Richland County Dog Warden & Adoption Center — Local services in Mansfield

Called and explained we were looking to adopt in a household with a toddler and another dog who is dog selective. We drove an hour to get there, because they had 118 dogs at this time and certainly one of them would be a good match. We were told only after we got there we'd have to have an approved application for any dog before a meet and greet was done with our other dog, ie pay the entire adoption fee before even knowing the dog was a good match with our current dog. They then wouldn't let us see any of the dogs with our toddler saying the dogs were big and we should get a puppy. Even with her confined to a stroller initially to see if the dogs were calm enough. She has been around big dogs her entire life and this isn't a problem, she is not afraid of them at all and loves them. It was extremely frustrating because we explained this entire situation over the phone and were still denied upon our arrival.

To clarify we did go back and look at dogs, but we're not able to visit with any with any outside of the kennel with the toddler. So that's not really visiting with the dogs to see if they're a good match. We were told the application had to be approved prior to looking at dogs, but not that this could take over a day and we specifically were told we could bring our dog for a meet and greet that day. If we were told that, it would've been ok, as we don't mine waiting, however we weren't told that prior. It's a shame because I've adopted 3 dogs (two who have since passed) from when my older children were toddlers/infants and those shelters did not have one issue doing a meet and greet with large dogs and young kids. Those dogs were cherished members of the family with the kids...

Missy and her deputies are very much 1 sided and not a one of them will tell you the same thing. Will go behind your back to the court house for a bench warrant for a citation they FAILED to deliver. It's a very long story. So here it goes....this isnt all but most of it. They issued a citation for dog at large in NOVEMBER. BUT DID NOT notify of the said citation. Instead goes thru the court to issue a bench warrant and a court date that the courts and dog warden FAILED to issue. My husband misses a Court date we didn't know he had. Remember this was for a ticket in November. He has since been in court after that ticket. We have neighbors that are cry babies and think crap doesn't happen. Dog warden and deputies don't care and will tell you they don't. Don't care what you do to keep dogs on your own property, none of that matters when you have neighbors that call for every thing possible. Anyway he working on a car broke down on side of the road. Someone calls in a disabled vehicle to state patrol. Instead of offering help like most would, Runs his plates they come and arrest him for a bench warrant. For a dog at large... Stupid when real criminals are out there breaking the laws and getting away with it. He actually spends a night in jail..... because of this warden, was being dirty and sneaky That's another story. Clerk of courts decides to tell me well you could just paid it. Guess what lady had we known... We would of. I will never support that shelter. Hopefully will never ever have to deal...

I'm not impressed at all.... I adopted a dog but unfortunately was unable to keep her because she did not adapt well at all with my current dog that I've had for years when I got them home....the dog was out of control....I don't appreciate the way I was treated when I went in there to take her back...couldn't have been more rude to me.. .things happen, things don't always work out, that's life, I truly hope the best for that dog and all of them that they find the homes they deserve! If someone is unable to keep an animal for reasons, do not treat them like they are criminals...it's not very good business and its ridiculous..have an understanding heart which apparently you do not have!! I will never consider adopting from you again if I decide to adopt in...