I am a regular kitten foster for various shelters in the area. 2 weeks ago I picked up a litter of 4 orphaned kittens from another shelter and within 48 hours I knew something was wrong (depressed, not eating, explosive pooping and vomiting). They were diagnosed with PanLeuk 2 days later. As the shelter I was working for didn’t provide veterinary care they reached out to their partners and Motley Zoo took over. Within 24 hours they had set up a supportive group chat, organized vet appointments and provided the medical care we needed, as well as guidance on quarantine methods, disinfecting, PPE etc (I’ve done quarantine before but not for anything as virulent as this!) Kittens only have a small chance of surviving PanLeuk but a week later and we are playing, eating and putting on weight again. The team at Motley Zoo have been amazing. I have never had a PanLeuk case in the 6 years I’ve been fostering and the support, speed and guidance have given is phenomenal, they truly care and are advocates for our tiny furry friends. Thankyou Motley Zoo!
First, let me say that the goal of this group is admirable. That's the only reason I'm giving any stars at all and I can't give zero stars. The execution of this goal, not so much. I, like many others, slogged through the extensive application, provided photos, proved my identity and was very clear about what dog I was looking to adopt. I was questioned about my own dogs' vaccination status, got their shots updated and waited. And waited. After about a week, I went to look at my preferred dog's profile only to discover it was no longer posted. I emailed the group because on their website, they stated that once a dog is adopted, their profile is immediately removed.
The following day I received an email from Pate (one of the group's directors) who informed me that 1) my application was approved, but 2) the foster had fallen in love with the dog I wanted and was going to adopt him. To say I was stunned would be an understatement.
I sent an email back to them expressing my disappointment and pointing out that without people to adopt, they would have more needy dogs than they could handle. I also told them that it was unprofessional and unfair to tell an approved adopter that the foster was getting preferential treatment. Not hearing back in a timely manner, I did a little investigating and found the 'president' of the organization's email and forwarded my email to her as well. So far, no response there either.
I don't know if this whole thing is a scam, but it put such a bad taste in my mouth, I wanted to make sure that people are aware of the treatment they can expect to receive. The folks at Motley Zoo really need to re-think how they treat people, not just the dogs.
They were very quick to respond when I first posted my experience on Google. As with many of their other responses to poor reviews, they blamed me. It's really unfortunate that an organization that is supposed to help animals forgets the people who are trying to work with them.
Make it impossible for a good family to take in a dog in need.
Very unfortunate that it has to be like that.
As Executive Director, I am responsible for the overall function and perception of the group. I am proud to say, on a daily basis, we received confirmation that we are indeed doing what we set out to do when we founded Motley Zoo.
We desired to make sure pets and people didn't fall through the cracks, as we experienced in our prior volunteer work. We had ideas we believed could improve the process for everyone, and we set about putting them into motion. None of these ideas seemed truly revolutionary, and yet in fact,that has been the result: revolutionary changes in what rescues can accomplish.
It has been an amazing experience to see that indeed dreams do come true- especially when it comes to the reality that we're saving lives on a daily basis! We are so pleased to receive the great reviews and compliments we do- but we never believe that sitting back and taking these compliments as fact is enough- we're always striving for more, for better- and the only way we can do that is to never take for granted our effectiveness and strategy. Instead, it's a constant effort to improve along the way.
People need to speak for the animals, and if you ask any Motley Zoo foster, adopter or volunteer, you will get a mouthful- all good, of course! Our people are what make us great and we can't do it without them...to everyone who has been and is a part of Motley Zoo:
Motley Zoo rocks- because of you!
We adopted our dog Willow from Motley Zoo almost 3 years ago. I'm amazed every time we run into jme that she remembers us and remembers everything about Willow. It shows how much the people in this organization care about the animals they save. They don't just hand out animals. They find these animals the best homes possible. They take in animals many other organizations wouldn't because of injury or illness. It's an amazing group of people who passionately care about the animals they rescue. We love our little dog and are grateful everyday that Motley Zoo was there for her.
I searched for a long time for the right Boxer to adopt and when I found Lucy I was so excited. The only drawback was that she had been hit by a car and needed a lot of aftercare. The folks at Motley Zoo paid for her initial surgery and vet bills, which I'm sure, were really expensive, and they were really great about making sure I was prepared not only for the time commitment but also the financial commitment I was taking on. They were really honest and forthcoming, which I appreciated. They were also careful to make sure I met their standards. Lucy and I have been together for almost 3 years now and I will be forever grateful to Jme and the folks at Motley Zoo. Thanks!
Almost two years ago, I was looking for a mixed breed, young female dog on Petfinder. I contacted several organizations about particular dogs, but either never got a return e-mail or phone call, reached a never-ending menu, or on the rare instances where I actually got to talk to a person, ended up speaking with someone who was unfamiliar with the dog. That frustration ended when I called regarding a dog that was in Motley Zoo's care. The phone was answered on my first try, and the person I spoke with knew everything there was to know about the dog I eventually adopted. The dog was found alongside the highway with a fractured femur and was scheduled for an amputation, when jme from Motley Zoo saw her while attending a meeting at that shelter. jme arranged for "Sisley" to have the fracture repaired, and then repaired again when the first surgery didn't have the desired result. jme kept me totally posted on developments in a timely manner. I live about two hours away by plane and so there had to be clear communication regarding the timing of getting her after her latest surgery. No problem! Even two years later, I hear from Motley Zoo asking how she is doing (fabulously!). I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a pet.
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is the type of organization of which I'm very honored and proud to belong. The animals are all fostered in homes rather than kennels in a brick and mortar location. Adopters, fosters, and volunteers are all screened to ensure that they have the animals best interests at heart. And MZAR is run by two of the kindest people I've ever met. I've been around a lot of non-profits and I must say that this is the best one that I've invested my time into in over 20 years.
motley zoo is an ALL volunteer group, where the people involed literally dedicate their lives to these pets in need. we work so hard, not just to "find homes" but rather to make the very best matches. because of this we have a high rate of success. we remember that everyone invo9lved in this process is a valuable part of doing what we do- and we never forget to appreciate and thank our "crew" and the adopters, family, friends and donors that make our work possible besides. we are grateful for the support we have! motley zoo rocks, because of YOU.
I adopted a little dog, Piper, from this group, and have nothing but good things to say about them. They are an all volunteer group, but manage to do big things. They were very professional, and cared deeply about each of their dogs and cats. I was treated with respect, given good information and medical records, and matched with the new little love of my life.
We wanted to adopt a dog to be a companion for our other dog who lost her dog friend several months ago. They do not just give out dogs but really look at the people who want to adopt and will it be a good fit. The paper work process is lengthy and covers just about everything. We were approved and found a dog that we felt would be a good match. They told us to contact them on how it was going and if their were issues. They were their to help and would even come out to the house if help was needed. Their concern is genuine and caring and it is all about the animals. I was so impressed. They are truly wonderful and loving and it all comes from the heart. What a dedicated volunteer group!!!!!!!! Motley Zoo Rocks.
We just adopted the most beautiful and loving pug through Motley Zoo Animal Rescue. They are professional, experienced and always put the long-term welfare of the pets first. I would definitely reccomend MZ!
Motley Zoo is a wonderful organization. It is clear that Motley Zoo not only cares about the animals involved in their efforts but they also really care about the people involved. If you have to give up animal they will treat you with compassion for your situation, if you are adopting from them they will provided you with great support system for both you and your new pet.
I have been volunteering with Motley zoo for over 6 months now and have fostered many animals for them. They are an incredible organization. The Board of Directors are the most caring and generous people I have ever met. They give up so much of their own time and money to help animals in need. They work tirelessly to come up with more funds and ways to assist these animals in need. LOVE, LOVE this group and proud to be a part of it!
Love this group! Not only do they think about the animals, they think about the pople and the community. They were so patient with me and all my questions, really able to direct me to any kind of help and assistance, they were there to listen to me ... they match people with dogs and dog with people, and they make sure when an animal gets adopted, it really is the right fit. I adopted through this group and they were so professional, organized, and really helped with everything along the way. My guy had some health issues -- which t I knew about -- and they really helped me work with my dog to find a way to make him better. And they are all volunteers -- no one gets paid -- so every dollor goes into helping more animals. Love them!
Motley Zoo hooked us up with our great dog, who was rescued from a shelter that had gotten him from a backyard breeder that had gotten ill. He was skittish, afraid of everything, and needing love. We were not the first family to apply for adoption of our little guy, but through their careful screening process, it was determined that our family would be the perfect fit for him. Motley Zoo provided support before, during, and after the adoption. Our dog is now a loving, wonderful member of our family. Hooray for Motley Zoo!
motley's Zoo helped us place two of our "family members" to their forever homes. When we accumulated two additional large Labrador retrievers from family who was unable to keep them, it increased our animals to 4 large labs, in addition to our two cats. With a young child, we couldn't spoil then the ways they deserved with adventures, and regular walks . We made the hard choice to give the two youngest dogs a new start with their forever homes. They now travel in rvs, visit the ocean, and have tons of love from their new families. It was a great experience, and to see them perfectly fit with their families is the best gift we could have ever hoped for. Thank you Motley's Zoo!!!!
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is an amazing organization made up of a network of volunteers who's goal is to find homes for all kinds of animals. We volunteered to become a foster family for MZAR & we were given "Marta", a former street dog from Taiwan as our first foster. We had Marta in our home for about a month to help her transition from a life on the street to a life in a home & it was at that time that we realized that MZ made a perfect match for us. She got along wonderfully w/our other rescued dog & two cats & with us! There are lots of rescue orgs who won't let you adopt the animal you're fostering for fear that they'll lose you as a foster family, but not MZ. They were more than happy to draw up the adoption papers for us to sign so that Marta could become a permanent member of our family! And for that, we are forever grateful! The team works tirelessly to rescue animals, transport them to the vets, attend adoption events, organize fund-raising events, whatever it takes to get animals out into the public eye with the hopes that they'll find they're "forever home". I will gladly support this organization in any way possible in the future. Fostering isn't out of the question, we just need a bigger house!!