Jess the director will blame everyone else but her staff for her staff's rude, incompetent,…read moreunprofessional behavior towards people and potential adopters and and those people who have reported staff members and write poor reviews are being asked by Jess and the adoption manager to not come to the shelter anymore!!!! Instead of firing the staff or trying to make someone's time spent their more comfort she blames the reporter!!! Lots have poor reviews have been made by lots of people about the way the staff and management treats the animals and people who come to look!!!!

We came to this shelter with open hearts and an open home, ready to adopt a puppy and offer a safe,…read moresupportive environment with structure, training, and love. We brought our resident dog who is demonstrably very social with other dogs as well as extremely gentle with children. What we experienced instead was a process that felt disorganized, unprofessional, and frankly, the opposite of humane -- for both the dogs and the adopters. We were told -- only after paying a non refundable deposit -- that the expectation is for all dogs to be off-leash and playing happily during the first meeting. Anything less, we were told, would be a sign that the adoption wouldn't work out. That is a deeply flawed and unrealistic standard, especially when dealing with shelter dogs who are often under-socialized, under-exercised, or recovering from trauma. The first meeting was rushed and poorly handled: A nose-to-nose fence greeting (already stressful), Immediate face-to-face leashed interaction in a small space, And instructions to unleash our dog within 2 minutes, before either dog had decompressed or acclimated. The puppy was understandably overexcited, and began mouthing and climbing on our dog's face -- completely normal puppy behavior, but totally unsupported by staff. Our dog gave a single air snap and growl, which the puppy responded to by rolling over and de-escalating. The interaction resolved on its own -- appropriately and peacefully. Instead of recognizing this as a normal part of dog communication, the shelter staff immediately ended the interaction and told us the match was off, citing a zero-tolerance policy on "snapping" -- again, something never disclosed to us beforehand. And we were told our deposit would not be refunded. We pushed for a second meeting, which was allowed -- and staff even admitted during the session that they "don't have time" to properly facilitate dog introductions. That alone raises serious questions about the quality and fairness of their assessments. At that second meeting, the puppy ran up from behind and startled our dog. Our dog responded with a more intense correction -- and again, the match was immediately dismissed. Later, we were sent a video of the second meeting -- and what we saw did not match the shelter's written notes or summary at all. The video clearly showed our dog behaving appropriately the vast majority of the time. The moment of intensity was directly caused by the shelter puppy running up behind her, unsupervised and untrained -- a moment the staff failed to redirect or acknowledge. Nowhere in the staff report was there any admission of their role in facilitating the interaction poorly. We were stunned. Not only was our dog's behavior misrepresented, but the shelter refused to take any responsibility for their role in creating an unnecessarily tense and unsupported scenario. Instead of helping set both dogs up for success, they forced an avoidable incident, then used it as justification to shut down the entire opportunity. Our deposit was begrudgingly refunded only after escalation to the CEO. We expressed a willingness throughout to: Do structured intros Work with behaviorists Create a safe, gradual plan Foster-to-adopt with oversight Accept feedback and do the work We were told that "you can tell everything you need to know in the first 15 minutes of a dog meeting." That is not true. That's a shortcut. And it's a dangerous one. And if the shelter is truly so concerned about safety and "boomerang pets," why are they not requiring meet-and-greets with children or other pets -- only resident dogs? That inconsistency undermines their rationale and further exposes how arbitrary the process really is. We're no longer seeking to adopt this dog. But we are sharing our experience publicly because it's clear that many adopters are being set up with unrealistic expectations, and many animals are being denied loving homes based on a system that prioritizes rigid policy over common sense, compassion, and context. This shelter claims to advocate for animals -- but in practice, they're pushing away dedicated adopters and failing the very dogs they claim to protect.

I adopted a supposedly an 18 month old poodle /shiba Inu mix…read more This was the most abused pup I ever been exposed to. She was severly underweight and was afraid to eat or drink anything if anyone looked at her. She had never been on a leash before and basically spent all her life in a crate. We are currently working with an animal behaviorist to try to achieve some degree of normalcy with her. There was no background check done when I adopted her , basically if I paid the $1000 she was mine. She was not up to dateon her shots and was not spayed. This seems like a puppy broker to me . So said for these poor little souls to be in her care for profit ..

Canine Gem and Hillary helped us find Sherman our red Chiweenie who was a stray in Macon - BIbb…read morecounty Georgia.. He is a fabulous little dog that's healthy and happy. He's about a year old and a great snuggler! He made himself right at home and gets along great with our 3 yr old lab mix. He's cute as a button and smart as a whip! His name is Sherman Peabody. He came with the name Sherman and we thought of Sherman and Mr. Peabody from Rocky and Bullwinkle. So he is now officially Sherman Peabody!

My girlfriend and I adopted our pup, Sophie, from All Breed and we were so happy with how they…read moretreated us. They are an incredible organization doing great work. When we want to adopt another doggo, we'll be back to All Breed for sure! We highly recommend that everyone chooses rescue over a breeder; All Breed is a great choice if you're looking for a place to rescue a pup from.

We adopted a dog I had to return after 10 days as she was extremely aggressive with other dogs…read more Before adopting her I made sure to let the shelter know that we live in the city and she needed to be good with dogs. I was told she was dog selective but not aggressive in general. I understand dogs can be different outside the shelter but there was no way it would have been safe for my children to walk her in the city. Either way, their website clearly states that a dog can be returned within 10 days of the adoption and the adoption fee would be refunded less $150. When I followed up on this, after not getting a response in over a week, I was told that my contract stated that no refund would be given. Below is a copy of the paragraph from their website: If you've brought a new dog home but don't think it's going to work out, you have the option of bringing them back to the shelter within 10 days of the adoption, and we'll refund your adoption fee less the $150 deposit. Based on this experience I would not suggest working with this shelter.

Volunteers are amazing The owner of the rescue is not open to professional opinions. Talks about…read morebeing a team, but is dismissive of trained advice. We came onboard as experienced fosters and trainers/ behaviorists for a litter of puppies. It was chaotic from beginning to end. I'm hoping it was a one off. Brigitte is not accepting of any advice or respectful of others knowledge, doing what's best for her rather than the puppies. Understanding the big picture is extremely important and she doesn't get that, nor was willing to consider any opinion that didn't fit her narrative. Perhaps she's better with older dogs/proper placement and should stay away from puppies. She also overdoses on worming meds for puppies. 2 doses within a week and wanting a third dose in the 2nd week. Twice in transferring puppies she used volunteer drivers who did not have adequate ways to transport. Puppies riding unsecured is unsafe for the driver, the puppy and others on the road. It's hard to write a negative review of a rescue because it's hard work, but in my case this was a negative experience.

My experience with VT Dog Rescue has been anything but positive. Throughout the process, it has…read morebeen an emotional roller coaster, and is a ride I am so thankful to have gotten off. It all began 12 weeks ago, when we originally filled out their extremely lengthy application, which asks very personal and intrusive questions, and even went as far as asking us who would care for the dog if we died from Covid. I understand the need for dog rescues to be thorough with the applications to ensure the dogs be placed in the absolute perfect home, but their screening process and grilling of their applicants are preventing dogs from going to good homes. After filling out the application, I found it odd we never received any sort of confirmation or correspondence that the application was even received. The original dog we were interested in and whose name we had put on the application had been adopted, so I sent an e-mail with another dog's name who we would like to learn more about. I never received a response from my e-mail, and did not receive any communication from them until about the 6 week mark. At that time, an email was sent, stating that our application was under review and they will begin processing it and contact the vet of a previous dog. Days pass, and we hear nothing. I finally received an e-mail that said they had concerns with our vet history. After that was cleared up, they moved on to the personal references. Again, days pass and we hear nothing. I would send e-mails asking for updates and get no response. Then we get an email saying our references were fine and we would need to fill out yet another application. She asked for us to fill the application out how we would answer it, and how our children's grandmother would respond since she occasionally stays at the house and watches our two children. Weeks pass, no communication. Finally, I call them, and she tells me that my application was dismissed because they didn't feel enough information was given on my children's grandmother and how she would feel about caring for both children and a new puppy . Did they communicate to tell me that not enough information was given- No- of course not - just decided to throw out the application and not respond to my e-mails. On the phone I explained to her that my work schedule had changed and my mother-in-law was no longer at the house watching the children and they would soon be back at school. She said that changes things and they would reactivate my application. Then I received multiple e-mails grilling me about my work schedule stating that my 5 hour work schedule was too long for a dog to be home by itself, so I assured her my husband would come home from lunch and walk the dog daily. Now they were finally ready to show us a dog. We got to pick our top five dogs, and was set up with our top choice! We were so excited! Finally, I thought things were looking better, and all of this was going to be worth the wait. But little did I know, what I was about to experience was the biggest drop in our roller coaster ride of emotions. After the visit with the dog, late that night we receive an e-mail that said we need to discuss the visit. I called her first thing in the morning and waited all day for her to return my call. She finally calls, and said we could not get the dog or any dog from them because my daughter appeared "fearful" of the dog and it would not be a good fit. I think it is unfair to determine if we are a good fit based on a 20 minute meet and greet in the pouring rain. I am sure my daughter is not the only child who is a little nervous about meeting a new dog for the first time. We have taught our children to not run to dogs and give them big hugs. We have told them to ask before petting a new dog and make sure it is safe. I think my daughter's actions were appropriate under the circumstances especially due to the fact my husband was bit by a dog whose owners told us he was friendly and okay to pet. Since then our children always ask if a dog is friendly. My daughter did not run away, hide, or cry, but rather just ask questions making sure it was safe. She even brought a ball for the dog to play with. After we left, we went to the pet store to get everything we would need, and my daughter picked out a butterfly toy and a purple bone for the dog because the foster mom had said she likes butterflies and bones. Myself, and the kids are very disappointed and heartbroken. We have a large fenced in yard, a home with plenty of neighborhood dogs to play with, and huge hearts looking for a dog to love. I apologize for the long review, but I don't want another family to have to go through what we went through. So unless, you don't mind waiting 3+months for a dog, don't mind a rigorous screening process, don't mind ignored e-mails, work less than 4 hours a day, and have children that run up to strange dogs and snuggle them, I suggest you look elsewhere!!

We had the most wonderful experience adopting our rescue Hazel. VT English Bulldog's communications…read morewere great from start to finish. They checked my references within a day of me applying to adopt Hazel and were kind enough to connect me to her foster mom in Texas because I had a few questions about her. Pickup in Vermont was easy and we could not be more in love with her. Thank you for helping us find our fur baby!

We had a great experience working with everyone at VT English Bulldog Rescue. They were responsive…read morefrom start to finish and the process went very quickly. We adopted Leia and couldn't be more delighted, she is such a sweet, fun pup. Thank you!

We rescued a handsome weirdo from The Franklin County Humane Society in St. Albans. He's a soft…read morespooning purring loving lightsaber of happiness and playfulness. I don't know who's more happier to have him in our home! He's pysched! We are pysched! When he came to us his name was Leo and it rhymed too much with my darling Theo, so I changed it to Sun Ra Skywalker. But lately we've just been calling him Hey! But seriously, his name is Sun Ra Skywalker on paper. Also if anyone is looking to adopt a cat or dog I recommend The Franklin County Humane society in St. Albans. Sweet animals and sweet people.

An outstanding team dedicated to caring for fur babies in search of loving humans. Alissa and her…read morecolleagues are compassionate and loving toward these animals in waiting and toward the humans expressing the grief associated with having to leave their loved one in Franklin County Animal Rescue's good hands. I think the poor reviews are unjustified.

I was told you can only get female animals at this store. From my experience so far this has been…read moretrue. I'm a huge guinea pig lover. Always buy my wigglies here. But, due to animals being shipped from out of state and being placed with other animals. You should bring them to the vet. I've bough piggies here and they've become ill within 24 hours of bringing them home. (This can happen anywhere you buy a animal) Only down fall, is the lack of love I've seen the employees show the animals. They are never gental when handing them or placing them in a box. I always request bedding and hay to replaced in the box cause let's face it. You are taking a tiny little soul from a box that it probably just started adjusting to, then placing it in a box with no comfort. I couldn't tell you about the grooming area cause I don't have a dog, but it's always fun to look around at the animals.

So I wanted to get rats for my birthday from this store but I can't order one because they never…read morestock their store! Pet smart stock your store!!

In the past several months we have adopted 2 dogs from the North Country Animal Shelter. Both…read morethese dogs are loving, sweet, and wonderful animals. Both were at the shelter for several months before they came to live with us, and were heathy and well kept when we got them. One came in with only one eye, so she had medical bills, the other had no health issues, so his adoption fee was minimal. Although some people may think you can bring an animal to the shelter for free, and adopt one at no charge, they do need food, health care, and shelter while they are there. North Country Animal Shelter does the best they can with what they have to work with. The employees and volunteers love the animals and do the best they can with what they have to work with. They do depend on donations, since they are not subsidized. They do pride themselves on keeping the animals clean and healthy. I have, and will always encourage everyone to check the North Country Animal Shelter when condsidering a new pet. We have been extremely happy with our new babies, as have been several of our friends and family over the past 15 years.

I adopted a great little poodle called Parker age 1.5, from north country in Morrisville Vt. The…read moreform asked what situation would cause you to return the dog. I wrote separation anxiety. Sure enough, after a few weeks I realized he had a very bad case. I live in a 2-family home and the other family was complaining because he barked and howled all day. I called the shelter very upset and tearful saying I needed to rehome this little dog. The person I talked to shamed me. She said "can't you just give him a Kong filled with treats." This statement told me she knew nothing about anxiety in dogs. When a dog has separation anxiety, their bodies are flooded with adrenaline and they are in fight/flight mode. They are having a huge panic attack that lasts till the owner comes home. I filled a Kong with chicken and when I came home 3 hours later it was still uneaten. As soon as I opened the crate he grabbed the Kong and ate. A dog with this issue is suffering, not just reacting angerly because you left him alone. Someone should teach this worker about these issues. No dog should ever have to suffer that kind of fear. I am now working with a poodle rescue to rehome this little dog whom I have come to love very much. Also, when I brought Parker (now Dash) home he had a double ear infection, tape worms, and he was chewing his scrotum and needed to wear an Elizabethan collar. This vet trip cost me $280.

Dropped out dog off at 12:00 for bath and hair cut. They said between 3-4 hours. Did not hear from…read morethem so I went down at 4:00. They told me they could only do a bath since she was so terrified. I asked why they didn't just call and I would have picked her up a long time ago. They said they tired to call. I said when? I had been checking my phone all afternoon and there been no call. She said she thought it was something the way their phones worked and when they call if the number not in my contacts it goes to spam. OK we all know how phones work so that's a lie. Bottom line they are totally incompetent and I would never go back there again. Also the dog was still wet when I picked her up.

I just got a beta fish. Told the lady I have never had a fish before and needed guidance. She…read moredidn't give me the time of day and obviously didn't know enough to be helping me. A few days go by and my fish hasn't eaten. She let me grab the wrong fish food without saying anything as I was looking at her for approval. The pellets are too big for a beta. As a beginner, I did not know that. Not only did I waste money and will be going back for a refund tomorrow, but I hope my fish is still alive by then as they are closed right now. Please make sure your staff is educated and capable of giving advice to keep animals safe, and if they aren't, they shouldn't be dealing with customers. I have gotten many animals from Petsmart and know some staff are really nice and helpful, but the brunette with the side bang hairstyle thing was not. I'm so sorry to call you out, but I fear for animals that are in your hands.