The Humane Society of Harford County

Trista C.

2024-04

I put in an application for pet fostering, and while my daughter and I were out and about in BelAir we decided to stop in and see about possible chores she could volunteer with. We met with Danielle (who oversees many aspects of the shelter) and afterwards decided to look around at the animals available for adoption. Note, I WAS NOT THERE TO ADOPT. But we stepped into the cat room where they are free roaming, and little did I know...WE got adopted by a sweet as sugar little 10 y/o lady named Nay Nay. We've had her for 4 days now and I cannot be happier. The process was easy, they give you a starter pace of food and litter if you need it, and when fostering you are supplied with EVERYTHING, including medical treatments. Consider this shorter term option, and if you end up falling in love with your foster, you have the first choice to keep the fur baby when adoption time has been reached.Please, please, please, consider some of these older cats. They may not play as much as a kitten, but are the most lovable additions to your family, and spend so much time thanking you for their new life with cuddles and head butts while you relax watching shows after your long day at work. I am so glad that Nay Nay adopted us! And I'm excited to help foster others so that more families can be adopted in the future!

Joshua Marquardt

2024-02

The people there were fantastic. We're currently fostering our first cat and are planning on adopting him after his neutering. All fees were waived for the military!

Debbie Gardner

2024-03

Really disappointed with the staff at the Humane Society of Harford Co. We applied for a dog, and have been owners of three dogs of the same breed prior, so we're aware that this specific breed requires a firm and responsible owner. The dog we were interested had been brought in by his owner who it would appear could no longer handle him. The owner failed the dog, as it was surrendered with alleged behavioral issues. We wanted to adopt the dog, but were turned away not because we weren’t experience with the breed, but because the previous owner WHO SURRENDERED HIM BECAUSE OF THEIR FAILURE has stated that the dog exhibits pet aggression.The Human Society of Harford Co. wouldn’t even let us explain how we ARE experienced owners of the breed. They wouldn’t listen to the fact that it is the owner who let this dog down. They wouldn’t consider letting us sign a waiver of liability. They wouldn’t let us adopt the dog that we traveled to see.For the life of me, I just don’t understand why if you’re in the business of finding dogs homes, you don’t let the dog go to a loving home to a couple in their 50’s with a beautiful and loving home, big fenced in yard, a boat that the dog will go out on, and a park nearby that he’d walk daily. The Humane Society of Harford Co. made a bad call. Yes, you too can make errors, and you really did.We spoke to a lovely person on the phone prior to arriving. She was kind, and stated the issues of the dog. I believed that once we got there and met the dog, that surely at a time when shelters are overflowing, they'd be open to discussing the future of this dog being placed in a home with experienced breed owners. But...The chick at the front desk was about as empathetic as a dishrag when we walked in at 11am and we bothered her. She seemed excited to say the words “you can’t”, “we won’t” and “you cannot” as I asked questions. So we left, without an adoption, even though we have a lovely home, are responsible owners of the breed. Now our choices are to either we keep searching, or get a puppy from a breeder who won’t turn us away. This experience has really soured my outlook on shelters.I used to volunteer at the Humane Society of Harford Co. I have nothing but disappointment for them now. I'm not sure who’s running the place, but there’s always opportunity to talk kindly, professionally and empathetically to the potential adopter across the counter. We just lost our similar breed male dog to cancer earlier this year, and we came there to save a life. Instead, we were talked down to and turned away. Very sad.

Abby Denning

2024-04

Be prepared for a lot of false information from this shelter. My family went in on a Wednesday and fell inlove with one of the pups. We were told he would be available the next day, so the next day we took a trip up there to be told he still was not available. We returned on Saturday from 11-12pm and was again told he was unavailable, pending his vet check on Tuesday. We made yet another trip on Tuesday when they opened (took my daughter out of school to make sure all family members were present since that’s a requirement). Only to be told he WAS AVAILABLE on SATURDAY at 10:30am and ADOPTED at 4 pm! All the manager offered was a “unfortunately , there’s nothing we can do about it, he was already adopted”. Heartbroken, we tried to meet another dog to find another fit, only for the staff to be “unsure” if she was available. Do not recommend this shelter.

alissa smith

2023-11

horrible staff, would rather want to see a dog sit in the cage then let a loving family adopt… been going in every day to see sally and my boyfriend and i was finally ready to get her we were approved but not for that dog because the risk of “children” coming in and out the house (when simply sally had high energy and will jump and scratch… like every exited dog would) and they don’t live there so i simply said there will be no kids until i felt it was ok for her and she was relaxed. she still declined. do these people want these animals to be hidden away and coddled, they have to go out and expose themselves in order to get better. will never EVER take my services there again and i hope and pray this shelter gets new employees they suck. can’t forget to mention nothing was said on her file she is not good with children so how is that my fault. poor baby just wants to be out of the prison she is trapped in

Alexis Cole

2023-05

We adopted both our kitties, Duncan and Dora, from Humane Society of Harford County. It's a wonderful shelter with friendly, professional staff who care a great deal about the welfare of the animals. If you're looking for a new four-legged family member, this is the place to go!

Lenny Pierce

2024-03

I found a dog in the road and couldn't find its owner so I took it here. It's a very nice facility with great staff! Who were very polite and helpful. The person I was dealing with really seemed to care alot about the animals.

Roberto Martinez

2023-09

due to a misunderstanding the manager wouldn’t allow me to adopt a dog thinking i mistreat my dog even tho my dog was in the building saying hi to everything and everyone can notice she is treated fine. the manager there shouldn’t be working there no longer ruining a couples happiness just for a misunderstanding when there could have been weekly check ups on the dog if you really think i miss treat a animal and that’s my animal does she look like she hates life? hm

Sotiri Strumpis

2024-02

My family and I are very disappointed in the service we have received at the Harford Humane Society but more so the well being of animals. On Thursday 1/11/24, my 21 year old and 16 year old sons who work at a nearby business found a stray cat. My 16 year old turned it in around 5pm. My son thought he was doing the right thing by turning the cat in, in hopes to find its TRUE owner. He was told by an employee that technically they are not supposed to accept it from him because he is a minor but they said “We’ll do it anayway” My son specifically told them that if they don’t find the TRUE owner my family would want to adopt this cat. The next day which was January 12th on a Friday around 11:30am I went in to inquire if anyone has claimed ownership of this cat since my son was considered a minor. They said they would put me on the list and told me I would have to wait the 3 day period. We then went again on Sunday the 14th of January around noon to inquire about the cat. We were told that they MAY have found the cats owner and to check back on Tuesday since Sunday didn’t count for the 72 hour hold. She was suspicious with her body language and tone so I went back at 11am on Tuesday morning. On Monday 1/15, I called to ensure my namewas on the list and they did confirm. When I went to checkup on the cat on 1/16, they said “I told you we found the owner” in a rude manner !! I said “You said you MAY have found the owner, not that you did”. I asked her if she had proper verification and definite proof that the person who picked up the cat was its TRUE owner and she said “Yes we check” but she seemed very uncomfortable and evasive. We know many people who have had similar experiences. We are pretty certain that the cat was not given to its original owner and handled in a shady manner. I will never do any business with the Humane Society after this experience and instead go to an independent rescue. I am aware of other individuals who have had similar experiences in the past, so it is not the first time that a situation was handled in a shady manner.

Marta Edmonds

2023-12

We have been here to adopt cats three different times. Each time, staff has been nice, polite and helpful. They are knowledgeable and know the animals in their care well, even when the kitties are on the newish (to the shelter) side.

Summer Weber

2019-05

They helped us find our dog. And we love him hes a great dog and the staff was very helpful. I can't remember the woman's name who specifically helped us but she had short hair was very nice. We adopted our dog same day. His name was Slater, we changed it to Tater and he's a great family pet.

henry bandy

2024-02

I took a cat there the other day and somebody had apparently hurt it badly. I was hoping that it wasn't anything serious and I would be able to take him home but they had to put him to sleep. And I am grateful for that. God bless the humane society and all the help. It givesto these beautiful animals. Thank you!

Katelyn Smith

2023-05

I adopt Myla (aka Sally) on New Years Eve and she is a doll. She has been a great addition to the family and is such a cuddle bug. Thanks humane society of harford county for all that you do !

Jennifer Brown

2023-09

I had to add this edit since it's been so long since my last review. What I absolutely must say, is that every word of my original review is still 100% accurate. They are still amazing, hard working, and so very helpful. I took them and abandoned stray today, and once again they went above and beyond to assist me and this sweet kitty to feel comfortable and that he would be well cared for. This is not only a job to these wonderful people, it is simply a way of life. We could all learn allot from them and the way they respect, love, and assist these God made creatures. 8/27/23I could never say enough good things about the wonderful people who work at the Harford County Humane Society. The thankless work that they do goes unnoticed by many, and underappreciated by most. They don't only show up every day to make a difference, but they genuinely care about the animals at the shelter, and it shows. They are very selective about who can adopt, and I personally think that's a great thing. Too many animals end up at the Humane Society because people have pets and underestimate the commitment, money, time, and patience that it takes to have a bond or successful relationship with a pet. Pets are family and are forever, and should be treated that way. My husband and I adopted an extremely intelligent and loving cat from HCHS and he has enriched our lives more than we could ever have imagined. He was just a scrawny, underweight former stray, callled "Gilbert" by the shelter staff. Since adopting him 11 months ago, "Ziggy" has gained almost 4 pounds. He is harness and leash trained, travels in a pet backpack, went to Fenwick Island Beach, in June, and we are currently planning a trip to Myrtle Beach,SC this fall. Don't ever underestimate a "shelter cat." The animals at HCHS are loved, cared for, and given the necessary medical treatment to get them on their way to finding a forever home. The amazing people at HCHS are true everyday heroes. Thank you for all that you do for animals and the people who love them.

Tammy Kistner

2024-05

The ppl there truly care about the animals.. they help with a food pantry for animals in need. Have great info all around the shelter.

Linda Thomas

2023-12

We adopted a male kitten. We named him Opie. We absolutely love him. He is going through stage of biting and scratching but,hopefully with time this will get better. He sleeps with us each night. Thank you Harford County

Burtcham

2023-11

Found my new best friend. Terry now Sam seems very happy with his new home. Couldn't be happier.

Karen Hartline

2022-05

I love these folks. Went to adopt a kitty on a Saturday and they were so busy. Despite the many people there looking to adopt pets, all of the staff maintained an amazing composure under the stress of trying to accommodate so many potential fur baby parents.I adopted a beautiful bonded pair of kitties. Look at them!!!!

Andrey Nikolenko

2024-04

Some people who work here love the animals and genuinely want them in a furever home and others straight up shouldn't be working with any of these creatures at all with the attitudes they be having

John Sheridan

2024-03

Gave this young man. A new home the staff here us great just have patients when you go there busy with helping the animal 😀 👍🏻

Harvey Betts

2024-01

Staff is great always helpful. I am part of ABMR and we are always grateful for the care they give to all the animals in their care.

Paula Campbell

2017-05

It's supposed to be new with a smell like that it needs a good cleaning and I think the animals need a huge ventilation system that can get out that awful odor! I feel sorry for the animals that enter the doors and have to breathe that! I feel something should be done. People donate to the Humane Societies in the SPCA why can't we somehow build the fund to put in a big ventilation system? I wish I knew how to go about it... for starters maybe some of the girls I seen standing up front and a crowd of about 7 or so can start some cleanup with some disinfectant to help it smell somewhat better :-)

Dieselking3293

2024-01

Manger reached out and took care of allThe cost. We appreciate it. ********* Recently my grandmother got a kitten from here. It got neutered on Tuesday and was adopted on Thursday. The stitches have came lose now spot they did surgery has reopened. We called for help and stated there was nothing they could do. Do not trust this place they will not help you.

Susan Summers

2024-04

Interesting, but like most places probably a bit understaffed and underfunded, which is a shame. It seems to be a good place.For animals

Brooke Rice

2019-05

We got our beautiful girl there! The staff are very friendly and informative. They were extremely helpful and really care about every one of the animals!

Edward Narvid

2021-05

All the animals there are well kept. Our adoption went smoothly. The staff there genuinely cares for all of them. Its difficult walking by the cages and not wanting to take them all home. If you are looking for a forever pet I strongly recommend looking here.

Alexandra P

2024-05

Made a good first impression, the staff seems knowledgeable and friendly.

Logan J.

2019-05

I tried for weeks to adopt a cat from this shelter, because they were waiving fees due to having too many animals. I started with senior and mid-age cats, because they tend to get looked over. Every cat I picked, I was told would not do well with a toddler or another cat. I then fell in love with a calico kitten on the website. The foster thought she would not do well with a toddler. I threw the towel in with the Humane Society and decided to try for Delaware. The kind staff at the Delaware Humane Association went above and beyond for me to adopt my kitten. She had some complications from her spay, so I had to take her back and they nursed her back to health with no charge. My toddler pays no attention to the new kitten; He is not amused. My donations will now go to support the Delaware Humane Association. I can never thank them enough!

Debbie Johnson

2023-09

Got my precious little kitten there, he is the sweetest kitten I have ever had! They sent him 🏡 with me sick but he is getting somewhat better after I went back and got medications 💊 for him. His name is Skittles. I love him so much!!!

Jerry Creighton

2024-02

They do great work here. Very appreciative of everything they do. Animals are well cared for.