My husband agreed to let me pick a puppy for our next dog after ours died a few years ago. I definitely wanted a rescue to help provide a dog a long term family. We were delighted with the choices that we had and made a wonderful choice of a 10 week old sweet female golden retriever mix. She has settled well into our home. Melissa was very helpful and provided us with information about the different choices she had and how large she estimated they would get and explained the medical care that had been provided. read more

The place should be shut down. We just adopted a dog from there and saved him from a hellish life. It's a disgusting, filthy hoarding site they are making a fortune on these poor animals and they are sick, nasty, overcrowded in horrible squalid condition. There are several dogs in the front yard behind a chain link fence, several cats and chickens on site, animals in the house parking and tons of dogs behind a fence you can't see where they are kept. we were mislead about the dog we drove two hours to see and then felt so sorry for him we brought him home anyway. she charged $500 for a rescue with scars and scans on his skin and hookworms and giardia. we've spent $1000 just on those issues in two days. This woman probably started out with good intentions and then slipped away mentally in order to live and allow animals to live is such horrific conditions. read more

I inquired about a puppy last week. She wanted me to pay $40 just to secure an appt to meet them. I didn't do this. After researching I found bad reviews online and decided to look elsewhere so I didn't contact her. She messaged me to ask if I was still interested a few days later. I told her no thanks. She proceeded to ask why. I was honest and said I'd read some bad reviews and so decided to go somewhere else. I kept it short and to the point, but I wasn't rude. She then sent me a video of what they do and their facilities and basically went off on me and said she'd give me another chance. At this point I felt gaslighted. It's clear she wanted me to feel that I'd done something wrong and she wanted me to feel honored she was giving me another go. I wished her the best. This is what I got.....I have numbered the texts in case they aren't in order. Very unprofessional. I caution anyone considering to look into her. She also has two Facebook pages. Starting Over Ranch and Starting Over Animal Rescue. Do your research and ask questions. read more

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Avoid this rescue at all costs. These puppies are coming home sick, and you should be prepared for significant vet bills right away. The conditions alone were alarming. The facility and the dogs were dirty, and the smell was overwhelming. No reputable rescue should be keeping animals in that kind of environment. They also charge a non-refundable appointment fee just to schedule a visit. While they say it goes toward the adoption fee, it still feels like a red flag, especially when you see the condition the animals are in. What's even more concerning is the contract. It requires puppies to be spayed or neutered by 6 months with no exceptions. We were told by multiple veterinarians that this is not always safe, especially for certain dogs whose growth plates are not fully developed. Early spay/neuter can lead to long-term health issues, but there was absolutely no willingness to consider what was best for the individual dog. Instead of focusing on the animals' well-being, there seems to be a heavy focus on strict enforcement and control. The overall experience felt more intimidating than supportive. Another major concern is how criticism is handled. Anyone who shares a negative experience is met with aggressive, defensive responses rather than accountability. That alone should be a red flag. There are many reputable shelters and rescues out there that truly prioritize the health and well-being of their animals. Please consider adopting elsewhere. read more

Puppy Mill Conditions Disguised as a "Rescue" Starting Over Animal Rescue is one of the most disturbing experiences I've ever had. This is not a rescue--it operates more like a puppy mill hiding behind a "nonprofit" label. My puppy came home extremely sick, loaded with three untreated parasites. My veterinarian made it very clear these were serious and potentially fatal. No responsible rescue would allow a puppy to be adopted out in that condition. To make matters worse, I later learned one of her littermates died. That tells you everything you need to know about the level of care these animals are receiving. The conditions these animals are kept in are clearly unsanitary and unacceptable. It reflects a complete lack of basic care, compassion, and responsibility. And then there's the contract. While I fully intended to spay my dog, they demand it be done at 6 months--no exceptions. My vet provided a medical letter explaining why that timing could be dangerous for my puppy's development, yet it didn't matter. There was zero concern for her health--only control and enforcement. A legitimate rescue prioritizes the health and well-being of animals. This organization does not. Adopt from here at your own risk, but be prepared for vet bills, heartbreak, and fighting to advocate for your pet's basic health needs. read more

This was my first time ever adopting a dog, and Melissa had great communication through the entire process, you can tell she was very knowledgeable of animals, and took her time and explained the contract and made sure I understood everything that was involved. When I picked up my puppy, Barkley, you could tell he was very well cared for, and he had the best temperament! Upon bringing him home, he was practically house trained and is the sweetest little boy!!! I am so glad that I ran into Starting Over Animal Refuge on the internet when I was looking for a puppy to adopt. Best decision I EVER made!!! Thank you Melissa for doing what you do read more

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I called to see if puppy shown online was available and was told it was. I researched SOAR on guidestar and also read bad reviews from years ago. When I arrived to see the dogs I was horrified. There are several fenced, cement pads, all outside, with only shelter from weather broken plastic vet transport crates. There was feces in every cage, with horseflies everywhere. As I looked around Melissa hosed off the poop in each space through the fencing, telling me the animals receive little to no human contact. The stench was appalling, and it was outside!! The dog I went for was of course not there. I wish I could have taken all of them out of this hell-hole, but could only buy one. He tested positive for Giardia (no surprise) and was ridden with bites all down his ears. I can't even explain how awful he smelled. Several baths didn't even make a dent. I called animal control and was told there was already an open complaint. This is not a legit rescue/refuge/ whatever word they try to use. It's a mill. read more

I adopted my puppy from Melissa about a month ago. Had to send her $100 with PayPal up front just to visit & see the puppy(s). She claims all the animals are up to date on Vaccines etc. But no where on the "contract" does it say which vet she uses or gets these so called vaccines. Plus the biggest problem is the puppies come full of every worm plus giardia!! She has the nerve to charge $500 for puppies she buys off of craigslist. Claims these puppies are 8 weeks old when in actuality are younger. Her so called refuge is gross at best. While she let us look & hold the puppy she's walking around hosing down all the feces in the area the puppies are kept. Like we didn't noticed what she was doing. The puppy smelled like pee, but we took him anyway because I have decades of experience with cats, dogs & horses. All Melissa does is complain about how dramatic her life has been. All she wants is your money for sick animals. She claims the puppy was dewormed & sent us home with a dose of dewormer....obviously the meds didn't work. Because when I finally got him into my vet he was still full of hook worms & giardia! The so called contract she has you sign even says there's a possibility of every worm & giardia....so this crazy person KNOWS she's selling you a sick puppy! Like I stated before it's been a month & I'm still dealing with worms,soft stool & puppy that drinks way too much water. Hopefully this puppy doesn't have a life long or life threatening illness! read more

Bought a puppy that within 2 days was almost dead from all the infections it had from her place. Pooping and peeing blood wouldn't eat full of worms doctors words "I've never seen blood work this bad before" puppy was supposed to be 8 weeks was more like 5-6 weeks. Dog was supposed to be lab/cur is 9 months old and 30 pounds not a lab or cur read more

Starting Over Animal Refuge - Him with extreme infection taking over - Pet Adoption Near Me

From my initial contact the experience was awesome! Melissa has a beautiful ranch and was loving respectful kind and patient:) we couldn't be more happier with our puppy thank you Melissa and we wish you all the best ps- please continue to rescue and save these little Angels! Khristina and Family read more

Starting Over Animal Refuge - Our ANGEL ADONIS:) - Pet Adoption Near Me

Four years ago we fell in love at first sight with our pup Baxter adopted from Starting Over Animal Refuge. He has been a wonderful companion for our family and older dog Bailey. Last year Bailey crossed over the rainbow bridge due to old age and truly believe having Baxter around gave us a few more years with our old girl. We have been super happy with our rescue pup from Starting Over so when we were ready for another pup we had to go back for another rescue from Starting Over. The facility is clean and the animals are well taken care of and LOVED! We have a farm and needed a guardian to watch over our mini horses. We fell in love at first sight all over again. read more

Starting Over Animal Refuge - Baxter 1st Rescue Pup - Pet Adoption Near Me

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Excellent experience. Our puppy is very healthy and could not ask for a better temperament. She came vaccinated, deformed, microcipped, fully bathed and trim nails (details!). All the animals looked well taken care of. Highly recommend. read more

I just wanted to bring to your attention that this "organization" is a scam. Starting Over Animal Refuge Inc. This woman is a puppy flipper. She purchases puppies in bulk off of Craigslist and re sells them individually for a mark up. She claims that she is a non-profit and yet she charges $400 cash only as an "adoption" fee. She has a very convincing story of where the puppies come from, but in reality she has no idea. She claims that the puppies come 100% vaccinated and that is a lie. When I brought my puppy to the vet they said that he was NEVER administered any vaccines and that he tested positive for tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms which was not brought to my attention at the time of the adoption. When my veterinarian contacted the "shelter" owner to send over proof of vaccinations, the owner became irate and started yelling at the Vet. I do not believe that she has the right intentions for her animals and she is scamming those of us who want to provide good homes for these puppies. I specifically chose adoption because I did not want to get my dog from a breeder. I have been waiting for almost 2 years for the perfect puppy to show up in my email and when I found him and "adopted" him I find out that I was scammed out of $400 and another $82 for veterinary costs. read more

This place is not a rescue. A dog in need of medical attention was at our local shelter with interest from many legitimate rescues that wanted to help. Unfortunately, Starting Over Animal Refuge got there first and took possession of the animal. After 1 chem panel and 1 CBC worth $78 she decided to euthanize this dog. I understand that some dogs are too far gone to be able to help and that euthanasia is sometimes the kindest option but I don't feel that was at all true in this case. Just heartbreaking. read more

The pups here are well taken care of. We recommend this place to others. The facility is very big with a lot of shade

My review is not fake see texts attached from starting over animal rescue phone nbr... read more

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Starting Over is passionate and professional about what they do with the best interests of the animals always in mind!

A few years ago I not only met Melissa but I met MY Best friend, playmate to my children, security for our home, our BEST dog ever...for all of those comments about vet care and expenses..guess what..??? .YOU as a pet owner start fresh whether you buy at a pet store or a shelter...I took my dog to the vet to do a once over ..and intro to our family Vet & my shot record and spay records were perfect from her. PERFECT...I would have paid her thousands for the happiness that this one dog has given our family. I do not like to read these negative posts ,from those that sold puppies to her ... because if she gets a donation and the puppy ends up in a wonderful home...isn't that the POINT?? I am not going to go to some random Craigslist apartment and go buy a pet ...I will go to Starting Over ...over and over again... this lady gets five plus stars , and if anyone thinks that this is easy work, try cleaning up after one puppy for a week. Now times that....it's not an easy job..., this place had great intentions and great rewards . Thank you again, Melissa & Starting over !! read more

Very unorganized. When we first arrived I truly liked the place. They really seemed all about the care of their dogs and other animals. The volunteer appeared to be very knowledgeable and attentive. They really appeared to care about what you want and ensuring that you pick the perfect pup. I was wrong. First, they are actually located on Ocala Florida, why they list as being in Orlando I will never understand or know. The building is falling apart to due to damage taken by Hurricane Urma. I understand that this is a rescue place and therefore, they do not have much money laying around. But they have puppies and dogs walking around this debris. Second, once we found our perfect pup, filled out the paper work and PAID for the puppy were were told that we could not have him. We adopted the pup on a Thursday and asked if they could hold him until Monday because the place we were temporarily housed did not allow dogs and we would be traveling home Monday. We called on Monday to inform her that we were picking up our pup to which the owner replied would not be possible. She informed us that the dog was mixed with pit-bull and it was RESCUE POLICY that renters could not adopt such dogs. First, that is untrue I even verified that with several shelters, human societies, and rescue centers. Second, why did we not know that when we adopted the dog initially? Thirdly, why did she not tell this to us Thursday when the mistake would have been discovered, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or even that Monday morning? Her response was that she had lost our paper work and was able to find it. However, I had called her CELL PHONE and TEXT her my information prior to seeing the pup and when we arrived she had OUR SIGNED CONTRACT with our information on it ready on her kitchen counter. She refunded us our money and did not even afford us the opportunity to look at any of the other dogs. She refunded the money voided the contract and sent us on our way. My guess is that they were going to sell us a dog, lie about the breeding to get the dog out the door (we were told it was a Lab, Boxer, Bullie [which I know includes pit-bulls]) mix), and send us on our way. However, when we informed them that we had to saliva test the dog, they were worried about the consequences. Or perhaps she longer wanted to sell the pup and wanted him back. I do not know know. But lying and making up a policy was not the proper way to go about this. read more

Puppy flipper not rescuing puppies she's buying them off craigslist using a lie that she wants them to train for assistance dogs. I didn't know she was from a registered rescue until later she only said wants my entire litter of puppies for assistance dogs so I thought was worthy cause gave her litter for very cheap. That's a lie she put them all for sale at $400 each within few days as rescues. Rescued from what? They were also 6 weeks old she didn't want to wait until were 8 weeks! They were huge and mother wasn't great mother her only litter. But she insisted I not get them shots or worming said she does her own. Then posts them as worm filled rescues. You just can't make this lady's behavior up she's a nut dog flipper. She's a fraud please heed the bad ratings not the good ones her friends put up for her to keep her rating higher on other sites. She's a crook puppy flipperd found out she's no assistance dog trainer she's a puppy flipper....too late read more

Very unprofessional. They are not organized. I was interested in adopting a pet and while texting (they prefer to text instead of a real conversation) they just stopped and didn't reply. 5 minutes later they didn't know what I was inquiring about. With so many animals for adoption I would suggest seeking another non-profit. I am. read more

I got my new puppy from here, and I am absolutely in love with her. However my puppy came filled with worms and parasites. Multiple vets visits and 4 medications later, and were still getting rid of them in week 2 of having her. She said she gave her own dewormer but it obviously didn't work. Be careful. read more