Wags and Whiskers Rescue

FIVE STARS BECAUSE:
— The dog I adopted is a total rockstar. And I had a complicated wish list.
— WAWR was very accommodating about considering my suitability as an adopter and about facilitating the right match. They were willing to bend the rules to suit my unusual living situation after I demonstrated my knowledge and commitment as an adopter (more on this in last section).
— Contrary to what the handful of negative reviews here have said, I found the staff to be courteous, helpful, and very reasonable.
TIPS FOR ADOPTERS:
Although WAWR is structurally a rescue (they’re not a public intake facility and the dogs are all safe from euthanasia once they’re here), the physical setup when you visit is more like a shelter. That means: a large number (40+?) dogs are kenneled in a single building (rather than in foster care) and you ask to have them brought out individually for a meet-​and-​greet in the lobby and/​or parking lot. The major advantage to adopters is that you can meet lots of dogs in one place, rather than coordinating with multiple fosters or going to an adoption event with only a handful of dogs. The downside is that it can be a challenging environment in which to get to know a dog, and the staff who are there on a given day (while very helpful) might not necessarily know every single dog’s personality as well as a foster might.
So, I would recommend doing the following to ensure a great doggie match:
1.) Before visiting, make a list of what traits you most want in your new dog (training level, exercise needs, personality, etc.).
2.) Email the rescue with your list and ask which dogs they would specifically recommend for you. If you already have dogs in mind, ask about their suitability for you. This way, even if whoever is staffing the desk the day you visit doesn’t specifically know a lot about Fluffy (say), you will have a good idea in advance that she’ll be a good fit.
3.) If you are not an experienced dog person, consider bringing someone to be knowledgeable on your behalf. Someone with a lot of experience training dogs will have a better eye for personality and can also help determine suitability based on a dog’s breed type. If this worries you, you might prefer to adopt from a foster-​based rescue instead.
RESPONSE TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS:
The negative reviews here mostly say that the approval process is too rigid and/​or unreasonable. I had exactly the opposite experience, despite that I have some unusual characteristics as an adopter (I’m only in-​state part-​time, I don’t have my own fenced yard, and I’m a student). I emailed WAWR a few weeks before coming to the shelter with a detailed and honest explanation of my lifestyle, how a dog would fit in, and why I still want to adopt. The director, Jodi, personally reviewed my application, answered my questions, and cleared me to adopt despite these unusual circumstances. I was also very grateful that she showed flexibility in other ways that allowed me to bring home my dream dog.

Encountered staff outside their facility, and was shocked at the level of unprofessionalism. I hope that the animals are treated better than they interact with people. If in fact you are going to have a rude demeanor, it might not be a good idea to represent your company at the same time.

Zero is more true than a one star. The worst shelter ever!!! I feel sorry for any pet that ends up here. The place is dirty and the people are INCREDIBLY RUDE. They treat you like you are trying to steal a pet to simply look at one. As a retired veterinarian, I still give a lot of time and money to shelters and will never have anything to do with this one. Don’t believe a word they say. They act as though they know everything and gave a handful of false breed information. I don’t believe they really want to find homes for their pets. This seems like they are simply looking for donations to support their personal gain. Someone should shut this rescue down.

Could someone please tell me if they would accept a large dog food bag as donation, I paid $ 60 for it and would hate to see it go to waste

If I could give 0 stars I would. I couldn’t have agreed more with Christine and Alexandria on their review. However, I believe they were too generous in their rating.
First off, the appearance of the facility can use a little maintenance, but that’s the least of this organizations worries.
My husband and I had agreed on a dog online and we’re ready to see the dog to make sure he was a good fit. Upon walking up to the front door I read a sign saying «before adopting you must have an application filled out». Okay, so as I walked in I politely said to the woman at the counter «oh, I’m sorry… I didn’t know I needed to fill out an application before seeing a dog, would I be able to fill one out now or should I make an appointment?» She replied in a VERY RUDE way with attitude «you can fill one out now, but you better adopt or we won’t let you see any of them». I was thinking in my head «excuse me, did this lady just talk to me in this manner?!» I was astounded by the unprofessionalism this «Vice President» Misty Underwood, exerted. If there are rules for adoption, I understand, but please be professional about it. There was ABSOLUTELY NO courteous customer service– I was disgusted by the way she treated me. I will definitely not come here again and SO glad I didn’t choose this place to volunteer for a service learning program through my University! And I will let the professor know about this experience. It’s very sad for these animals that need loving homes. Customer service makes all the difference.

Went on line found a Dog we wanted cruiser cruiser did not like small children and we have grandchildren so cruiser wouldn’t work for us. But Brew, (Formally Blue) did Australian mix rambunctious young eight-​month-​old boy so cute so playful really are going to enjoy him as part of our family!
Paperwork not too much or too bad just normal stuff. The online questionnaire was a little much??! Sometimes Less is more
Rescue dogs are not cheap. but well worth it!
Almost forgot they have a shares card through Save mart which benefits the shelter please get one register it first then HaPpY SHOPPING. Helps pooches and meows!

Jodi & her great team of volunteers showed us several dogs to choose from. After not being able to find the right one that day our search continued. The following week the Jodi called to say she found a good match for our family. Jodi listened specifically for what we were looking for and we were able to find our beautiful Mia. Today we are the proud owners a a loving forever family pet. Please call Wags & Whiskers Rescue first to see how they can help you. Huge Thank You for going out of your way help us find the right dog for our family.

We adopted a beautiful puppy FROM WAGS AND WHISKERS on December 18, 2015 for my 15 yr old daughter for Christmas. She named him «Jackson». Turned out the puppy was gravely ill and died 15 days later. We were and are heartbroken. Out of pain and frustration i wrote a very negative review before i had the chance to speak to wags and whiskers. After speaking to Denise yesterday who was very sympathetic and jodi today, i feel wags and whiskers received the puppy already ill, and jodi followed up with all other adopters. Jodi was very sorry for our loss and wanted to help us find another puppy when we’re ready.

We had a great experience adopting from Wags and Whiskers. I really appreciated that Jodi took the time to get to know us and to show us dogs that she thought would be appropriate. I understand (from other reviewers) that some people don’t like this process — but I consider it one of the best aspects of adopting from here. Our pup, Tufa (formerly Annie), is a total sweetheart, and — after being fostered by Jodi — she came to us crate and house trained, and eager to please and learn more.
Adopting a dog is a huge commitment, and, Jodi doesn’t let you take that commitment lightly — just as it should be.

I am very disappointed in my dealing with WAWR. We recently lost a wonderful family member after being with me for nearly 11 years. I was directed to WAWR as a potential adoption source. After finding what I feel was a very good possible candidate for my family and I, I completed the adoption packet. My wife and I have been married for less than 2 years and she brought a 10.5 year old cocker spaniel to the relationship that was not neutered and thus making us ineligible for adopted an animal from their facility according to their policy which is not posted so as not to waste anyone’s time. My question was since the dog we were intending on adopting would be spayed, the chance of «over population» would be non-​existent. There were several other issues that I have with the correspondence with the staff and could not recommend them to anyone I know as a potential source for adoption. Again, very disappointed.

We made a $ 100.00 donation which does not really measure up to what Wags and Whiskers have given us. After losing our cattle dog to cancer, you introduced us to Aubrey. What a fantastic girl! She is a happy, healthy, wonderful girl. She has adopted us and we love her immensely. She has brought us so much joy. We plan on having this girl forever. There are not enough special words to show you our appreciation for the gift you have given us. Please accept our most heartfelt thanks for sending us Aubrey. She is so special and so loved. We love her to the moon and back!

I don’t really want to give this place a bad review, because I am sure they love and care for all their rescue animals. I am reviewing more their adoption process, which is a little bizarre.
My family had lost our beautiful Dottie of 14 years about 6 months ago, and we just now thought it was the right time to explore getting another dog for our family. Dottie was a rescue and I would rather have a rescue about 1 yr — 2yrs old. My son although would love to have a Husky puppy. :)
On to our experience with their application process. I completed their lengthy application, which I understand completely because they want the animals to find a forever home. Our intent was to be approved and then when we found a dog that was a good fit for our family we would be ready. So we completed the application and asked to see what dogs they had available. They would not let us see all the dogs. (we just wanted to see if any dogs felt right for our family), but no we had to pick a dog to see out of a book. We selected 2 dogs, one a herding dog and one a 1 ½yr Husky.(Best of both worlds) The herding dog, the lady we spoke with would not even consider us because we couldn’t handle the dog, (our last dog was a Border Collie, and we live on a one acre ranchette) but she fostered the dog, so I figured she knew more than I. The second dog the Husky, she questioned our application as we have an elderly dog. I told her we would like to see the dog and see how it was with myself and my son first. She would not let us even LOOK at the dog because my husband (who was at work) wasn’t there as well as my other dog. I explained that I want to see if my son and I get a good feeling, then we will proceed with the dog meeting my husband and other animals. I told her I wasn’t prepared to walk out today with the dog, I just wanted to see if it was a good fit and get a feeling. She said she would not even let us LOOK at the dog if my husband and other dog weren’t there. She told us she didn’t want me to make a mistake in adopting the wrong dog. I told her I was almost 50 yrs old and wasn’t interested in adopting a dog that wasn’t a good fit for us, and she proceeded to let me know she was 51 and knew more than me. And for me to come back when I was ready to adopt that day. At that point, I said I think their process of adoption wasn’t going to work for us and I wish them the best.
I have previously been approved in two counties for foster children and have been thru less of a vetting process. I understand that adopting pets is a large responsibility and take it very seriously, but don’t understand how they only let you see dogs they think are right for you. Not let you adopt (I can understand) but see??? Can you only LOOK at animals, that they approve you for? I understand it is a private facility and happy for all the previous reviewers experience, but I wonder how many animals haven’t gone to perfectly good homes, because of this persons attitude and power trip.

Update: happy to display emails to anyone whom inquires. I was NEVER dishonest not am I immature. Please stop calling me names and insulting me. You are making quite a point here to other reviewers

A friend saw a dog on Wags and whiskers website so we thought we’d just drive over to gather some information. As we walked in I quickly noticed a very disorganized, dirty lobby. Shortly after a elderly lady on a one legged wheel chair approached us and asked if I completed a application on line or was I there to complete one in person? I responded by saying I wasn’t interested in filling out a application at that moment. I also explained I wanted to see a certain dog in person before I completed a application. I didnt feel comfortable giving my personal info to a stranger. Nor was I certain I was taking home a pet today. She responded in a very unprofessional way, stating these are her dogs and she pre selects each home for her dogs. She also said the shelter was not a walk through shelter and I cannot just come in and request to see her dogs. We were blind sided by her harsh, rude response. I can’t image her dogs are well treated with that type of manerisms towards humans. The place was filthy dirty, I wouldn’t adopt a pet living under that type of disorderly condition. Based on what I experience, lack of professionalism and the adoption pricing screams out greed. Maybe finding YOUR pets a loving home isn’t your top priority but making money and being rude is.

I’ve never been to this facility before, never seen what it has to offer but judging by the phone call I just had twenty minutes ago, I wouldn’t bring my dog here or even make the effort to come here at all.
Due to a current moving situation I have to surrender my beautiful Newfie/​Lab mix. I’m absolutely devastated that it’s come to this, but I’m looking for some help to help him find his forever home.
Anyways I called, and Jodi answered. I told her my current situation and what breed my dog is and she says. «I’m not good with Labs.»
It’s not that the place is at full capacity with other animals or they can’t take a large dog at this time, but the concern is that he’s part Labrador. Are. You. Kidding. Me.
Then proceeds to say. «Does he look more Lab or???»
First of all, does it f****** matter? You’re going to discriminate against my dog just because of the type of breed he is? Seriously?!
I’m giving this organization two stars because in the end she was able to give me the name of another rescue who could possibly take in my dog. Hopefully they’re more tolerable of dog breeds at this other rescue.

I got my dog, Koda (formerly Austin), at WAWR April of 2014. The adoption process went very quickly and smoothly thanks to Jodi and staff! I got Koda as a 10 week old pup and was thrilled to have been able to rescue him so young. Koda is over 1 year old now, and is a treat to have! I wish that I lived closer so that we could rescue from WAWR again. The adoption prices are very fair, especially now that I have moved to LA and seen the ridiculous high adoption prices to rescue an animal…
My only gripe with WAWR is that upon adopting Koda, we found 20+ ticks under his skin… I sent a message to WAWR regarding this, to inform the other adoptees of the litter to look for them and to remove them promptly, as well as to warn other adoptees to look for ticks. I expected some ticks and fleas on my pup, but over 20 on what was a 15 lb puppy was a bit excessive. To this message, I got no response. Besides that, good experience. Koda and I are happy!

From the time we walked into the door to the time we left, we felt so welcomed! We had recently lost our furry friend and we’re ready to find a new best buddy to have around. At first we thought we wanted Sandy, a cute tan puppy that was VERY playful! But after talking to us more, Jodi recommended another dog named Pepper, a very sweet 2−3yo cattle dog mix. As soon as she brought Pepper out, we knew she was ours!!! She’s so sweet and the staff was so friendly! Thank you, Wags and Whiskers, for giving us a loving forever best fur friend!!! :)

I went with my wife and son to adopt, I’m Hispanic and my wife is Asian, we felt extremely discriminated against, they were rude and unpolite, they didn’t necessarily say anything racist but you know when someone doesn’t like you, in other words if your not white don’t go there, we felt very unwelcome, worst adopting experience ever.

Jodi, Jordan and the entire staff at Wags and Whiskers are amazing people who truly love animals. Thank God places like this exist to save animals from kill shelters.
My girlfriend and I adopted a dog 2 weeks ago (Sampson) and he is the best dog in the entire world! We love him to pieces. Without Wags and Whiskers he wouldn’t be alive today, so we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. And we’re saying thank you by becoming donors, as the entire staff are volunteers and donations are what keeps the shelter running. The staff of Wags and Whiskers are the true heroes of this world, and I want to make sure they can keep doing their great work forever.
If you’re looking for a dog or cat, avoid pet stores and breeders and go straight to Wags and Whiskers. You’ll walk out with a new best friend.

This is an awesome rescue! We went to meet a dog we thought would be perfect for us and ended up falling in love with a different dog, all because Jodi brought more than one dog to meet us. We love our Sadie girl and can’t imagine our lives without her.