Animal Haven

This review is solely for the front desk help, specially a lady named Meika. I applied to adopt a puppy at Animal Haven back in the fall a few times. Totally understand that there is a waitlist for these puppies, but I was also an Animal Haven volunteer. I now see the puppy I would have provided an amazing home for is back at the shelter, which of course, happens due to many factors, but I think as a volunteer and supporter of Animal Haven, I should have been given a better opportunity and at the very least appreciation. I ended up adopting with Social Tees, another amazing organization. Mika should learn some manners and to be appreciative and nice to volunteers as well as potential adopters.

My boyfriend and I tried to adopt a pomeranian, Aaron, last year to keep our current pomeranian company. The shelter is extremely clean and the volunteers are really dedicated. At first we were put off by the attitude of some of the staff when we arrived; they didn’t acknowledge our presence for a long time, and seemed a little judgmental when we finally spoke to them. They also almost never answered the phone or called us back the first week after we put in our application. HOWEVER, when we were finally able to set up a time to do the temperament test for our dogs, things changed and they became extremely friendly and helpful, and we saw how much they cared about the animals.
After the temperament test went well, they approved us and we got to take the adorable Aaron home with us that same day. Despite the test going well, we ran into a lot of difficulty because my first dog threw a huge tantrum the second we all arrived home, and continued to do so for a whole week. During that time, my boyfriend and I called Animal Haven a few times for advice and they were happy to give it. In the end, we had to give Aaron back because the fighting between the dogs became too dangerous. I would NEVER return a dog to a kill shelter, but since Animal Haven is a no-​kill shelter and a great one at that, I knew it’d be better if he found a home where another dog wasn’t trying to attack him ²⁴⁄₇. I felt horrible and thought they’d be really judgmental, but they were extremely understanding and kind about the whole thing. Ultimately, it really is one of the most caring, clean, and well-​run shelters. If the staff gives you a stern first impression, just remember that they grill you with questions because they’re serious about finding the animals good homes.
Oh, and Aaron got adopted again a week later! So I’m thankful to Animal Haven for finding him a home.

I adopted my dog from Animal Haven last summer and it was a fantastic experience. They really care about the well being of their animals.

STAY AWAY from this damn place. I adopted two cats as a pair last year. Animal haven has sick animals that they shell out for adoption without disclosing any medical History about the animal. Both My kitty’s just made a year old in September and today I had to put my male cat down because he was suffering from a bladder condition, nonetheless both my cats the first day we brought them home late last year had eye infections although staff had cleared both to go home with my husband and I. Our female cat is blind in one eye, yet we were not informed of this when we took them home after their stupid paper work process and grilling from the staff that deems you fit as a pet owner.
I’m just angry at loosing my kitty and this places inability to provide proper information on the medical services animals are provided while under their care.

I recently adopted my puppy from Animal Haven. The process went really quickly and was relatively painless. Overall, this is a great place to adopt a pet, and i would adopt from there again.
However, there are two annoying things that could be improved:
1) They can be really bad at getting back to people and they don’t answer the phone a lot (I’m sure it’s because they are busy, but when you’re going through an adoption process, it’s annoying when you can’t speak to someone). They apparently don’t have email either, which is ridiculous (maybe there is a reason for that, but it’s annoying). I remember having to stalk them and call multiple times to speak to someone.
2) The other annoying thing is that because they can be unresponsive at times, my pet insurance claims are being held up by them. It’s been 6 weeks that my insurance company has been trying to get my dog’s full medical records from them and no response, so they can’t reimburse me yet.
But despite these annoyances, I’m still really happy with my puppy and everything worked out. The vet there also did an amazing job with her stitches when she got spayed. :)

animal haven is wonderful!!!
I had two recommendations independently for this shelter and it turns out both were absolutely true. Everyone is very sweet and watching really out for the best of the cat (or dog).
after hanging out with Capt Marvel (sweetest kitten :-)) on Sunday for an hour and filing all paperwork, we received the happy phone call on Monday (when animal haven is closed) and had her move in with us on Tuesday. The entire experience was great!
It’s very clean, well-​organized, and small which makes it more personal.
Fantastic!

Great staff! It was very easy to make a phone call and get the info I needed to make a donation. They really can use extra sheets and towels if you have them!

Horrible I actually saw A man from this organization doing a horrible job of trying to rescue a pregnant cat from Central Park. I was told because she had the babies in the park they won’t be coming back to rescue her or the newborn kittens. He just left them there, did not care, did nothing. Because of them this cat suffered and all her kittens died. Do not go here or donate. When I called to ask about the cat and her kittens the lady who answered was extremely rude to me. This is a dangerous organization that needs to be investigated.

I’ve had a great experience with Animal Haven. Two other dear friends of mine have adopted cats from here and now I have my own cat Coco (formerly Gnome) which I love. They care a lot for their animals and with what they have in terms of resources and space, they do very well as a shelter. They put their animals’ well-​being first, which includes selecting the best candidates for adoption.
All the staff I met with during the entire process were very informative and were always happy to answer any questions I had, this includes the lead cat specialist, all the volunteers and the receptionists. I was able to come to a decision for my application based on all the great information and advice I received from everyone. The adoption process was simple and to-​the-​point.
They have two cat rooms, one of the ground floor and a separate one upstairs along with kittens spread around. The main cattery on the ground floor contains a large group of cats together while upstairs has separated quarters for each individual cats and cat cabana for them to spend time in (and also meet you). All their dogs are downstairs, which get walked pretty often.
My recommendation is that you shouldn’t come here unless you are really sure you have a strong intention of finding and adopting a dog or cat, and realistic expectations of maybe not finding your soulmate pet, since they do have a limited capability for resident pets. For that reason Animal Haven can’t afford to give and take back pets if adopters are not sure or serious about committing, especially since the upkeep can also be strenuous.
But if you come in with an open mind, and really take the time to see if the right pet is here for you, it should be a pleasant experience. I’m very happy with my cat Coco, and I do hope for everyone out there that’s looking for a pet can be able to find him/​her at Animal Haven.

This review is based purely on customer service.
1. They took a bit to acknowledge that I was in the store even though I was standing in front of the counter. Good thing I felt so uncomfortable just standing there and I interrupted them!
2. The lady behind the counter was pretty dismissive and uninterested. Whoa! I was honestly offended but did try to tip toe around her so as to get more free flowing information about the dogs I wanted. It didnt work.
3.The ladies that showed me the dogs were awesome and super friendly. BUT I did notice they were reluctant to ask the counter lady any questions and I totally understood. I didnt ask a thing after. I was too scared for them and for me!
4. I came out with zero confidence that I would be approved to adopt that dog. Surely they wouldnt have treated me this bad, right?
Truth is my world wont end because Im not able to adopt a dog from here or at this time. The point of writing this is not to complain or put anyone down although it seems like it might be. I just want management to realize that their off-​putting perhaps snobby approach towards customers sends the customer away!
If I do get to adopt my adorable pet, my review will be the same. I can only imagine what it would be like calling them for help. What if the counter lady answers the phone? Can you imagine? From prior reviews I can tell this lady has been here for a while.
For all of you folks wanting to adopt, go right ahead. Dont listen to me. This review is for management. The place is sound otherwise. Good luck!

Changing my star rating to 5. Animal Haven really cares about the well being of their animals, and want to, above all, give them a happy home. I fostered a Kitty here called Puff n’ Stuff for about 3 days. She was the sweetest but our resident satan, Dim Sum, threw the biggest diva fit so we had to cut the fostering short. During this time, Animal Haven employee’s checked in on Puff n’ Stuff’s progress, and when it became clear that it wasn’t working, they were super understanding and gracious.
I think we should all remember that this is a shelter for a lot of animals, and more incoming each week. The staff are probably over worked and under appreciated. Some compassion from us would go a really long way. If you’re looking for elite department store service, please readjust your expectations. In the end, all that matters here is that these animals find forever-​homes.

I’ve had my dog for a couple of months now and I am absolutely in love with him but my experience in dealing with AH is lukewarm at best.
Prior to adopting Obi, we had placed several applications with various outcomes. We were approved for the very first dog we applied for but was then told «oh, BTW she has to be on medication for hypothyroidism and needs blood draws to taper her medication.» This is information that needs to be disclosed during the beginning steps, NOT after I’ve said that I want to adopt her.
The next few tries were all for naught. I would see new postings at midnight, show up at the doorstep at opening the very next day and the dog would be «adopted.» Same has happened with other dogs but I got smarter and called first. I was told that applications were on a first-​come-​first-​serve basis and finally applied for a border terrier, and despite being an early applicant, he went to another home. I understand adoption is a long, often frustrating process, but it seems that AH is less than forthright with their process.
Finally, we have success and I bring home a lovely, rambunctious fluffball… with severe leash reactivity. I was told mildly that he was just friendly and wanted to play but had a bit of leash anxiety. My boy here spots dogs half a block away and becomes a chomping alligator. There is no way they did not know about just how insanely reactive this dog is.
The important thing with adoption is offering full-​disclosure. If the end goal is finding a Forever Home, taking your chances with the dog-​human bond to lock in an adoption is hardly the way to go. While I am indeed a sucker (I love my little guy), prospective adopters beware! Proceed with caution at AH.
PS– Employed staff there are indeed surly. Good luck getting a better understand of the process and, even the animal you plan to adopt.

I am writing this review with much hesitation.
I think Animal haven is a wonderful organization, and their employees really care. I had adopted a dog from them some fourteen years ago, so when I was ready to adopt again I went to them as my first choice.
I adopted a lovely, intelligent, energetic dog. The only identified problem that they mentioned was that he can be «hard on the leash». I was willing to accept that challenge. I specifically asked if he had any crating issues, and they stated that he did not. I asked if I could foster him, and it was explained to me that they do not foster (even though some of the dogs on their site read «in foster»), but OK, this little guy was adorable and rambucious so I decided to adopt him.
A number of issues were immediately identified upon bringing him home:
1. He needed training for walking on the leash, but within a couple of days, we had that worked out.
2. He had giuardia– that can happen in a shelter situation, so I was not upset by that. They mentioned that his stool was a little soft, but no giardia.
3. He was not housebroken. I asked about this prior to adopting. I fully understand animals have accidents when acclimating to new surroundings, and also when sick, but this was way beyond that even a month in.
4. He absolutely refused to be crated. That was, in my mind, inexcusable. I specifically asked about crating, and they stated there were no issues with that.
5. He had severe seperation anxiety, which again, in all fairness was not readily apparent because he does not show the symptoms if around other dogs. (there is a whole, long story that goes along with this involving trainers, medications, etc which I will spare you from). Multiple trainers said there is no way they could not have know, but I honestly don’t think they would intentionally keep that information… until now. I returned him to Animal Have last month. I see that there site will list issues that specific dogs have, but thereis nothing on him besides an updated photo.
I have been an owner of multiple dogs, and realize that there are going to be issues with any animal, and that daily training as well as an adjustment period to new surroundings are needed, and I honestly did everything I could have to make it work, but was exhausted after a month. When I initially brought him home, and had to deal with these situations I called Animal Haven and wanted to bring him back, but was encouraged that it would pass with proper training and time. Silly me let a guilty conscious get the better of my better judgement, and I kept him for far too long.
Before adopting him I saw that certain dogs on their site have «issues» that dogs have listed on their individual profiles, but he did not have that and still does not. Animal Haven really has their heart in the right place, but seems to be run mainly by volunteers aside from three employees I had contact with. Perhaps they need to help fewer dogs so people really know the issues that each dog has, and they can assure proper placement.
So, in review, if you are adopting a pet, I would do so from a place that lets you foster so you really know what you are getting yourself into, and save yourself a lot of heartbreak and money.

I enjoy volunteering here. Extremely clean, well run and all the employees and volunteers are very dedicated and well educated. We work hand-​in-​hand with Bideawee, NYC municipalities and animal control to find safe homes for all dogs & cats asap. If you are interested in adoption– Animal Haven is the best, they’ve been saving animals for 48 years!

I have volunteered here off and on for 3 years. The staff here is very dedicated to the cleanliness of the place and wellbeing of the animals. As a volunteer, you have to go through an in-​person orientation and commit to a few hours a week for at least six months. They are not super stringent about enforcing the hours, since there’s quite a lot of volunteers coming in and out. But it’s an honor system and most of the volunteers are really conscientious people.
The adoption process can be somewhat difficult and confusing. I have not adopted a dog here and was close to adopting a cat. Since so many animals are returned to the shelters and people may be inspired on a whim, a shelter has to find the right balance between screening for right adopters and making sure that as many animals are adopted as possible. You can see how this is a real challenge. Yes I can see that the employees can be pretty dismissive and curt, but it’s a pretty thankless job so I don’t blame them. Plus they’re animal people, not people people.

Rude short and pretty incompetent/​unhelpful. They may have have been having a bad day that day not sure.
I went in there with a clear idea of what was suitable for us and I was ignored in my requests. I was ready to adopt a dog and they made the process very unpleasant. A dog is a serious matter and they should help you choosing the right one so it doesn’t end up back there again.
As a person who’s had dogs all his life I know what I can handle and what suits my lifestyle.
Whilst I hope the dogs get adopted there I really would not recommend this place and the staff at all.

Went here during my lunch break with a coworker as both of us are interested in adopting dogs, preferably senior dogs. There was one dog that I had wanted to meet that I had seen on their website. I was told quickly that he had already been adopted (despite the fact that they hadn’t taken his picture off the website). If they had returned my phone calls or answered my phone calls, they could have saved me a trip to Chinatown in the first place… but no, they did not have the decency to do either.
We asked to see other dogs and were told we could look online, although it’s not up to date. Then we asked some questions, the lady at the desk was super rude and uninterested us. We walked toward the door and nobody said anything to us. It’s a cute space and there were lots of workers/​volunteers standing around, but despite having two young professionals looking for two rescue dogs, nobody cared about us or cared to help us or to show us dogs to adopt. We definitely will adopt our dogs elsewhere. Such an unexpected experience considering how many dogs need good homes in this country.

Potential rescuers beware!
My gf and I had been looking for a dog for about a year as we settled into our new place. After leaving Brinkleys (best bar in soho) I stumbled across Animal Haven (literally stumbled) and decided to give it a shot…
The facility itself is nice if it weren’t for the «holy than thou» employees who believe they are Noah reincarnated. I didn’t let that sway me from meeting a beautiful litter of pitbull mix puppies… I’m not a fan of the breed but my gf melts for them and I wanted to surprise her so I did their little song and dance, filled out the paperwork, and waited patiently… When I ran out of patience I called the AH but I was never able to get someone on the phone… So I sent an email… I never got a response… Until a month later when I received an email saying all the pups had been adopted… Frustrated but not broken, I wanted to give it another shot.
I went up to soho and visited Australian cattle pup… I had been let down before so I wanted keep my guard up. impossible! After one look I wanted to take the pup home. Again… I put on a big smile while I filled out their application… And waited for a phone that never came… I had been first to apply for this little guy, so I knew he would be a new edition to the family… I was wrong… And this time I was pissed… But I didn’t want to go to a breeder just yet… So like a fool looking for love I gave it another try… Plus I knew my diligence would pay off as soon as my gf saw our new puppy…
I arrived at AH but his time there were no friendly faces… Apparently, according to the staff, that I was approved for Rookie. Rookie was a two year old pitbul with an attitude… Like my bowl of food better be waiting for me everyday or else attitude…
The white flag was waved… I give up AH, you win. Despite years of experience with dogs and cats, a big Brooklyn apartment, designing from home, and a nice big yard, the only thing I was approved for was angry dog that they couldn’t force on anyone else…
I smelled foul play but decided to not care and that’s when I found Onyx, our lovable Pup Dalmatian. Thanks anyway AH

Animal haven made my dreams come true! I adopted Tabitha in January and she is the best friend I’ve ever had. She is a pitbull puppy and I have never had a puppy before! I now understand how much work it takes to raise a pup! I called almost twice a day the first two weeks, and every time I called kristen and mika were very nice and informative about how to handle a pup.
I couldn’t be happier! Thank you animal haven!!! We will come to visit soon ;)

I LOVE AH they helped us pick our baby CHULETA formally known as Polly. Aka Chu chi! She is the light of our life.
AH helped us with her because she has FIV. NO NEED TO BE scared! They educated us the it and it is fine!
Fiv — Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that affects cats worldwide. And is more closely related to human immunodeficiency virus HIV. FIV is the only non-​primate lentivirus to cause an AIDS-​like syndrome, but FIV is not typically fatal for cats, as they can live relatively healthily as carriers and transmitters of the disease for many years. A vaccine is available although its efficacy remains uncertain. Cats will test positive for FIV antibodies after vaccination.
AH was so helpful with educating us on fiv .
The office was clean surprisingly because dealing with all those animals… Is hard! ;)
I would recommend you go visit and donate $$ to help the animals!!! ;)