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August 2022 by Matt Reid
I visited this place during their normal hours of operation, walked around the grounds, and about 10 minutes into my visit, a woman with an angry tone asked me what I was doing there and told me to leave. I told her I was getting a sense of the place and wanted to learn more about burial options for a cat. She said they weren't taking anymore burials as they were "full", though their website suggests otherwise. I feel discriminated against, though I wouldn't want to burry my beloved companion in such an unwelcoming place.
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December 2020 by Kristen Scribner
Kind, detailed, and patient through every step of the adoption process!
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September 2020 by Jamie Warren
Francisvale is such an incredible shelter! We were looking at a kitten online and after some very kind phone calls & emails we came into the center to meet him. It is very clear that the animals are extremely well cared for and the staff loves them. In particular, Cristina and Dorothy were so kind and helpful throughout the whole process. We adopted our kitten, and they were so excited to see him go to his forever home. A few days after the adoption I was hoping to get some advice regarding making sure he felt completely comfortable and at home and both Cristina and Dorothy were quick on the phone with me with some incredible advice and ways to ensure he became acclimated quickly. They also followed up a few days later to confirm that things were going well. I have never had an experience so comfortable and kind, and it is so clear that this place is not about just getting animals to a home, but pairing animals to the correct family and lifestyle. I could go on and on, but you just have to go in and experience it for yourself. You will not be disappointed.Just a warning they do not do same day adoptions. Though, any animal lover would know that this is a sign of an extremely reputable shelter, as it gives families the opportunity to consider hard if a pet would fit comfortably into their life. Same day adoptions lead to much higher rates of animals placed back in shelters due to decision making based on emotions.
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January 2020 by Paula Deaun Jackson
These people are absolutely heavenly angels on earth! They are responsive to the needs of pet lovers, parents and rescuers!
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November 2019 by A. LEE
I arrived during the posted open hours of operation on their website. When I asked to see the cat of interest they told me I could not. They said I needed to fill out an adoption form first, and only then they would schedule an appointment for me to meet the cat of interest. Why would I apply for an animal I can't even meet in person? This was a total waste of my day.
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November 2019 by Charles T. Joyce
An amazing, caring, and enthusiastic staff.
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October 2019 by Rose Rothamel
I saw the dog that stole my heart on their website. I called to inquire and found out there were no applications out on him and they were trying to keep him and another dog together, which I would have done. I hadn't heard back in over a reach and called and sent 1 email following-up and got a very short and rude reply from a Dorothy. She said the the dog I wanted had several applications out on him and they were trying to find the perfect fit. Understandable, but how can you determine a perfect fit without seeing all of the candidates who are interested?? I didn't get to meet the dog, or the facility in person. Very very discouraging. I felt like a never had a chance and I believe there is some sort of favoritism involved. I wouldn't bother get your hopes up with this place.
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October 2019 by Brad Bates, VMD
Lovely people and lovely place. You could tell they really aim to do a great job. They have a Veterinary behaviorist intern that helps them with any pet with behavioral issues which really helps them to be able to place the animals and continue to support those who have adopted from them. I think that really helps them stay no kill. The behaviorist is trained at Penn by one of the best behaviorists in the area (Dr Siracusa) so they really do provide a great service helping pets in all situations. Everyone who has rescued pets know that sometimes their previous lives cause quite a bit of mental anguish that can manifest in chronic behavioral difficulties.
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October 2019 by Heather Baker
I walked through he overgrown, dilapidated pet cemetery. Stones are toppled over, damaged, or just missing. While I understand the cemetery is on a hill (more or less) , many of the stones at the bottom are covered in weeds and inscriptions are covered up. It's disrespectful to have a large, historic pet cemetery with significant burials, and then treat it as an afterthought.
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July 2019 by Barb Devenny
We adopted our dog Artie from Francisvale in November. He is such a sweet, lovable chill dog. He's brought much joy to our family.
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January 2019 by Tom Szczygiel
One of the best if not the best non kill shelter in the area. Awesome mission, great facilities and a wonderful staff. All the animals are very well taken care of the place is clean ! If you are looking to adopt, and you should, you should definitely give them a call.
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December 2018 by Liz Hagan
Best place ever, I adopted my Chihuahua puppy from them in June 2017
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December 2018 by Jessica Pacini
This shelter helps animals finds safe and loving homes!
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September 2018 by Mike W.
Francisvale might be an OK place to adopt a pet, but I advise you to NOT volunteer there. The director is abusive to volunteers and neurotic. My wife and I volunteered there for 8 years and got hassled constantly by that jerk over imagined rule violations. The last straw was her screaming at my wife, and we were never able to clearly determine why. We asked and never got an answer. Of course, the director didn't apologize either. So my wife quit. I complained to the board, who did nothing. Other volunteers and employees have quit because of the director too. And don't donate there either. They've got millions, and that doesn't count the value of the property. I've seen their financial statements. They don't need money. I suggest volunteering with and donating to Kitty Cottage in Norristown or Forgotten Cats in Willow Grove, two great organizations that are run by nice people.
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June 2018 by Susan Veasey
We recently adopted our new fur-baby from Francisvale Home and cannot say enough about how wonderful the staff was and how lucky we are to have our newest family member. Thanks for all you do for the animals!