Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA

Wish I could review this place 0 stars. The hold system makes no send to me at all. We made our third trip back for the same dog and were told the hold times have been extended and then apparently a hold was shifted to another person. they told us we could not do that, but apparently it was done. This process and their system are plain crap and defeat the entire purpose of matching families who love animals and are ready to make a commitment.

I have been calling the humane society for several weeks about a female tortoise. The tortoise was in the sick ward and receiving treatment. Almost every time I called they would tell me to keep calling back and I did. Last week they told me the tortoise will be finished with her treatment and be up for adoption July 13 apx. I thought great and started setting up things at home for her. Yesterday I called to check on her. The lady who answered said she was adopted out on June 10. I was shocked. What the heck?! I explained to her what I was told. She did not have an answer. I was hoping to use the tortoise as a therapy pet. Taking her to visit my elderly clients. I know they would have enjoyed seeing her. I hope the tortoise has a safe and happy life.

Where’s Fluffy? The pet retrieval app wants PHS & SPCA to post their captured pets.
advertising revenue will in turn sponsor PHS!

I didn’t have an issue with the staff or the animals in the facility, my issue is with that idiotic system. Basically all dogs are on hold, even if you’re free to take them home today, they’d rather keep them on hold and wait to see if they’re taken home by the someone who placed them on hold. I could of taken a few dogs home but wasn’t allowed to since they were only hold. And if you sign up for the wait list and there is someone ahead of you they can place it on ANOTHER hold. Like honestly are you kidding me.
So if you want a dog, stay away from this place because all you find is heartbreak.
I came last weekend to adopt a dog who was supposedly available, but again on hold.
That same dog is here a week later. Great system guys.

I’ve been reading all of the negative reviews. Until the staff improves drastically, the bad reviews will keep coming in. Something needs to be done.

I wasn’t pleased with my experience here. They only adopt cats out to people who plan on keeping them indoors, so if you want an indoor/​outdoor cat it’d be a good idea just to lie on the paperwork.
I guess killing a bunch of cats is better than adopting them out to a loving home where they’ll occasionally be going outside. Anyways, just a word of advice: lie on the paperwork, otherwise they’ll kick you out.

EMBEZZLEMENT ALERT!
I paid in cash for my 2 dogs licensing at their counter and now I am receiving penalty notices for their licenses. I am sure that I did not keep the receipt because I was not concerned about anything (I should have kept it). They are now wanting me to pay a second time! The staff there are rude and speak over you when you are trying to ask questions.
I am not happy!
KEEP GOOD RECORDS IF YOU USE THEIR SERVICES!

Brought in a hummingbird I had found by the road that had broken it’s wing. Asked if I could bring it back to its home after it was better. They said IF it got better, and, «No.» I should’ve walked out right then.
The next day I called and they had already killed it.
I wish I had the intuition to care for the bird myself and not trust this murder institution. Now I know.

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PETS HERE… I took my dog here and they tell you they take good care of the animals and that «it’s not a place where they euthanize the pets» but I noticed two weeks later that my dog was no longer posted up for adoption I called to see the reason why because I thought he had been adopted and it turns out they put him to sleep. I’ve never expected to be lied to like that and I do not recommend it to anyone who has a pet they need to give away… Please do not take your pets here out of your pets sake they don’t deserve this.

Ambience + Décor: 4 stars
Service + Staff: 4 stars
Sometimes, as pet owners you have to make an awful choice of euthanizing your loved ones. Especially if they are too sick or too old and cannot function or enjoy their quality of life. Unfortunately, we had to euthanize our loving hamsters, which was a very hard thing to do. Euthanizing a pet is never easy, no matter how many years they have been with you.
PHS was nothing but caring and gentle. I know this place has a bad reputation, but I think this place handled our pets dearly. It is $ 10 per hamster and they give you the hamster back, should you want to bury them yourself. They assured us that the hamsters basically go into sleep and never wake up, and they don’t feel pain. The staff was very gentle, calming and very professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
We walked around the kennels while we waited and there were a ton of dogs we just wanted to take home. Unfortunately, not the best living conditions, but I guess it’s outdoors and a good amount of space. They could’ve given the dogs some toys (kennels had no toys) or a rug since the concrete is so hard… but I guess its harder to maintain. ADOPT, don’t shop!

I LOVE THIS PLACE! There are two humane societies in Pasadena/​San Gabriel area and this is by far the best & cleaniest facility ever. Not only are they the cleaniest, but the dogs look pretty content with their living space.
This humane society has majority dogs (and one alligator named Tina) and each time I visit, I notice that the dogs are well treated. They accept volunteers and they go around each cage rewarding the dogs with toys, food, treats, etc., They’re almost always walking one or two dogs and sometimes, there’s someone inside the cages with them sitting & petting them showing the dogs some TLC. Talk about dedication. They always wash out the cages if it’s a bit dirty from the dog’s mess and because the facility is outdoors, if it gets too hot, they have «sprinklers» up above the cages & mist comes out to keep the dogs cool (like the things you see above the vegetables in grocery stores).
The signs on each cage are so helpful! They tell you everything you need to know about the dogs (sex, breed, stray/​owner gave it up, date entered in facility, etc.,) and it also warns you if they’re not friendly so you don’t go trying to pet them. AND I once thought if they don’t get adopted in 2 weeks, they go to «sleep» but I’ve seen dogs that have been there since February, so it just goes to show they try their best to get every dog a home. The best experience was when I got there at 4:00pm (they close at 5pm), almost every dog had an «ADOPTED» stamp on the cards & it made me feel so good that they will be in their new home soon.
I love coming to this place and I probably come here about 3 – 4 times a month (I’m looking to adopt instead of buy) & each time, my heart melts to see these adorable dogs all groomed and ready to be adopted. The only thing that makes me feel bad is that the small dogs shiver so much & maybe if the employees could offer blankets or a «cuddle» toy, the dogs would be a little more happy. Overall, this place is great! *thumbs up*

Clean facility, all the animals are quite content and staff was most helpful.
We adopted a bunny (full grown rabbit — they’re all bunnies and puppies to me!). She was spade and ready the day they promised except with a stowaway we discovered the second night we had her home. A botfly larva fell out from her chest leaving a gaping hole the size of a quarter! The vet on location took her in and cared for the open wound making sure understood their policy and we should keep an eye out for infection prepared to take her to a local vet per the contract. Most grateful for the initial help.
I am happy to report her full recovery and successfully full on bonded pairing with our existing bunny Logan. Lola and Logan happily ever after!
Side note: thank you for your help Kevin.

This review is for dog training (puppy kindergarten). Trainer did not help us or our puppy. He is a high energy working dog so we signed up to seek advice and training knowledge to teach him early on. Trainer avoided our puppy when she went around the class using other puppies as an example. She probably didn’t want to look bad using our little guy if he didn’t do what she wanted… thats why we went there for help! Even after class we tried to ask questions she just gave us short not helpful answers and took off.
Long story short we are not going back at all for any of the training services. We giving PETSMART a try.

This newly renovated and very upgraded spot is worth a visit. We stopped in today with an appointment for rabies shots for our dogs as well as license renewal. They offer many services by appointment throughout the week as well as Saturdays. Adoptions for dogs and cats throughout the year.
Staff is so kind to animals and seem to really care about their furry friends. There is ample parking below the new structure as well as a few spots in the original lot.
You are able to Board your animals as well. The kennels are outdoors but the cement slabs are heated and warm up automatically when the temperature drops below 60 degrees. I was concerned when I saw that they were not covered in the event of rain or wind, but the staff did mention that there is a cover to keep the animals dry and comfortable. There is a center playground for them to run around and play in while supervised by staff.
The Animal shop is very nice and offers anything from chew toys to beds, leashes, dog or cat food, as well as cute gifts.
The remodel is absolutely beautiful, keeping with the Pasadena architecture.
Check them out, you will be pleasantly surprised.

WARNING!! we adopted a dog from this place and the manager of the Humane Society Lied to us and told us that the dog was overly protective of his toys from his past family
we took the dog home the animal bit me in the face.
The people at this place will lie to you and lie about the dogs behavior to get you to adopt it don’t trust them.

An awesome humane society to pick up your next furry pal! They are almost always having some sort of special or sale, so if you’re tight on cash definitely ask them and wait for one of those, and give one of these pets a new home!
They have an awesome selection of dogs and cats (especially with their newly made cat section) as well as some rabbits and other small animals I believe.
I would say that the only downsides to this place, which have already been outlined by several other reviews are just parking and staff.
The humane society is around the area of Pasadena which, for whatever reason, always feels like it’s impossible to find a parking spot. Coupled with their tiny parking lot, it can be a little bit of a hassle to find parking here. I suggest just driving up and down the street and looking for some street parking. The brewery and luggage room/​metro station across the street has a structure that allows ~90 minutes free I believe, but I always feel like it’s full.
The staff at this humane society also just doesn’t feel very friendly or well informed. I’ve asked several questions only to check online afterwards and find out that I was given wrong information. On top of that, although the volunteers always seem really brighteyed and happy to help you, sometimes I’m surprised by how unhappy and unwilling to help you the workers are.

Best looking animal shelter I’ve ever stepped in to. It’s outdoors, but rather clean and the least depressing you can get, considering. No strange smell or disturbing conditions. Majority of the dogs are always very well groomed and ready to take home. Details of the dogs are clearly displayed and the dogs are given toys for good behavior, and they’re not the cheap ones either! I’ve seen them with heavy duty, brand new Nylabones.
If you’re wanting a dog, but you’ve always been the type to steer away from shelters because you think it’ll just be depressing, stop by the Pasadena Humane Society. You’ll feel much more comfortable and even better about adopting. Oh, and there’s even an alligator!

Very up to date Internet site. Well cared for animals:) loving staff. Im in love with my sweet little Opa. They did his oral surgery at no cost to me. I’ve had Opa for nearly a year now, and was entirely pleased with my adoption process.
I recommend it to my friends, even though I live in Newport Beach, and would definitely consider them for any future adoptions.

I’ve been volunteering here for about 6 months now. I work with with dog enrichment, meaning I work training and spend time with the dogs so that they do not become depressed.
From an inside look the shelter takes wonderful car if it’s animals, I’ve volunteered at the Burbank animal shelter as well and was so sad with their treatment. But being here at Pasadena has really enlightened my perspective on shelters. This is a wonderful facility with faculty that cares. I’m here 4 times a week at most.
If you have the time stop by for a visit even if it’s just to visit the animals, they love the attention and have so much personality, really give them a chance. Thank you to all those who have adopted and volunteered, it really makes a difference

Adopted the love of my life here! Okay was that a little too dramatic? Regardless, I found my first pet and cat here: Cucumber! She’s next to me as I’m writing this review :)
I had been frequenting this place for a while hoping to adopt a cat but never really settled on finalizing my decision.
Parking is in a small lot adjacent to the main building. The front office is just a tiny door located to the right and to the left is a gate you go all the way through to visit the pets.
You’ll first see the dog cages when you pass the gate. There’s some cages at the front and also a whole bunch more if you pass those first cages and walk to the back.
The cats are in a completely separate mobile home all the way past the cages and to the left. When you first entire the mobile home you’ll see a room with a glass door: these are a lot of the much older cats/​fatter cats/​cats that play well with other cats. Then there are a bunch of mini cages inside housing the cats/​rabbits.
Each cage will have the pets name, description, how long it’s been there, and where it was found etc. In order to play with the animal you want, you need to remember it’s ID number, walk back to the front desk, let the staff know you want to play with an animal, and they will have you fill out some forms regarding your employment/​housing as well as meet with a counselor to discuss the best options for you as a pet owner.
I adopted my Cucumber because they were having a Christmas sale! They were doing a 12 days of Christmas Special so my cat was only $ 12 to adopt including everything! Microchipping, spay/​neutering, vet exam, etc. Also a first free visit to any VCA animal hospital to get a vet exam!
MINUS 1 STAR: While this place is really clean and most of the staff is very friendly and helpful, I feel that some of their staff should be a little more educated on animals. I had a pet counselor tell me I should spray my cat with a water bottle if she misbehaves, or she gave me the opposite information in terms of the best color of cat I should choose that has less allergens.
ALSO, while they say they deflea-​ed Cucumber, after our initial exam with the vet… I found out she had WORMS! Which means she definitely got them at the humane society :(
Regardless, for the most part it was a clean, pleasant, and easy place to adopt an animal and I’m so happy to have my cat Cucumber now :)