Greater Androscoggin Humane Society — Local services in Lewiston

I adopted a kitten from GAHS in the summer of 2023. They didn’t tell me that he had tested positive for feline leukopenia, an extremely contagious disease with a 20-50% chance survival rate. They knew that I had another cat in the home. I only found out when I brought him to the vet and the vet happened to notice it in his records. Thank God Ginseng was no longer positive and survived as did my other cat- but because he had tested positive he apparently spent a month of his life when he was only 2 months in isolation. He spent this crucial developmental period away from other cats, and as a result, was a nightmare with my first cat, constantly attacking her to the point where she became depressed and wouldnt even cuddle with me anymore. This story does have a happy ending- I didn’t give up on them and devoted SO much time into researching how to make them harmonious, and after lots of energy, money, tears, and training, Ginseng has transformed into the sweetest baby angel, him and Lavender finally love each other and we are a very happy family. But, most people would never have had the time and energy to devote to this, and they would have either given him up, dropped him somewhere, or let him torture the first cat. This was SO irresponsible and selfish of GAHS for not making me aware of his history. They also said that cats with short/missing tails (he is a bobtail cat) are exactly the same as other cats, and I found out that this is false, they can be prone to digestion problems and you have to take care with them being up high in case they fall because their balance isn’t the same. Adopting is so important and I don’t want to sway people in L/A from adopting. I’m so in love with Ginseng and I wouldn’t change him for the world. But just be weary- demand to know the full health history and ask if the pet has tested positive for anything, and apparently you have to review the documents yourself as well. GAHS, if you want to help animals instead of hurting them, please take a look at how your program is structured and see what improvements can be made to avoid...

I have adopted three cats and one dog from this facility; every single animal ive adopted has some underlying condition that was not disclosed to me resulting in expensive medical bills and ultimately, repeat heartbreak. My first cat had an autoimmune disease and several food allergies that required an expensive meal plan. I was happy to oblige and take care of his every need. On top of this, he would need a series of shots monthly and quarterly. It wasn't until I adopted a senior cat shortly after that I realized this was becoming a repeat pattern. The senior cat also had an autoimmune disease and major markers of cancer which were both detected at his first vet visit. I said goodbye to this senior cat as quickly as I said hello. (He was 9 years old.) I then adopted a third. This cat ended up having heart disease and died right in front of me. The dog i adopted? Not only has an autoimmune disease but other ailments that have resulted in thousands of dollars in vet bills. Not only was I lied to about the temperament of the dog, but also told the dog was house broken. I should have known when the foster mother disclosed her own dog had accidents in the house. With a lot of patience and love, I can say now, the dog is housebroken.

I pride myself in the care and the love ive given all my animals; I have no problems investing in their health. It just becomes an issue when every single animal was likely suffering before even coming to me. With that being said, I cant imagine how other animals who likely have health issues are blindly being adopted to families who cannot afford and do not have access to a vet.

And after seeing some of the reviews of other individuals picking up on the same issues, I feel that other people need to know what they are getting into. Pet care is not cheap, and if you can't afford it. Dont do it. For the safety of the animal.

I will no longer be adopting from this facility, and i feel sad to even have to say that because I truly loved the...

My baby I've had for 7 years is a GAHS adoptee as well as all the cats I've had. I adopted Mort as a kitten and she's been the best companion I could ask for; in 7 years I've only had to take her to vet once. I've been on the transport volunteer list a couple years maybe, but only recently started going as most of the times there was need I was pet sitting ( I am self employed as a pet/house/ child sitter.) The shelter takes great care of its volunteers and the transport driver has become a great friend. Let me address some concerns in previous comments: first of all, the shelter has a LOT of overhead costs. It is a non profit agency; the vets need paid, the workers, they even pay for adoptees from other states who might otherwise be euthanized. Yes, the costs for dogs are up there but they've been treated for worms, socialized, altered, seen by a vet. Have you compared costs to a breeder or pet store, where animals are likely obtained from puppy mills?! You won't find an animal from a reputable breeder that's tons cheaper. Most of the time they break even only. The LePage incident- I'm not one of his biggest fans by any means. You KNOW how he bullies people; likely he threatened donations to the shelter if they didn't cough up a dog. Again: the HS is NOT rich. You want to know what really goes on behind the scenes? They always need help to clean kennels and cat condos, dog walkers, etc. Help out a little. Every animal is also micro chipped so owners can be reunited with their pets should one become lost. Do they do everything perfect? No, they're humans, not animals ( who are pretty much perfect in every way.) This is a no kill shelter; animals are often fostered ( and socialized) until ready for adoption. If you want an animal badly offer to foster one! I'm usually compensated well for working with animals; to do this for no pay I have to believe in the agency and what I'm doing. I...