Community Cat Companions - Lake County & Ashtabula Community Cats — Local services in Willoughby

While the organization and volunteers are great, the person reviewing my application for a pair of kittens recently was a bit less than so. We had been contacted prior to the new year saying that our application was received and that they were contacting my apartment. With the apartment being closed for the holidays I expected a delay which was fine. I was called on Thursday after they had successfully reached my apartment and was told to "come in on Saturday around 3pm to see the cats and I'll determine who they are to be adopted out to". Well I came a half hour early as I was very excited to get the chance to adopt the two kittens I had my eyes on, to see the contact I had place a "I have been adopted sign" on their cage. Confused, I asked what was going on and was met with a bit of an attitude with "Did I guarantee you these cats? When did you put in your application for them?" We were explained (by the same person) over the phone that an interview like event would happen with all applicants that were scheduled/showed up, but it became clear from this that it was first come first serve for the adoption event (hence the confusion). We were offered to look at two siblings from the same litter, which came across as a ‘replacement’ for the ones we were looking at. While the kittens were also great, the process to adopt through this agency lacked communication.

This was written a few days back and upon the organizations latest facebook account, the two kittens that I had put in even though claimed to be adopted, are listed as adoptable. I have no idea whats going on with this agency but I would go to other agencies for better transparency if you're looking to adopt a cat...

I really wanted to have a positive experience with Community Cats Organization, but unfortunately, my interaction left me feeling disappointed and discouraged. I initially spoke with a representative who gave me her business card with her name email and number. This woman promised to follow up with me the next day. That call never came. I tried calling twice later in the week and even left a polite voicemail — in the midst of my voicemail it was abruptly ended. A few minutes later, I received a brief text saying she’d call me “as soon as possible.” So this is the first I’m actually hearing from her. When I kindly let her know I’d be pursuing other adoption options, her response was simply “Ok sorry.” For someone representing a rescue organization, that kind of communication is dismissive and unprofessional. When I expressed my disappointment respectfully, the reply I received was, “I’m sorry if you feel that way,” rather than true accountability. I completely understand that rescues are often busy and run by volunteers, but good communication and empathy are just as important as the work being done for the animals. Experiences like this can discourage families from adopting through rescues — and that’s the last thing anyone wants. I genuinely hope the organization takes this feedback as an opportunity to improve how they communicate with potential adopters. My name is...

I can not express enough thanks to both Community Cats and their volunteer Jeff. I contacted them late August of last year, within a few days ( if that) I was able to speak to Jeff about several feral cats and kittens in our yard. Jeff was much more than just helpful throughout the entire process. He always explained in detail the entire TNR process from him dropping the traps to bringing the cats back after surgery. Right down to how and when to set the traps. He stayed in contact long after we'd caught most of the cats/ kittens. He came out several times to check in on how the socialization process was going, came out to help me get one of them into a carrier when I had to take it to the vet for a urinary issue. I was successful with both kittens. They have a forever home with us. Thanks to him telling me not to give up on them, keep trying and working with them. I still send updates and photos of the new family members. I'm so grateful to this organization and it's dedicated volunteers like Jeff. Like me, taking part in a TNR program might not be something you asked for but it's our responsibility to help these animals live the best and healthiest life they can. Please don't hesitate to contact this wonderful organization. IT IS A PROCESS, with varied success. Buckle up and pack your patience for an interesting and definitely eye opening ride.

CV...