Went to Pets Alive today with the intention of starting the adoption process for a cat, provided that that everything aligned and it seemed that I would be a good fit for the cat. One of the staff members was extremely rude, treating me like a young child and informing me several times that they are "not a petting zoo." I informed her that I had full intention to purchase a cat and asked her pointedly if she was refusing my application. She informed me that she was not refusing my application but made it clear that she did not think that I would be a responsible pet owner and that she did not "recommend" that I get a cat. After reading many reviews I feel grateful that I did not adopt from them due to the many health issues that previous adopters have seen in new pets from Pets Alive. The staff at the Humane society were much more welcoming, professional, and informative - go to them and avoid Pets Alive.
We Adopted "Queenie" on Oct 1. She was shipped from Lousiana to Pets' alive. She is a senior dog. When we met her we were told that she was perfectly healthy and "just sneezed" when she was out sniffing grass. We decided to adopt her. On the way home I noticed she had very bad breath and was sneezing continuously. Shortly after getting her home we brought her to our vet who put her on meds. After a second trip back to the vet the vet found an oronasal fistula. Apparently her dental and extractions done in Louisana resulted in a hole that went from her canine into her nasal passage. With this problem she was shipped to NY to Pets Alive. Who then adopted her out, with this major infection, to us. They never health checked her upon being brought into their rescue. I did contact them several times and spoke to their Liaison person. No one has yet to take accountability for the mishandling of this senior dog. No one has offered to incur the vet bill for the specialist she now has to see, no one has offered to pay for the meds, or the vet visits. What was done to her is inhumane..and us being told she had no issues, that she was perfectly healthy? This whole situation is totally unfair to Queenie and to us. I think the rescue needs to do right by her and us. Plus it is against humane laws to adopt out/sell a dog like this. I am very disappointed in the way we have all been treated. Sincerely, Liza Lambertini
I want to take a moment to acknowledge how amazing Pets Alive in Middletown, NY is. The staff is amazing, the facility is properly and well cared for and I’ve received all proper paperwork concerning my fur baby that makes me feel comfortable in moving forward with the proper care for him.
I attempted to adopt a dog from Pets Alive in Middletown, New York. They turned me down because I had to give up a dog due to selling my house and no apt complex would allow me to bring him because he was a PitBull. I loved my dog and took very good care of him. He never missed a Vet appt and was up to date with his shots. He was prone to ear infections. I always cleaned his ears and gave him his meds.
Pets Alive rather have you go to a puppy mill then adopt a dog. I see why there are so many dogs in shelters. This dog missed out on a happy and healthy loving family due to Pets Alive.
I am now forced to buy a dog from a puppy mill.
I began as a volunteer for Pets Alive located in Middletown, NY approximately 8 years ago. One of my friends who was a volunteer there also came to me and told me about this beautiful Rottweiler that was tied to a street sign and was emaciated. His name was Mikey. I was introduced to Mikey and feel in love. This poor sweet boy was so very thin and wanted nothing more than to be loved.
With great concern about his weight, I immediately went to the supermarket and bought chicken, chop meat, liver and rice. When I got home I immediately started to cook for Mickey and with warm food in hand rushed back up to Pets Alive to feed Mikey. Mikey started to flourish and put weight back on.
Unfortunately Mikey had a set back and we found that he was bleeding from his nose. That night 3 of us volunteers stayed up with Mikey at the Sanctuary to make sure he would be ok. Fortunately I was single and able to stay the next night with him also. After some discussions with a few of the volunteers we decided we would foster Mikey at my house so that someone could be with him. Keys were given to 2 of the other volunteers so that Mikey could be checked on throughout the day while I went to work.
Mikey began to improve and put on more weight. He went from an emaciated 53 lbs to a healthy 84 lbs. We were all thrilled to see such an improvement in him. Soon after it was decided that the 3 of us would adopt Mikey and he would stay with me with an occasional overnight stay with one of the other volunteers.
We took Mikey to the vet to have a complete physical and we received a horrible blow. Mikey had cancer in both of his kidneys and would not be with us for long. We brought him home and gave him the love that he so deserved. Mikey thrived on the attention he received from us but that unfortunately did not last for long.
Mikey couldn't get up one day and would not eat or drink water. We knew that he was trying to tell us that it was time. The 3 of us loaded Mikey into our car and proceeded to take him to the vet. The vet agreed with us that Mikey was tired and we were doing the right thing by him. Letting him go was so devastating. Before Mikey took his last breath I whispered in his ear and promised him that I would turn Mikey's Pad into a room for senior/hospice dogs that needed to be loved and have the care they so deserved. Since his passing, Mikey's Pad has been a home to 4 additional senior/hospice dogs from Pets Alive who lived out there days in happiness and love.
I am thankful to Pets Alive for allowing me to care for these wonderful dogs and give them the love they so deserved.
Review from #MyGivingStory
To begin with, let me state that I am extremely fortunate: however, retiring from 30+ years as a high school English teacher who was also an empty nester left a gaping hole in my world. I tried to fill it with shopping, long weekends with a group of friends and more shopping. To say the least, that lifestyle just wasn't for me. I started to volunteer at my local humane society; this was an almost fit! I loved working with the dogs, but something still wasn't right. I then heard that a renowned dog trainer, Pat Whitacre, was working at Pets Alive, one the New York's oldest no kill sanctuaries. I decided to sign on with Pets Alive and Pat. He became my mentor and the dogs, my inspiration. After working closely with him six days a week for about five months, I stood in the middle of the kennels crying: Pat had suddenly died the night before. I couldn't just stop because he wasn't there: this was my fit. Two weeks later, the director called me to her office: This was not usually a good summons. She asked me to take over as lead trainer. I accepted the position with one caveat: I would not accept a paycheck. Because of her faith in me, I enrolled in internships with well know animal rescue organizations. This was about 3 years ago, and since then I've become certified, giving me a solid foundation based in science instead of 'gut' instincts. I was allowed to create an Adoptability Team, a group of dedicated volunteers who work with the dogs who have difficulty finding their forever homes because of behavior issues. Fear of strangers, food guarding, pulling on leash, jumping'you name we rehabilitate it. Each dog is treated as an individual. All training is done on the dog's timeline, and sometimes it can take weeks for an abused dog to trust. We at Pets Alive never use anything but positive training techniques. Because of this dedicated group, we've been able to find homes for about 1/3 of our dogs each and every year. Their adoptions are bittersweet (saying goodbye yet knowing they'd be sleeping in a home), Mrs. Zarrita, Sherman, Mystic, Bruno, Ginger, Sophia, Minnie, Lucky, Tucker and many, many more are snuggling with their families right now. For every dog we adopt out, we can save another. If a dog cannot be safely adopted out, that dog will always find a safe home with us'a home with plenty of love.
Review from #MyGivingStory
Ivan I had volunteered at Pets Alive on Marbach. Noticed a cat that had been fostered and returned. This guy really stole my heart. Adopted him brought him home and right away he had everyone in love. He was so loving and laid his head on my lap,slept with me. He had few teeth so needed soft food..tuna was his favorite. He had me trained, I knew when he needed water or food was very particular about his litter box so I was basically his pet. I loved this guy so much. From the strutting around with his bowtie to him constantly wanted me rubbing his head and back. I had taken him to the vet because of intense drooling he was to sick and had to be put to sleep.....the hardest decision to make. Pets Alive gave me the best 8months of joy. I miss him every day but I know that he was happy. Adopting is a love I will never forget or regret.
Review from #MyGivingStory
This is a completely corrupt organization with overpaid,incompetent management, and an even more clueless board of directors. The attorney general's office is currently inquiring about fraud and other wrong doings. DO NOT DONATE
Review from Guidestar
This organization truly cares about every animal that they take into their care. Prior to the new management, things at the sanctuary were not great - the founder's health was failing and she was not making good decisions. When new management stepped in, and with the help of Best Friends Animal Society, they turned the facility around. Now animals receive the care, love and support that they need.
Review from Guidestar