed them the cats' living arrangements. We introduced them to our other cats. By the end of the afternoon, we were proud guardians of the very handsome Smokey Jose with golden eyes. After the adoption, we continued to rely on Astrid to give us feedback about integrating Smokey Jose into our home for a couple of months. We were amazed by Astrid's expertise and dedication in helping us with the transition. Since adopting Smokey Jose 10 months ago, John and I have frequently discussed the help we received from the Marin Cat Connection people. We are very impressed by the valuable contribution of the Marin Cat Connection, which is known for placing hard to place cats such as seniors. In particular, we are very impressed by the dedication of Astrid and Ann. We are very pleased to have adopted a wonderful cat like Smokey Jose. read more

Folks, I am still glad I met my cats, then small kittens, through this group. I hope the administrators of the organization are listening to the comments, but I am so happy with my cats, and I would seriously consider this group to find new feline family members. I hope all of you find your cat friends, they are wonderful. read more

I took my grandsons to see a pair of kittens they had seen on your website. They were being shown at PetCo in Montecito Plaza. The boys were delighted to discover the kittens were just what they had hoped they would be. However, the woman showing the cats was SO intimidating and her reception so forbidding that I am amazed you are showing your cats to the public. All the information she wanted seemed to make me feel she was waiting for the Queen of England to show up and become their owner! If you are truly looking to find your cats good loving homes please stop acting like the average family is unsuitable! Grandmother of two wonderful boys who are very discouraged by your treatment! read more

I lost my kitty two months ago and have been aching for another kitty/kitten to adopt. I at first went in to see the cat connection person at the pet store in San Rafael. I thought she was rather aloof but we all are not perfect. She said that they did have a litter of new kittens and she would get back to me if they had a orange female kitten. I received a call from her saying that they did have a kitten but it was not adoptable as yet as it was too young (4 or 5 weeks.) I went in (to the pet store ) last week-end to fill out the papers and she ignored me at first. Then gave me the paper to fill out . While I was doing this she jumped down the throat of several people wanting to adopt . They had the nerve to try to play and interact with the kittens and cats that were there to find homes. "Have you washed your hands? " Don' t touch the cages !" " Only our cats are clean and healthy the other adoption agencies have sick cats and kittens." Who ever is running this adoption agency ought to remove her quickly. A simple " I know they are cute and you would like to play with them but would you please first wash your hands . Or something similar... Secondly, While I was filling out the form a young man came to see the adoptees. And she then said that she had two orange kittens one male and one female coming up and she wanted to adopt them together. THAT WAS THE KITTEN I WAS WANTING FOR.... I said to her that I would in fact take the female kitten. She said that she would only adopt to me if she could not adopt them out together. The fee is rather high and that they spay them at 8 weeks old. By their Vet ???!! I have a vet I adore and feel that my new kitten would be in excellent hands. I would not want my kitten to be handled in assembly line style or at a bulk rate. And that it is not good to have a kitten spayed that young and it often leads to bladder and kidney problems. It is better at 6 months or later check out the information regarding this. Not only does this weaken the cat but it opens up all kinds of issues in the health of the kitten immediately. BELOW IS A BLIP: It is best to check with your veterinarian but usually some vets will recommend that the procedure be done when the cat is about six months old before the cat reaches sexual maturity. This may vary. Some cats will not reach that point until a few months later. It is possible to neuter when pregnant, however this is very dangerous for the mother if in late pregnancy. As I have a fixed male cat and they live indoors. What would she do hop a bus to look for a suitor. ( I have a $400. outdoor pen that is enclosed so they get the best of both worlds. ) It ruined my whole week-end. I need another kitty in my home and will give it the best of everything. And a wonderful Vet. I was so thoroughly put off by this woman's approach and self-centered arrogant manner I would not want to have any involvement with this adoptive agency. Just what is their purpose and don't they know kitty's are being put down while they run their politics. read more

I adopted my wonderful cat Buddy from Marin Cat Connection when he was just 8 weeks old and that was 8 years ago!!. We first went to another pet food company known to have Saturday cat adoption days and were referred to Ann from MCC to help find my little orange boy. I got a call from Ann shortly thereafter and she told me she had a litter being fostered but they were not old enough to be adopted out yet. She did offer to have us go to their foster mom's home to meet the litter. We of course fell in love with all four kittens but since I already had one cat, Ann let us adopt just the one (fortunately the other 3 in the litter were adopted by one family so everyone got a happy home) after he was old enough and had all his inoculations and was neutered . Ann had me fill out her adoption form and I was very happy to see she had some long term objectives for her cats to be in very safe and caring homes. I have seen in some other reviews negative remarks about Ann and her seemingly strict attitude about placements. It shows her intense commitment to the welfare of the multitude of homeless felines, wanting to give them the best possible environment and loving guardians to care for them for the remainder of their lives. In this throwaway society cats get ousted from their homes for a number of reasons and Ann wants to find the best match for her charges. One reviewer scoffs at the threat of coyotes and doesn't believe they are out on the streets during the day. Well I've seen them walk up and down the streets in San Anselmo at all times of the day and night. Of course coyotes are not the only threat an outdoor cat faces....there's traffic, dogs and even mountain lions in marin and cats are often their victims. I have been the loving guardian of 7 cats over the years in my adult life and they have all been indoor and loved it. They are my family, in their forever home, end of story. I have gone to see Ann and MCC at PetCo a number of times to tell her how much we love Buddy and how much we appreciate the wonderful work she does. I have never been there when there hasn't been many other former adoptive parents that come to Ann to show photos and talk about the wonderful match she has made for them. If you are interested in adopting a cat, Marin Cat Connection is the best. read more

I had a tortie who lived to be 21 years old! She was in excellent health until the very end. And my other kitty was very healthy and well cared for until she was 14. I am a great cat owner. We were looking for sister kitties. I was also ignored by Anne for quite a while, perhaps half and hour or more, while her side kick was doing her best to keep me from leaving. My daughter fell in love with a pair of kittens, so I waited and filled out their form. Over the next week, I spent hours on the phone with Anne trying to convince her that I could take good care of the kittens. She kept calling with more and more questions. She gave one of the kittens that was supposed to be on hold for us to her son's girlfriend, insisting that another sister kitty was just the same. But it wasn't, the marking were completely different. So annoying. I should have walked away then, but my daughter really wanted these kitties. Anne finally came to drop them off and said my screens weren't strong enough. The kittens were actually in our house, my daughter was playing with them. We had everything set up special for them. Anne wouldn't let us keep them. My ten year old daughter was heartbroken, sobbing all night. I think Anne has some sort of a mental disability with the way that she is about the cats. She is exceedingly far beyond careful about who she lets adopt her pets. We're moving on. The world is full of kittens elsewhere. I would not recommend doing business with this organization. read more