North Shore Animal League America
Reviews and Complaints

I adopted a cat from North Shore animal league on 1/28/2023. At time of adoption they did not provide me his SOAP or intake/wellness exam report from when he was transferred over from a shelter in Tennessee (where he came from). After realizing that this is something that I should have been given, I contacted them and they transferred me to their wellness center who gave me the runaround and did not want to give me the soap or intake report that I requested at time of call. It was only after I called again and requested to speak to a Medical manager that they sent me the reports. After reading the reports it showed my pet has severe dental disease, and more than half of his teeth are missing that they did not disclose to me at time of adoption (they simply said he came to them with moderate dental disease). If I never requested for this report, I would’ve never known. I think that they were completely and extremely negligent in the adoption process for not providing me with his full medical records at time of adoption and their behavior afterwards, when I had to practically demand that they sent it over to me. My pet also has other illnesses that have come to light days after adoption and now I am wondering if they even did a full and complete exam on him or any of the animals that they adopt out to people. North Shore animal league is completely negligent in their adoption process and does not provide full transparency, which I think is extremely unethical.

I had went there a month ago to try to adopt a cat. I had previously adopted from them not too long ago. I filled out an application for a cat and they started to do the whole process. When they called me, they had said they saw some "concerning" things on my profile. (I had lost the cat I adopted from them before but I found her the next day). Apparently, I had broken the contract because I said she was going to be a indoor cat only but I had her in a carrier bringing her to my moms house to visit and she escaped from the carrier. They said that they were going to have someone call me and make an appointment to come to my house and do a home check and speak to her supervisor and I agreed with anything they needed because I liked the cat I filled out the application for. I call 2 WEEKS later because I did not hear anything from them and they said that the man that does home checks supposedly talked to me and made an appointment for that upcoming Sunday. I explained that I spoke to NO ONE and made that appointment BUT I said I was available that day so I didn't argue. Sunday comes and my boyfriend comes home from being out to see a note attached to the door from the guy. He DID NOT KNOCK NOR RING THE BELL and I was home the WHOLE DAY. I called them the next day and told them what happened. They said as per his notes he did knock and ring the bell and no one was home. I was pissed. I then asked them the status of the application and if there was another home check needed and they said that my application did not get approved BECAUSE I didn't answer the door for the home check and that I cannot adopt from them again. So that was it. But the next Sunday, I see another note on my door from the same guy doing home checks. I do not know why he is still coming to my house if I cannot "adopt from there anymore." VERY FISHY PLACE. Also, lady on the phone was VERY RUDE, wish I had gotten her name.

I went to the animal league to adopt a cat. They kept us there fort over an HOUR interviewing us. They needed three references and we couldn't use any of the people who came with us to look at the cats. (ridiculous policy).

They take a FIFTEEN year history. Where you work, what hours, ( They don't expect you to support an animal without a job do they?) If you rent or own. What pets you've had, etc...

After OVER an HOUR they told us to go outside and wait in our car "or about an hour and a half" while they check our references. Then they denied us because previous cats were allowed in the backyard with the family, and they have a strict indoor policy.

We have been good pet owners all our lives and have provided loving homes to both cats and dogs. who lived. long happy lives.

SHAME ON THE NSAL for 1) denying excellent. pet owners. 2) wasting our time when they KNEW they were denying us 3) wasting donor's money and resources by conducting LENGTHY interviews even when they have determined they will deny. These pets will stay there locked in cages and continue to be supported by donors when they could have gone home. with loving families.

Tuesday December 28, 2021 approximately 4:00pm.

I entered the dog adoption building with my chihuahua under my arm not aware of the "no outside dogs allowed" rule. I walked about 4 dog cages into the area and was then told by security officer (Miner) of the rule. Upon exiting the building officer Miner voluntarily mentioned again "you weren't even supposed to enter with the dog" to which I said "maybe you would've seen me but you were staring at your cell phone". While following me into the parking lot and apparently insulted, he snapped "I would've seen you if you weren't carrying your dog like a purse!". As I walked away I snapped back "just do your job, don't get personal".

This security guards remark was insulting, inappropriate, and unprofessional.

Adoption 11/19/21 of 10 week puppy on 3 separate meds for parasites. On 11/26/21 pup collapsed on floor in my home & unresponsive. Took to emergency vet immediately 9pm & was tested positive for Parvo, treated 12 hours for $2072.00. Transferred pup to animal league next morning & hospitalized 3 additional days. Pup was sick when I took home, parvo has 14 day incubation period & he was only with me 7 days.

I was denied and falsely accused by North Shore Animal League. I feel the discriminated against me and used implicit bias when making their decision. While I was waiting, they called security on someone who was viable upset due to their poor customer service. I will never adopt from them again.

My 73 year old immigrant mother applied for adoption of a kitten after her cat of 18 years passed away three years ago. The staff seemed set on figuring out whether the cat's health was appropriately addressed prior to his death. I reassured them it was. He had metastatic lymphoma and was not a candidate for treatment. He also had chronic kidney disease and we were asked if we sought appropriate treatment " to fix it." ( I'm not sure if they understand how chronic kidney disease works.)
With all that being said they told us to "leave the property and go have lunch in the area and wait for our phone call." They called and approved her application but stated they did not feel comfortable approving her for a kitten. They would only allow her to adopt a cat > 1 year of age. Of note, my mom made clear to to everyone she wanted to adopt a kitten so I'm unsure why they needed to waste the rest of our morning/ early afternoon and hold us in town for no reason.
My mom who is healthy, in good physical health, and recently retired is totally capable and has the time and desire to care for a kitten. She also has her two adult children nearby who are ready and willing to care of the cat if god forbid anything were to happen, and additionally ready to play with the kitten because we all love them very much.
Her English is not sharp or excellent and she expressed that she was eager to bond with a kitten ( her last cat came to her home after the age of one at a whopping 18 pounds). She used the phrase " train the kitten" which apparently raised their alarm bells — they no longer felt she was an appropriate adopter of kittens. And that was the end of our adoption experience. It shocks me that my mom is now never permitted to adopt a kitten from north shore animal league based on one person's assessment.
I had been longing to adopt a kitten myself from this prestigious seeming place but I'm frankly deeply disappointed and disturbed by this experience.

I have never been so embarrassed in my life! Went here to get a 3rd cat from this place after having amazing experiences with my first two and was treated horribly. I wanted to adopt a beautiful baby boy with no tail. He had been there for a while with no one wanting him. Not only was my adoption denied. When I went to here the explanation in person not over the phone I was met in the lobby at reception infront of staff and visiters and was scolded! My previous cat passed away at 14 years old from being old! First I was told 14 was not old for a cat.. Which is ridiculous! She told me average age is 22. Which is completely incorrect. Then she pulls out a vet printout and says u had options too give her multiple blood transfusions and u chose not to u chose to kill her.. Can u imagine this? Yes we choose to put her to sleep bc she was old and suffering and those "transfusions" wouldnt have don't anything but torture her further according to the doctor himself!... How dare she judge us for such a hard painful choice we had to made... And make us feel like cat killers in front of everyone! I just feel bad for the cat that was left there alone with no home. They think they r holier than thou. I will never step foot in there again in and urge you to not go here! This is not a rescue it's a pageant parade! All they care about is their famous donations! They should be ashamed of themselves!

I called to get my cat's medical history from my previous vet- the North Shore Animal League and spoke to Candy. Who was rude and nasty. She told me there were no medical records b/c 'you haven't taken your cat to the vet in 8 years'. My cat is a very healthy cat and a little skiddish being outside of the house, so if she isn't sick, I never felt the need to take her. I asked, am I supposed to take her to the vet every year for an cat annual? She scoffed and said, 'of course, yeah!". I asked her to be a little more gentle, and if she could possibly just send me what she has available showing what my cat's had in the past. She said, 'I doesn't make sense, since there's nothing to show." SHe wouldn't let me speak, she kept talking over me and was extremely rude. I asked for a manager instead and she said there wasn't one available. I think training needs to take place here. She needs to have compassion and patience with pet parents. We're vulnerable enough as it is when calling about our pet's health. She was rude, dismissive, and not hearing what I said. SOmething so simple turned into a nasty, unpleasant phone call!

Do not go here. I adopted my puppy from them Friday evening, Saturday afternoon I brought him back to the medical center for kennel cough. He was not contained he was with other dogs even though kennel cough is highly contagious. He was check by the vet who spent a small amount of time with him and sent him home with meds. Within a few hours he could barley breath and needed to be hospitalized with pneumonia. His white blood cell count was elevated which does not happen within 24 hrs. So pretty much he was released to me without being checked out first. But north shore animal league will take no responsibility for what happened, I question how they care for there animals.

I brought my dog to have a check up on her leg limping. Dr. Laura Gorman was a so unprofessional and cold doctor that I have ever seen at North Shore Animal League. I had pretty good services prior to visiting her and was never overcharged for double diagnose fees. One was for checking my dog's limping for $60. One was for full physical exam which she ordered to put a dog muzzle on my benign dog. During the exam, the muzzle was never taken off and no physical check up was performed. She then later charged me another $90 for physical exam. All she did was checking on my dog's legs. I also paid for my dog's heartworm test, which I paid $40. I later called manager Jackie to complain about Dr. Gorman's service. She promised me that she would call me after she checked the video of whole procedure. She never returned my call. I called the receptionist for more than 10 times and left message for her to call me back. She has never called me back...Yesterday, I went to a private Vet clinic and they checked my dog and only charged $59 for office visitation fee. A PRIVATE VET CLINIC charged so much less? What kind of NON-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION is NORTH shore Animal League when they robbed citizen legally? The visit was a complete disappointment. I experienced the race discrimination from Dr. Gorman. This kind of service should be ceased and desist. I will also complain this to consumer affair.

On Friday, July 12, 2019, I, Khadija BK, and my children were treated in an unfair and unjust manner by a manager and her staff at the North Shore Animal League, 25 Davis Ave, Port Washington, NY 11050. I had returned to North Shore after picking my kids up from work to see if we could adopt Petunia (ID: G22707), a mixed Pit Bull Terrier puppy. An application for her adoption was started by another family at 4:18 PM so when we returned at about 6:15 PM, the status of her application had not yet been determined. I spoke with an employee in a red shirt named Sarah to let her know that we wanted to adopt Petunia. She said that someone else had already started an application for her adoption and that they normally don't suggest that we wait around so that we don't leave sad/upset if the initial application goes through. I decided to wait anyway just in case the opportunity presented itself as it had the last time we had successfully adopted from North Shore last year so we stayed around her cage periodically and played with her a bit while she was in the cage.
During that time, we also spoke with a second employee who saw us around Petunia's cage and she asked if Petunia was the one we were interested in. I confirmed that we were interested in Petunia. At around 7:30 PM, we overheard a family that was upset that they're adoption paperwork had not gone through, but we didn't know that they happen to be the ones who were initially going to adopt Petunia. Petunia had urinated in her cage and while he was cleaning the cage, he must have also taken out the card in the slot on the cage that indicated the time someone had been interested in her. I had not seen when he took the card. We waited by the cage to see when the card was being put back into the slot, but it never was.
There was an elderly couple who had walked in about 15 - 20 minutes prior to that moment who were talking with the male employee a few steps away who must have asked to see Petunia. When I noticed that they had been given Petunia and they were playing with her, I asked if they had been interested in adopting her. They said yes and then I went to speak with him to explain that we had already been waiting to adopt Petunia and we had spoken to another employee. He said that he had not known about this and that he already promised the elderly couple that he would give them Petunia. I told him again that we had already been waiting and he asked me who I had spoken to. I had not yet known Sarah's name so I described her to him. The second employee that I had spoken to looked at him and pointed to me and my children indicating that we had been there first. He told me that he already told the elderly couple that he would give her to them, but I could speak with a manager. He also said that I should have started an application, which didn't make sense to me since she was not available for adoption at that time and no one told me to start an application. Another woman in a blue shirt went to get the manager for me. The manager came out wearing green shirt. She said that she would look into the situation and she asked me for the name of the employee I had spoken to. That first employee in the red shirt was not around to speak to, but the 2nd one was still around. I pointed her out, but the manager said that this was the young woman's second day so the manager didn't bother to get a response from her at all in that moment.
The manager went to the back and shortly afterwards the first employee I had spoken to walked out. I asked for her name, Sarah, and I asked her to speak to the manager on our behalf to let her know that I had said that I wanted to adopt Petunia. Sarah went to the back, but I didn't see her again that night. The manager came out and said that she spoke with the two employees that I had spoken to and that neither of them said that I said that I was waiting for Petunia. Yet I spoke with both of them and they knew I came specifically to adopt Petunia. The manager also said that she could not pry the dog out of the couple's hands, but that she would be happy to help me find a new dog. I explained that the system is first come, first served and my children and I were there first. While I was having this long discussion with the manager, I overheard the woman from the elderly couple saying that they are interested in starting the application to adopt Petunia and the male employee started the process with them.
My son, daughter and I left at 8:00 PM feeling sad and cheated out of an opportunity that we waited for and that was rightfully ours. A mistake was made and the manager along with the male employee were unwilling to make the accurate decision based on who had been waiting first. The system at the North Shore Animal League needs to be updated. It would be helpful to have an employee making some sort of note or list of who is next in line to adopt a pet that may become available in case an application is not approved. Furthermore, since we were next in line to adopt Petunia, we would like to be given this opportunity once more by someone who will make the accurate decision this time. Thank you for your time and attention to this very important matter.

Sincerely,
Khadija BK

I purchased two female rescue Yorkies from North Shore Animal League America in December of 2010, approximately 8 years ago. They were apparently puppy mill dogs and they were abused and mistreated. I named these two yorkies Angel and Precious and they have both become an important part of my family ever since I adopted them. On Friday April 12, 2018 I took my pet yorkie Precious to North Shore Animal League America for a follow up appointment and I was treated with the utmost disrespect and I was yelled at and treated unfairly. I even witnessed another dog with the same issue my dog has, get put to sleep and there was no empathy provided whatsoever, all the staff was concerned about was how the people were going to pay for the dead dog. My yorkie Precious has been receiving blood work yearly since I purchased her because she initially had elevated liver enzymes and from medicine and the proper nurturing and caring Precious was giving the liver enzymes went down. Unfortunately they have went back to being elevated approximately four months ago and since then she has had four blood test, an x-ray, and a sonogram. Every visit that I have had since Precious as been re-diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes have been unpleasant disrespectful and unacceptable! My dog is obviously dying and I love her unconditionally as she became a part of my family, but no one has told me the truth at North Shore Animal League America, they continue to take my money and lie to me about the prognosis and diagnosis for Precious. The manager Jackie yelled at me and told me that she will watch a video tape to prove that I was irate, but rightfully so since I get disrespected and belittled and discriminated against every time I come to North Shore Animal League America. Sam told me to shut up and Melissa is very mean and disrespectful in person and over the phone. I was speaking to the physician Dr. Yousary and Melissa, and another lady with long brown hair interrupted my conversation and discounted me like I wasn't even standing there and I feel this is because I am a black woman. However, every white patron was treated with respect and they were patient with them and spoke nicely to every white person. Even the lady whose dog died that I mentioned earlier was a black woman who was crying extremely hard and loud and no one tried to console her they just asked how she was paying like five different times because the lady was so overwhelmed with grief she couldn't even think straight it appeared. No one ever empathizes I had one Physician Dr. Dunlap tell me Precious was blind and she never even checked her eyes. She gave her an antibiotic from what told her about her teeth, but she never checked her teeth, however I told Dr. Yousary what Dr. Dunlop told me and he replied that is false information that Precious isn't blind she is just confused and he thinks it may be a brain tumor, which is also an educated guess, but at this point I am not looking for these veterinarian's to guess if my dog is in fact dying. I spend the money for Precious's appointments, medications, xrays, sonograms and anything else she may need and I have been doing this since I adopted her, which was also not free! I say all of this to say I love my dog and if she is dying be real with me! Don't rob me and treat me like a second class citizen, when all I want is my Precious to be comfortable and to live as long as God allows! I came to the North Shore Animal League America to adopt a pet and need and ever since I have been treated like garbage and have been disrespected by multiple staff, as well as my daughter who also adopted a yorkie on the same day I adopted Precious. This negative treatment that North Shore Animal League America is giving to me, my daughter and my Yorkie Precious is not fair and its unacceptable, so please help me! All I want is some empathy and real answers in regards to my pets health! I will get my lawyers involved for the discrimination and disrespect I continue to receive and I will report North Shore Animal League America to the Better Business Bureau and I will continue to complain about this situation until my voice is heard!

As you are aware most families would love to have a pet to give a great home to, as my wife and I tried to surprise our 3 Daughters with a new addition to the home that dream was crushed by one of the assistant managers at this facility. On July 4th 2017 we were told that due to our property management office being closed they were unable to verify if we are allowed to have pets. I had a copy of the Lease of the Lease to provide and informed the asst-manager that there was no restrictions on my lease to state that pets are not allowed.
If the Lease reflects no restrictions as to No Pets then does that not mean we are allowed to have pets, correct?
The Asst-Manager further goes into detail as to well I don't understand why the lease wouldn't state what size or breed you are allowed to have in your apartment. Then replies "well its not fair to homeowners who want to adopt as we don't have to go through this with them" so this leads me to believe there is a discrimination between -Renters- and Buyers who are looking to adopt. I also gave the Super's contact info to verify and her reply was that he doesn't sound like the super because he couldn't verify who was in your home and how many pets you have. I responded and said those are inappropriate questions to ask, all you need to verify is that the building accepts pets. I said he manages over 50 rental units he is not going to know everyone's household.
I personally believe this facility needs better training on their response to customers and a clause as to homeowners and Renters. I understand they want a permanent home for the Pet being adopted, we all do. Everyone should be treated fairly, I mean there is nothing on the site that list what documents to provide if you are a Renter. July 4th 2017 has been ruined by North Shore Animal League due to their unfriendly and unknowledgeable upper management staff.

Regards,
MR. Calvin Francis

Over 10 yrs ago I went with a now ex boyfriend to adopt a dog. The guy that interviewed me wrote down all the information my ex was telling him about his past pets which were pits. This had nothing to do with me I had no dogs before only cats all my life yet they put all his information on my application. We didn't even love together so why put it down. Any way long story short my ex turned out to be a real piece of work and is now in jail for attempted murder of me and my son. Why is this relevant, because today 10yrs later they denied me again for his past animal history.
I have had nothing but long term homes for cats... he I got when I was 10yrs old another 2 I got for my son at the age of 10... and 2 more after them...all lived there life happy and loved. For North Shore animal league to tell me I am not a good mother for any animal is a slap in my face.
Now a special needs cat will not have a loving home yet instead have more hell in a cage. Who's the monster now?
I respect that they are careful how and who they place their animals with but this is just not right. They refused to help and understand so again left me a victim of circumstances.

I adopted Lilly a 11 week old puppy on August 11th. I was told since I had free 30 days pet insurance I could go to my vet if puppy sick. Lilly came home with diahrea and it got progressively worse turning into pneumonia and her passing in less than 2 weeks. Not only was I heart broken but the petplan ins refused to pay saying it was a preexisting illness! $950 vet bill and a deceased puppy ! Did not even offer a replacement puppy! Shame on them! Both north shore and petplan suck! I am contacting my lawyer!

I was a volunteer for many years and had nothing but the best to say about NSALA from the second I walked through the doors. I was recently fired, but even before I was fired there were problems, some that I only noticed when it was too late.

I adopted my 2 to 3 month old puppy the day I interviewed for my job. The woman who handed her to me told me that she was "so funny and cute that they had her in the back because she was so much fun." RED LIGHT #1, as I learned once I started as a volunteer. An adorable puppy that is in the back is in the back because not because of cuteness but because of an issue.

I had to come back the next day because my husband was on the fence about adopting. We already had the perfect situation with a wonderful dog and cat, but I thought the dog could use a friend. When I came back the next night, the puppy was still there. RED LIGHT #2. In all my years there, the adorable, tiny puppies flew out in no time. This puppy was still there.

Within an hour of adopting her and taking her home, I had a short list of what I, as a volunteer, would have wanted to tell interested adopters.

I couldn't take a toy away from her without risking her biting me. I couldn't move her food without risking her biting me. If I pet the cat I risked her biting me. And our poor older dog could no longer eat in peace because the puppy would go over to her and bite her neck when we put down their food. We had to feed them separately.

Now, I know that the staff had to know this, because as I volunteer I was told to write on a certain puppy's crate that the puppy was OP (object possessive.) My puppy was severely object possessive and had multiple issues. The thought of returning her and seeing her there weekly was heartbreaking, so I kept her and instantly fell in love with her, but she turned our home upside down.

For whatever reason I was fired, I treat people and
animals better than many people there. I was fired by e-mail, pointed out bad conditions in areas that weren't even mine, and was extremely helpful to guests.

Worst experience ever - was there for 4 hours trying to adopt a dog - while waiting for my application to go through, I went to check on the dog that I wanted to adopt and found another family trying to adopt him - I told the manager that I have been there for 4 hours to adopt the dog. I even got a handler to back up my story and he said it was his decision on who get the dog. He then called us over and said although they called my references and they were good, I couldn't have the dog because they couldn't get a hold of my vet to verify that my other animals were up to date on their vaccinations.
Total Lie - In those 4 hours none of my references were called and how many vets are open all day on a Sunday - The North Shore Animal League is open till 9:00 on Sundays - How do they get a hold of Vets at 8:30 at night on a Sunday -
Nice way to treat people who want to adopt a pet for life