Pets In Need

Let me say I DID find the most amazing kitty from this facility. But, I adopted her not knowing she had a hernia. Luckily the surgeons at PIN agreed to correct this for me, and all is well! MOST of the staff is polite and nice when it comes to finding the perfect pet for yourself.
This review is about the manager. The attitude and the condescending comments are not appreciated. I realize that PIN closes at 5 but when I need to pick my pet up from surgery and receive 0 phone calls indicating whether or not my pet is ok and the surgery is finished, I should not get a response from management saying «trust me, we won’t wait for you».
For the most part this place is great, but management needs to learn how to treat people more respectfully.

I adopted my cat, Tilly, formerly Stella, here a week ago. It was such a pleasant experience. The staff is great and very friendly, they really know about each animal and eagerly answered all my questions. Tilly is a wonderful cat and a big thank you goes out to Pets in Need! You all do a wonderful job making sure the animals go to happy and loving homes!

We had such a wonderful experience working with Pets In Need this past weekend! I called earlier in the week to inquire about the adoption process and had the pleasure of speaking with Marsa, the Adoption Manager. She asked me which dogs I was interested in and had amazing things to say about each one I mentioned, knowing the intricacies of each animal’s personality and what kind of home they would be best suited for. I was so impressed and couldn’t wait to come visit!
My boyfriend and I arrived on Saturday morning with our Chihuahua, Kilo, because the whole crew needed to meet and agree on our new family member. We were immediately impressed by the facility! There are some grimy shelters in the Bay Area, but Pets In Need is gorgeous and so clean! Marsa and a few members of her friendly staff greeted us right away. I had already completed the Matchmaker Profile (available on the website) which is required before you can be introduced to any animals, so we were able to quickly start browsing the different hallways.
Marsa got a good idea of our home life from the Matchmaker Profile, but she also asked us about the qualities we were hoping to find in our future forever friend, so she could steer us towards or away certain animals based on her knowledge of them. We compiled a list of about 4 dogs from the website that we wanted to meet, so she gradually brought out one at a time for introductions. We got down on the floor to greet each pup and allow them to sniff it out with Kilo. It was such an easy process! Some were definite no’s, a few were maybe’s, but there was one clear standout winner — «Bella» :)
«Bella» — who we now know as ZOE — is a 10 month old Yorkie Mix who is just the biggest sweetheart ever! She loves to be in laps, give gentle kisses, burrow in blankets, and basically be your shadow. The pitter-​patter of her feet follow you all over the house — it is so cute! Kilo is still warming up to the idea of having a little sister around, however I know the two will be cuddle buddies in no time. We were searching for months to find the right fit for our family, and we couldn’t be happier to have Zoe as part of our pack.
As we were completing our adoption paperwork, Marsa told us: «You know, you’re really saving the lives of two dogs today. You’re taking her home, and you’re making room for me to rescue another from being euthanized.» And that about sums up our experience. There is heart behind this organization and a true passion for animals. We feel so blessed to have Zoe as part of our pack, and grateful that another dog will have their chance at finding a future forever home too!

We had a great experience when we visited recently. We didn’t adopt on our visit, but the experience was great! We were greeted as soon as we walked in. The workers and volunteers were helpful and attentive, but not overbearing. I was impressed by how clean their facility was. After seeing another local shelter that was grungy, overcrowded with unhealthy cats it was refreshing seeing such clean surroundings. The cats and dogs look healthy and well cared for which is a huge plus. Pets in Need has an amazing staff! Personable, knowledgeable, and friendly! You can tell the staff really care about the dogs and cats housed there. We will definitely be back to adopt from this shelter… they rock!

Nicest shelter you have ever seen! We got two awesome kitties from here. Wonderful staff, nicest environment, happy animals.

REGARDING CANINE COLLEGE: Highly recommend it. We’re taking our new rescue dog, Tucker” to these classes with Pat Rhodes and all of her trainers who are totally wonderful, knowledgeable and very helpful to us dog owners. There is level of responsibility from the dog owners to not only watch after your own animals while at the training sessions but to practice with what you’ve learned on how to handle your dogs. All of these trainers are terrific and I have confidence that our Tucker will learn from these classses… but more so, me!
I really love all the trainers even though we’re only in week 2. they are terrific.

We love Pets in Need! They helped us find our precious dog, Fiona. They have the cutest dogs and cats and wonderful, helpful staff. We highly recommend this organization and will always adopt from them!!!

There’s no need, thousands have already been spent to correct your mistakes. I brought my pet to a legitimate animal hospital and mentioned I saw that your kennel staff only cleans with dawn, and they said that probably contributed to the ring worm outbreak. My family was exposed to a ring worm because of an animal from your facility.

The name of this pet shelter «Pets In Need» stands true: the pets are in NEED of a new manager.
Rarely do I ever rate an establishment so low. Usually it takes a rare experience similar to a traumatizing trip to the dentist. This IS that rare experience. But even then my dentist received 5 stars from me!
Let me begin by saying this review is based solely on the manager named Marsa (I believe her last name is Hollander). The rest of the staff that I’ve spoken to have been a pleasure (Jessica, Gina), but Marsa has been the complete opposite.
We’re from Sacramento, but it all started when I dropped my girlfriend off at her friend’s in Redwood City. They decided to take a stroll through the neighborhood and ended up finding this well kept pet shelter. We had just recently lost a German Shepherd (bad case of separation anxiety that ultimately led him to his untimely demise — RIP Ezra), so my girlfriend saw Sheba, a petite black German Shepherd mix, and instantly fell in love. She wanted to know more about little Sheba. Marsa began to ask questions about our previous dog Ezra. My girlfriend explained that we had left for a short period of time, but Ezra had managed to escape his crate which is located in a secure garage, then escaped the garage via a tiny vent hole (who would’ve known a large 90 lb pup was capable of such a thing), and escaped the backyard via digging a hole under the fence, and then was hit by an anonymous driver. Marsa had already begun to deny my girlfriend with Sheba and continued to ask her questions as if it was an interrogation –all of which in a condescending manner. By now my girlfriend is almost in tears as she was practically scolded and blamed for the death of our dog. The experience was extremely unpleasant and unprofessional.
So we’re back in Sacramento and I try calling Marsa back to try and hash things out because maybe we got off on the wrong foot somehow. I politely explain that we were training Ezra to cure his separation anxiety and that his escape was truly an extreme case. I agreed to an inspection of my house and Marsa immediately denies us again saying we’re too far from Redwood City. I explain that we’re good puppy parents and have done nothing but spoil our previous pets and provide them with a good home. She finally says she’d call her «director» and call me back the next day for the final word. I never received a callback from her.
Two weeks later we find out Sheba is still available. My last hope is to ask my friend from San Mateo to help our situation out. Alas, my friend was able to rescue Sheba on January 28, 2015. Since then Sheba has been officially transferred to me and we’ve been taking care of her in Sacramento. She went from extremely timid with her tail always between her legs to an outgoing playful and affectionate pup –I believe largely due to the fact we bring her to the dog park at least 5 times a week and spoil her with love. We couldn’t be happier that we have her!
3 months later I’m writing this review to alert any other persons looking for a pet at Pets In Need to not let Marsa get to you or put you down. Just be mindful that she’s an unprofessional and bitter individual who doesn’t have the right to judge you. I understand someone may just be trying to do their job, but in this situation you should be looking forward to finding the right home for a pet instead of aggressively seeking the next person to deny. If this is how Marsa interacts with humans, my biggest concern now is how she interacts with the poor pets at Pets In Need.

My daughter and son in law recently lost a family cat to an unexpected incident. We went in search for a new family member to relieve pain and grief. Upon entering Pets in Need, we met Helen who was a god send! She was the most amazing person in helping my daughter find her perfect match in a new member of the family. We are forever grateful to her for this!

Life is PAAWWWWW-​FECT after we adopted Hilda, she’s the sweetest dog!
I’m so happy we made the trek down to Redwood City after seeing their segment air on the weekend news. My husband actually got my attention on this cute little puppy, which unfortunately was already adopted by the time we got there. As we walked in. we saw cute adorable kittens on the right with huge googly eyes like «Puss in Boots» from Shrek. How can one ignore those faces? I wanted to take them home immediately, but mom wanted a doggie. On the left, there were so many dogs to choose from. They started barking almost to say «pick me, pick me».
There were three ladies at the counter advising the kids not to roam around and follow the leader, so we did just that. It was almost closing time, and Helen Greve agreed to stay, as the others left and Helen took us on a tour.
This place is literally a maze, and they keep it spotless. One door led to some hyper chihuahuas, the next door opened up to puppies, and the next room had yorkies. Helen matched up my mom with Hilda (chihuahua mix) and explained how mellow she is, and the both of them would be happy together. I realized the kids seem to be more excited than my mom, and Helen reiterated if the kids took Hilda home, they’d never give her back. Helen was right, Hilda has been in our home ever since and only visits my mom periodically like the kids. Guess who’s bathing, feeding, and taking the dog out? ME, the sucker!
Hilda has won everyone over, and we love having her as a new addition to our family. She goes everywhere with us; she loves to joy ride in the van. I highly recommend getting a pet here to add to your family. Helen was thorough with all the paperwork and ensured we received all shot records. The adoption fee was waived and a donation was requested. My mother donated to this wonderful place and the rest is history.

This place I would totally recommend. The staff is so warm and kind not only to the potential adoptees but to all the animals. I am so happy with my little kitten andi definitely see myself adopting a little friend for my cupcake soon!

Very strange lady in charge. Shes not a person I’d want in charge of needy pets. Heartbreaking for the animals.

My daughter and I stopped in to sign up as volunteers. The facility was so nice! I’ve never seen a cleaner shelter. The people working there were very nice. My daughter got hooked on a young cat. I wanted to take them all home but I do not want to become the crazy cat lady. When I heard adoption fees were waived in December I negotiated a Christmas deal with my daughter and we went home with a cute fuzzy little guy. This place is a great organization.

My girlfriend, a friend, and I came in here about 3 weeks ago to just CHECK OUT the types of kittens they have available, notice how much I emphasized «CHECK OUT». Helen greeted us with a warm welcome and smile and brought us to see all the beautiful and adorable kittens. My girlfriend caught eye of this three legged siamese kitten named Achilles. Helen stayed with us and watched us play with Achilles and told us everything we needed to know about him. I kept telling myself, «We just came in to look.» but this adorable Achilles just seemed perfect for us. The adoption process was easy and thorough, Helen was really sweet throughout the whole process and I probably wouldn’t have adopted a kitten if it wasn’t for her.

My husband and I went to Pets in Need to see about adding another memeber to our family. We wanted a «sister or brother» for our 3.5 year old chocolate lab, Bosco.
First, let me tell you a little about us. We LOVE animals, all animals. Our chocolate lab is not just a pet, he is one of our kids (we have three human kids :))
Bosco probably has the best life of many animals. We feed his the best food, walk him, play with him, vacinate him, spent thousands of dollars on two ACL surgeries on his back knees, he sleeps on our bed… basically he owns us, so you get the point! Most importantly, we love him.
The first staff member we met was very kind and told us what the shelter was all about (no kill policy, green architecture, runs on donations, etc)
We wandered around the halls and saw a pet we wanted to meet, Maya a female lab mix (which after two weeks is still there I noticed on their website…)
The so called adoption manager (Beth) and her minion (with black sharp pointy nails) were so incrediby rude. Beth desperatly needs to brush up on her social skills.
They asked if we had filled out the paper work. We said no — then we were on our way to an experience that ultimatley ended up with me crying all the way home…
The questions on the adoption form were pretty basic. But they went through our answers with a fine tooth comb and everything we answered seemed to be scutinized to a T.
If we said our dog (or future dog for that matter) would sleep inside, they questioned if the pet our have access to the outside in the night. Duh, YES. Of course if a pet needs to go out in the middle of the night we would let him out.
If we said we walked our dog, they wanted to know how much.
If we said we would leave our dog alone for more than six hours, they wanted a neighbor to go and check on it… My husband and I work opposite schedules, so this wasn’t even an issue BUT they made it an issue.
We have a fully fenced front and back yard, and it wasn’t good enough. They wanted it to be 6 feet instead of 4 feet. On and on…
It was an hour of torture and made us feel like we were the most horrible possible apotive parents on the Peninsula.
If you go there, plan on getting the third degree on all your answers.
We 100% agree with Pets In Need wanting their pets to be placed with the perfect family. But, this perfect family was treated like crap, made to feel like crap and ulitmalty Pets in Need in Redwood City lost out on us!

When I lived there my name was Rosie. But my forever mom came to get me she named me Sweetie Knecht. I couldn’t be happier now my mommy is my person! I been here 10 months now and I couldn’t be happier ! I love her and she loves me and my sister!!!

I adopted my baby here about 6 months ago. The adoption process was so quick and you can tell the staff want all of their animals to go to a deserving home. I love this place! They definitely have the best interest in mind in terms of their animals!

I had my first experience here as a professional kitty cuddler. Y’know Spending time with cats getting them to open up an feel good about life. They also have dogs here which I got to play with and make feel good too. They were very friendly. I dig how clean this place is. They have guinea pigs too. Y’know LUke loves guinea pigs. They even had a cat that thought he was an owl. They really appreciate there volunteers here.

Our first experience with Pets in need was not a pleasant one (I drove home with wife and 2 kids crying)
But I must give them the credit that they reached out to me when they got a dog that fits our family
So I assume they are doing a good job finding the right home for for dogs but next time try to be more human friendly with the families
Thanks for finding us our 5^th member of the family !!!
We are all very excited !!!