Pet Place International Inc

PPI is an organization I completely stand behind. They truly care about not only saving animals but know each animal's personality to help find them the perfect furever home. They provide a safe, clean, and loving environment that the animals may have never had before. Thank you all For everything you do!

The work being done by Pet Place International is phenomenal.

PPI does excellent work helping animals and people. I have helped volunteer and see the animals on a regular basis. Many animals are living lives with love and care due to Joan and PPI.

I adopted a great dog from PPI. Virginia has completed our home. She is super sweet and we love her. I also volunteer and it's a pleasure to be part of this organization.

I volunteer at PPI and really love being around all the animals. I really enjoy spending time with the horses. PPI is an amazing place.

Pet Place International is absolutely amazing! I'm truly blessed to be a part of such a great organization. There is so much love for all the animals. P.P.I has an awesome team. I myself adopted a therapy kitty Tabatha a.k.a Popsicle. My family as well have adopted P.P.I. pets. My family and I love working and volunteering for P.P.I.

Pet Place International truly takes caring for these animals to heart.������

I found Pet Place International totally by accident while my daughter and I were visiting the area we didn't know what to expect when we stopped but to our pleasant surprise we found it to be a very enjoyable the animals were all clean and healthy and super happy the grounds were neat and kept up the owner and employees were extremely friendly, caring, knowledgeable, and helpful. I would recommend them to anyone wanting to give an animal a forever home

This is my review of Pet Place International a 501c3 Non-Profit Animal Rescue organization located in Landers which is near Yucca Valley in Southern California’s high desert.

Before I share my thoughts on Pet Place International, let me back up a bit. I suppose I’m like a lot of people, I’ve been promising myself I was going to do more volunteering – of course – I’ve been saying this for a few years now, and not much has changed. In my defense – I have been doing what I can with the homeless, buying them food or clothing and just talking with them. That’s been good and rewarding, but I wanted something to do around one of my main passions which are animals.

I had contacted a few places close to me in Palm Springs – but something seemed to get in the way of every really connecting. Then I heard of Pet Place International, and although it’s a good 50 minutes away, I checked it out online and liked what I saw.

I decided to check them out in person – and I’m very glad I did. I arrived on a recent Saturday and was greeted by the Director Joan Grandizio. My impressions of Joan are that she is an amazing woman whose dedication to rescuing animals is equaled only by her empathy, caring, and love for all animals, but especially the ones under her care.

So, I got the grand tour which is available to anyone. We started with the horses, which I had hoped would happen. I’ve owned two in my lifetime and have a deep fondness for them. Watching wild mustangs roaming free in Montana’s Pryor Mountain Range is one of the most majestic scenes in all of nature.

We started with Prince – a beautiful senior horse who I believe is over 30 years old. He was great, but my two favorites were Misty the Paint and the amazing and beautiful Momentum (Moe for short) – Moe is a thoroughbred who looks like he should be grazing on some famous horse ranch in Kentucky. What a great spirited and handsome horse. One of several observations of my time with the horses is how good they looked, obviously they are well taken care of. The other thing that was quickly apparent was how they all loved to receive attention from Joan.

I know from experience that horses have almost a sixth sense and they don’t react well to humans who mistreat them, I could tell immediately by the way they reacted to Joan’s voice and her touch that they really loved her.

Then it was time to visit the zoo – so to speak. Pet Place International inherited an entire petting zoo, that included 3 Alpaca’s, a few goats, a goose, some chickens, rabbits, and a couple of pigs.

I’ve had dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs, and some other animals – But I’ve had no experience with Alpaca’s or Pigs. So, wouldn’t you know it the first animal to greet me was Anne a large Pot Bellied Pig, who according to Joan seemed to like me – (not sure what that says about me), but she was really cool – and loved to lay on her side and have her belly scratched.

From there it was just amazing to watch all these different animal species getting along ( wonder why it’s so hard for people) but there they were, inside this really nice barn that was well kept and clean.

I got to interact with the Alpaca’s – which as I said was a first … they are so cool looking, almost like a cartoon or caricature from the imagination of some famous artist. I got to feed them and the goats some pellets by hand and they were very gentle.
My overall impression of Pet Place International and of Joan is that this is one of those not-so-common rescue operations that really care about their mission and their animals. Like most nonprofits of this – they have needs and can always use our help.

There is so much more to say about Pet Palace International – including the Therapeutic Equine Program which is for persons with physical, mental, emotional and behavioral needs. I believe there is a dog therapy program as well.

Eventually, it was time to go – too soon for me. As we said our goodbyes, I felt my countenance change and I became, honestly a little sad. I wasn’t sure until a little later why – it turns out that in just one visit this place had grown on me. Joan, the animals, the property and the mission had all crept into my soul, into my heart. I had no choice. So, I decided this was where I wanted to help. I’ve committed to supporting them financially, physically and spiritually through prayer. I hope you might consider this also.

Sincerely,
B. Morris

I have known Joan and PPI for years. She took a young OTTB mare that my daughter rescued from an abandonment situation, gave her a safe place to land and now uses her in the programs she offers to the public. Five years ago I also adopted a wonderful dog, Lucy, from PPI. She is enjoying a great life, happily running free on my ranch in So. California. She networks and rescues dogs all over the country. Joan is a caring, wonderful person whose vision benefits animals and humans alike.

I have the greatest pleasure of working for Joan at PPI. It's absolutely amazing to be around these animals. Every animal is well taken care of, great living facilities and I'm sure super yummy food (she buys the best). I love the way every single animal is loved. I have to admit I'm in love with all of them as well! God Bless.
Crystal Cherry Saylor

Pet Place is a shelter where I would wish my own family pets to land if a dire emergency caused them to be lost or abandoned. The staff is kind, playful, loving with their charges, it is heartening to see and feel. The place is comfortable and safe for all the various animals, great environment, and clean. Thanks you good people!

I had just been released from the hospital where I had a stem cell transplant to kill my Multiple Myeloma cancer. While recovering our 8 yr old Cairn Terrier got sick and we had to say goodbye. I was devastated and stayed in bed for two weeks. One day I went to our local PetCo.
There, Pet Place International was having an adoption event. I wasn’t looking. I was still grieving. I sat and watched one dog. Joan struck up a conversation and asked if I’d like to see Ryder. She was so tender and understanding to my needs. She listened to my whole story. Her coworkers were all wonderful as well.
When Ryder met me he put his head on my thigh and paws around my leg as if he was hugging me. Pet Place International made sure I was a good fit for Ryder too. He was clean and well taken care of. From that day on Ryder has been my best friend. It’s been six years. Walking him and caring for him has saved me. My cancer is only now returning and I’m back on chemo. I have my boy right there beside me. His love is unlike any dog I’ve ever had.

Pet place International has taken a few dogs that I networked
that no one else would even look at. The love and devotion that Joan gives the animals is wonderful . I can. It say enough nice things about a rescue that looks beyond age or sickness and still receives animals in need with open arms.

Pet Palace International harbored the two dogs that I had just inherited until I could find a home for the three of us. Joan babysat Lucy and Desi. I don't know what I would have done with out Pet Place. A great organization with a great leader. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Joan.

We have been fortunate enough to have adopted 2 fur babies from Joan. Of course we couldn't be happier with either of them! When the time comes (ugh!) when we are adopting again we will absolutely reach out to Joan. Joan, remember Herbie aka Beverly? In his most comfortable position.

Pet Place International has proved over and over to be a Godsend where displaced and unwanted animals can continue to live happy lives. In our case, family tragedy forced us to give up our dog. After checking out the Pet Place International facilities, I was very impressed. Everything was exactly what was needed for the animals to live happy and healthy lives. Joan took in our dog and he is doing great. He seems happier and healthier than ever, even though he's a senior. Pet Place International has been rescuing dogs that are on their last hour before euthanization and is providing needed medical care, love, and a forever sanctuary to these sweet senior animals. Please seek out PPI if you are considering giving up your dog to a shelter. This year, Joan had a double-car garage converted into beautiful air conditioned rooms for the dogs and cats. The dogs, including our ol' boy, can come and go through a doggy door into a living room-type setting with either air conditioning or heat. The cats have a fun room that always has air conditioning or heat as needed, so that they are confortable during any type of weather. I'm amazed that Joan always puts the rescue and the animals' needs before her own, time and time again. She is selfless in her rescue efforts and I can't thank her enough for the special work that she is doing to help animals in need. Thank you to PPI for all that you do! Dave G

Hello all my Pet Lover friends,
I just wanna give a shout out to Pet Place International, PPI.
However upon submitting my review, I have come across two extremely slanderous reviews. One from Pet Place International’s former employee who has been slandering PPI and Joan, personally, since being let go from the organization. Bear in mind, she lost her job with PPI over 2 months ago and is still continuing to attack Joan and PPI. This is a pattern of Casey Clark; PPI is the third rescue group she has slandered consecutively after being let go and leaving a disaster in her wake. She needs to cut her losses and move on.
I have worked with Pet Place International for over 10 years and know this rescue very well. PPI and Joan have a flawless reputation in the community, both professionally and personally. The claims being made by Casey and Gus (his alias) are false and extremely egregious, and speak to Casey’s personal instability, and desire to hurt Joan, personally. If Casey truly cared about animals, she would not being trying to hurt PPI. That is a fact.
I want to thank Pet Place International for all the great work they’ve been doing as long as I’ve known them, where the health and welfare of the animals come first, whether it be horses, dogs, cats, or farm animals and all the other great creatures PPI has cared for compassionately and diligently... and helped to live a full life and they have partnered animals with forever families thousands of times. PPI has been on the front lines saving animals from death row, and is one of the best rescue groups around. If anyone says otherwise, they are outright lying.

Pet Place International is a gift to animal lovers everywhere, a tough job, with so many rewards. I just want to give praise where praise is due and to show them my appreciation.
Thank you so much for wonderful work you do from myself and all the creatures who appreciate it more than anyone knows. Keep an eye out for upcoming adoption events... or schedule a private tour of the facilities. PPI is a magical place and Joan is doing God’s work. Plan to be impressed and delighted with all the wonderful animals who would love a visit from a friendly person. PPI has an excellent team at this time for which we are all very grateful. Note to Great nonprofits, please make reviewers transparent in case there is a need to seek legal recourse. Please keep doing what you're doing Pet Place International. You are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know. Thank you. Sincerely Jamie

What impresses me most about Joan and Jeff are their dedicated big hearts. They treat each rescue dog as their own and gives them individual love and attention. My daughter and I had volunteered at Pet Place International, Inc. for 2 years. My daughter loved it so much, she even invited her friends to help! I strongly recommend PPI when adopting, because their rescue dogs and other rescue animals receive professional training, medical treatment and lots of never ending love and care.

Joan cares so much about every single animal and loves them unconditionally! Great rescue with amazing animals and people!!

Been to many adoption events conducted by PPI and the animals up for adoption have always been in the best of health and treated with much love. PPI is a rescue organization second to none due to the efforts of its leader Joan Grandizio.

Joan has worked hard to have a place for the animals. I love the alpacas.

joan is the most giving and dedicated animal rescuer. i have watched PPI grow over the last 8 years. joan has expanded the facility so beautifully. she has a love for animals that is rare to find.

I worked with this wonderful rescue to get a pup back with their loving family. The pup had been adopted years ago. They were ready to drop everything to get this pup back until I found out that the owner was desperately trying to get their pup back. The owner never had the pups microchip registered in their name. Thanks to PPI, the pup got back to her family without having to wait for the stray hold to be up.

I have been to PPI many times over the years and can’t say enough about the service they provide these sweet animals. Joan and her crew of volunteers do a fantastic job

Bruce Borden

One trip to Pet Place Int.l and your heart will never be the same.. this is a wonderful, safe haven for All animals, not just dogs and cats. The dogs have lots of acreage to run and play, the cats have their own fabulous play room and the farm animals have a slice of paradise to live in. Joan puts her heart and soul in this incredible place and all of the workers are dedicated to the safety and welfare of all animals. Go visit, but don’t go empty handed: a bag of organic fruit andnthe horses will be eating out of your hand!!! This truly is heaven on earth for animals.

What a great thing everyone at Pet Place International is doing to help the animals. It's so sad that so many animals are in need of help by no choice of their own. The world can be such a scary and lonely place for them when no one's around to help. It's a pretty impressive number of animals they have already helped. You know it can't be cheap to do the things they do. It's fantastic Ron Foos and other world class musicians have helped out with the CD. I have one and my son and I listen to it all the time. I wish I could do more to help out Pet Place, such super and compassionate work they do.

It's so sad there are so many of God's creatures needing to be helped and rescued from harmful situations; but it's wonderful to have a caring organization like Pet Place International there to help them out. I feel good to be able to donate to Pet Place International...and KNOW my donated dollars are going to an honorable organization that truly cares about rescuing animals in need. You can feel the love and care they have for all animals with all the things they say and do. These are good people....VERY good people and I feel honored to be able to help in my little way with my donation. The world is certainly a much better place with the people at Pet Place International animal rescues.

I first learned about this organization through Ron Foos. He and Dennis Yost were fellow musicians and recording artists. They are also animal lovers and animal advocates.
I was so impressed with this organization that I donated a recording of Dennis' that Ron Foos produced called "Voices for the Voiceless ". All proceeds went directly to this charity.
They rescue dogs, cats, and horses. Pet Place International deserves any and all donations they receive.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Dennis (Linda) Yost

There may be a few people out there who have been blessed with the opportunity to visit PPI for a day, meet Joan and write a great review of the experience. I have known Joan for eight months, starting out doing paid remodeling work and volunteering occasionally doing fence work and cleaning stalls. Joan is a wonderful person who is passionate about animals, and loves to teach the proper care of her rescued pets and how to act around them. Being brave and strong willed, Joan has taught me how to walk with horses who are itching to take-off on a fast run as well as how to stave-off an amorous donkey. she's also not afraid to wrestle scorpions and snakes to protect her loved ones.
One day she was pulling a drag behind her truck, grading a rough field, driving like a mad-woman with me in the back; and I suggested to her that she should be selling: Joan Grandizio Action Figure dolls. As much of a "wonder woman" as she is, she does show her human side, and her little heart that breaks; sometimes the stress of future uncertainties; other times (not often) the unkind words or actions of some who mistakenly view her world through a distorted lens; but usually it's the memory of an adopted pet that was once in her care that sets-off her inner pressure release valve resulting in tears; and what beautiful tears they are.
I'm not just trying to toss sunshine in her direction. Joan and I don't always agree on how the world should be run, but this never stops us from being friends. As unpopular as this may sound, I consider PPI and all that Joan does to be a ministry; and I-God bless-her for that ministry and everyone else who supports it.

Joan Grandizio is driven by a vision. It’s the kind of dedication that survives obstacles, hardships and uncertainties of all kinds, even periods of poverty.

She is determined to create an oasis for rescue animals (dogs and horses in particular at this time), and her vision just keeps growing. Pet Place Intl. was founded in 2008, started as an animal rescue in an apartment simply by helping other rescues. Joan then moved onto 35 acres and the real rescue began for horses and dogs primarily. Eventually, she purchased property, built kennels, a cattery, and had a 12-horse barn built with an exercise arena. Pet Place International intends the use its rescue operations to develop therapeutic animals for those in need (i.e. veterans, elderly and children), and has launched The 3-M Program (Military, Mutts, and Music) – a therapeutic animal program, while continuing to rescue shelter animals.

Simply viewing some of the videos on the website (www.petplaceintl.org) of the magnificent creatures rescued is awe-inspiring, a kind of therapy for the viewer itself. If Joan had her way, inhumane treatment of any and all animals, pigs, chickens, cows, and dolphins alike, would completely be eradicated. Spending a few days with Joan Grandizio could well change your diet to completely vegan by virtue of an awakening into the cruel treatment of animals on “factory farms,” even “free range.”

All animals want to live, deserve to be treated as the sentient beings they truly are, and Pet Place International, via Joan Grandizio, has the heart and dedication to do the essential work to bring about real and necessary change.

P. G., Esq.

Such a kind, caring wonderful person in charge of this animal rescue. Due to geography I am only able to donate funds to help Joan in her mission to rescue and and place animals for adoption in suitable homes. I will certainly continue to help this very dedicated lady, she is a blessing to all animals.

I adopted my sweet pup Sable from this rescue. She was one of a litter of three born to a feral dog mamma. They took her in and socialized her, along with her siblings. This rescue remained interested in the fate of the pup they adopted out to us and have celebrated her successes at every turn.

Pet Place International is a no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the happiness, well-being and safety of discarded and abused animals. The owner of this non-profit dedicates her life to this work, and she works around the clock to make sure the animals are cared for and nurtured. I have been a donor for nearly a year, and I believe the owner runs Pet Place International efficiently and wisely. I feel that my donations are effectively used to improve the lives of the animals that reside under its care. Pet place international works hard to have the animals placed in good homes, and follows through to see how the adoption works out. I trust this organization completely!

Joan Grandizio is a wonderful person and absolutely loves animals. In fact, she is so dedicated to animal rescue that she would probably go hungry herself in order that her animals were fed and taken care of. I cannot say enough about her dedication to the rescue. Anyone who says otherwise cannot be trusted.

Pet Place International has been successfully rescuing and placing shelter and abandoned animals since 2008. Last year we launched a therapeutic animal program entitled Military, Mutts, and Music; a program wherein we train rescued shelter animals to serve as therapy animals to the community, ie.: veterans, children in need, and the elderly. We have grown exponentially every year in our endeavor to save animals in danger of being euthanized. To date we have rescued and placed over 2,000 animals into loving "forever" homes. Our rescued shelter animals and horses are currently in therapeutic training programs. Our mission is to continue to save lives and enrich and empower people in need. We have built professional kennels; erected a 12-horse barn - that houses rescued horses ; and are in the process of launching a therapeutic riding program. Next year, please keep an eye out for our Pet Place International tour bus, The Hope Mobile, which will be reaching out far and wide and traveling into many communities to help those in need with therapy animals and music programs. Each year, we expand our rescue efforts and programs, and will continue to do so until there are no more animals in kill-shelters. Please feel free to comment on our rescue or contact us with any questions - or for volunteering - at the following: www.petplaceintl.org. If you would like to leave a comment here, please provide your FULL name, so that we know you are actually familiar with our rescue group. Please note that any derogatory, disparaging, or untrue statements will be construed as slander and will be prosecuted under pertinent Federal and State law. Thank you for your gracious and on-going support, and for being a Voice for the Voiceless. Joan Grandizio, President

Pet Place International is a rescue that is in it for all the right reasons! I love the passion & commitment that they have each and every day! Their goal is saving dogs and thats what they do. This rescue is amazing and they are truly dedicated people. They truly care about the dogs and they bring them into their home as part of the family. It would be wonderful if there were more people like them in the world! They are responsible for saving our amazing little, feisty, white Chihuahua named Lucy! They rescued her from the Baldwin Park shelter and brought her home with them. They took care of her and evaluated her as far as how she did with other dogs, etc…They spend countless hours transporting the dogs to adoption events and it was at one of those events that we met our little Lucy. I went to the event with 3 other family members and Joan & Jeff were extremely kind, helpful, knowledgeable. They knew every dogs personalities, likes, dislikes, etc…which only comes from spending time and caring for each of the dogs. We were introduced to our little girl and we immediately fell for her. But being a responsible pet owner already I asked tons of questions about her and I had concerns of course, I was nervous, etc…but Joan & Jeff answered all the questions I had. We did adopt Lucy that day and I knew she had been loved by Pet Place & Joan & Jeff when we left and this little Chihuahua put her paws around Jeff (with tears in his eyes) and said their goodbyes. Well, needless to say, we LOVE Lucy and we are so extremely thankful to Pet Place for saving her for us!! Lucy and our family is a match made in heaven! I have kept in touch with Joan & Jeff and Lucy has even visited them a few times too! This is simply a great rescue with awesome people who truly care about the dogs they save!!!

A family member asked me to look into this charity, and in the process of doing so we found Kim's review. We were somewhat concerned by it, so dug a bit deeper. Kim's facebook page is easy to find, however, and it was apparent that in September and October she was quite happy with the ranch and its employees, even thanking them for helping her move to the ranch and tow her car there when it broke down.

She also enthusiastically promoted the ranch and attempted to recruit volunteers at that time. And she was clearly describing herself as the "live on site" caretaker at that rescue ranch, which seems to very much contradict her claims that there was no regular staff around. It also seems odd and misleading that she was criticizing the lack of care and cleanliness for the grounds and the animals when she was the one responsible for care-taking.

Everything else we've found about this organization has indicated that they are a trustworthy and enthusiastic rescue nonprofit.

I find it rather laughable that I am described as a disgruntled ex caretaker...I think I was the one caretaker who stayed the longest. I loved the animals at the ranch. I NEVER threatened bodily harm...not my style. As to my caretaking, I did the best I could with what was there....even Jeff Boaz said to me that this ranch was too much for one caretaker to maintain. Joan only raked the stalls once in the over 2 months I was there.....which was actually an exercise in futility as the stalls had not been raked in months and the manure was more than could be raked by hand. I was told several times that there would be a tractor coming in to remedy the situation so that the stalls could be raked everyday. As to losing a small dog, part of of the story is not told...the part where the perimeter fence had many holes the dogs could get out of and that on this particular day there was a pack of 12+ wild dogs that came right next to the ranch and caused havoc and that the small dogs kept in the cabin were let out each morning to get some air. It was not my negligence that caused the dog to be lost. I also put out word to everyone I knew to look for the little dog. I had no way to go on foot and search outside as I had duties to the other animals. Also, Jeff Boaz was NOT there every day and when he was it for little more than 10 minutes at a time. Joan only came to the ranch a couple of times during the time I was there. Joan told both the county inspector and a sheriff that I did not live there full time and I was told to say the same thing....I was never told why. I worked hard at the ranch and was told by Jeff all the time that I was doing a good job. The problem only arose when I bucked Joan's so called authority. There was a van being hidden from reposessors and there are so many things that need to be taken care of at this rescue. The 2 days before I left, things were being done, but at the cheapest way possible. They say that I should have taken this to the county if I had so many concerns....I have done more than that. This charity is supposed to care for and make adoptable the animals in their care. They fall far short in this area. Often there is not enough feed for the horses, the dogs in their care have been fed cat food for long periods of time. No one is allowed on the property even though all the animals are up for adoption. Only some dogs go to weekly adoption events. Dogs are not neutered or spade until adopted causing the high probability of pregnancy among rescue dogs. I witnessed the pregnancy of one dog in particular after she came to the rescue. The small outside stalls for the horses have gone months without being raked so that the horses are standing in several inches of manure. Horses drop weight because of inactivity and being in stalls for days at a time without exercise. Having had horses of my own as well as working for a thoroughbred ranch, I DO know that horses need daily exercise to keep muscles healthy and weight at prime. There is now no one onsite 24hours to make sure animals are cared for. One young man volunteer was seen throwing a small dog over a 6ft fence when the dog attempted to nip him. Jeff did nothing and let this young man continue to work around these animals. Owners live over a mile away on another so called rescue ranch. The grounds at the ranch look more like a junkyard than a rescue. The horses are never taken to adoption events and even their website is not kept up to date on animals they have available. There is very very little done to take care of the dog tick problem that is rampant at the kennels. Money that is donated is often used for personal items above any animal care. This charity is only concerned about money for new projects and really cares nothing for their current animals' care. Highly dishonest people. Let it be known also that I never used the names of the owners in any so called slanderous statements....I made sure not to do that.....though they felt it necessary to slander me by name to others. This review is the only time I have used their names. I am not disgruntled other than I don't see the animals getting the care they need....that makes me upset. The longtime volunteer that comes out does more with the animals than either of the owners.