Salinas Animal Shelter

I don’t usually write things like this, but it hurts so much to think about it I have to write it down and get it out of my head. Twice my dogs have had to go to this shelter, (due to getting out) and I don’t know how friendly the staff were 3 years ago, but since then they have lied, been very rude, not caring, dirty shelter, and spiteful the entire time I’ve experienced my time with them. It brakes my heart that they would make up silly and idiotic excuses for me not to get my dog and call it ‘protical’. And when they do decide to let you have your animal back, they charge you for every little thing you can imagine and beyond. I had been nothing but sweet and caring with them, there was no call for there behavior, they act like 5 years olds. This shelter obviously does not give their animals a bath, or a brushing, and how do I know this? Not only myself, but friends of mine who had volunteered there also notice the animals in the same condition as when they were brought in. All they want is the money, and they don’t care about the animals at all, it makes me sick to my stomach that’s who’s taking ‘care’ of those poor animals. Please don’t donate to this shelter, I feel for the animals, but a change in staff really needs to be in order.

As I write, there is an 85 pound, nine-​month-​old puppy (Jackie) who is so intelligent she’s currently playing a game with a ball that she invented. A smart pit bull /​great dane mix, Jackie opens doors, understands all commands, and is utterly gorgeous. Sweet, loves everyone she meets, doesn’t understand the concept of aggression. Not a single day has gone by since we adopted her last year that I haven’t felt blessed –almost unworthy. Jackie has brought a powerful joy to our family. I am grateful for the supportive, oft unsung staff at the Salinas Animal Shelter.

I would say that this animal shelter lacks customer service. I had a friend who took her two nieces, who have such caring natures, to the animal shelter. While being assisted by another staff member a women (who is a supervisor) came out shouting at the little girl to stop petting the cat. I’m sorry but belittling a child in front of other staff and customers is never acceptable. It is unfortunate that these situations reflect on the organizaiton and their level of professionalism.

Horrible! Just awful! Do not ever donate your money to this organization! They are heartless! These are not animal lovers but animal killers! I along with my entire neighborhood had lovingly fed a stray cat recently and when it became obvious that this stray needed healthcare and a loving home i called this shelter. They refused to take the hurting cat saying it was my responsibility. So i called the spca and the spca told me that this organization is heartless and does this often. Well the spca had to send this poor cat back to the salinas shelter today… i just got a very rude call telling me they are going to kill this cat without even giving the sweetheart a chance to find a loving home! This cat is an amazingly sweet cat and could make a wonderful pet for someone but no this heartless organization will kill him all because one loving neighborhood tried to help by feeding the cat. Do not give this heartless place your money. Im disgusted.

Great staff, always so helpful and friendly.
Well kept kennels, (way cleaner than the SPCA).
Love adopting fuzzy friends from here.

The staff is incredibly friendly and understanding! All of the animals are well loved and cared for in the hands of re staff. The place is very clean. I recommend this place for animal adoption over the SPCA.

In the past decade, SAS has helped 15,464 pets find their forever homes (not to include those who were returned to owners) — and three of those guys are currently chilling at my house right now! The staff and volunteers at SAS do amazing things, and really care about every animal that comes through the doors. The building may not be as glamorous as the others around the Central Coast, but there is more than enough heart and soul within the walls to make up for it. If you are looking for your new best friend, be sure to check them out!

Okay, so the Salinas Animal Shelter might be the least ‘fancy’ of the area shelters, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have wonderful animals available for adoption!
I found the world’s cutest puppy at the Salinas Shelter. People stop me on the street to ask what kind he is (he’s a mix) and where I got him, and are often shocked to hear he came from the shelter!
If you’re looking for a dog or cat, I recommend checking ALL the shelters because you never know where you’re going to find the perfect animal. And be patient! It was a couple of weeks of checking all the area shelters before I found the right dog for myself, but if you are patient and persistent, it will be worth it.
If you want to see what animals they have, go here:
Added tip: This website also includes strays, which they hold for a week to wait for their owners to come claim. So if you see an animal that isn’t available yet, ask the shelter staff if you can put your name down for it. That way you can get first dibs when the animal is ready to find a home!