Sterling Animal Shelter — Attraction in Sterling

Wasn't a great overall experience. The younger girls were polite and professional. The older woman who helped my family and me was condescending. When I asked if the puppy we were adopting was potty trained she scoffed at me (as she smoked her cigarette) and looked at me like I was crazy. I had to explain this was my first puppy adoption. Later on one of the girls asked if we had any other questions. I asked "what happens if the adoption turns south; like suddenly this dog starts biting my kids?" Immediately this same woman pipes up from the back of the room and says, "you can't just bring the dog back it's not a pair of jeans you can return just because you don't like how they look". Were it not for the fact that my daughter was already in love with the dog I would have walked out right there. I wasn't looking for a return policy and certainly wasn't looking for an attitude just before spending upwards of $700. I was looking for behavior training advice or suggestions for therapists. Finally, after a trip to the vet a few days after bringing the puppy home we found out she has both roundworm and hookworm.

Response to the owner: was it fair that my family was treated with disrespect and condescension? Was it our fault this "volunteer" was having a bad day? Was it fair to us, on a day that was supposed to create a beautiful memory, we have to recall that woman's poor attitude? You seemed to be more concerned with the rating and less concerned with your customers satisfaction. The fact that the dog had worms is just a point of fact. I placed no blame on your business directly and yes we were informed it was a possibility. It's still relevant to the overall experience because it wasn't an easy process to get rid of them. Multiple trips to the vet with several stool samples before she was free and clear of all worms. People should be aware of that before they...

I adopted my spaniel mix(?) Oakley roughly two and a half years ago and it has been quite a rocky journey. When I went to this shelter the staff were very friendly and the facility was well-kept and tidy. When I saw Oakley I immediately fell in love and was persistent that this was the dog for me. The kind lady who was helping me seemed a little skeptical saying that she was a bit of a live wire and high energy, I think she was trying to steer me in the direction of a group of younger beagle-chi mixes instead. A word of advice, LISTEN TO THE STAFF they know what they’re talking about. Oakley was roughly 8 months old when I took her home, she didn’t know how to use the stairs and was startled by the toilet flushing. The staff said she should be good with dogs but I quickly found out that Oakley has terrible reactivity especially on leash. She would make a shrieking sound that sounded like she was being beaten every time she saw a squirrel, bunny, dog, or cat. I have spent thousands and worked with multiple trainers trying to help her calm down since her reactivity has stemmed from anxiety. The vet even suggested putting her on anxiety and relaxant meds. That being said, I love my Oakley and spoil her as much as possible and make sure to mentally and physically exercise her everyday. She has made so much progress that i feel confident walking and running and biking her in places where she might encounter other animals. The take away is that this is an incredible shelter with staff who want to help the animals and help potential adopters find the RIGHT match, make sure you listen to their recommendations and ask lots...

We have adopted several wonderful animals from this shelter over the last 15 years. The staff have always been helpful, and try to do their best by the animals. The animals are up to date on spay/neuter/vaccinations/deworming/and other medical care (and the adopters are notified if there is an ongoing issue that will require continued treatment over time), and all records are in order. The shelter is clean, and has indoor and outdoor areas for the animals, as well as play areas to greet potential new family members. They provide a valuable service to the community here in MA and the areas they assist in the south where these animals would otherwise be destroyed.

The people who have posted complaints about this shelter clearly have no experience with how responsible rescues operate - which is for the benefit of the ANIMALS, NOT as a walk-in pet store. Just because you have cash for the adoption fee does not mean you will be a good home. They need TIME for a full interview, to know that you legally own your own home or live in a place where pet ownership is allowed as part of your written official lease contract (a large reason why animals end up in shelters!), and that the animal will be a safe choice for ALL members of the household - children, adults, elderly, and other pets included - and that those family members will be safe for them in turn. If you do not have the time to spend doing this reasonable interview, the time to acquire the appropriate information and materials, and/or lack the time to return another day - then you do not have the time or means for a 10-25 year commitment like...