I am a long time volunteer (more than 15 years) for SICSA. I both foster cats and kittens as well as do fundraising activities. However, when I moved to a new house last year, I "inhereited" a small colony of stray cats (and kittens), as well as a well-meaning neighbor couple who have been feeding them but had limited funds due to disability. For the first time, rather than just helping SICSA, I found myself needing SICSA's support to spay/neuter the feral moms, as well as take in, care for, spay, and adopt out 3 sets of kittens. It's been a time-consuming, stressful, and expensive year, but I am thrilled to say that today we caught and dropped off the last feral mom cat to be tested and spayed and released. I can't say enough for the patience, support, and assistance of SICSA and their outstanding staff during this stressful time. As an animal lover, I can't bear to see strays on the streets, but like anyone else, I can't financially support litter after litter of cats, nor do I want to have the stray problem perpetuated. SICSA was so flexible (it was SO difficult to catch these wily cats!) and worked with me and my neighbors to provide great services at very reasonable prices. I am even more committed to SICSA through this ordeal and I can attest to the fact that they are as wonderful to the "public" as they are their volunteers. It was great to see both perspectives - although now I hope I can go back to just being a volunteer, as my fingers are crossed that I've seen the last unaltered stray cat in my neighborhood for a long time. Thank you SICSA for what you do for the Dayton community!
Review from Guidestar
I love the concept of SICSA, but our experience with them was not good. We adopted a dog that became a danger to my children and to my other pet within a few days of being in our home. When we went back to SICSA to discuss this situation, we were treated horribly! They did not offer any help. We ended up having to return the dog and had no offer of a partial refund or to use our original adoption fee towards another dog.
The kennel manager knew that this dog had a lot of issues. We had lengthy conversations prior to the adoption. I was extremely upset in how they treated us when things did not work out. Their mission should be to place the right pet in the right family not just to get animals out the door.
Very disappointing.
My partner's dog passed away while on vacation. I had to take of the animal and did so without a problem. We were down to one dog which was okay. Later that same year, my friend's brother passed away. Not intending to get another dog, my partner went to SICSA to show her niece how the organization takes care of animals. A shy little puppy in a cage came over to both of them and put her paw through the cage to contact my partner. The puppy had been rescued and was looking for a new home. My partner waited a few days and went back to see if the shy puppy was still there. The puppy was there and a hold for a week was put on the puppy. SICSA required that the current dog and puppy meet to be sure the two of them would get along. I arranged for the meeting and the two eventually became best friends. About four years ago, we brought three day old kittens into the household and the former puppy took care of them like a mother would. The shy puppy has grown to be a loving and protective dog. All through the help of SICSA.
Sicsa is there to help with all kinds of unfortunate situations, and they helped me just recently when I could no longer keep my dog. Their staff are kind and want what is best for the pet and went out of their way to help my situation.
Review from CharityNavigator