I was impressed with the staff and the facility when my family visited to adopt a cat. They encouraged my child to spend time getting to know the cats and described different personalities and needs. I'd followed their postings online and emailed with questions and the staff were quick to respond and knowledgeable. When we chose a cat, I was surprised at how much was included for the fee - she came microchipped, spayed, vaccinated, with a flea treatment, and two weeks of medication. They also gave us toys and a blanket for her, as well as her history from when she was surrendered. So far the personality descriptions have been spot on - we're super happy with our cat and the experience! read more

wife rescued a kitten on the highway. shelter was still open and we were just minutes away. they said come back tomorrow. what an utter disappointment. do better. are you a shelter or not?! read more

This place is horrible. I tried to take a stray puppy here that I found while door dashing. We went to the back where they receive animals and they ignored us for 20 mins. We called the number on the door 3 times, 3rd call to their emergency line, no answer. We could clearly see people inside and they could see us. I walked around the building and in the front door. They had 3 gals sitting at the front desk gossiping. When they did speak to me, they were rude and said the staff member was out on lunch. Not a single one of them moved to help me. The rude woman, who had to interrupt her gossip party to speak with me, told me I could sit around and wait and maybe someone would have time to help me, but not likely. I am just trying to help an animal in need. I assume the people working at a shelter would be the same. This is not a private organization. It is funded by donations from people who actually care about animals, unlike their staff, and government funding. This means our tax dollars pay for these 3 ladies to sit around and gossip and not give a poop about animals. I mean why are they even there. Heartless!!! I encourage adoption! However, I would not encourage adopting from this place, so that the location will not receive funding. The funding may then be reallocated to a shelter that is actually interested in protecting animals. read more

This place is of no help! My daughter and I walked in there as our cat is Lost. 3 ladies sitting at the front desk when we walked in, they just stared at us like we were from a different planet! Not sure why? Maybe because we had all our teeth and didn't look like we were homeless? A different girl came up to us, appeared to look like she was 17 - she talked so quietly like she was scared of something - straight out of the twilight zone. Nobody cared to help us, she just told us "look in the binders, if your cat isn't there, fill out a form and put it in the other binder" then walked away at the speed of a baby snail. We filled it out, nobody looked at us, we just left. I have no faith in them. They looked like they'd rather be home knitting blankets. read more

If I could give them 0 stars I would, I called to ask couple questions about putting my dog to sleep bc he has a chronic disease that me and my family financially cannot afford right now and she was giving so much attitude and not being so sincere about anything, we're so sad and hurt that we can't pay the bills we need for him to get better and she acted like it was nothing to us. She couldn't hear me good due to my kids in the background so she said it in such a rude way that so I spoke a little louder and she just hung the phone up. That was just over the phone, I could only imagine what it'd be in person. Humane society or workers are quick to judge when we can't keep our pet, and that's exactly what she did. read more

I adopted my cat back in august. I love my cat with all my heart. He's loving and very affectionate. BUT since i've adopted him, hes had to get tapeworm and flea treatment. One day he pucked up two tapeworms and one crawled out his anus on my arm when i carried him last month! And just now, i found two big fleas on his neck! The shelter didnt say he had anything!! And the place the shelter had him get neutured only 'recommended' treatment, but never said he had tapeworms! Or fleas! He's been an indoor cat. This makes no sense. I get that he's a pet and pet's have to be taken care of, but hes been an adopted indoor cat since august. This just pisses me off. Poor maintenance, communication and cleaninliness at this shelter. The star is only for my sweet cat. read more

I am leaving an average rating because I only stopped in to obtain a new dog license for our pooch. We just moved to WA and this was the only reason for my visit. I tried calling their office the day before and had difficulty with their automated phone service. It would answer. When trying to get more questions answered, I immediately called back and got no answer at all. Just kept ringing. Odd. Staff at my visit were friendly and getting the license was a breeze. And the cost was pretty reasonable too ( basing that on the cost in AZ). I was in and out in about 10 minutes. That is always a bonus. That errand was simple. Check it off the list ! read more

Claim they are for the protection and safety of animals and against animal abuse yet they have refused to come out and do welfare check on dogs I know are being abused. Wanted video proof or they werent going to waste their time. Also my mom had to use them to put her senior dog down. They dragged my moms dog into the back and refused to let her be with her dog while she passed. Absolutely rude and not caring at all. I do not recommend them for anything! I tell people to not even bother with this place! read more

I volunteered at this shelter many, many years ago. I helped kittens and cats find their forever homes. I have been away from this area for along time just recently moving back. So, I haven't learned yet if the shelter has become a no kill shelter or not. I plan to look into this and to possibly look into volunteering again. I had a wonderful experience shortly after moving back here. Not so wonderful, my dog got sick and I had no extra money to pay the vet until the next month. Here is where wonderful kicks in. The shelter paid for most of the vet cost thru a special fund they have. I filled out an application, gave them a copy of the estimated bill from the vet and they immediately sent the grant via fax to the vet. My dog was seen Monday morning @ 8:30, (this was the end of the day on Friday and nothing available on Saturday), . I am so greatful to the animal shelter for helping my dog, who was in pain. Thank you. The shelter was clean, orderly, didn't smell like bad smells and the staff and volunteers were all friendly to me. read more

The most caring, supportive animal facility in the South Sound. The people and volunteers have the biggest hearts for all animals. The employees go above and beyond for their animals - it's a beautiful and loving place. Thank you for all you do! read more

Thurston County - One of my sweet Foster babies :) - Animal Shelters Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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Nice, clean facility that I like to visit on occasion to see who is in need of adoption. However, each time I visit I encounter many dog runs that are empty. In fact, on my last visit there were only about 5 dogs in the entire facility. Is this a testament to a high adoption rate? Perhaps (and that's great). But it also makes me wonder if Thurston County just doesn't have that many dogs that find their way to the shelter, and if that's the case why the shelter doesn't help rescue needy dogs from other jurisdictions. Perhaps it's not part of their mission or they don't have the funding to do so, but it seems like a waste to have so many empty runs when there are so many needy dogs out there. We sent the shelter an email asking about this, even offering our assistance to help, but never received a reply. Come on Thurston County, let's help out those in need! read more

Well run. It seems most of the pets are quickly adopted - they do a pretty good job keeping the petfinder list updated, but it is constantly changing - well done! It isn't one of those depressing kennels. read more

Thurston County - Animal Shelters Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Had to bring our 13 year old dog in after she passed. This is a gut wrenching experience only made worse by this place from the lack of courtesy to the walk of shame you are forced to take read more

My family and I have adopted 2 of the AMAZING!!!! Family Dogs from their. The staff are very Friendly and helpful. Both were very pleasant experiences for all of us. We adopted our first Dog Sage in May of 2012 and the staff was very helpful. My husband and I were allowed to all 6 of our children back to the viewing room with Sage. We filled out paper work and brought Him home that day. In October of 2012 staff was very helpful form the very beginning when My Husband called they gave us all the information. We went in the next day and put a hold on Molly she is also a Lab mix. Both great experiences and We now have 2 of the most AMAZING PETS EVER!!!! When it comes time to adopt again I WILL BE GOING BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN!! I would recommend this to anybody looking for a Pet. read more

Love how the director of animal services or someone in administration takes it upon themselves to shred a check not made out to them then being told that this was done, than being told that I can pay over the phone, but only w/a credit card that I don't have, boy don't you just love animal services. NOT read more

I found out later the dog was returned to its owner. Was not even a stray. What a mess.

would not recommend this as a humane resource. I called about a stray cat, and was met with a hostile, unpleasant tone over the phone. the individual was very reluctant to come out and save this beautiful cat, as she referred to it as a "community cat". I have never heard that term, nor do I agree with that philosophy as the cat is domesticated and needs nurturing, shelter and food consistently. not when someone sees the poor soul walking or laying on the sidewalk. Furthermore, and this is very, very, disappointing they're a KILL SHELTER!!! I asked if they euthanize animals, and the response I got was, "sometimes depending on the animals temperament." I could not believe this response. They should not be listed as part of the humane society. This is arguably the most disappointing conversations I've had since working with other local animal rescues. unbelievable. There's unfortunately, a reason why this organization is rated so low. Terrible across the board!!!! read more

Worst experience, not once but twice. The staff up front are not helpful, interrogative, narrow-minded, repetitive "our policy states" without caring that a caring family standing on the other side of the counter was opening their home to one of their animals. We adopted our cat, Tom, from them in October 2013 and had similar experience, because we have Jack Russell's. Today, we tried to adopt a pitbull-mix puppy but a staff member decided it was against her policy to adopt out to a family with another female puppy. Then after my son became teary eyed and her arrogant "our policy states" attitude changed when I asked what her name was. She decided that we would have to have a fence check at their convenience. Then she acted offended we let our animals (dogs , cats, and llamas) all roam together. I am feeling smothered by the reach of government entities intruding on my life. I am sorry, I would love to offer that puppy a home but it will have to be from someplace else. I found it strange the volunteers in the kennels all wear name tags but the paid staff sitting up front are not required. The volunteers are great! They were giving each animal individual attention and training . Hence, the one star for the facility and 5 stars for the volunteer. Tamara read more

Good for kids and teaching them about animals and what a shelter is. Generally friendly staff. I have also adopted cats from here. I just wish the facility were bigger! read more

I wholeheartedly support and agree with another reviewer's negative experience here due to the "our policy" rigmarole. (I only give more than 1 star for the no-kill aspect.) We drove past the shelter last week the same as we've done many times before, but something told us to turn around and go in. We did so and were immediately taken with who we thought would be the next member of our family. The two volunteers in the cat area were really friendly and offered to open the cage for the cat we were interested in meeting. We had questions about the cat and the volunteer who remained advised us to speak to someone at the counter. I left and returned with a woman who has no business working in a rescue; she seemed to have zero self-motivation/initiative to assist us and it seemed we were really putting her out by inquiring about the cat. The info sheet on the door didn't note if the cat was good with dogs or other cats and the lady simply said, "Well, we can put him around one of the other cats," and she proceeded to just stand there and do nothing. We asked the same about dogs (of which they currently had 3 in the dog area), and again, she just stood there. This plus a few more questions went on for about 10 minutes and when we expressed interest in adopting the cat she said it was too late; "it takes 30 minutes to do the paper work" and it was 3:35 on a Saturday. Are you kidding me??? This cat had been there for over a month and here are two people very willing to open their home and you're telling them it's too late?? She did say we could "start" the paperwork and then come back Tuesday. "What time do you close?" "We close at 5:30 so you'd have to be here no later than 5:00." "I work until 5. My wife works locally but also works until 5." "You [to my wife] can come in at your lunch hour and do the paperwork." Well, sadly my wife may work locally but isn't in a location that she can drive that far east on Martin and make it back to work on time to accommodate the schedules of the Animal Services workers. We're both strong, strong animal lovers and would love the ability to be working for an organization that helps animals and/or promotes animal welfare. Yet, the people who were "working" there seemed the least bit interested in doing so. 4-5 people were just sitting behind the counter basically watching the clock. Come on Animal Services. Maybe the hours should be changed to meet the needs of residents? How about 10 to 6 so there would be more time for the many 8-5 workers in the area to share their homes and love? I think it's great that reclamation of stray/lost pets has extended hours that better serve the area, but if this is the case, not ONE person would be there who could finishing shuffling papers until MAYBE 4:15 on a Saturday? So, at the next chance we were able to head down there bright and early this morning (the next Saturday), we checked their "available for adoption" pets on the phone first (is it really that difficult to have a human answer?), and he was still available. When we actually got down there the cat was gone. I inquired at the counter about the cat and the woman was rude, really didn't seem to care and had zero customer service; she couldn't even remember anything about the cat or be bothered to do a little research to verify if the cat was truly gone or maybe had gone into fostering for a while as their website notes. My wife is very sad but we're both hopeful the cat went to a good home. And on the plus side, we didn't give any money to Animal Services to help fund their hardworking paid staff. We will definitely be looking elsewhere next time and will spend our time and money supporting other rescues. read more

**WARNING** DO NOT CONTACT IF YOU WANT ACTUAL HELP. Our dogs dug out of our yard and of course we were worried and searching for them. Contacted animal services and went by to leave our contact info (BIG MISTAKE: my first clue should have been how everyone was sitting around chatting, drinking coffee casually) and description of pets hoping for help. Instead they told us they got a call but even though it was two miles away they couldn't respond it was "out if jurisdiction". Instead they used our contact information to send us a notice and bill about our escaped dogs. Bureaucracy bullshit. Get a GPS tracker and hope you find your dog before they do! read more

Such a positive experience with such a horrifying situation. I wish I had reviewed sooner, but I'm new to Yelp. Last year, in the middle of a move, we were driving behind the Capital Mall (near the old Borders) when I saw something out of the corner of my eye... I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I pulled over my U-haul and there in the bushes were two kittens. They were so bloated and so sick, they could barely see because their eyes were so crusted and gunky. I think they were just a few weeks to a month old. So here I am on a deadline with my moving truck not knowing what to do, I quickly called a vet that I've worked with for help. They didn't have any room to take them so they refered me to this Shelter which is actually called Animal Services. With another call I got ahold of this shelter who said of course, bring them in! I made the short drive across town and was able to immeadiately drop them off to two amazingly efficient women (staff/volunteers, I don't know which) I felt very safe leaving them there, I'm a sucker for cats, especially strays so it has to be a pretty outstanding place for me to say that. I've also heard wonderful things about their adoption program and the local stores they partner with to help provide healthy food and supplies for the newly adopted pets. I'm so thankful that they were here to help, otherwise I might have 5 cats instead of 3 :) read more

Fairly condescending attitudes among employees when I came in to pickup my lost pup. Held my dog for ransom, legally of course. Had a rediculous amount of staff working, but charge high fees so why not have high overhead. read more

I was In today getting my newly adopted Chiweenie licensed. I was greeted immediately and by friendly people, any questions I had were answered well. Other customers were present and being assisted too but I never felt put aside and they too seemed comfortable with their visit. I've been in several times before to license my other critters or look for new babies to adopt, and it's always the same, pleasant staff and a good experience. I think it's because we're all there for the same reason, for the love of fur kids. read more