Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue Inc

I WISH I READ THE REVIEWS!! My story similar to several others, i have a young family, financial stability, house, yard, wife is a stay-at-home mom etc...they dragged me along for 12 days and had the audacity to tell the foster family 5 days prior that they weren't approving me while leaving me in the dark. unresponsiveness and poor communication...Really a horrible process that i wouldnt put my family through again. Whatever, i can go buy a dog. The dogs at this shelter are the ones getting screwed here unfortunately.

Absolutely terrible run organization. 10/10 would not recommend. If we didn’t email them they would have never gotten back to us. Then they finally emailed me about a dog we applied for and claimed that he would be better off with a house with other dogs because after one night in a foster home he felt “more comfortable” with other dogs. Adopt from somewhere else, these people suck.

We thought wow what a great concept but in reality it’s just a corrupt money hungry, ego maniac, that actually cares little about the animals. Was told on two occasions that a dog we were fostering wasn’t a good fit to adopt, which makes no sense at all, how can you be a suitable foster but not a forever family? The staff made little attempt to offer suggestions guidance and to give simple rules, but would call you out and judge you for what you were doing wrong, serious lack of communication, which is so sad for these pups. If you want to get your heart broken and waste time money and energy this is the place for you.

Greedy and excessive adoption fee compared to other rescues. This rescue is incredibly unresponsive and rude. PLEASE if you are reading this go elsewhere to rescue an animal there are so many other options on Long Island to do so. Avoid Gimme Shelter Rescue at all cost. They will lead you on for weeks, not communicate anything well, and ultimately break your heart. I can not recommend enough that anyone reading this go rescue from any other “non profit” on Long Island.

Absolutely horrible, would definitely not recommend, application was approved, a foster parent was at our home and gave a glaring review of us as forever parents. We had our eyes on two of there babies and things looked good but then, all of a sudden there team did not think we would be acceptable. No reason given. A month goes by, after trying to contact them we get a declined e- mail!! Never again!!

I wish I could give 0 stars. Absolute sham of a shelter. They lead me and my family on for over a month. We went through the full application process, home tour, and references, just to be ghosted by the shelter. We were so in love with the dog we applied for and really thought he was going to be a new member of our family. We tried following up, sending emails, reaching out on social…nothing. I understand if you don’t think a dog is the right fit, but to ignore my family and I after we went through this entire process and got attached to this dog just broke our hearts.

10/10 would not recommend. We were reached out to save a dog in which we put our lives on hold to do. We were told the dog was going to be put down so we did everything in our power to save her. We redid our backyard and dog proofed every aspect of our home. We previously had a dog for 16 years who we did everything for to keep her alive for four years after developing cancer. After submitting the application we were denied cold shoulder. Not even given the option to give her a chance in our home where she would have constant love and attention. They never even reached out to our references or vet or even called us to get to know anything about our family. The point of an animal shelter is to give an animal a home where they will be loved and taken care of. Not deprive a dog of this. After reading the reviews I’m glad everyone feels the same way. These dogs need to be saved, and someone who actually cares about the animals needs to be in charge. I hope by this experience instead of just saving one dog we saved many by bringing this to light. It’s a shame that people run shelters who don’t care about the animals involved. We were reached out to do something good, and instead were completely disrespected. Many people reached out with the same experience. Wish I could take all these dogs, save them and place them in a home where they will be loved and cared for. Many people reached out saying they have had the same exact experience, but we will not be silent about it. It’s not a joke to post that these dogs will be put down in order to get more applications because some people would do anything to save them. It’s time for these dogs to be put in better care. And of course there is no phone number to call or else the shelter would be swamped with angry callers. Start taking these dogs lives seriously and stop worrying about the money. It’s disgusting.

absolutely horrible rescue. don’t bother giving money to this place. took over a month for them to get back to us about adopting and we’re incredibly rude and disrespectful when it came time to adopt. they pulled out on letting my family adopt for irreverent reasons such as where we chose to do a meet and greet. watch what you say if you’re looking to adopt as everything makes them “uncomfortable.” what a sham of a shelter. good luck getting a dog from them.

Not in the best interest of the dogs. Rude and disrespectful.

I fell in love with a puppy on the Gimme Shelter Instagram page and was convinced that was the perfect dog for me! Luckily, after speaking with Michelle, the founder, she explained that this puppy needed a super active lifestyle and it may not be the best match. I was bummed but then grateful because I wanted the dog I chose to have exactly the right life even if it meant living on a farm! Michelle was so nice and clearly puts the dogs first, which I respect, and is keeping my application in the active file so I am set to adopt when the perfect dog comes along! Thank you GSAR! ������

The absolute best!! The dogs are so well taken care of and they are so careful that the dogs are out in the best homes Most rescues don’t care as much as gimmee shelter!’
Thank you for caring about the pups

I applied for a puppy adoption which was supposed to be a bulldog mix. Soon after I was approved. I was so excited, I have been looking for so long. 2 weeks later my husband and I met a transporter at Lowe's to pick up the dog, which we call Luna. Absolutely fell in love with her, but did realize the dog in the picture was not her, same color just markings were not the same, also the dog in the picture was thicker, and a bigger head. But it's fine we were just so happy to have her. There was a woman that was handed me Luna's immunizations records, which on the records stated she was a hound mix, not as the picture or contract stated a bulldog mix. It started to have me think. I contacted Gimme Shelter and the woman stated she would have to ask Michelle, then she applied after speaking with Michelle that there was a brother dog to my dog, and possibly took switch pictures in error. I also advised them that dog had very aggressive behavior, which two days later my son was rushed to the hospital the dog (luna) bit him in his face, he needed stitiches, the hospital asked me alot of questions regarding the dog, and where the shelter obtained her from, due to her not having rabies shot. I called and called. I sent them pictures of my son's face, I even texted messaged them because the doctor needed these answers before performing procedure to my son. They read the messages but know reply until that later that night. And the response was I am sorry about your son is he ok, and i will have Michelle call you, well Michelle did not call, nor did, she care. The hospital got Department of Health involved and opened a case for two weeks, since Gimme Animal Shelter did not want to answer any questions. Also just so you know the dog is not a bulldog mix nor a hound mix. DNA was done not either, nothing even close..... So the contract was not correct, or immunizations breed type Also just so you know when the lady gave me immunization record she was diagnosed with a parasite. But was not treated for until i brought her to vet, spoke to orginal vet they said shelter was going to treat, which they did not treat. My vet had to treat her because it was still in her system. I love my dog and will keep providing all the training i need to. Just so you know she was under 6 weeks when adopted, and everything was a lie. Very Very Sad.

This rescue is awful and sketchy!! Do you see the pictures of where they keep there dogs?? $800 adoption fee, $300 for a sponsor and $15 an app fee a dog?? They are rich!! Yet beg for money!! And clearly have a never ending flow of puppies. Sad. Don’t recommend. The founder not to mention is awful. Racking in the money for herself. While using sad stories to get money out of people. Never will apply again. I also wish I could give ZERO stars.

I wish I could give zero stars instead of 1. This place is a complete sham. They advertise puppies that are coming from kill shelters, and then charge a $800 adoption fee. I don't think I need to explain how astronomically high and unethical that is. My family and I went through the entire process of interviews, house tours, getting our references checked and being approved, to THEN be told about the fee. When I responded asking if this was actually the price and hoping that it was a typo, the founder responding with a horrible, nasty and demeaning attitude telling me to "do the math" that it's "not her fault that I didn't check the website" and that I "wasted everyones time." I admittingly did not peruse the website in all of my free time, as when they posted on facebook, I replied on facebook, filled out an application (which they also charge for) and was then contacted. I strongly advise everyone to stay away from this "rescue" service as their main goal is very obviously to make a buck, not to place animals in loving, caring homes. We now have two very disappointed young children, and two heartbroken parents that are trying to wrap our heads around the fact that anyone could act that crass and tactless.

I applied for a sweet papillon/chi mix named Gogo in November. I received a message from the shelter (that seemed very generic) stating that their dogs are mostly rescued from rural areas in the south and are used to being outside most of the time & that I should check with city agencies. I replied back saying that she is a small dog & I have plenty of space & outdoor access - I live in a quiet luxury apartment building in Brooklyn that has an expansive rooftop. After explaining my situation I asked them if they thought it still wouldn't be a good fit. They did not respond to me. I emailed at a later date with the building pet policy attached since I didn't include it with my app and they responded with just a Thanks. I wrote back one last time in the future expressing how I didn't appreciate that no one replied to me again in regards to this sweet pup. She was up on Petfinder for months and up on their website for months! I kept checking. I was sure she was going to be adopted quickly & that was why I was out of the running. They just didn't bother to give me the time of day. I truly lament not being afforded the proper considerarion to adopt such a wonderful dog. They posted recently that she was finally adopted (in January!) by an older couple in Long Island after she had been being fostered. Also, it is absolutely ridiculous that they charge a $15 application fee (& try to say it's because they want serious inquiries) - a donation isn't supposed to be a mandatory amount - and then they don't give individualized support to applicants. My application was basically disregarded and for no good reason. Very disappointing. According to their instagram this agency is doing good work & getting many dogs into homes. But I have a suspicion they play favorites for the process.

This place is what we call a retail rescue. They charge an application fee and astronomical prices for puppies and dogs that have bite histories and behavioral issues. They are shady and they purposefully delete comments on their facebook page that call them out for their unscrupulous behavior. They are mislabeling certain breeds of dogs, they are insisting that young puppies from the same litter are “bonded pairs” just so they can make a quick buck. They are fully aware that this will lead to horrific behavioral issues for the poor unsuspecting owners. This organization is a sham and should absolutely be shut down. Do not give them any of your money and do not adopt from them.

I tried to adopt a dog through Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue. They charged me $15 to submit an application (which I don't mind). After they took my money I received an email saying I will not be hearing back from them because I live in Massachusetts. They should have made it clear that I was not eligible to adopt before having me submit an application. All they did was steal my money which I could have used to help give a dog a furever home. This place is a scam!

I have been on the search to adopt a shelter dog for about a month now. This organization asks for *serious inquiries only and adds a $15 application fee to make sure you're serious.
I have never heard back from them since submitting the lengthy and time consuming application required.
I reached out again after the 2 weeks they requested to wait and still no response. I emailed, still no response.
And then the dog I had applied to meet was put BACK UP on their facebook page saying she still needed a home.
I am discouraged by the whole adoption process to begin with but to CHARGE to apply and then give no response is inexcusable.

They have not updated their website so it appears the dogs on their site are still available for adoption, but some are not. I filled out the lengthy application and paid the $15, only to be told the dog had already been adopted via a curt reply that provided no further information on their adoption process, which I had asked for. Seems a little shady to me.

Unless you have a large family with kids I would suggest not wasting your time. They require $15 donation to fill out an application..which I thought was okay but here is the issue. I was only able to apply for one dog at a time and so I ending up applying for 16 dogs in the past few months and putting out a lot of money on application fees. I haven’t heard anything. Approved or not approved, NOTHING. They ignore emails. I understand that a lot of people are applying and they’ve even said they have had hundreds of applications for each animal. At what point are you benefit the rise in demand for dogs and just taking peoples money for applications. I feel so stupid for applying so many times and getting my hopes up. I suggest you don’t bother because they are just reaping the financial benefits at this point and aren’t taking into consideration good applicants, nor respecting the people throwing money at them. Also $800 adoption fees? Since when. $15 application fee every time? Why? They also ask for money to sponsor and name the dogs. Like $300 or so. They’re rolling in the dough.

Gimme Shelter is a great rescue and Michelle and her staff do everything they can to make sure these pups are safe. I have donated to plenty of other rescues, but this one has a special place in my heart as I know how hard they work to get these dogs into amazing and loving homes.

They are most loving group of people who are determined to save as many dogs as humanly possible and give them all the most fabulous homes!! Not only do they save dogs, but they foster multiple dogs at once, pay for needed medical care, transport them wherever they need to be, and all with volunteers!!! It's incredible!!!

My family rescued our second dog from Gimme Shelter in 2013 and it was the best thing we ever did. 3 years later, we fostered another puppy from this shelter and ended up foster failing. Since 2016, we have fostered 7 puppies for Gimme Shelter to help Michelle and her amazing team save these sweet animals. Michelle and the Gimme Shelter staff are completely focused on making sure these puppies that are saved from high kill shelters, the streets, or bad situations end up with the best life. I cannot say enough great things about Michelle and Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue.

Everyone at gimme shelter animal rescue is truly amazing. They rescue countless dogs from death row as well as so so many from abuse & neglectful situations. They work tirelessly & go above & beyond to find each & every one of the animals they take in the most suitable wonderful forever family, I can’t say enough incredible things about this rescue. They’re truly angels

We recently adopted our second rescue from GSAR and I can't say enough about them!! There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that the dogs are going to the perfect home and are well cared for at the time of adoption. It is unimaginable, during this time of COVID-19, what they must be dealing with on a daily basis! Hats off to you ladies, we appreciate your tireless efforts! Hang in there!!

This rescue is top notch! Michelle and her volunteer adoption team are amazing. They have such dedication to the lucky animals that they rescue. I have adopted 2 furbabies from this rescue and would recommended anyone looking to rescue a dog to do the same. The love and care the team puts into placing each and every dog is so heartwarming. They are a very honest group of people and I knew it would be a while before I heard from anyone. They were very upfront about the fact that it could take 14 days or more to even get through all the applications since the Covid pandemic. Not a single day goes by that I don't thank Michelle for the wonderful work that they do to save these precious babies!!

I completed and submitted an adoption application for a dog with Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue. They require a $15 "donation" when submitting an application, which I gladly provided. Their website states they will get back to you in a week. It has not been close to one month and I have yet to hear back. I emailed them several times and even sent them a letter. They did not reply to any of my communications. I tried calling them and the voicemailbox is full and not accepting any messages.

I am now submitting a formal complaint to the Better Business Bureau against this organization. I would strongly suggest that you do not do business in any way, shape or form with this place.

This shelter goes beyond the call of duty. When I lost my Golden Retriever Beau after 16 years and had Bella still with us then, we were looking for a new friend for her since she was going into depression. Buddy was on my Facebook feed under the Rescue Me with Gimme Shelter. I knew he was seven years old and needed a home but I called about another dog at the time who was being considered by another family for adoption. Michele asked if I seen Buddy. She explained Buddy's circumstances and how they rescue him and his siblings when their owner was terminally ill to avoid going to the shelter that puts dogs down. There was no pressure from Gimme Shelter and I fostered Buddy for two weeks after a home inspection and fell in love with him and adopted. They work with the kill shelters down south and pull so many puppies to older dogs to avoid being kill. They are truly animal lovers and believe every animal needs to be loved and it doesn't matter what age they are. Gimme Shelter worked with me during a very difficult time in my life and helped me find the perfect dog who is a part of our family. They deserve to be recognized at an outstanding shelter for what they provide the animals that no one wanted or no longer wanted. They are dedicated to the cause of saving animals and I would recommend them to anyone who is thinking about fostering or adopting from them. You could save a life. If I could provide them with 10 stars I would.

Animal rescues claim to want to place dogs in good homes, however this one has such stringent requirements that it makes it impossible for certain people to adopt here. Repeated attempts were made to adopt a small dog here, however they went ignored. My application was not considered, as it was initially indicated to me that I did not have my over one acre back yard fenced in, which can be very dangerous for a small dog to freely roam around in and a smaller enclosed fence was not sufficient, I had to work to earn a living and no one else would be home to be with the dog during those times, even though I indicated that I worked a short day and had many weeks of the year off, which indicates that single people who have to work are ruled out, and I did not currently have another dog, even though it was expressed to them that I plan to adopt another one at some point. Based on the pictures I have seen of their various adoptions, having more than one owner seems to be a prerequisite here. Also, it was ironic that in all of the pictures I saw of this particular dog in a fenced area, he was consistently on a leash and not roaming freely, so why having a fenced in yard was a necessity for his adoption was perplexing.
Having good vet and personal references, a nice home, a large enclosed deck and outdoor space, being able to offer him a great amount of individual attention and love each day while taking him for walks, socializing him with other people and dogs and engaging him in activities that he was described as enjoying was still not good enough to adopt here. They rather this dog stay up for adoption week after week than sending him to a good, loving, permanent home.
There seems to be a very limited awareness that good dog owners come in a variety of different family and home structures, not just what they deem to be acceptable, and that dog owners' lives and situations can change drastically over the course of a dogs' life, despite what requirements they are meeting at the time of the adoption. Therefore, love and dedication to the dog should be the most important one. It is unfortunate because these limiting beliefs and dictates may be keeping dogs from being able to join with the perfect owner for them and it can lead to people having to go to dog breeders to get a dog, which therefore can continue the cycle of creating more unwanted dogs in the future.
People who are in my position should know all of this going into this process and that trying to work out solutions with this rescue shelter may be a waste of time and lead to great disappointment in not getting a dog you were lead to find.