San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter

Horrible people that work there. I have made a donation, but they are very rude. Watch out for the dog catcher with binoculars who have personal power issues they use when trolling the parks. I have seen them abuse people. All the dog catchers have serious problems. Peggy, who runs the place has been the most rude person. She is very unhappy and takes her personal problems out on you when you go in to get tags updated. They need a new staff across the board asap.

Try to avoid the «supervisor» Jen here. I have never met someone so rude in my entire life. She was also not very gentle with the animals which is very concerning, seeing as she works with them. Everyone else was decent. Go to the shelter in mission viejo instead.

I lost my dog saturday afternoon. And was frantically searching for him everywhere every second i had free
work id be posting pictures etc on local groups online in hopes that while i was at work someone would see him. I called the shelter several times and they kept saying «my dog had not come in, but if hes chipped we’ll call you asap»
Now, he’s been at the shelter for who knows how long. I got no call to let me know he was there. 5 years ago he ran away and the shelter had him for a total of 6 days. They neutered him, chipped him, vaccinated him, re named him and put him up for adoption. Which i had to pay for it all when i got him back. Now, i walk in there today and they say that «there is no chip to be found anywhere on his body» yet the paperwork they were trying for me not to see clearly said he had an owner AND IT WAS HIGHLIGHTED! The woman then proceeded with «we’re sorry we didn’t call you» and all i kept hearing were excuse after excuse. «It’s not the same breed, the way you described him didn’t match any dogs we have here, he had no chip» blah blah blah. BUT if i recall correctly, the day i picked him up i had to take all of his paperwork and everything stating his breed, his physical appearance, date of vaccinations and all so «it could be put in the system». So now, is it my fault and did i really have to pay $ 90 to get him back? I think the shelter should have better faculty and more organization with the animals they take in. But nevertheless, I’m greatful he was there instead of the streets.

I recommend not coming here. This morning I found a cat and came here so it could hopefully find its owner. However because I’m from out of town and did not know an exact address and couldn’t come up with one fast enough, they took me outside and gave me a lecture about abandoning a pet. I ended up taking the cat to another shelter that doesn’t harass someone when they are trying to do the right thing.

Adopted my sweet boy here & we’ve been inseparable for the last 8 years. The place is small and volunteers may sometimes be a little hostile, but coming in was the best decision I ever made.
We went one day just opening our hearts to the thought of a new puppy after the loss of our last, and I saw the sweetest face of a little puppy and absolutely fell in love. One of the women worked with us and it was hard to leave at the end of the day. Our application was in and we waited patiently, then finally got the call that we were the lucky family welcoming in a puppy! Thankful for this place or I wouldn’t have the joy that Oliver brings into my life.

We came in looking for a cat. Tons of volunteers but sadly, they seemed way more interested in socializing with the other volunteers and employees rather than finding loving homes for the animals.
We walked in and were totally ignored while the older volunteer ladies discussed their hopeful love lives. After having to break up their conversation to inquire about the cats we were directed to the cat room.
In the cat room we were told we had to fill out an application and go through a screening process b4 we could even interact with the cats/​kittens. We were also advised that the adult cats (about 4 – 5 total) were «difficult» and that a new litter of kittens would be available about 4 days later.
We returned 5 days later and were excited to meet the kittens. We were quickly shuffled to the front desk (which again was occupied by a bunch of gossipy women and a very abrasive, aggressive female animal control officer) to fill out another application.
After supposedly passing their «screening» we were advised that we could only interact with ½ of the kittens and that we could not interact with kittens who had a «application“already in place. Since there were 9 kittens that arrived just the day b4 — we could only interact w/​3 of them.
The volunteer that escorted us into the cat room advised that we should put in a application on at least 2 kittens to improve our chances. 2 of the 3 kittens were bonded and the volunteer kept suggesting we adopt them both. We took that as a hopeful sign that perhaps they actually liked and approved of us.
After our interaction we returned to the front desk and again had to interrupt the ladies social hour. I asked the animal control lady a simple question «how does the adoption process work?» She rolled her eyes, clearly bothered by my interruption and said «WELL!!! First of all they need to be spayed/​neutered — than we need to do a home visit, verify everything on your application and everyone in your household needs to come in to interact with the kitten…» I explained that my elderly mother was a shut-​in and could not come interact. She just shrugged as if to say «so sad, too bad». I knew at this point that it was not going to happen.
We followed their protocol to a «T» — own a home, somebody is always home, perfect environment for any pet… yet they scrutinized us as if we were trying to adopt a human baby!
Ummm…pretty sure there is no lack of stray animals that need a loving home. With their hyper-​vigilance and rude condescending attitudes I question the shelter’s motives as they truly seem to find any little excuse to prevent a pet from being adopted. Here’s a thought… adopt out all the animals and who is out of a job and a social life??? Anyone who jumps through all their ridiculous hoops would most certainly provide a home that any stray pet would thrive in. POLITICS MUCH? :-(

Now I finally understand all of the negative reviews below. What a frustrating, heartbreaking and disappointing experience! This review is lengthy only because this process was also lengthy and grueling, and I want to save others the trouble that I went through!
My boyfriend and I saw two adorable female puppies pop up on the shelter website, and immediately went to visit them the day after they arrived. They were still on a 10 day hold due to being on a round of antibiotics, so we could only interact with them through the kennels. But to us it didn’t matter, we just wanted to see them and fill out our application as soon as possible!
We absolutely fell in love, and filled out the application with high hopes. We have a front yard, back yard and live one block from the beach. Even better– we both work 1 mile from home, and both of our offices are dog friendly. We assumed that we would be top candidates!
The volunteer at the front desk let us know that they do not pick the applicants on a first come first serve basis, which is totally understandable. But she told us the more we come in to visit and call in, the better chances we would have. She told us to follow up as much as possible and show that we’re truly interested. So of course I listened to her! I called almost every day and came to visit the puppies 3 times during the 10 day period.
I should have known that we were doomed from the start after encountering one of the rudest old ladies I’ve ever met on my second visit to the shelter. One of the reviews below hit the nail on the head– she made me feel like I was wasting her time AND my own. She gave me no helpful information regarding the puppies’ status, was cold and standoffish. At this point it was quite apparent that these employees do NOT keep track of who calls in and visits the most. They never once wrote down notes on my application when I came to visit, and I’m sure they didn’t make any notes all of the times I called in as well. Why would you tell a hopeful adopter to call in and visit as much as possible if you’re not even tracking it???
February 17^th was the day that the puppies were released from their 10 day hold. I was so excited and called in right when the shelter opened. Once again, I spoke with a very rude volunteer who told me that interaction time is on a first come, first serve basis and there’s no guarantee of how long you will get. That’s funny, because another volunteer told me the complete opposite during our first visit. She told me that you can schedule a time and get about 15 – 30 minutes of play time?!
It was heartbreaking to get the email on February 18^th that both puppies had already been adopted after all of that time and energy, and more importantly after completely falling in love. After I got the email, I called in to just to be certain there wasn’t even a small chance we could still be in the running. Another lackluster volunteer told me this (and I quote) «I do apologize, but two perfect families came in on the first day that we received these puppies and we already had our minds made up. It was a special circumstance.»
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? #1 why would you ever say that to someone? #2 if your staff truly knew that those two families were perfect for the puppies, then why let so many other potential adopters get their hopes up?!
Although this shelter is very clean and seems to take good care of their animals, it is run HORRIBLY! They need to reevaluate who they hire as volunteers, how they handle their application process, and re-​train all staff on the correct information that should be given to potential adopters. I’m sure those two families will provide amazing, loving homes for the puppies. But that doesn’t mean several other applicants wouldn’t do the same as well, including us.
Needless to say, I will NEVER return to this shelter. And I hope for the sake of the animals and the adopters that they change for the better in the future.

As a volunteer, I can say that if you are looking for a new pet (dog, cat or bunny) to add to your family, come to the San Clemente — Dana Point Animal Shelter. The staff and the volunteers really care about the animals and finding a loving home for each one.
The dog trainer works with both the volunteers and the dogs to help the dogs learn «proper manners.» Some dogs even learn tricks and how to seek and find certain scents (a fun game for dogs). The dogs are walked twice a day. Dogs go home with all their shots, a physical exam, a microchip and some food to help you transition to your food of choice. If you have questions after the adoption, no problem, the trainer is eager to assist.
Being a volunteer at the San Clemente — Dana Point Animal Shelter is a rewarding and heartwarming experience. I’ve been a volunteer dog walker since 2006 and don’t plan on stopping. Nothing puts a bigger smile on a volunteer’s face than when one of our animals finds his or her «forever home.» I love getting the emails that tell us one of our guys has found a new home and the attached photos with the new family tell it all, everyone looks so happy
Because there is no «time limit» on how long the shelter keeps an animal until it finds his or her forever home, the shelter takes extra time and care to help ensure that the animal and new family (including kids and other animals already in the home) are a compatible match. It’s worth the extra effort and time.
In addition to the dogs, cats are pampered with special attention every day and the bunnies are taken out to a yard so they can hop around. Every animal at the shelter is treated with love and respect.
If you aren’t looking for a new pet, think about volunteering at the shelter, it is a fantastic experience.

Thank you San Clemente animal shelter for making our family complete! Your animals are so loved and your fees are so reasonable, we truly felt inclined to make an additional donation seeing how much you love the animals! And it was also inspiring to see what lengths you go to to get each animal into the right home the first time. On one of our visits a young lady had to bring her animal back to the shelter… Just seeing her heartbreak and tears made us realize that your adoption process is truly not only for the best for the animal but more so for the owner.
For the longest time my daughter wanted a dog and we were very reluctant as a family because we know the work that is involved with owning a dog as we grew up with dogs but we had never owned a dog as a family ourselves. Much less a puppy, like we got from San Clemente Animal Shelter!
San Clemente animal shelter not only exceeded our expectations but provided wonderful guidance and reassurance throughout the entire process. I truly appreciate their slow and steady method where they have the family come and meet the dog and vice a versa the dog getting to meet the family multiple times. This made a huge difference in our lives. The getting acquainted process helped us realize there were some dogs that would be great for our family and others that would not. Although my children were chomping at the bit to get our puppy home it provided a practical time for us to get ourselves ready for the new responsibility we would be embarking on.
Our puppy Charlie was part of their third chance rescue, so we had to wait an extra bit of time. Due to fact that the San Clemente Animal Shelter is very cautious and their foremost concern is the animal’s health they make a wonderful decision to ensure that our puppy and the others did not have kennel cough through antibiotics and a brief quarantine.
We had a wonderful transition from the shelter to our home with the help of one of San Clemente’s wonderful trainers, Esther. Although we hired her as an independent trainer aside from the shelter experience for a pre-​puppy home evaluation (she helped us figure out where to keep puppy crated and pointed out areas in our yard that may be possible digging or rock eating temptations for puppy! Also advised we really consider removing our favorite rugs for a brief time during potty training the puppy. Which we had not realized how right she was after accident number one came the rugs!) We also hired Esther for post adoption puppy training. I should note there is no pressure or even requirement to have those two separate trainings occur, but for our family it made a huge difference getting ready to bring Charlie home. We were better prepared and had more realistic expectations of what puppy training would entail.
Not only what I recommend San Clemente animal shelter to anybody looking to adopt, but I would also encourage families to be patient with San Clemente animal shelters process they know what they’re doing and are really good at it. They have a staff who loves animals more than I could even imagine. I appreciate them being in our community and placing new members and families every day.

I was a volunteer at the shelter for a few months and I completely understand all of the poor reviews here. Coming in to this shelter was a truly embarrassing experience for me, both in terms of watching the shelter board members and dog meet and greeters interact with visitors, as well as how I was treated by those people as well.
The women here have a very rigid idea of the «perfect» adopter. You must be wealthy enough to not need to work, or work from home so your dog is never left alone. If you do not fit this, along with some other criteria, you will be treated like trash depending on who is conducting your interview, and probably not be granted an adoption. It is extremely unfortunate for the San Clemente community, especially given that this is city-​owned organization paid for by the community itself.
If you are considering adopting an animal from a shelter, PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE DISSUADE YOU. Having been a dog owner for my whole life, and as well as having adopted from three different shelters (including this one) I promise you that this is an extremely atypical experience. The local county shelters that are also close by, like Orange for instance, not only have a much bigger selection, but also have staff that grants adoption to people other than homemakers.
This is not the only option out there, so please, please, please keep adoption in your thoughts and go to Orange or Oceanside.
I wish I could give the shelter 2 stars because the dogs here are wonderful, but I honestly just can not stomach how I saw them treat the community, including myself.

We just adopted our doggie Rex from the shelter this weekend. I submitted an application via fax on Friday morning and then followed-​up with a phone call on Friday afternoon to see if I could bring my family to visit Rex on Saturday. We arrived on Saturday (they had already started a file on us with our application), met with Rex — with whom we fell in love with — and went home with him that day.
The staff was friendly and helpful. They provided good information on what they knew about Rex and their interactions over the 2 weeks he had been there. Also, he was already scheduled for a dental cleaning and x-​ray this week that they will still provide.
Overall it was a great experience for all of us and we are so thrilled to have Rex as part of our family!

People, BELIEVE the bad reviews on this AS. Total waste of time because of their stupid meet & greet schedule. Volunteer staff (old witchy, rude bats who are short tongued and lack any 411) and so called certified personal trainers suck. They’re label ought 2B Certified *itches! I’m being really nice too. They R total heart breakers and do not care. Their trainer was indirect and I felt rushed during the meet and greet. Trainer referred us to another dog and for what to waste more frigging time?! Already explained to the idiot what I was looking for in a dog so the dummy refers a pit bull! I like pits but not with my 80 yr. old granny living with me.

I had a great experience adopting our bunny Harpo a few years ago, so we bring him to Bunny Palooza to get his nails trimmed and support them by buying hay and pellets, etc. We went yesterday and had a fun time!
People complaining about the staff: These are volunteers and they have seen the worst of humanity, they care about these animals and can’t make it super easy to adopt because the animals need to go to forever homes.
They were telling us about a sweet bunny that’s been returned twice because she’s too shy. People are the worst.

Some of the bad reviews on this are just silly. They want you to agree to a home check on the off chance they get an animal hoarder vibe from you or something. And the reason they are choosy about who they adopt out to is because they CAN BE. You’re getting a dog that is somewhat socialized and has had a decent amount of medical care. The little guy we just got had a dental cleaning prior to us adopting him– including 12 teeth extractions! I work at a vet– that’s easily close to a grand in dental care. I’m very happy they handled that prior. Here’s our story–
Fell in love with a little guy we saw on Petfinder, called them up to make sure he was still there, commuted from San Diego with our two existing dogs, filled out an application there. They called to check with our landlord and off we went to meet Oriole with our little dogs. Went great! About 35 – 40 minutes and some paperwork later we left with our new dog!
…and here is why I give 4 stars instead of 5. We got to Oceanside and took him out to potty and there was a fair amount of blood in his urine. I immediately called to see if their staff had noted it and they hadn’t. The communication between volunteers there is a little eh.
BUT! They reimbursed us for Oriole’s exam, urinalysis, and medications with our vet back in San Diego. Pretty awesome.
Also– he came to us with giardia. Extremely common in dogs. Especially from environments like a shelter or any situations they could be in leading to that. Pretty easy to treat but just be sure not to let your new friend lick your mouth until you’ve gotten a fecal test with your vet, it’s contagious to other dogs as well as humans.
Educating potential adopters about this would probably be a good idea.
Overall an excellent experience and our new boy is fitting in perfectly!

This shelter is clean and I love how they have their little cat room set up like a kitty paradise. The staff here is very unfriendly and upon bringing my daughters to look for a kitten to adopt we were told they don’t adopt to families with small children? Oh kay then, because that’s really going to help our future generation want to adopt from shelters as opposed to breeders. What a BS policy. We are excellent pet owners and have had our dogs for 10 and 5 years now, you can suck it San Clemente Animal Shelter with your stupid policy. YOU are why people don’t adopt.

So I adopted a wonderful little puppy from this shelter named Elmo and he is great. The customer service I received here was fine, and the shelter itself was very lovely. Unfortunately Elmo has been experiencing many ear problems and we have visited the vet several times in a matter of weeks. They told me that Elmo has had an ear infection, but I’m under the impression that there was no follow up cleaning. Additionally, Elmo had not been washed since January and did not feel clean when I took him home. I understand that shelters do great work, especially this one, but I wish that my dog had received more maintenance during his stay at the shelter. Still, I am grateful for my little boy and I know we have many great years ahead of us.

Initially I was very happy with the service I got from the shelter, but not for long. I adopted a great dog and they made sure that it was going to a good and appropriate home, I THOUGHT. A couple weeks later, on Christmas morning, the dog that i adopted bit my 3 year old niece on the face. It was completely unprovoked and happened out of fear.
But here is the truly terrible part: when I went back to the shelter they told me that the dog had a history of aggression with children and that’s why he was returned the first time. I was LIVID. The negligence on their part put my niece’s precious face at risk. It was completely their fault that this dog bit her. I would never had taken the dog around my brothers sweet and beautiful daughter if i would have known. I probably wouldn’t have adopted the dog had I known his history.
I am not saying that they are bad people or that they have bad dogs, but be very careful and make sure that you get the whole story before you adopt. If the dog would have taken my niece’s face off it would have been their fault, and they wouldn’t have done anything about it.
They did say «sorry,» whatever that’s worth.

AWFUL
This shelter is run incredibly poorly. After finding out that the third dog we were trying to adopt was adopted and no one considered us or called us, it was difficult to keep my cool with the minion at the shelter. In fact, we had several bad encounters with people at this place. They’re just really disorganized and not very bright.
On our 2^nd trip, we brought our dogs over to meet with a potential new dog and the first thing the volunteers did was criticize the leash one of my dogs had. I wonder how I’ve made it through 12 years of dog ownership without his/​her (couldn’t tell the person’s gender) advice? They were rude and inappropriate.
After 2 hours of waiting to see a dog with 2 kids and 3 dogs of our own (which people were trying adopt) and giving our application to yet another minion volunteer, we had to leave. They then lost the application which we found out the THIRD time we visited. It’s pert near impossible to adopt an animal at this place. After never being contacted, I finally called today only to hear someone say that «everyone» on the list for the dog we wanted was called and of course, we were not (the dog’s name was on our application). They also make you jump thru a ton of hoops like letting them visit your home.
I can see why people get frustrated and hand over their money to a breeder. This is so much nonsense to go through to adopt an animal.
On top of all of this, the people who run the place and the minion volunteers all have snarky, holier-​than-​thou attitudes. Just know what you’re up against if you visit this place.

I don’t know why this shelter is rated so poorly. At first I was hesitant to check out the animals here, due to the rating. However, I took a chance and was extremely grateful.
I went there to adopt a dog and was treated and taken care of quickly and carefully. The process took two days, since I had to bring back my familys’ dogs to see if they were compatible. Both days, the people were friendly and very caring.
I have nothing bad to say about this shelter. People who rated it low just had bad experiences with timing and their situations. This shelter only lets you adopt animals based on your compatibility with them, not on how quickly you get an application in.
Disregard the reviews and see for yourself.
I would recommend this shelter to anybody looking for a new companion.

I am very confused by the negative reviews this place has. I first visited this animal shelter about a month and a half ago where I met my now dog Red. Red didn’t like many new people so my girlfriend and I had to come in every day in order for the dog to be comfortable with us.
The staff has been nothing but supportive and helpful since day one. The shelter has a trainer that comes in daily to work with all of the dogs as well as help socialize them with both humans and other dogs. The volunteers are friendly and will do anything to help their animals get a forever home.
I have and will continue to recommend this shelter to anyone who is looking for a new pet.