Northeast Animal Shelter

 

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Brandon H.

Salem, MA

I am amazed and rather stunned to read that some of the reviewers found their experience as negative.  I have adopted 2 WONDERFUL cats at NEAS and have been visiting the shelter regularly for over 6 years now and I have NEVER, EVER been treated poorly in any way.  In fact, I have always received a smile from every person there - staff or volunteer.   The folks there are incredible hard-working people who clearly care about each and every animal in their charge.   They are tireless in helping animals all over the country through their Puppies Across America  Program as well as saving dogs from Puerto Rico with their SATO Program.   The NEAS has just moved to their new location on Highland Ave. and the place is awesome!   I am guessing it is about 10 times larger now!   I am more than happy to support them in any way I can - including being a volunteer.   I really hope that people looking for a great animal and a good experience will visit NEAS soon.

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10

37

Andrea M.

Lynn, MA

Update!

We recently adopted another dog from here. She is a SATO -- go to www.saveasato.org to read about the amazing rescues of these animals. She's half Chihuahua and half Daschund.

Honestly, I didn't think I could ever have another dog as great as my dog Sydney who passed away last year. We also got her here byt he way. But, this little angel is amazing. She's so well behaved and affectionate. We coudln't be happier. She LOVES people and other animals, even my cat! I swear you can't get pets this good at a pet store. This shelter won't steer you wrong. If a dog shows the slightest signs of a behavioral problem they will really spell it out for you so that you know what you're getting yourself into. The staff here is so responsible. If you have another dog, expect to bring it in so it can meet the other pet you'd like to adopt.

They're moving to a new location soon. Same street, close to where it is now, but it looks like they're going to have more space.

If you're looking to adopt, go here first. Stay away from mall pet stores and pet farmers.

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1

Bill n.

Lynn, MA

The facility itself is amazing however the staff was not very helpful. Also  the "fee structure" varies in large part on how the staff member views you. While they make you sign documents saying you are not "buying the animal" and that ALL DONATIONS are voluntary, the amount you actually HAVE to pay varies. For three kittens I was charged 450.00.  Yet when you call - they tell you "its usually 35.00 per kitten , but it depends on their age." OK fair enough - I called back and asked the most anyone gets charged and was told  95.000 to 100.00.

When I explained who I was and asked for a clarification I was told  "well you got them earlier in the season". Animals are not fruit. And I got them two weeks ago. That Justifies a 50% markup on this?

 I understand the shelter needs money, and Im extremely happy to have these three lovely animals in my home, but it seems to me that I got scammed a bit here to help pay for a very expensive new building. Be VERY wary when using this facility.

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3

7

Siri Detva Kaur k.

Millis, MA

I adopted my dog from here in October after a 3 month search. I decided to go through this shelter because I wanted a dog that really needed a home, not a fancy breed.  I had never heard of a Sato program, and was so impressed by the work that the employees do. I worked for a vet for a short time in my early 20's and have a bit of insight into how hard the work they do is.
The dogs from the Sato program are so beautiful. When you hear Puerto Rican street dog, you may think scruffy, as I did and was wrong.
The tricky thing is that dogs become available every day, and while their website is well constructed and very helpful, you really need to go there and see the dogs.
The interview process is intense, but it was only to make sure my dog would be well cared for.

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Elite '08

49

114

Dachary C.

Cambridge, MA

I have to give this place at least two stars, because I strongly believe in the mission of shelters and rescues... but that's all. The staff at this facility were not helpful, and at times, downright rude. They failed to provide all the pertinent information about the dog we were looking at until we physically went into the shelter, at which point they wouldn't even let us take the dog out of its very-cramped cage for a visit. When we entered the shelter, the dogs were in crate-sized cages - not kennel runs. There were a few kennel runs outside, but they were all empty. It's a very small facility on the backside of a veterinarian's office, and its staff and facility seem to be very unprofessional - it has a very thrown-together look.

Ultimately, I'm sure the rudeness was just because they were concerned about placing their dogs with the right homes. I know that in the shelter business, you often encounter unsuitable adopters. However, it's possible (as other shelters have proven to me) to be pleasant to potential adopters while you discover information about the household to determine if the family and dog are a good match, and this shelter definitely needs a brush-up on the people skills. I would have thought that perhaps it was a fluke or that the staff member who helped us was just having a bad day, until speaking with two other people about it who, as it turned out, both had bad experiences there.

I fully support the shelter scene, but be prepared for surly staff and an unpleasant adoption interview when you visit this shelter (if they even bother to interview you - they might just take one look at you and tell you that the dog won't work with your lifestyle, without even bothering to find out about your household.) There are definitely more pleasant shelter experiences to be had in the Boston area. I really wish this shelter would invest in helping to build the staff's 'people skills' so that people here wouldn't come away with such a negative impression. The only ones suffering for it are the animals who miss out on great potential homes, and that's just a shame.

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12

36

Matthew S.

Danvers, MA

I agree with Dachary C., the staff was quite rude (aside from one person).  We have adopted 2 dogs from this shelter.  The first time we adopted we had to go visit the dog 3-4 times before we could take him home.   Once he was settled in (about 2 years later) we decided to get another dog.  We figured it would be easier this time since we have already proven ourselves as good "parents"; I was wrong...it was harder!!!  We had to bring our dog in 3-4 times to visit with the new dog and the people there kept questioning use about the care of our current dog because the hair around his eyes was thin (saying it was some sort of Mange) even though we provided his vet record (from the vet upstairs) from 2 week previous that he had a clean bill of health.

I can understand they care where these pets are placed, but you do not harass good people who have adopted 3 pets in the past (all with stellar vet records) with idiotic trials and questions that have already been answered 2-3 times.

I can't be mad at NEAS, they have helped me to find my "Pals" and I thank them for that; it just shouldn't be so hard.

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2

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Elizabeth T.

South Hamilton, MA

This is a first-class shelter, providing care and adoption services for dogs and cats rescued locally or brought in from other states through the Puppies Across America program or Puerto Rico through the Sato Rescue program.  Animals are kept here until adopted -- it's a no-kill shelter.  

Prospective adopters need references, and should be prepared to show they can provide an adequate home for their new pets. (This includes proof of home ownership or a lease that states pets are allowed.)  All members of the household will need to meet the new pet before the adoption.  If you have any questions about the adoption process, the shelter website is great and the staff is very helpful.  

The shelter is small and new pets go quickly, so you may need to make a few visits before you find the right pet for you.  The shelter staff will make sure you understand your new responsibilities, and they'll check up on you later to make sure all is well.

I adopted a dog from the shelter last fall.  She's a Sato, a street dog rescued from Puerto Rico, which has a serious problem with stray dogs.  I was happy with the way the whole process was handled, and with my cheerful little dog, Nina!

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1

Gail B.

Danvers, MA

Here's the problem with allowing just anyone to adopt a pet. What does the shelter do when a) the animal who has more than likely been rescued from abuse, ends up no better off at a new home or b) the animal ends up sick from neglect or worse, death. I am gratful knowing that the shelter cares enough about these animals they are placing to make sure they live happy and healthy lives.  These animals can't take care of themselves or "run away from home" like kids and adults . I would  think and hope people who care enough about animals would be happy to be checked out. The animls need homes with people who will take better care of them than they would themselves.

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