Humane Society of Greater Miami

I am a lifelong supporter of the Humane Society, and had a wonderful experience when I adopted my cat four years ago from the Humane Society in Washington, DC. Therefore, I was even more disappointed by the experience my fiancé and I had with the Humane Society of Greater Miami. My fiancé and I adopted a six month old dog about a week ago, and ultimately had to return her to the shelter when she became aggressive with our cat.
We had two major problems with the Humane Society. First, we were required to visit a private veterinarian within 72 hours of adopting the dog, which we did, but then we could not get in touch with anyone at the shelter to treat the dog. The health contract we signed with the shelter stated that if a private veterinarian discovered a health problem, the shelter would treat it. The shelter told us that we would not be reimbursed for any money we spent on treatment for the dog at a private veterinarian, and that we should return to the shelter for treatment. The veterinarian informed us that our dog had been spayed two days before adoption, and had also undergone dew claw surgery. He told us that the shelter should have sent us home with antibiotics but probably forgot. No one at the shelter even mentioned either surgery to us. In addition, at the time we adopted the dog, we asked the shelter staff for preventative heart worm medication, and flee/​tick medication. We were not given the medication. In addition to the news about the surgery, the veterinarian advised that our dog had kennel cough and allergies. Following the instructions of the Humane Society staff, we declined treatment and immediately called the shelter. For two days, we could not reach anyone. My fiancé and I called about ten times over two days, and no one answered the phone. We tried to reach both the shelter clinic and the adoption line and there was not even an option to leave a message. In the meantime, our dog’s illness was becoming visibly worse. Therefore, we returned to the private veterinarian and paid $ 102 to treat the dog.
Our second problem came when we tried to return the dog. We carefully and gradually introduced the dog to our cat, ensuring that the introduction was always in neutral territory and the dog was leashed. However, the dog became very aggressive with the cat, and started snarling, growling, and lunging for the cat at every chance she had. It was not a safe situation for either animal. Again, we tried to get in touch with someone at the shelter to return the dog. It was our last resort, and we were very sad to have to do that. This time, I called, left messages on the «surrender» line, and e-​mailed the shelter. I had to send two e-​mails, one day after another, to receive a reply. A staff member called me and told me that even though the website stated the shelter hours were 11am-​7pm that day, that I could return the dog before 5pm. Therefore, my fiancé and I had to take off work early and barely made the 5pm cut off. While at the shelter, we witnessed a woman come in at 5:05pm, and staff told her that intake had closed at 5pm. The woman reasonably cited to the hours listed on the website, and the staff told her that although the shelter was open, intake was unavailable. Also, while we were waiting at the front desk for assistance, we witnessed a man come in with a dog that he stated he had found running around the highway. He said that he was in a rush but wanted to ensure the dog was safe. The staff members again refused to take the dog and instructed the man to go to Animal Rescue, quite a few miles away. The man said he didn’t have time, but didn’t want to leave the dog on the side of the road. My fiancé and I left as the situation escalated, as staff blatantly refused to help the man.
Before we left, we wanted to ensure that the staff members were aware that our dog was on medication. I explained the dose of the medication, the time schedule we were following, and showed a staff member the veterinarian report. The staff member brushed me off. The staff took the dog, and was rude to us. We left our dog with all the toys, collar, and lease we had bought for her. We clearly had the best interest of our dog and wanted to help ensure that she ultimately found a happy and safe forever home. Everyone seemed too busy to talk to us, and when we tried to explain that our dog did not get along with our cat, the staff members told us that we could adopt another dog if we wanted to. We were simply trying to explain the situation to properly inform the next potential owner that this dog does not get along with cats. We then realized why we had initially adopted the dog without the necessary medical information we needed. The staff members need training in how to pay attention to detail and convey necessary and important information to ensure adoptions are permanent and that adopters are well-​informed about the needs of their animals. We left the shelter disappointed and disheartened.

I’m very much pro adoption. I adoted my pitmix from here about 6 years ago. Good experience 6 years ago. I thought it was time for a new addition. I see a beautiful dog wagging his tail at my fiancé and me. So with no one around to help i walk up to the front and ask to interact with the dog to see if theres chemistry. I’m immediately told no. Shocked by the crude answer i ask why and she again very rudely tells me i have to fill out an adoption paper. I said if the chemistry isnt right, why would i fill out a paper saying I’m going to adopt. I told her I’d be glad to give her my ID to show i have a residence but i won’t fill out a paper saying I’m going to adopt. She then asks if I have another pet. I said yea i actually adopted one from here 6 years ago and she is still with me. She then says well that dog isnt for you so keep looking. It’s just their nasty attitudes that will drive potential adopters away. There isn’t any information about the pet listed and to get someone decemt to help you is nearly impossible. You should get off your ass and get from behind the desk and actually speak to the potential adopters instead of ignoring their request. And being courteous wouldn’t be a bad thing either.
I’ve never been treated so rudely by the staff memebers here as i have been today.
Another thing those volunteers definitely need better training. I saw a few high school girls yelling like maniacs at the dogs bc they cannot handle walking them. Dogs that are only taking out 2 or 3 times a day tend to have a lot of energy and yelling at people to move of their way and yelling at the dog is only going to worsen the situation.
This place sucks
Broward County’s humane society has better customer service.

I’ve had Stringer Bell (if you’ve seen the wire, you get the reference), for a little over 2 years now.
The rating obviously stays the same, as I haven’t been back. But I couldn’t have gotten a more amazing rescue. I’m still unsure of his age, and hope as young as possible. They had him as 2 years, and the vet said 6. I’ve went with 4 yrs, the day we met.
He doesn’t bark, doesn’t whine, doesn’t chew, is a handsome m’fer and makes friends with everyone. He will even try to make friends with dogs that growl at him… «it’s ok buddy, I just wanna be friends»… lol
I only wish they could divulge some info on any history. I’d really love to thank the people that turned him in (who kept him a few days so that he wasn’t a «stray»). They don’t take strays, and as such are a no-​kill shelter, this move most likely saved his life.
Going to the shelter that day was on a whim and I couldn’t be happier.

There are so many great things to say about a wonderful facility that is taking care of our loved ones, that is, our fury friends! To start, the location is kept clean and well. While an adoption center is not the most happy of places for me, the idea that these friends are here to one day soon be matched with a loving family or couple or individual is such a great thing to me. The staff is pleasant and helpful and they genuinely seem to care for all the animals. The showroom, if you will has many retail items to help further subsidize the costs of doing business I would assume.
Each of the «areas» where dogs or cats are kept have quirky names, like «Waggersville 1, 2 or 3» which again, while is not the most happy of places, keeps things feeling a little more fun than just an adoption center with the names «Lot 1» or «Lot 3». I feel there is something to be said for all this. There are private rooms where you can sit and become acquainted with an animal, and should you choose to move forward, and the animal choose you, you can then move to the next step of having a «meet and greet» with your own dog or cat, if that is an issue at hand. All in all a nice place with nice staff, and while we have not yet as of this review found our loving new best friend from here, we hope to one day very soon.

We went to get the vaccines for our cat, excellent service, the staff was friendly and kind!

How could I not give the place where I found my best friend a 5-​star rating? After we decided at home that we were ready to have a new family member, we started to contact different dog shelters to meet some of their dogs. We looked for about a month. One Wednesday, I decided to drive after work and see the rescues in this shelter. In a room with two other dogs there was this dog that was the only one not barking but just starting at me. He looked scruffy but the look in his eyes told me that he was the perfect dog I was looking for. After meeting him in person in their private rooms, I knew he was the one. The problem? My wife wasn’t with me and how could I convey to her the feeling that this was the one. So I FaceTime her and showed him the dog. She was hesitant at first and wasn’t sure. I basically had to beg her like a little kid! She wanted to meet him in person before committing but I did not want to risk having someone else adopt him. She finally gave in and accepted and did not regret her decision at all.
So, back to the Humane Society… The building is nice and there is plenty of parking. There are two door where one leads to their Veterinary care center while the other is to shelter for adoptions. The Vet clinic have really good prices so I strongly recommend it. If you have cats or dogs that need spay or neuter, this place has the cheapest prices.
In the shelter, the rooms for the dogs and cats were clean and they had plenty of space. The staff was friendly and there were a lot of teenage volunteers. I recommend this place.

This is the nicest shelter I’ve seen. Many of the animals have their own rooms instead of cages. It was very clean, the staff was helpful, and the animals seem happy. My only problem was that all the kittens were in a room together and they all had a cold. I couldn’t take one home because I don’t want to get my other cats sick.

I am writing this because of the favoriting that takes place at what is supposed to serve the greater good for our animals and instead, I was subject to witnessing preferential treatment. I arrived to the clinic for my dog’s vaccines at 11:20 only to be told that I have to wait until the clinic opens again at 1:00 for the lunch break of the staff. Many minutes and mosquito bites later, I come in, second behind another person with their dog. I paid and was waiting for my vaccines patiently in a waiting room full of other dog owners when a red headed director comes in with her friends. The whole staff there pretty much ignored the rest of us at this time and what typically is a five minute encounter for vaccines turned into a 30 minute encounter for vaccines for a small chihuahua. They cut everyone else and when I asked the front staff why that happened, their only response was «I’m sorry sir but that’s the one of director’s friends.» I’ve already waited 2 hours for the vaccines I already paid for. The kicker was that these clientele got a discount as well, which is ludicrous in a place that caters to those on public benefits. This sort of favoritism should only be seen at clubs and bars, but I guess being in Miami the humane society is no exception. The staff is otherwise great there which is why I’m giving this place an extra star, but management needs to get a head check over screwing other people over.

We went in there trying to adopt a puppy only to be told that we cant because of following reasons:
1. We work from 9 – 5. Well who doesn’t?
2. It is a puppy we wanted to adopt. Our landlady told us that any dog under 20lbs is okay since we already has 3 lovely huskies and one black lab. The lady insists that since puppies aren’t full grown till 10month we couldn’t adopt the shihzu mix. I am sure shihzu doesn’t grow into a 50lb dog unless its seriously overweight. Also i am pretty sure even if it gets big the landlady wouldn’t throw us out since there is already 3 snorelaxs in our home. We told her before we wanted to get a corgi or shiba inu and she told us shiba inu is cuter…
All in all, thanks to humane society we will now be purchasing a dog instead just to avoid the hassle of unrealistic expectations. Our income is 6digits a year, sends our doggies to day care everyday, brushes their teeth daily, showers weekly, and doesn’t qualify to adopt at humane society. I guess killing the dogs no one adopts is better than letting them be adopted and have a chance of being happy.
Our 14year old Labrador highly disapproves of this. Our 3 and 2 year old huskies also shakes their head!

Rating this purely on phone interaction with the adoption portion of this facility. Whoever the male is that answers the phone here in the morning is a real asshole with a terrible attitude. Save yourself the call because all he knows how to say is «No» and «Call 311.»

My family and I have done volunteer work to help out and we also bring our little four-​legged family members here for care.
I am saddened that they don’t take strays, but people need to realize there is only so much room in this facility. If you want them to be able to take every stray brought to them, then start a go-​fund-​me page to raise the money to actually have space for them to do so.

We are so happy to have adopted our little Oats man just a week ago. He is a joy. Full of energy and love to spare. We have been going back and forth for weeks trying to decide when the right time would be to add a member to our little family. We have a dachshund that we rescued from the humane society in Oklahoma. He is a stubborn boy and picky when it comes to new friends. Both of the two legged and four legged kind. So we were a little worried when it came time to finding him a buddy. I called ahead to find out how we should go about introducing our little alpha to a potential new friend. They answered all my questions kindly and patiently so when we arrived and walked the facility we felt confident when the time came to introduce our doxie to a rescue from the humane society under the guidance of their trained staff. Oats formerly known as Pinkie caught our attention immediately. We met him with out our current rescue and once we felt the connection we moved to their gated mini park behind the building were we introduced our Paco. Our friend had come along and babysat until we found the «one». They hit it off instantly. And a week later we are still trying to figure out who adopted who. It seems as if we humans aren’t even here. It’s all about Oats and Paco. And we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Brought a dog to get neutered, puppies to get their first shots and another dog to get a rabies shot and a heartworm test. The vaccinations were quick and easy. Doctors are generally concerned for your dogs well being and take time to teach you about heartworms and how to prevent it.
The neuter surgery went very well! After the surgery, they have an employee explain the post recommendations! Everything was eloquently said and done properly. I can’t say enough good things about this place!
The amount of time you have to wait to be seen is the only reason this place is 4 stars. But the wait is worthwhile. Their staff is very friendly and knowledgeable!

Wonderful facility! The staff here is very friendly and show a lot of love for the animals here.

You get what you pay for. My dog was spayed last Friday. She was sent home with an antiquated cone — I did not know about the smaller more comfortable version until days later. A far more HUMANE option.
My puppy was sent home with a medication that I assumed was an antibiotic– it wasn’t and the dog now has a urinary infection. I am going to another vet.
I have been calling for two days— no return call
Again… You get what you pay for

Such a wonderful facility. The staff and volunteers are so kind and loving to the animals. This is a no kill shelter. They will keep the animals for as long as it takes for them to get adopted. Stop buying from breeders and pick up a fuzzy friend from the shelter.

I recently took my 7 month old chihuahua here for a neutering procedure. Overall, it was a great experience with the procedure performed on my dog and the interactions with the staff in person. My only complaint/​suggestion for improvement would be more thorough communication in instructions and expectations in advance. As it stands now, the customer essentially knows nothing of what will occur until the day of, including how the timeline for the procedure and pick until after they arrive and check in. In order to obtain an appointment (which is used loosely as this «appointment: doesn’t guarantee you a time slot) you follow the instructions online and select a date for the appointment. This was the first hiccup, as I heard nothing back at all from the Humane Society until 3 days before my selected Saturday. There was no confirmation email, or anything to indicate I had completed the appointment request properly. As I said, three days before the appointment, I received a text confirming the procedure appointment and instructing me to report at 8am. They does instruct you not to feed the pet after 8pm the day prior and provided the address, but that is it.
I arrived at 7:45 am and immediately realized, although I had signed up for an appointment, it was actually operating on a first come first service basis as there was many many people waiting in the parking lot and the few benches they had available were all taken. There is a clip board on the wall next to the entrance where you are supposed to sign up — again, another hiccup, no one ever told me about this. Once they opened at 8am, they allowed everyone to crowd into the entrance waiting room in an uncontrolled manner in order to fill out the patient information sheet. Then they began calling people in order of the clip board sign up sheet. I was number 9 on the list, and was called around 9:15am.
Once called, they weigh your pet and take them away from you for surgery preparation and tell you what time to come back. We were told 2pm, possibly earlier, and that they would call. You are then brought to the back to go over the form you filled out, be instructed on the procedure and after care, and given a chance to ask any questions. The girl that helped us was very thorough, and they don’t push for unnecessary additions just to make money. For example, I said only if he needs his nails clips may you do so. The girl returned moments later and said he doesn’t need it done as they are already short. After this consultation, before you can leave, you have to wait and prepay for the services. This was another 45 min wait to pay. There I was given more information about available medicine, tick, and flea options. We left and went on about our day.
Around 1:30 we were called and told he was ready for pick up. I asked and she told us the latest we could pick him up was 3:30. We pick up him and followed all the after care instructions to the letter. He was very groggy and tired when we brought him home. The next day, late evening Sunday, we noticed he was passing small amounts of blood in urine. Monday the blood became heavier and his peeing was more frequent, and he would given attempt to go without any urine coming out. I became very concerned and called, but they are closed on Monday, and left a message. Tuesday morning around 10:30 I was called back, and after describing the symptoms again, I was told to bring him in. I brought him back at 1pm, and he was giving antibiotics and I was told to monitor him, that I would need to bring him to a vet if the bleeding got worse or his condition did not improve in three days. Thankfully, the medicine seems to cure what ever was causing him to bleed — I assume a UTI, the Humane Society did not testing, just listened to me describe his symptoms.
Over I am happy with the service provide. The anxiety I felt for my dog with his post procedure bleeding would have occurred no matter where I took him. However, the pre-​procedure anxiety, confusion, and lack of detailed information could easily be corrected with either a more thorough text message or even better, a confirmation email that provides all the information regarding what to expect the day of.

I «heard» the Humane Society was an economical place to take your pet for health care. You know, it really isn’t worth it to spend hours waiting for your pet to be seen. They claim its LOW COST but what they mean is that its LOW COST for LOW INCOME individuals, not working class individuals.
So, during the hour I waited, I called local vets, and I discovered I was only saving about $ 25 by waiting up to two and half hours to be seen. While I am NOT RICH, my time is a bit more valuable than $ 25.
While I am sure they provide a valuable service to the community, it’s clean (except the poop you have to dodge because some owners are too lazy to pick up after their dogs), and the employees were very nice.

Although I did not find what I was looking for here I was more than pleased with the situation I saw. This place is welcoming, clean, and helpful. I came in looking for a cat to get along with my 11 year old poodle and my boyfriend’s 2 year old cat. When I came in they asked me what I was looking for and I told them my situation and they showed me witch cats they believed would work for me.
They cats were placed in huge rooms where they can run and play with other cats. All the cats had plenty of toys and beds. They all looked very happy.
Plus brownie points for being a no kill shelter!

I’ve brought my little guy here twice for shots. It’s way cheaper than going to his vet for the rabies update, tag, and heartworm preventative.
Our first visit was very quick. I think we went on a weekday and were in and out of there in no time.
This last visit was on a Saturday and we waited. And waited. And waited some more. It was uncomfortable for the dogs and their humans since the «waiting room» consists of benches outside the building. We were finally seen about 2 hours after waiting and they gave Bailey his vaccine and did a quick blood test. Unfortunately, they didn’t pre-​treat before the vaccine and later that day, my little guy had an allergic reaction to the vaccine, but I can’t fault them for that. I knew his history and didn’t insist on them doing it (mostly because my regular vet said it was only necessary if he was getting the 3 year rabies). Anyways, he was vaccinated, got the heartworm test, got his tag, and a full year of heartworm preventative for less than 100 bucks. Good deal.
I’d definitely recommend their clinic, but I’d suggest going during their weekday hours instead of the weekend.

I’ve volunteered here in the past and been impressed with the cleanliness and organization of the facility. Even more so, today, when I went to adopt my first pet.
The members of the staff were friendly and knowledgable.
Maegan and Patrick had lots of patience and seemed to know most of the animals well.
They let me see and play with any dogs I requested and got me the file info on each one. Patrick was key in helping me choose the best pet for me. I had requested to meet many dogs, but in the end the doggie I chose was the one Patrick had selected for me. Ms May has the sweetest temperament, is friendly, docile, and just the right size for taking her with me almost everywhere.
Thanks to the Humane Society she already had her shots, was spayed, and had a microchip placed for safety.
The entire process was enjoyable and I went home with my «furrever friend» the same day.