These reviews had me worried but the non kill community here in ne iowa reassured me they had never heard of any such experiences with Gems Forever. I had a stray cat that was the sweetest guy on earth but I have 2 cats and they weren't thrilled with him being around. Hero's Haven was trying to find a spot for him but recommended and reached out to Gems Forever for me.
I asked about the allegations here. They said in their history only one animal had been euthanized for being very terminally ill. They assured me he'd have a spot but that it was up to me. My guy started throwing himself at the door at night just breaking my heart and upsetting my cats. So I decided to take him in.
They made time for me right away. I arrived a little early and as I watched people fawn over the kitties they commented the cats get adopted quickly there. That turned out to be true.
The owners were very kind, very adoring of my little guy. They made him right at home and gave him scritchies in between greeting the other kitties and beginning the cage cleaning processes. They seemed really genuine and knowledgeable. My guy got his own cage and was on their site by the end of the hour.
In literally 6 days he was adopted!!! They sent me pics of him and answered all my queries through that short time. And I can say their cages were clean and nice. Each cat had his own spot (unless bonded), their own blankies and such. I was in the back area and there wasn't any noticable smell beyond the usual. The cages looked as clean as they're gonna be when cats cat. Compared to other petsmart locations I've seen, I was really stunned by how clean it was.
I'm sure everyone will have a different experience. But considering the important work their doing in an area with very little help for strays/abandon animals I think they are wonderful.
Do not adopt from Gems Forever and definitely do not surrender your cat to them. This is not a rescue, they are dealers in every sense. The people who operate this rescue are hands off. Just ask them how much time they actually spend with the cats in their care. Go to Pet Smart and see for yourself how often these cats are left on their own, in a dirty room or sick. Volunteer for them, you'll find out how little they care. If you care at all for the welfare of cats, go elsewhere. Do not support the mismanagement of this bullshit "rescue".
Friend had to give up cat due to childs allergies. She had raised 10 yr oldcat from kitten. She thought it was in good hands with Gems Forever. My sister had arrangements to pick cat up from fosterfamily today. The foster family had returned from their vacation to learn the owner of Gems Forever had euthanized this healthy cat that had a home waiting for it. Original owner and my sister are heartbroken. Apparantly this ‘fake rescue’ group is taking in more animals than they can care for. They need their license and tax exempt status revoked.