The Runaways Animal Rescue — Local services in Port Richey

We had always heard great things about The Runaways Animal Rescue but now we can speak for ourselves. We came across them through Petfinder and then inquired about certain kittens they had looking for a home. Response was immediate. Alex Shaw was our direct contact. Communication was great. They had us fill out a adoption form, answered all our questions and were nothing but helpful. We ended up going to the open adoption on Saturdays. Keep in mind the rest of the week they’re by appointment only. So if you have a certain pet in mind communication is key and they’re on top of it. Also it’s not like all the pets are just sitting around at this location waiting for a home. Yes. There are a bunch available on their website but there is a whole network of amazing and loving foster houses working with the rescue. Hence the need for appointments.

When we got to the rescue the place was buzzing with people, parents, kids, and the nicest, friendliest, most helpful staff, volunteers and foster parents. Everyone is so kind, knowledgeable and respectful. You can tell they really care about the animals and are looking for the BEST home for them not just any home. The place is just full of LOVE and is helping spread the key to life….JOY!!! Long story short. We now have 2 new loves in our lives thanks to The Runaways Animal Rescue. We couldn’t be happier. Alex you are a rock star! The rest of the team (sorry we’ve forgotten names) are all wonderful. There is a special place in heaven for all you especially the foster parents caring for all the animals. Bless all of you!!!

*if you’re still reading as I probably wouldn’t be, as I’m not really a fan of long reviews and prefer to keep it short and sweet. I have to say….. Before writing this review I was curious about the reviews already up for The Runaways Animal Rescue. Well naturally they have a very high rating. However, I was shocked to see some 1 star reviews. There is absolutely nothing this place has done, is doing or would ever do that could warrant a 1 Star review. Shame on you people!!! These are clearly written by ignorant, self centered, entitled and obviously overly dramatic people who don’t really care about animals but only themselves. Sorry if the rescue team and volunteers care about the animals over peoples wants, desires and expectations. AS THEY SHOULD!!!! And anyone who says this place is “expensive” has no idea what goes into to caring for and taking care of a pet and doesn’t deserve and shouldn’t have one!!! This place is cheap. And you can see exactly where the money goes.

BLESS YOU RUNAWAYS ANIMAL...

I want to share my experience with The Runaways Animal Rescue~ There was a stray kitty in our neighborhood that my neighbor brought to our house because she thought it was one of the strays that we had been feeding. It was meowing outside of her home so she led him over to us. This cat was not a cat that I had ever seen. Anyway, we brought him inside and kept him safe on our screened in porch. I already had 4 cats of my own, and 3 were seniors with special food and meds. I contacted Dani at The Runaways Animal Rescue and told her my situation. At the time she had no space, but told me she would be able to take him in soon. We kept him safe with a bed, blanket, food and water. I told her I would definitely help with the cost of his vet bill and also donate food & supplies to the shelter. I think we kept the kitty for about 2 weeks before she had room for him. I brought the kitty to the vet for check up, neuter & shots. Dani happened to be at the same vet with another rescue and told me she would take him from there. I was supposed to go back and pick him up, but when they called to tell me what was going on, they said Dani was there and was going to take him back to the shelter after his surgery. He had issues, he had a tooth embedded in his neck area and something wrong with his leg. He must've been attacked by something. This was not visible when we had him. Long story short, he had surgery and I paid for more than 1/2 of the vet bill and The Runaways Animal Rescue covered the balance. A few days later I brought about $200 in supplies to the shelter and Dani asked me if I wanted to see the baby boy, whom they named "Halloween" because it was in October and he was all black. Halloween stayed at the shelter and recooperated, he was treated like a king. He was finally adopted by a sweet family and it made my day when I saw the post on Facebook. I appreciated everything that Dani and The Runaways Animal Rescue did to help me. It's not up to them to save every single animal in the county, but they do whatever they can! I know they get overwhelmed, especially during kitten season and also when trying to save animals that are on the euthanasia list, or people who just abandon or surrender their pets. I can only imagine how hard they work to save these animals. If you are reading this and you have the means, please consider donating $ or supplies to this rescue group. They work tirelessly and have to spend so much money to save these animals. Thank you again Dani, and all of you who volunteer and work at the Runaways Animal Rescue. I appreciate all...

They were wonderful! After days of looking, inquiring and applying for small dogs, under 10lbs, I found one on their website. Most of the other places I contacted never even replied. (One did, and I thought I had that dog, but they took her to someone's house and said she ran up the stairs too fast & fell. Therefore, denied me because I have stairs. I had 3 other dogs of similar size, who all maneuvered stairs, because I TRAINED/TAUGHT them with a harness & leash how to go up & down them. None were ever injured! When they got too old, I carried them. They lived for 18, 15 & 17 years. But, those people wouldn't listen). Too many rescues cut off their nose to spite their face by their overly stringent & almost ridiculous requirements & whims.

The Pasco Co. SPCA had 4 possibilities. I called them and they answered! I was told all 4 dogs had numerous applications and they were accepting them for another week. The best candidates would be chosen. I didn't feel like doing all that. The lady was really nice and recommended several other rescues. I checked out their websites. Runaways had a dog that met my needs, so I applied. The next morning I had an email requesting a meeting. While reading it, a text came through asking when I could meet. I sent my availabilities for the next week. Then, on a whim, said I could come that afternoon. Being a Sunday, I didn't expect it to happen. But, they said yes, come on. I drove an hour to New Port Richey. Kathy was delightful and brought out Bolt (now Boon) and put him in my arms. He seemed excited and licked my face. She told me I could take him home. I don't know why, maybe I had an inclination, but I had put a harness, leash & carrier in my car, luckily. They gave me a bag with food, treats, bowl, coupons etc. He was current on his shots, heartworm meds & flea/tick preventive. They microchipped him. I signed some papers, agreed to bring him back for his neutering, which I did and that was that. They worked with my schedule for his surgery. Boon has been happily living with me for about 3 weeks. We're working on the potty training and he's learning the ways of the world. It's all good, thanks to Runaways. They are an actual and professional rescue facility with kind and knowledgeable staff. They were a delight to work with. I was so impressed I donated a little extra beside the...