Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society

PRO: What this shelter does is wonderful. They do save alot of lives, and they take good care of the animals they have. They do love the animals, and I love that everytime I go down there I see staff walking and playing with the dogs. They have a great prgram for Pitbulls called Save-​A-​Bull. They also offer low cost spay and neuter.
CON: Be prepared if you have an appointment, to wait. And wait. And wait some more. The desk staff are rude and the whole place is disorganized. If you call, Don’t expect a call back or to even speak to someone in person.

Before I adopted my pup from a local rescue organization I trolled MHRHS every couple of weeks. It never ceases to shock me the number of unwanted pets that turn up here.
What MHRHS does with misunderstood breeds is phenomenal. The only down side to humane societies, in general, is that many of the dogs don’t have a history of being in a house, unlike when you adopt from a rescue, which makes it difficult to determine whether the dog is right for you and your life style. The volunteers are wonderful with the animals and sharing any information that they know about the dogs with you, they don’t have 24 hour contact with the dogs so often many of your questions go unanswered. Some of the volunteers will be a little stern with you if are considering adopting a bully breed, just to be sure you are aware of the training involved and the dispel some of the myths that go along with the critters (I think they also do it to make sure you’re committed to a life-​time with the pup).
I was happy to see that each week when I went in that many of the dogs that had been there the week before were adopted.
The dog pen area is always clean, rarely smells «doggy» for the number of dogs that are there, and the dogs always seem to have appropriate toys and bedding. I have never been in there when there weren’t volunteers hard at work cleaning the kittie crates.
Its a great organization.

This review is a little different from the previous reviews, rather this is about my volunteer experience there.
Last Saturday a group of us signed up to do a Habitat for Humanity at a local house in Albany but in the days leading up to it had rained a lot. Since the project was outdoors, it was cancelled when we showed up that morning. So the 9 of us decided to look for another place to volunteer since we had the next 6 hours free. We headed to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society to ask if they could use our help with anything. We wound up sorting the donated bottles and cans they get for a few hours. It’s not glamorous but it’s something they would’ve had to do. The staff was really helpful and friendly as we’ll probably go back there.
I didn’t even know you could donate your refund-​eligible recyclables there! Learned something new.

I figured I would wait to post my review until it started to get a little chilly out. Maybe the colder weather will be keeping people inside more and that will mean more time to get a new pet transitioned into your home *hint *hint*
Years ago I adopted a kitten from here. Little black kitten. the feistiest one of the bunch :) Well, it’s been about 6yrs, she’s still fiesty, a fan of cuddles, and also a very solid member of our family. When we got her she had an upper respiratory issue, just something that happens once in awhile. Figure she was found with her little family outside so she didn’t get the best start. The shelter offered to take her back, but even after just a couple days we were in love with her. The staff sent us home with helpful instructions, things to help feed her and medicine. all free. She got better fairly fast and today is healthy, strong and can pretty much climb walls. Our vets wall still carries her nail marks today from when she tried to reach an impossibly high window!
That winter we also got Sophie as a companion for Edie. While the two didn’t end up hanging out as much as I’d have liked, they always sleep together and always have each others backs when another cat creeps into our yard. Even tho the local cats just come to bake on the walkway when it’s sunny out and aren’t looking for any Edie or Sophie trouble. Nice to know the yard has four-​legged security!
My last visit to the shelter wasn’t such a happy one. One of my dogs had passed away and I brought him over to be cremated after my vet told me that was there they sent animals. I chose a private cremation so that I could have the remains back. It was a difficult time for me but the staff was very sensitive and helpful.
During that last visit I took a walk through where they keep the cats. Most were keeping it cool and relaxing, some were ready to play catch the finger through the cage. Some wanted to be pet and then pet some more.
I then visited where the dogs were. Almost every dog perked up, most coming to the front of their little areas. Excited to see someone, tails wagging, tongues hanging out making that one track mind face that shows thoughts of «pet me, pet me» «let’s play» or «ooh ooh a visitor».
As I walked out of the room, heads went to the floor, backs turned to the room so they could look out their windows and some just curled up looking a bit spent or perhaps let down. It was genuinely sad.
If you have the space, some extra time, and love to give that’s pretty much all the animals here are looking for. Well that and maybe a treat or two and some room next to you so that they can be close to someone that loves them :)

Dear Editor,
Yesterday, my husband and I had to put our 18 year old beloved cat, Daniel, to sleep. We made the decision when we observed that he was no longer eating or drinking.
We called the Hudson Mohawk Humane Society and we were told that «yes» they euthanize and it would cost $ 75.
Bob left work early. We wrapped Daniel in a blanket and drove to Menands. Upon our arrival we were told by the receptionist that we couldn’t be with Daniel when they put him down. There gave no reason for not allowing us to be present. All we were told was that it was «policy.» When we asked why this was the policy, we were told, simply, «it was policy.»
It just didn’t feel right to give them my living cat and have them bring me back a dead cat.
We begged to be allowed to be with Daniel while they administered the drugs. We were told flat out «no» and that we could take the cat to our vet.
So, we wrapped Daniel up and drove another 15 miles with him very uncomfortable, to the Latham Emergency Vet Hospital on Route 7 where they were extremely kind, very willing to have us present and we put our loving pet down. It was very peaceful.
It made us wonder: how do they kill the animals at Hudson Mohawk Humane Society? What is the objection to having the owners present for the euthanizing? Are they doing something in humane behind those closed doors?
I think somebody needs to investigate. I will never go back there ever again.
Later that night after we buried Daniel in the back yard, a friend came over for the evening and we told her the story. She said that her cat got out of the house and she couldn’t find him. He had a computer chip for identification. She was told by Mohawk Hudson River Humane Society that they found him but never checked for the chip. They simply killed her cat.
Someone needs to investigate this operation. They present an image of doing good work when it comes to dogs and cats. However, I am very suspicious of their activities.
Sincerely,
Corlis F. Carroll

We actually got our new kitten from a petsmart which had an adoption center which partners with this humane society.
We went to this H.S. to get her microchipped. I walked in the door to be greeted by a funky wierd smell and very drabby surroundings. Their pet viewing area was okay but it could be so much better. The staff weren’t too organized. I really wondered what was the point of making an appointment when we still had to wait while some staff just sat at the front desk.
I’m all for getting pets from the humane society but this facility needs a makeover and the staff need to up their game considerably!

This is where I found my Buster!
Small animal shelter that found my Buster wandering on the side of the road, took him in, posted him on petfinder, neutered him (sorry Buster, had to be done!), and took good care of him.
I came midweek and got Buster, it says $ 200 adoption fee on the website, but I got Buster for $ 75, I think they have midweek specials!
Thanks for saving Buster!