Lcal is a sinking ship. Current leadership values policy and black and white rules over what is…read morebest for the dogs and the families that love them. Let me tell you my story as an 8 year supporter of lcal. We adopted our first dog (a boxer) through the founder, lisa (who is an absolute angel) in 2016. We loved our dog deeply until she passed away in 2022. When she passed, I started volunteering weekly with the rescue, walking dogs, trying to fill the void that my dog's passing left. I learned more about rescue and started fostering dogs through lcal. We took 4 foster dogs from intake through adoption, one of the fosters staying with us for 6 months! I also attended adoption events with these fosters, donating hundreds of hours promoting the rescue. I attended fund raisers, donated supplies and cash, and supported the lcal thrift store. I was invested in the mission. In December, I told the foster coordinator that we are looking for a dog to permanently add to the family, ideally a boxer between the ages of 2-5. I would send her listings from shelters, and she would explain why each dog was not going to work for lcal to pull for me. I appreciated her advice and was waiting patiently for a right fit. When she texted last week asking me to foster a boxer, Tyson, I was overjoyed! I expressed to her that we would love to and that we would hopefully adopt Tyson. Unfortunately lcal decided to advertise him on social media the next day and quickly got multiple applications from well vetted adopters. We were told on a Sunday (after having tyson for 4 days) that we needed to decide by Monday if we wanted to adopt. Otherwise he would go to a meet and greet on Wednesday and likely be adopted. On Monday evening, I texted the foster coordinator telling her that I had some questions about the adoption. She did not get back to me until Tuesday morning. We discussed my concerns (we have 4 cats and I ideally wanted more time to see how Tyson would interact with them) but I clearly told her we wanted to keep Tyson. She said she would ask the board for more time. Later that afternoon, I was told that because I wasn't sure, they were moving forward with the other adoption and I was no longer eligible to adopt Tyson. I was in shock. I responded that I wanted the dog and that I had put aside any uncertainty and please can we adopt Tyson. I was told no and that they would immediately come pick him up wherever I was. The lcal president contacted me and was so over the top harsh and rude, I felt like I was being treated like a criminal. My family is heartbroken. Just as we were bonding with what was likely the perfect dog for our family, he was forcibly taken away. Shame on you lcal. You've put deadlines and policy above what is best in complex situations. I understand the reasons for your policy, but you refused to have even the slightest flexibility for a long time supporter. You wouldn't even give me a few hours to get my questions answered before moving on to the other adopter who hadn't even met Tyson. You are burning your fosters, the very backbone of your organization.

Thank you LCAL for connecting us to the dog of our dreams! Our family found your matching process…read morestraightforward and supportive. Your staff and volunteers were also incredibly helpful as we transitioned him into our home. We didn't expect you to take care of the details for his neutering appointment, but you did. You went above and beyond and we will be supporting your work and thrift store for years to come.

Good people working there - so helpful - many cute dogs that need homes - young and old - adopt…read moredon't buy !

I adopted a two month old tuxedo kitten. It was fate because she was laying on a hello kitty cat…read morebed. We bonded right away. The center was so helpful and nice. Thank you for helping me found my furbaby.

Long overdue but here's my review. Last year, when we visited this animal shelter, it looked very…read moreclean and the customer service was great. We had visited other shelters that day but this one was very impressive. The staff was very professional and answered all of our questions. They also let us meet multiple dogs and it looked like they really took care of their animals. We couldn't be happier with our little guy today. It's crazy to think a year ago we picked him up but he's a member of our family now.

I'll die on this hill...adopt, don't shop…read more In May 2022, I said goodbye to my sweet 15.5 year old golden retriever/yellow lab. She had a wonderful life...but it was her time. Fast forward to 2024, I entertained the idea of somehow welcoming a dog back into my life...I wasn't sure how, but I wanted to get back into the doggy world...and that's when I discovered all different opportunities at the SDCAS.... 1. Dog Day Out- this is a fantastic program to take approved dogs out for the day and market them to the world as being available for adoption. These dogs are sweet, friendly, non-reactive, and just love being out of the shelter. SDCAS gives you everything you need for the day. Our first experience was with Sal- a super friendly pitbull. He loved getting out and proudly wore his 'adopt me' vest! Our second Dog Day Out was with Zane- a beautiful, sweet rottie/husky mix. While we were out with Zane, we decided to foster him. Speaking of fostering.... 2. Foster- if you've ever wanted to foster a dog, this is the place to do it. They provide everything you could possible need. This is a great way to learn more about a dog, post pictures and tidbits about the dog on their website so others learn about them and hopefully adopt them. Fostering saves lives! 3. Adopt- We were a foster fail after a week with Zane. We got to know him SO much and he is absolutely perfect for our family. We wouldn't have known this unless we fostered... Highly recommend SDCAS! 5 stars!

We are so happy to have found our adorable rescue baby from 4theloveofdogs! We contacted Yuribia…read moreand had made an appointment to meet two potential doggies. Yuribia explained that the majority of her doggies are rescued from the streets of Tijuana in deplorable conditions. Some of these doggies are in very bad health from neglect or injuries or abuse. Both of the doggies we met were precious but it was clear that this baby girl was meant to come home with us! Yuribia told us that if she needed any veterinary care that she could take her back to the vet in Tijuana that takes cars of all of her rescues. We received a record of her vaccinations to date and took her to our own vet just for a checkup and our little girl was happy and healthy. I tell everyone who is looking for a pet to contact this rescue because she really does care and rescue so many babies that need loving homes. We are so pleased to have found the perfect addition to our family. Thank you

Called to find out information, requesting to tour facility and told I wasn't allowed to see…read morefacility before I made a reservation. Called to set up appointment and never received a call back

On Instagram you suggested that one of the dogs was going to be put down and to please make a…read moredonation to try and save the rest of them. We have rescued and fostered 25 dogs and 32 cats. I'm living on social security and don't receive any funds to take care of those animals and I am offended that you would suggest one of the dogs is going to be put down so donate to save lives of the others instead of focusing all the great things that you do which is reflected in the reviews of people who have worked with you. Very disappointed.

I adopted my new girl Shelby from Wagging Dog rescue a little over three weeks ago at a pet…read moreadoption event in Encinitas. It appears that they have dedicated foster parents who help transition these pups from shelter life to permanent placement in their forever homes. They were very honest with us about the dog we were adopting struggles with timidness and fear. They sent someone to do a home visit and we had to do an initial foster to adopt agreement for 2 weeks. If all worked out fine for both Shelby and our family then we were cleared to adopt. Which we did last Thursday. Shelby has had all her initial shots, was spayed and treated for fleas when we adopted her. All we needed to do was provide the love. Done. I would highly recommend Wagging Dog Rescue to anyone who is considering adopting a new member of their family.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars!…read more I have been patient in looking to add a kitten/cat to our family and stumbled across Marigold on a fosters Instagram page which prompted me to submit an application. Kat reached out the very next day after reviewing our application and pre approved us. Yelena reached out for all coordination afterwards. Marigold was not even posted on the rescues page but they were so kind and were able to get us in to meet her. The foster mom (and dad) were wonderful and have been doing this for so long (60+ kitties). We instantly fell in love with Marigold and were able to be selected to adopt her (pat on our back for being able to provide a good home). She came from a hoarder home and was lucky to survive from malnutrition. We came back to get her after getting she completed her shots/spayed. Not even 24 hours in, my one year old tabby loves her and she is settling in perfectly. I will say I have had not so great experiences with other rescues in the area and Dirty Little Paws surpassed all expectations! I hope one day I can repay them and foster another baby in need.

I called with a simple question about rehoming a cat for a family member and was surprised by how…read morehostile and judgmental the interaction was. I was cut off, accused of wanting to "dump a cat," and spoken to in an unprofessional manner. The experience felt unnecessarily confrontational and upsetting. Unfortunately, I would not recommend based on this interaction.

Visited the cat cafe over the weekend. Very kind and caring staff. You can tell everyone loves and…read morecares for every single cat. The cats have a lot of room to roam, as well as adequate play toys, and high places to sit and watch. Definitely would recommend the visit. We did the 30 mins one day and 70 mins the next day. 10/10!

We came here for a birthday celebration and had so much fun! Unfortunately we are not in a position…read moreto adopt a cat but this was an awesome way to get some cuddles and play in anyway! The lounge area is so cute and there are plenty of toys to play with the cats. The person working there was so kind and came over and told us a little background on some of the older cats and answered all of our questions. You can tell they really make sure the cats are respected and give them plenty of high options to get away from some of the excited younger guests. The gift shop was really cute and full of unique items and I'll definitely be back to do some Christmas shopping for my cat loving friends! Highly recommend this place and would love to come back again.

Ana is awesome! I am so happy we selected Purrxotics for our little nuggets. Alex and Eliza are…read morethe cutest and have made our lives happy. We have always been dog people, never owning a cat. Ana talked us through what we were in for and her website has all the information you need. Ana is always there to help even after bringing them home 4 months ago, she always makes herself available. She has tremendous knowledge about the breed. We were originally only going to get one cat, but at the last minute Eliza's brother became available. I am so happy we got them both, they are inseparable and do an awesome job keeping each other entertained when we are not around.

I bought my tangerine tabby, exotic short hair in April from Ana at PURRXOTICS. He is so loving,…read moreplayful and sweet. Tangie is now 6 months old and he is thriving. All of this is due to the way he was raised before he found me and his forever home. I would recommend Purrxotics to anyone!