I don't know how they ever get cats adopted with the rude older man running the adoptions…read more(referencing Citrus Park Petsmart adoptions). The man does not care for the welfare of the cats, just wants to make the 'board' (as he called it) happy. I don't know where they found this guy, but he let a bunch of bonded cats get separated, yells at customers, and comes across as angry and hates his job. For the sake of the cats, I hope St. Francis finds another person for this job.

Until the leadership changed, I enjoyed fostering there. In late 2021, under the old board's…read moreleadership, they received just under $1.5 million in donations. Then there was a coup and the old management was forced out and the New Management didn't want anyone to Know about the money. They continued business like they were broke. It was common practice to run volunteers from Wesley chapel to Riverview to westchase to pick up leftover meds from other volunteers rather than buy new ones or send us to a nearby vet. No respect for our time or our gas money. The last straw for me was when I needed more ringworm medicine stat. Ringworm is tough to get rid of and requires meds in a tight schedule. I'm begging (the rescue head) for more meds and she was stonewalling. Now, I'm all about saving money, but this is a $40 med. What is the problem? You have $1.5Million! When I asked (on our internal Facebook group) about the money and to see the public financial statements, I was mauled. Why all the anger? Why aren't we celebrating this money as a huge compliment of how good a job all the volunteers have done? Why am I in trouble for mentioning the money? What's wrong with asking to see the financials to find out where the money went if I am having to fight so hard to get a $40 bottle of ringworm medication? Bottom line, they can't cry poor mouth anymore when volunteers are asking for medical treatment for their fosters or ask the volunteers to pay for those things. I once paid over $200 to save one of my fosters because they dithered while I was trying to save her. For a year-and-a-half I was paying for litter and food because they didn't mention they provided it, like all the other rescues I've worked with. All we know right now about the $1.5 million is that it is invested. They continue to ask for donations. It's sad to see an organization that used to be so wonderful turn into this. Kathy worked so hard to build up that organization's reputation. A reputation so good that people gave million-dollar donations. Smh....

This rescue is absolutely the best in the area! They do amazing things and help all that ask…read more Please if you are looking to adopt PLEASE check them out 1st! If you have to rehome or turn a pet in again please look into this rescue! Looking for a rescue to donate to...this is the one! Please don't pass them by!

I reached out to Vicki and Linda at this rescue and I had a bad experience. I was interested in…read moreadopting a dog that was listed as cat friendly on Petfinder. I sent in an adoption application and I received a text from Linda and Vicki to discuss this dog. I found this a little unusual because typically they want to speak with you on the phone and have a more personal conversation where they will ask you questions and you will ask them questions. It's hard to have a deep conversation in text when there's no emotion, tone, or depth. However, I proceeded with asking some questions about how the dog is adjusting, how long they've had him, what's his personality like, etc. The responses were very short and brief. They did not provide detail or go into who he really is. I do have a cat so I asked about the dog's behavior with cats and they said that he did good and there's been no issues. No explanation of how he greets them, if he's excited, if he's curious, if he chases, if he's relaxed, if he wags his tail, if he's fearful, no description of his body language, etc. Originally, I was told by Linda that he was in a foster home with a cat. I have this in an email. But she connected me via text with Vicki and Vicki told me that she does not have a cat and a couple of days ago he went to a volunteer's home that has a cat. So I wasn't even speaking with the person who had the cat which kind of defeats the purpose of asking about his behavior with cats. They didn't offer to connect me with the volunteer either wish is odd. Honestly, I wasn't getting much from them about anything and they didn't ask me a single question which was weird. Since I cannot get any useful information from them or details about his behavior with cats, I asked for a video of him with a cat. A short little video of him in a room with a cat. In the past, I did a foster to adopt with a rescue that gave me a dog that was listed as cat friendly, and I was told that she was cat tested. I didn't ask any questions and I believed them and trusted that they knew what they were doing. Let's just say that if I did not have this dog on a leash when I brought her back into my home, I may not have a cat anymore. She was highly aggressive. Not playful. Not prey driven. Aggressive. I later found out that I was lied to, and the dog was never cat tested. So my days of blindly trusting people when they tell me my cat will be "good" is over. I have asked several rescues if they could provide a video and they all happily provided one. I even had a couple offer one which was wonderful because transparency is important and helps the potential adopter to feel comfortable. When I asked No Dog Forgotten for a video I was told that they were going to "pass". Because they already told me that he is good with cats. And that I appear to be "very" concerned about my cat's safety and this dog has a lot of interest. These two had probably spoken to me via text for a total of less than 10 minutes. Did not ask me one question. I asked questions and received very short and vague answers. They never spoke with me on the phone and we never did a meet and greet in person. They never made any attempt to get to know me as a dog mom and what I have to offer. They didn't try or cared to understand about the other animal that I had in the home which is critical to any adoption being successful. It was very clear to me that they are looking for the fastest and easiest adoption so that they can move onto the next dog. Not the highest quality adoption. If they would've taken time to get to know me, they would know that I've been working in rescue for almost 15 years and that I am a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant and a professional pet sitter. My life is dedicated to animals. It is what I'm passionate about and it is something that matters to me so bringing a dog into my life is a very big deal to me. I would've provided this sweet boy who his owner "didn't have time for" with love for a lifetime and he would've been the center of my world. I texted back and let them know how disappointing the experience had been from top to bottom. I then blocked them from all communication. The entire situation made me very uncomfortable and these are not people that I would want to further communicate with or adopt from in the future. I looked around and could not find anywhere to leave a review so I made them a yelp page. They don't even have reviews on their Facebook page, which is unusual for a rescue. Most reputable rescues do have a way to leave a review on their Facebook page. It's a feature they have to turn on and from my experience, I'm not surprised that they haven't. Ive learned I'm not the only one to have had a bad experience with them. Transparency is not their thing. As an animal rescue, that is one of the most important things. All animal rescues are certainly not created equal unfortunately. Be careful which rescue you choose and do your research.

I have had just a couple experiences with Friends of Strays after my pet passed away. I donated…read moreseveral items to them. Location was convenient. They were very kind and appreciative and gave me the impression that they will use each of the items (food, beds, dishes, unopened flea meds, supplements). I would recommend based on this.

We adopted our Bebe boy Ernie from FOS in 2019 and he has been the best thing in our life, the…read moreadoption process was easy and fast! When we had issues with Ernie and heart worms after, FOS was accommodating and helped us create a treatment plan. After adopting Ernie, I started volunteering at FOS and now that I've gotten to see the care from the inside, they truly provide the best care to all cats and dogs there. the staff cleans, cares, feeds and loves all the animals so much. I volunteer with the dogs, and we clean their crates and cages regularly and make sure they are provided with clean beds, toys and water, and PLENTY of treats. I'm happy to know my Ernie boy was really cared for before we took him home! I recommend FOS to anyone looking to get a furry companion or looking for some volunteering.

I got my soul dog here and will never forget their kindness in allowing a college student to adopt…read morea dog. This was in 2014 and I had to put him to sleep last September my heart still aches but we had 11 and a half wonderful years together that I will never forget. I learned so much about life and dogs and I'm very grateful to this rescue for bringing us together. His name was Walter, named by the rescue and I didn't change it.

I inquired about a puppy and I got hung up on and received a very sarcastic email. This place…read moreseems like a scam.

I brought some of my dog's things here after they died. It's a great shelter. We visited the dogs…read moreand everyone was so kind. They save dogs from kill shelters.

I got my latest dog there. The staff was nice all three times I went in there. They treat the…read moreanimals in there very well and it is kept clean compared to other shelters I have been in. They are also very responsive and patient. I would recommend them!

This is the best place for cats! Any animal in need really. No animal will be turned away for any…read morereason. At ark of paws the animals there are so loved and very well cared for. If an animal comes in injured, unsteralized, malnourished or even afraid, they will be taken to a vet treated and given after care until all healed up. They will get spayed or neutered and given their vaccinations, rabies shots and a flea treatment @ a very low cost or even free. They will be fed the best most nourishing food, given vitamins and fattened up if thin. If they're afraid of people because they were abused or just never socialized they'll be given the best life and a chance to recover and become the best cat or animal they can be and then they'll be adopted or given the best life possible at ark of paws. All animals are in the best hands when the arrive at the sanctuary. If you ever come across an animal in need think of AOPS first and they'll come to the rescue. It'll be the best choice anyone could ever make for that animal. Ifanimals could dial the phone, the number they'd call is 813-464-1663. I highly recommend AOPS because they're my type of people. The best kind! The kind that are kind to animals. Thank you for everything that you do.

We came to Westchase for care for our senior dog, Angus. We are snowbirds, so we didn't have anyone…read morelocal for vet care. During our time in Tampa, Angus' health deteriorated. So, at 16 we had to make the hard choice to give our pup the best possible send-off as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. When we came for care we knew we would probably be making that decision in the near future, but didn't realize it would be so soon. The staff and doctors at Westchase were awesome. Dr. Espinoza spent quality time with us and discussed options for care at Angus' stage of life. She gave us sound options and advice. When we eventually had to make our decision, everyone was so kind to us. This is not the first time we have had to send off a loved pet, but it was probably one of the best experiences we have had with the process. I can't begin to express how grateful we were for the compassion we were shown during our time of grief. We would definitely recommend Westchase Veterinary.

If I could give this place ZERO stars, I would. My experience felt like a complete bait-and-switch…read more They use the word "emergency" while recommending one expensive test after another. When I repeatedly questioned whether all the proposed lab work was truly necessary, the veterinarian finally admitted that several tests were not necessary at that point and could wait. If I had not challenged the recommendations, would I have been charged for lab work my pet did not immediately need? I then asked to speak with the owner, who is also a veterinarian. Instead of addressing my concerns, she told me that the clinic has to make money to pay its overhead. I was stunned. I asked her directly whether that meant they take advantage of trusting customers who bring in their beloved family pets by recommending services that are not immediately necessary. She had no response. I also heard that the practice is moving into a larger facility. After being told that customers' money is needed to cover the clinic's overhead, I cannot help but question whether aggressive testing and excessive charges are helping finance that expansion!!!!! That is my personal concern based on what I experienced and what the owner said directly to me!! Veterinary recommendations should be based on what an animal medically needs--not on a clinic's overhead or expansion plans. Pet owners are frightened and vulnerable during an emergency, and they deserve honesty, transparency, and informed consent. I left feeling misled, taken advantage of, and unable to trust their recommendations. I will never return. Demand an itemized estimate, ask whether every test is immediately necessary, and consider getting a second opinion. Based on my experience, go here at your own financial risk!!!

On December 18th I have adopted a 6 months old female black cat. On her medical records which was…read moredone on September 22nd this year. On The appointment Notes it stated Serious discharge in both eyes, crushed discharge in right nostril, after that it was written with a pen NOT TRUE. Today December 20th my cat had a swollen and closed eye.I was worried I couldn't get in touch with the person responsible for Second Chance for Strays adoption. I went to the closest pet clinic I spent $ 256 between visit, medication for the eyes, 2 shots one for preventing lung problems and a steroid one for the inflammation and a booster to put inside the food. I truly recommend that just before you get an animal get it examined by a veterinarian right there at the adoption center expense. They lied on the medical records I even asked is she okay health wise? And the replies was yes. So disappointed !

Barb and her team are loving and caring and willing to take care of cats who are abandoned. She is…read morea wonderful lady. She took in a pregnant kitty my friend found near the Sponge Docks and took her to the vet and found a place for her to have her kittens. The kind lady kept them until Barb found them forever homes. What precious women! Please support them if you can. I cannot thank them enough.