South Bend Animal Resource Center

Derek Hann

2023-06

Thanks for letting my daughter and I come in and visit all the beautiful dogs. Anyone looking to get a new dog please please please consider looking into the shelter! All these puppers deserve good homes! This is Kelly. She was very shy with me buy warmed up very quickly and than had some cute little zoomies.

Katherine Peters

2022-05

We were originally interested in a dog named Amy. When I contacted them about meeting Amy they informed me that Amy was pending adoption BUT she had a sister if I was interested. Best decision ever! And both her and her sister got to be placed in homes in the same week! She is everything our family needed, couldn’t harm a fly, the sweetest thing that only wants lovins. I’m so thankful they suggested another dog instead of saying “sorry not available” and leaving it at that like other shelters might. They were super friendly and helpful. She has been with us almost 9 months now but it feels like she has been with our family forever. She is my sons best friend and the most cuddly bed hog. They made the process very easy to understand and simple.

Anastazia Troup

2024-04

I would give less stars if possible. I was just on hold for 45 minutes waiting for someone to answer the phone. They never did. I shouldn't call a full number to he transfered to 311 when I know who I'm trying to reach!! Waste of complete time.

Jim Kring

2024-02

I don't think it's right to have to call the city 311 number. About something personal like having to put my old unhealthy dog down. It's already depressing enough. That's not right that we can't call this number direct.

Angeline Gresso

2020-05

They don't care about animals, really. I found a kitten, about 2-3 months old, and brought it in out of the cold and called them. They said it was feral and that they couldn't pick it up so I should call meow mission. After not finding anything for this poor kitten I realized she loved humans and knew how to use a litter box. So I called them back and told them she's not feral but a house cat. They said they couldn't take her without a carrier and I should call meow mission, who could provide me with one. Meow mission said animal control was giving me the run-around and would just end up bringing the kitten to them anyway. Meow mission found a rescue that took her in. Animal control should be ashamed of themselves for caring so little about a lost helpless kitten.

Maria Chanon

2023-06

The officers who work here are absolutely FABULOUS! This morning a terrible incident happened, 2 dogs got into my yard and made their way inside my chicken coop and killed my hens. I called them and they arrived within 10 minutes but the wonderful lady had to call for backup because the dogs would growl and seemed rather viscous and dangerous. It sounded like they have had problems with these dogs before, but thankfully were able to catch the smaller one, the pregnant female escaped. I have so much respect for these ladies because I was shaking and these ladies were pros! They handled everything so fearlessly and told me they would drive around to look for the female. Thank you so much SBARC for keeping myself and my children safe:)

paul fink

2023-05

We got Mr Douglas and we are very pleased with him all the staff was awesome

Miltisha Lax

2024-01

You guys had me wait a hour before telling me that you couldn’t pick up dogs after applying that someone was on the way. Poor service

Abigail M

2023-05

This shelter was begging people to adopt as they were full. I applied to adopt a dog not knowing you now have to license house cats. I was told since my 7 mo old kitten I saved from being dumped would need a $50 license because she was not yet spayed. I replied I would just get her spayed at ABC clinic and pay the $15 license and adopt after. ABC was not currently accepting new appointments because they were booked up, which I also communicated. Nobody said a t the time you now only have 30 days since you snitched on yourself. Then I get a animal welfare form from them stating I have 22 days to have the house cat rabies vaxed and proper documents and fees paid. Also included in the envelope is an ABC clinic brochure, you know the clinic that is booked 2 months out? For a cat they wouldn't have even knew I had, as she never is let outside, had I not told them. Failure to comply will get me a fine or they will take my cat from me to...idk their overcrowded shelter? When I called to point out the lack of common sense in this entire ordeal I was hung up on. Never again. Absolute nonsense.

Olive Kocks

2022-05

I was informed by a family friend earlier this week that two dogs were going to be euthanized at the shelter unless rehoused, so of course after hearing this, I wanted to do everything in my power to help find these dogs a loving home. I called the shelter to confirm what I had been told and to get more information on the dogs. I asked the lady over the phone if it was true the dogs were going to be euthanized and she snapped back at me asking where I had heard this information. I asked again because she didn’t give me a straightforward answer, which I found shady, and she told me that it was rude of me to ask that. I explained to her that I was simply trying to figure out if what I had been told was true, yet she acted as if I was accusing them! I proceeded to ask her if it would be possible to come in and meet the dogs, but she told me they wouldn’t allow it unless I had already filled out an adoption application, which I found odd. Who would fill out an adoption application for an animal they’ve never even met? After this phone call I asked around and sure enough the lady had lied to me. They allow you to come in and visit their animals at anytime. All I had were good intentions to help these dogs and I’m extremely disappointed with how the lady handled my questions. Unfortunately, I did not ask for her name, but to the lady who answered my call, so sorry I don’t know shelter etiquette. It’s not hard to answer someone’s questions politely, especially when they just want to help. PLEASE do better next time or else don’t expect support from the community. Very upset, but I hope what I’ve been told is false, and that these dogs are in good hands.

Steven Martin

2021-05

Our Dog got killed by a pitbull on December 1st,2020Police were called SBAC came out... Explain some things...Took our baby to be cremated..Explained many thingsGave us condolences for our loss

Heather Liptrap

2023-07

We stopped by today. They are at capacity! Please consider adopting

Markus McKinney

2022-05

It was sad that i had put my 13 yr female dog down , but it was made easier by the staff, n to make things better i wasn't even expecting this, I got a card from them w her paw print just so happens be in mail the day before my birth day , I had her put down exactly week ago , that was so sweet brought tears joy, I will definitely be going by to thank them for it. Because now I can have it tattooed on me,thanks again ladies...

Cameron Urban

2022-05

Lied to us about information on our dog. Was looking for an adult but found out his papers said he wasn't even a year old when we got him. He has severe separation anxiety and we knew we couldn't handle raising a puppy and now we are struggling with training him. Staff gave minimal information and short answers to questions about his personality and energy levels. I am a full time student and my fiance works full time which means we needed a calmer, more laid-back dog. He has destroyed so many things in my house I really struggled with wanting to take him back. This is why accurate and open information on animals is so important if you want them to be put into good homes. I will definitely get future pets from somewhere else.

Gregg Terkovitz

2021-05

As I have yet to adopt, Sara at the shelter helped me so much, she held a puppy for me when I couldn’t make the first meet and greet. I got to meet Sara and the puppy the next day, Sara, by the way is AWESOME, and the puppy was well cared for and happy but she was going to be way too big. The shelter was very clean and well run, if they get a puppy that fits me, I will certainly be back!

Matthew Black

2021-05

I have to admit, I wish I would have read the Google reviews before we adopted from here. My wife and I adopted a doberman/boxer mix and had to relinquish him after 7 days. We were led to believe he was cat friendly (not an entire lie, but it was a CONSTANT obstacle to get him to leave them alone). We were also told he was a sweet boy that was normally calm ( we should have questioned that more when Sara brought him in and he was OUT of CONTROL jumping, barking and just unreal energy). After a week of 6 mile a day runs, 3-4 20 minute fetch or tug sessions a day and CONSTANT watchful eye we could not keep up with his energy. There was no off switch on this dog. The only way he laid down was in his crate and he barked for several minutes before he would calm down. Although Sara was very helpful and didn't make us feel bad or uncomfortable in any way we do believe she painted a MUCH different picture of the dog than was true. We felt absolutely awful having to give him up, but we also didn't get what we thought we were getting. So, 2 stars, the staff was fine (nothing like the rude comments posted in other reviews), but they are not honest about the tempermant of the animals.

kirk shear

2023-05

I found a litter of 7 kittens last week and called animal control to see if I could take them in. The woman in the phone told me to go ahead and come on in and they would take them. When I got there, on the front door there were 2 pieces of paper stating the shelter was full and they weren't accepting any animals at that time. I went in anyways because I had been told to bring all 7 kittens in. The people at the front desk all kind of ignored me for a bit and then acted angry & were rude to me when I told them I had called about bringing 7 kittens in. They made me fill out a paper and again acted angry & rude when I asked for a copy of what I filled out. 24 hours after dropping the kittens off, I saw an article on the news where they were begging people to come in & pick up their pets because of overcrowding and having animals stay in offices, bathrooms, etc. Why in the world did they tell me to bring the kittens in if they didn't have room for them? I want to go get them and bring them home and have them as my own cats but I am now afraid they may have been put to sleep. Even though I was told they don't put down any animals at that location and they have several places to take animals to for adoption. But then proceeded to tell me that the kittens would probably be going to someplace in Illinois. I will never take any animals to them and am very hurt and angry how the situation was handled. What kind of shelter are they running?

Jazelle Slaughter

2020-05

The woman was rude, disrespectful, and her customer service was horrible. I was asked if my card was activated when I gave it to her for my payment for my service dog. 3 customers were helped before me. She was short when I was trying to explain about my dog she showed me the wrong dog my boyfriend and I told the woman it wasn't her but I heard her from the area she told she wouldn't be. I asked her if she would please finish helping me because I had a cab waiting she helped a new employees with a customer that had came in after myself. Once the paperwork was finished and signed. She still continues to ignore me when I go up to the counter again telling her I had to leave I need my pet she tells me oh I forgot. Then STILL brought me the wrong fog then said when I said cab again and brushed me off until I demanded politely she tells me oh I thought you said you had a cat waiting on you outside I'm disabled with MS and use a cane. She then shows me her hearing aids and tell me she has severe hearing loss. Understanding I'm a medical assistant not oblivious to the fact yet no trouble with the other three customers. I know it's cliche but I felt discriminated against. It's like because she seen chime on my debit card and simply forgot to remove the activation sticker there's a scam. Perhaps she would had been more comfortable with my Citibank check card. The new employee..cudos you are going to do well thank you for cutting Marlie's nails she likes you as much as you do her also the last woman I spoke with going out the door who made sure I had the right receipt, thank you for making sure I had the proper paperwork. I spoke apologize but Marlie's stylist... Your name for me you're a sweetheart I really appreciate you walking me out. Sad the cab driver was confused as of why 3 came out before me when they came in after me. SOUTH BEND, Mishawaka's is making you look bad. Actually I'm not going to judge everyone in there. The other employees that I came into contact with were sweet. I do thank you for caring for my heart for me. Bless you all❤🙏🏼

Mary Fosnaugh

2024-05

The staff were courteous and professional.

Kara Clark

2019-05

Came in to adopt and had to return 8 hours later. He was very aggressive and tried to attack my 5 year old nephew and mother. Had my fiancee bring him in since I wasn't comfortable to do so. The lady at the front desk was very rude to him and grilled him making it look like we were lying about him being aggressive, and said we were no longer to adopt a dog. Sorry but you can't take aggression out of a dog no matter how much you work with them!! Said they were gonna get him adopted again. So be alert they do lie to get these dogs out fast even if it's not safe to do so. The place is so dirty and the dog smelled horrible. The least you could do is groom them before they come home to a family.

Tiffany Buzek

2018-05

I had to bring a dog in that I found wandering in the street by my house and I brought it in in a lease and explained to the ladies at the front desk that I had found the dog and needed to leave the dog at the shelter because i was not the owner and could not find the owner. The ladies were extremely rude and demanded that I show them my ID and then proceeded to tell me it wasn't there job to take in strays. I apologized and informed them I thought I was doing the right thing and didn't feel comfortable taking the dog home with me because he seemed sick. The lady said unless I showed my ID I needed to leave so I did and then she rolled her eyes and asked me to sign a paper. I thanked them they said nothing else and ushered the dog back. In my opinion they were extremely rude and how I was treated was uncalled for.

Selene Lopez

2019-05

He’s my boy Bellamy😍 and he is the best boy in the world ❤️🤞 Thank you South Bend Animal Care and Control 😘❤️

Christopher Hodowaniec

2021-05

The staff at South bend animal control are Very professional and friendly was a great experience working with them to find a forever home For our new family member Uno. Also I felt very comfortable with the other big cats that are obviously very tame to be around my kids and a small kitten you girls and guys are the best .God-bless for all that you do I know it can be a hard job but you have it under control. Thanks again Jen.

Alyssa Ploof

2016-05

They are wonderful people making sure the animals in their care are well taken care of and that they go to forever homes. My family and i adopted Gypsy today and we couldnt be happier!! Everyone was nice and answered all my questions and the adoption process was fast. Thank you for everything you do for these animals and thank you for taking care of Gypsy till she could join our family 😊.

Roach

2018-05

So we adopted a dog about five months ago they seemed sweet and loving but we had to take the dog back for biting and they lied. They said they would take him right back and put him in training. LIES he was put somewhere else and the refuse to tell us where he is at. They don’t have him but they told us days before he was in training and would be up for adoption today. Nope. They lied. And now we can’t find him or visit him. Don’t fall for it they don’t care about the animals

Kizzle Kakes

2018-05

If you can save a dog from here please do but if you must return it do not bring it back to the shelter a matter fact don't bring it to any shelter they will just be euthanized we found out the hard way hands-down biggest regret I've ever made. I was having some issues with a pet that I loved dearly but because he was getting nippy and I have kids I call the shelter they referred me to their behavioral specialist his name West Troy I believe I talked to him for quite some time on the phone explaining how I love the dog and I didn't want anything bad to happen to him and I wanted to keep him but I couldn't afford behavioral lessons he convinced me that it was in the best interest of the dog to go back to that shelter where he could work with him and placed him in a different home that wasn't the case I drop the dog off at 9 AM he was euthanized by 130 that afternoon so please never returned a dog to the shelter

Ryan Sehrer

2021-05

An amazing staff that continues to give their best effort day in and day out to not only make our community safe , but to ensure the safety and well being of every animal they encounter. Their passion for animals is evident in everything they do. So thankful to be able to volunteer and be small part of their community. Thanks again!

Amonda Hutchinson

2023-05

Amazing amazing amazing thank you so much for the help.. I hope the German Shepherd found his way back home.. or wherever he needed to be safely and his foot is better.. 😁🤗✌️❣️

Rachael Bucci

2015-05

I am seriously disappointed with South Bend Animal Control. On Wednesday, October 1st, I fell in love with a dog named Mya at the shelter. I already had an approved application through the shelter, so I immediately agreed to adopt her.They placed a hold on her—I have a physical carbon copy of this contract—and we decided that Saturday was a mutually agreeable day for me to adopt Mya. I told them to make a note of this in Mya’s file.On Friday, October 3rd at 3:03pm (less than 90 minutes before they close at 4:30), they called me and left a voicemail. The voicemail asked “how serious” I was about adopting Mya. I did not hear this voicemail until after they closed.When they opened on Saturday, October 4th, I gave them the courtesy call they requested so that they could be prepared for my arrival. By chance, the lady who answered the phone was the same person who had left the voicemail. “Let me stop you right there,” she said, when I informed them that I would be at the shelter in 20 minutes to adopt Mya as agreed upon, “Mya went to rescue yesterday.”As it turns out, South Bend Animal Care and Control does not honor their contracts. They claim that rescue agencies take precedent over pending adoptions (a claim which is not stated anywhere on the hold contract that I signed). They stated that the shelter was full and they “had” to allow the rescue to take dogs or else they would be “forced” to euthanize the dogs. They did admit that the rescue did not take all of their dogs, which means that another dog could have easily taken Mya’s place in the rescue. After all, Mya would be adopted within hours, so why wouldn’t they give another dog a chance?I pleaded with them to correct this wrong, by helping me to get Mya back from the rescue immediately. Todd flat out refused to help me. Matt Harmon, on the other hand, tried to make it appear that he would help, but he ultimately did nothing. He agreed to call me but never did.I will not be adopting from this shelter. They did not honor their contract, a few of their employees were especially rude when I contacted them, and even the director refused to help me. They already gave away the dog I agreed to adopt, so what is to stop them from giving away another? The incompetence, pride, and unwillingness to admit to and correct their mistakes is absolutely appalling. Adopt from a shelter you can trust.

don lacefield

2021-05

My kids found a stray cat that was injured. We brought him in and was not chipped.. we offered to pay to adopt him and within a week, they claimed to send him somewhere in Illinois to be put up for adoption. They never called after taking all my information..