Bakersfield Animal Control — Local services in Bakersfield

If I could give negative stars i would...

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent experience I had with this shelter concerning the care of my kitten.

I was gifted a kitten to me by my sister-in-law from your shelter for my birthday. Unfortunately, only two days after bringing her home, she became very ill—refusing food and water, and quickly becoming lethargic. Due to my distance from the shelter (over two hours away), I took her to the nearest animal hospital. There, she was diagnosed with panleukopenia. They had also asked about her age because she was spayed. She was about to be 7 weeks old and the doctor was extremely surprised to hear that she had been spayed so young. They spaided her at only 1 month old. And it wasnt only her it was a whole litter all about the same age inwhich they all had together without the proper clean area they needed to properly heal. The veterinarians went onto explained that because she had a good chance of recovery with treatment, it was important she receive continuous medical support. I was also advised that the shelter should assist with the cost of her care, due to it not even had been a week that i had her and they had even said that its more then likely that every kitten in that litter was sick just like her. And if I were able to have kept her at that hospital I would have but it was out of my financial budget. So I did as i was told and had got her ready for the trip to Bakersfield so she could continue being treated.

When I attempted to contact the shelter, I initially received no answer despite repeated calls. Once I was finally able to reach someone, I was treated rudely and repeatedly interrupted while trying to explain her condition. I was told the shelter would not assist with the medical bill, but that I could bring her back and she would be treated there. The hospital provided her with medication to stabilize her for the trip (which i paid out of pocket and was told its "my fault" for bringing her there instead of beining her the over 2 hours away to them), and the next day I drove her to your Bakersfield location.

Upon arrival, I was again met with unprofessional behavior. The initial greeting was dismissive and rude, and I was directed across the building without proper guidance. I had to wait outside for assistance until another employee notified the medical team. Eventually, I was able to hand over the medical paperwork, and I was assured that she would be placed on IV fluid. Given the first hospital’s assessment—that she was one of the healthier cases for her size and had a strong fighting chance—I was optimistic that she would begin improving within a couple of days as I was told.

However, when I called for an update, I was first given information about the wrong cat. Then I was told my cats condition had not improved and was the as her arival, Which was a little energetic and playful. A few hours later, my partner received a call stating that she had actually passed away—TWO HOURS prior to the phone call. This delay in communication was extremely distressing. To make matters worse, we were then offered “another cat that looks similar,” which felt dismissive and insensitive. I did not want a replacement—I wanted my cat to receive the care she deserved.

This entire experience—from the lack of communication, to the rude and unprofessional behavior, to the delayed and conflicting updates about mybabys health—has left me devastated and deeply disappointed. She was a beloved gift and companion, and I feel that she was not given the level of care, compassion, or respect that any animal deserves.

To make matters worse there was a dog that was adopyed at the same time as my cat which maybe the next day needed to be brought to the vet. No pet owner should have to go through the same...

I work graveyard at a hospital very close to this shelter. After arriving home at about 0730, I made breakfast and ate. About 30 minutes later I hear a cat crying outside my apartment door. I open the door and notice a very sick cat. The poor thing had nasal secretions green in appearance. It was sneezing and coughing. Very obvious that he had an upper resporatory infections. Aside from that, that animal was severely underweight and dehydrated. I took in the animal and called the shelter on Fruitvale only to be told that they cannot take in the animal because I live in the city (whatever that means) so they referred me to this shelter. I live right behind the shelter on Fruitvale, so I was not very happy about having to take the animal right back to where I just got home from. I call and a lady answers the phone (made a mistake not to get her name) and I explain what is happening. She tells me they do not open until 10 but that they can get me in at 09:30. Once I am there I am at the intake door and I call the number on the door as I was instructed to and another receptionist answers they phone. I'm thinking it was the same lady I had spoke with earlier and tell her I am here with the car. The receptionist proceeds to tell me that they don't open until 10. I said, "I understand that but I had called earlier and I was told I could drop the cat off at 09:30." She asks for the name of the person who told me this and I say "I am not sure I did not ask". She keeps telling me that she's not going to let me in because I don't know the name of the person who told me to arrive at 09:30. Mind you, I waited up after a 12 hour shift to be here to drop off the cat and need to be in beed soon as I return to work the same day. At this point I raise my voice at the receptionist that she can ask around to see who told me this information instead of turning me away. Once someone opens the door, the lady at the door asks "why are you cussing out my staff?" For the record, I was raising my voice not using profanities and if the receptionist can't tell the difference she is not educated nor qualified to work with people- they just hire anyone these days. I find it so disheartening how it is so hard to get an animal in the shelter these days. I understand it is very difficult as they are at capacity but do not punish the bystanders who are just trying to get animals the help they need. I was not going to abandon that cat in this heat and I could not have kept him any longer as he was ill and did not want my own cat to catch the virus. I appreciate the woman who got me in at 09:30 but what I do not appreciate is that rude receptionist lying about me cussing her out and treating me like I was lying about being told to show up at 09:30. Next time, instead of continuously telling me you cannot let me in because I cannot provide you with a name, ask around. The office...

Older blonde woman at front desk surrender was pretty cold and rude. Didn’t give me much information regarding the process of dropping off an injured stray kitten. I had even called in and she wanted to turn me away and told me to take it to a vet. I explained my situation, it is a stray and I can’t afford to take it to a vet.

I was concerned they would put him to sleep, since I know they don’t have fosters, so I offered to foster. Was then transferred to medical who let me know to bring the kitten in. I was very concerned because before covid I took kittens here and was delt with similar uncaring coldness and they said they would just put them to sleep since they don’t have the time to bottle feed. I ended up just taking them back home. Now, I’m still not familiar with the process so when I asked I felt like a bother. She didn’t take my number so I went back and she just smirked. I felt as though she was judging me. I was correct, I later found out, she took note in their system that I was there expecting free animal care for my pet and that I was rude? And who knows what else. I’m baffled. Such horrible customer service, no reason to be so unprofessional. I was already so nervous about speaking to people and struggled to find a ride there.

Just know, you will be automatically judged and accused if you come here, and it doesn’t seem like anyone really cares or finds a problem with that considering the past reviews made and nothing has changed. This is an...