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Animal Aid Society
80 Butler Farm Rd, Hampton, VA 23666, United States
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Bo
Review №1

I really like what they are doing with them doggies. My daughter donated a 30 lbs bag of dog food for her birthday and she just got a sweet card from them.

Ma
Review №2

This organization is truly remarkable! The love and compassion they use while the dogs are with them is so focused on the individualism of each dog! I adopted my former Piper, now Ruby home Wednesday and she is spectacular! I had to promise to take care of her for life and be fully vetted, which all applicants should but it was absolutely worth it!

SH
Review №3

The best shelter I have ever visited. It is very different and would tell everyone to visit at least once and tell anyone looking for a dog to try there.

Ma
Review №4

The people at this place are very kind & sweet. Although you arent really able to see the dogs unless they are outside playing, the workers will let you see any dog you like if you are interested in one from their website. Its only open 3 hours a day from 9am until 12pm. The dogs seem very happy at this place and well cared for. I would recommend this place to anyone serious about adopting a rescue. Please--just keep Gismo and Cubby together!!💖💖

St
Review №5

This was an amazing place but now new management is ruining it. The new management is discussing putting a few of the dogs down. Not because of bad health but because they deem the dogs too much to handle anymore.Completely defeating the purpose of a no kill shelter.If you donate or support this group because they were a no kill with volunteers that truly cared then DO NOT give them anymore donations. Send a message that we as supporters of this facility will not let the greed of a few within management change what amazing work it has done in the past.Oh and your donation money is now also paying someone a yearly salary meaning your money is not completely going to the dogs

La
Review №6

Hello, this place is bad to get a pet. I got told that the dog I wanted alrdy have a home n got told that they wanted him to have another dog to play with. I also got told that I could text n call them then when I did the lady was rude saying that she didnt need me texting her n stuff but they pick n choose to have a dog n I guess cause Im black I cant get a dog for my three kids. O the dog I wanted was max n he is still on the website because he doesnt have a home yet. But dont worry we will definitely get a puppy.

Jo
Review №7

The rescue is short staffed. But the lady who was talking to us was so sweet. And one of the dogs she brought out to us was the most precious pup

Am
Review №8

Helpful and knowledgeable staff. They obviously care a lot about the animals there. I didnt feel like they were just trying to get the dogs adopted, but are truly trying to help make a good match between dog and owner.

Ka
Review №9

My boyfriend recently applied to become the owner/ companion of a sweet dog from your rescue facility. From what I have seen from his experience, you don’t spend more than 12 hours considering your application contenders after contacting them…which to me and I’m sure many others who have applied to adopt a forever family member and would be more than worthy of bringing home a pup is very very unfortunate. From what I can see from other reviews, others feel the same as I do about your process. Your process is flawed and hopefully at some point you start listening to your reviews instead of responding with something that person wants to hear. I highly recommend before tossing out an application just from what you see on paper you take the time to meet and get to know the person applying to make an addition to their home/family. If you are so comfortable with open meet and greets with your pups before having someone fill out an application, you should broaden your horizons and be open to a meet and greet with the person who has made the effort you want them to make. I understand that because we live in a flawed world that you can’t just trust anybody BUT, there ARE still good genuine people who just simply want to adopt because they believe in the system of rescuing a pup and giving a rescue the home that they deserved to have in the first place. So if you truly believe in that process as much as your website says you do (especially as one who runs a rescue facility) then you should make the effort yourself to get to know each application contender better than just a few phone calls, emails, and texts within just a few hours. And because I now believe your process is flawed I can only hope Bonnie finds a good home.

Ch
Review №10

Was looking to adopt. But I was told that because I returned a dog to a shelter that big my infant and my 6 year old on multiple occasions. They stated that as a negative and marked me unfit for adoption. They may take care of their dogs but they are too judgmental on people.Meanwhile the other shelter had this to say. We are not at all upset with his adopters. They did the right thing bringing him back because he is a lot of work, and he did bite at them,Not every dog is right for every family. We know theres a lot of judgment going on about the family that returned him. But, you know what, they didnt let him go in the street, they didnt let anything happen to him, they acknowledged he wasnt the right dog for them, and they brought him back.We now have two beautiful big dogs that are right for us from that shelter because they understand a dog does not get priority over your kids. EVER!!!

Sy
Review №11

This shelter is dedicated to their mission and their animals. They are not suddenly a kill shelter just because they made the extremely difficult decision to euthanize a few dangerous dogs they had spent countless months trying to rehabilitate. Support your local shelters as they make the decisions no one else will and then receive nothing but hate for it. Adopt to show them that there are still people out there that will do their research and educate themselves on issues like these before accusing them of wrongdoing.

Tr
Review №12

Mocha got so much love, she wouldnt get out of the truck! So...we came back to get dads phone out of the porta poddy!🥺 Thank you so much to the person who turned my phone in to the wonderful, helpful, compassionate, any animal loving staff/volunteers of the Animal Aid Society!

Ka
Review №13

This is a wonderful organization, and they care deeply for the dogs in their care. They recently had to make a very difficult and hard decision about 4 dogs that had many severe behavior issues. No matter what anyone says, it was absolutely the right decision and its disappointing that people refuse to listen and accept that fact. Shame on everyone whos condemned and attacked AAS for making the most compassionate and loving decision that could ever be made for these 4 dogs. Much love AAS and the board members❤❤

Ca
Review №14

Wow, The staff is great, but the adoption process could be better, you would rather worry about splitting two dogs up versus checking for a criminal background for animal abuse or animal cruelty. The bottom line is.. Im sure alot of good animal loving families leave that place empty handed, Yeah Ill be honest and say my feelings is really in this because, I think your so called way of choosing the best fit is a little bias. Other than that your staff is great and the animals seem to be well taken care of. By the way, that piece of paper doesnt prove the person you choose is the best fit. Only your own bias idea of what you think is the right decision. Keep saving animal lives you get 5 stars for that, but your adoption process needs to improve...

Ef
Review №15

Everyone was helpful when visiting. My daughter was denied, which was always a probability, but she tried to communicate via the application that she had a lot of love to give, but it was interpreted as she wanted a support animal, which they don’t provide. Now, she doesn’t feel she’s worthy of having a pet. Please review your application options.

El
Review №16

I see so many negative reviews concerning Animal Aids adoption process--to be frank: they treat the adoption process almost like one for a human child--AS THEY SHOULD! Many of the dogs at the shelter have been through trauma and abuse, and AAS does a thorough job of making sure each dog goes to a loving home and a family who can financially and emotionally take care of them. I adopted my dog Fritz almost 3 years ago, and the intake process took a while but was WELL worth it! This is not your typical shelter, so if youre looking for a quick pet pickup--this is not the place for you! Love AAS and will forever be grateful for finding Fritz through them

Pa
Review №17

Something is wrong with that place. They need to communicate better with whats actually is going on. Have a team meeting before you open the gate, or give out information. Volunteers are their because they want to be. Keep up with whats really going on while youre there. Communicate!

De
Review №18

I volunteered for 7 years until this No Kill euthanized 4 happy, heathy dogs! Shame on you!

G
Review №19

Great people doing amazing work! They can always use more support

Ke
Review №20

My husband and I had recently moved to the area from Hawaii with our sweet little pitbull mix and we were looking to add another furball to the family as a companion for our pup. After a few meet and greets with one of Animal Aids available dogs, Cyrus, we were sure he was our guy! The adoption process went great--they are very thorough, which I appreciate and understand when it comes to homing animals. Just a couple of weeks after we brought Cyrus home, his new sister, our sweet little dog of nearly 10 years, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Our hearts were shattered and our seemingly healthy girl passed away just 6 short weeks later. We are so thankful for our sweet Cyrus who was there to help comfort us during that difficult time. Weve had him nearly 3 months now and love him more every day! Hes already been to Baltimore and Florida in that short time, and there are many more adventures to come. Thank you Animal Aid Society for all that you do for these dogs and for the people who are paired with the little angels you rescue.

Na
Review №21

This was the first time we have ever visited a shelter and the staff was very nice and welcoming. I appreciated how strict they were when it came to adopting a dog. When it came time to put in an application we were kept in the loop of the application process. I would definitely recommend family/friends to this shelter.

Ry
Review №22

This shelter is now a kill shelter please think twice before donating funds or bring stray animals to them.

Ge
Review №23

Just started volunteering there today. Very nice facility, awesome staff and dogs are well taken care of and loved! Lots of sweeties waiting for there forever home. Come on down.

Ni
Review №24

I understand that this agency chooses between multiple families to decide where the animal will be best suited. The issue is I was told my references would be called, my rental office would be called and etc. No one verified anything about me and my character. I feel it was a bias decision and I was not giving a chance. I am very upset and will not recommend this agency to get your Hopes up, by bringing your entire family to be let down for no reason...

De
Review №25

Amazing staff, precious babies needing homes. Check em out

As
Review №26

I absolutely love this place! They are all so willing to help you out with anything at all. I have adopted twice from here and recommend to everyone. I dont understand all the negative reviews when this is one place that wants what is best for the dog above anything else!

Ty
Review №27

Just a heads up they dont accept pitbulls.

Bo
Review №28

I’ve been it was clean and ran well but we didn’t get a dog we’re still (5 years later) tore up to get a dog since we had to put our baby girl down and that was almost 6 years ago now You should go if you’re interested in a animal good selection and clean and they’re not in cages!!!

Sh
Review №29

It was good

kr
Review №30

I have gone here several times with my family just to visit with the dogs for a little while. Every time that we go the dogs are all healthy and are well cared for. They always have great suggestions to help in the process of picking out a new family member which shows they truly care. The staff here is always on top of everything and appear very loving to the pups. I would highly recommend to anybody who is on the hunt for their newest family member.

Ma
Review №31

The Animal Aid Society is such a wonderful place for dogs. Throwaways, foundlings ,dogs in need go there to find their forever homes and while theyre there they are cared for by such compassionate wonderful volunteers. Anyone wanting to adopt a dog should go there first. Its a wonderful experience to volunteer there knowing youre helping nice dogs

Da
Review №32

Cannot figure out why my wife and I keep getting rejected as owners of dogs at this place. Whos making those kinds of decisions and based on what evidence? They are not competent enough to check the vet my wife used. We finally gave up. I hear they are about to be forced to close. Good riddance!

Za
Review №33

The staff here are great! All the dogs are so sweet and amazing in their own way. Definitely stop by here if you are looking for a new dog.

Al
Review №34

This is a place where homeless and abandoned dogs can come and have a second chance. It is run by selfless and kindhearted people who give precious time to be of service to somthing greater than their self.

Al
Review №35

Worse experience ever. Wish I could give them ZERO stars.

ME
Review №36

We recently adopted a dog from here. The lady who met us upon our arrival was great. We took the dog a little less then a week after adopting her.After getting her home and helping her adjust, she started to show signs of extreme aggression, she would snap and charge at us. We tried to work with her but ended up having to take her back as she started to do it with our friends, family members and neighbors. When we called to take her back the lady did not hang the phone up all the way and we heard her say Well we did not need that today. Which is understandable but not acceptable.After we did some research, we noticed that the did not post our adoption, like they had the rest of the dogs. We though that was strange but we didnt think anything further about it, until we got on the sites Facebook page and saw that the dog we had adopted, appeared to be adopted by another family. When they were questioned about this, they denied it and stated they had no idea what we were talking about.We took the dog back and explained to them what took place. The lady who took her in was nice; however, we noticed that the posted this dog back on the site and did not update information - they did not include that she has some aggression, they did not change her intake date, they did not change any of the information that we provided them with regarding the dogs aggression and signs of separation anxiety; which will allow the next family that adopts this dog will go through the same thing that we did. The only thing they added was more pictures of the dog. This made us feel like they got over on us. The descriptions are misleading. It would be beneficial for the dogs to stay at foster homes so that the descriptions can have some level of information that is accurate, relying on the surrenders information is not completely ideal either.They also posted on their facebook a few hours after we dropped her off an article stating give a dog three months to adjust, but they never apologized for the dogs behavior - but justified it, by saying the dog wanted to establish Alpha Dominance; which is understandable in a new surrounding; however the level of aggression that we experience was unacceptable.I would just recommend being careful and read the contract thoroughly. Though the dog resides in your home, it remains under the ownership of the AAS which means in a certain sense that you are renting a dog. I understand that it is for the safety and security of the dog; however, if you pay for the dog then it should then be yours. The staff can be helpful, but I alot more communication can be done as well on their parts.

De
Review №37

We have adopted four wonderful dogs from the Animal Aid Society starting with Clancey in 1983. I have volunteered there with my daughter in the past, and our son did his Eagle Scout project there. Great place to find your new best friend!!

Mi
Review №38

Staff was very helpful.

ci
Review №39

We adopted our Sunny Boy from there 13 yrs ago. He was one of the best dogs that we ever had. I have the utmost respect for this no-killl shelter. We plan on adopting our next dog from there!! Thank you for all that you do!

Tr
Review №40

Very wonderful people!! All pets are well cared for and each gets attention. The shelter is very well run and clean. A fantastic place to find your next best friend.

Jo
Review №41

We visited Rosie. She is adorable. The staff are really genuine people that care about animals. The adoption process is taken very seriously, as it should be. The animals love visits and dog therapy for yourself is worth the trip alone.

Ka
Review №42

Absolutely wonderful. The volunteers do a great job with all the animals would definitely recommend adopting from this shelter

Ni
Review №43

I wouldn’t adopt here. The people are awful. Instead of educating people about care and because we had a dog that wasn’t on heart worm. We were ridden off as bad owners because we didn’t have a “good enough” vet to tell us to put her on it. With out anyone know how we are, just said I’m on the adoption committee and I’ll tell you right now that we won’t give you a dog.PLUS, had the nerve to ride us off, but half the shelter was underwater and didn’t look like much shelter for the bigger dogs, so who’s to say they weren’t out all night in that rain!For people who rely on private donations to keep this place open have a funny way of treating peopleUPDATE: they responded to my review stating that they reviewed our application, BUT we didn’t put one in at all! They just saw us and decided after a couple of questions decided they would not give us an animal.When in fact heart worm medication is not normally recommend after a certain age in dogs, WHICH is why we didn’t understand what they were saying. And telling us that they weed out anyone who doesn’t listen to there vet. I understand after speaking with a vet and other shelters that bring a new dog that has been in a shelter might put mine at risk. But our dog is older so the vet never recommended it or put an emphasis on getting it. Then to dismiss us again when we said we would put her on it. Then had said no, you can’t do it after the fact.....

Br
Review №44

My wife and I had been looking around for a dog. Due to our apartment restrictions and work hours we could only get a dog under 60lbs, not on the restricted breed list on our lease, and could be left alone while we worked. My wife met me at there and we fell in love with Angelica. We put in our application and everything went smooth untill there was some confusion with our leasing office. The lady working on our application was very helpful, and patient with us while we fixed the issue. After getting approved and coming in and filing out the rest of the paperwork, we were able to take Angelica home on 2/18/18.We’ve had Angelica for a week and a half now and she is by far amazing. Perfect in the car, perfect at friends and family’s houses, great with other dogs, absolutely great with our cat (our biggest worry), and house broken. My wife loves taking her everywhere and teaching her new tricks.So If you are looking to adopt a dog I highly recommend animal aid society.

Ja
Review №45

Friendly, caring people. Very careful about who can get their animals. Its a no kill shelter so theyre very humane in the treatment of the animals.

Br
Review №46

Would not recommend viewing online or visiting Animal Aid Society as a prospect for a dog companion. The application process for a rescue is flawed and unfair. Go to a shelter who will be happy to place a rescue in a good home.Application failed in spite of large fenced in yard, ample experience raising troubled canines, solid references, one stay at home parent, and after submitting the first application for the rescue.Do not get your hopes up when visiting the Animal Aid Society; you will be disappointed.

Ta
Review №47

Great volunteer staff who obviously care a great deal for the animals at the shelter. Always a great experience when we stop by.

Vi
Review №48

I am not understanding some of the negative reviews from this dog shelter. I have been there many times, as i use to volunteer there before I moved out of state. Unlike most shelters the dogs have access to inside and outside areas. The inside areas are heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. The application process is strict because they want to ensure their dogs go to good homes unlike some shelters that are kill their dogs after a certain amount of time, which is why you can get one the same day at many places. The application process takes many applicants so it isnt uncommon to not be approved because someone else was better qualified. Even as a volunteer I wanted to adopt a dog but knew my home wasnt ready for one so I never went forward with the process. You cant save a dog if you are unable to care for yourself and others in your life. Please dont take these negative reviews to heart. This place is a great establishment. I have worked and volunteered at other shelters and couldnt stay there because the dogs are kept in small cages and many are killed. Sometimes 2 in one day and at least 5 a week. Hence why they may be strict for someone not having their dog altered when there are so many dogs dying everyday due to accidental and intentional puppies. Please consider their recommendations for your current household pets. They are not trying to be rude or call you a bad owner, they simply want people to be educated on pet ownership in hopes of not having anymore animals die due to unfortunate events that could be prevented.

Je
Review №49

What a great place. They are all animal lovers and a no kill shelter. They truest love each and every dog that they have.

ho
Review №50

Sweet people who care about the dogs!

Di
Review №51

Great place. Air conditioned and heated runs. Treat the dogs like part of the family.

Ti
Review №52

Honestly, I really hope they treat dogs better than they treat people. I like that this is a no kill place but I feel really bad about leaving a lost dog there after how rude the lady was to my husband this morning. I do hope they work to find its owner.

Di
Review №53

After losing our Chessie in December, we were ready to find a playmate for our rather active plot hound mix (a rescue) and Animal Aid Society has been around as long as I can remember. That alone, should speak volumes about this operation. Searching through their pics of available dogs, we made the trip with one or two pups in mind. We piled both of our pups in the car and made the trip down there where we were greeted by Joe, who has 29 yrs of volunteer service to this charity. He met our pups, and said the ones we had wanted to look at was definitely a no go, and instead suggested Maelyn. He brought her out to do a meet, greet and walk with our pups, along with a “play” time in a fenced area. They did great. He then insisted we come back in a few days and let them do it all again. And we did. We filled out the adoption papers, read all the rules, and held our breaths. A volunteer was sent to our home to check out bedding, feeding areas and fenced yard. We got the good news on the weekend and were able to take her home the following week. The whole process took about ten days...if you can’t commit to that, chances are, you won’t have time to commit to an animal.Maelyn is a perfect fit for our home and it feels like she has been a part of the family forever. She’s settled in, and has made our home her home.I said all that, to say this...the adoption process here is a long one, however, one that places dogs in homes to provide the best chance of success for not only you, but the pup as well. They have a lot of rules, with good reasoning behind each one, no matter how unreasonable or unrealistic the rule may seem to you, there is a legitimate reason behind it, ask if you don’t understand.Finally, these volunteers are fantastic, this is a 365 day a year VOLUNTEER joint effort to keep this place running. These pups are well cared for, EVERYDAY! Taj majal, no, but they are fed, watered and are in environmentally controlled kennels. These volunteers are here, interested in the well being of the dogs, and do a systematic adoption process for a reason, they are not there to pander to potential adoptive owners.Great job guys, you are awesome!

De
Review №54

They are a no kill shelter. They provide a wonderful compassionate service to the animals. Great place to adopt a dog.

Am
Review №55

My son and I came into volunteer. The people are very friendly and knowledgeable and the dogs are so sweet and loving.

Na
Review №56

Very friendly and they take wonderful care of the animals!

Ni
Review №57

This place needs to be put under investigation dog don’t look heathlyRude people

Co
Review №58

My husband and I have been trying to rehome our dog for a few months. I was called back immediately the following day after trying to get ahold of them the day before to see if they had any vacant spots as a last resort if we couldnt find him a home within the next 2 weeks. However, what I did not appreciate was being scolded saying our problem is that hes not fixed... with a our first born coming soon we do not want him in the house and being 8 months along I can not give him the attention he deserves and neither can my husband with his work hours. It would get worse when the baby arrived and thats doing our dog a disservice. Your scolding WAS NOT APPRECIATED AND NOT ASKED FOR... it was out of line and unprofessional. We asked for your help not your ignorance.

Li
Review №59

Great place to find a new animal..

Li
Review №60

Great volunteers! They genuinely care about the pets.

Jo
Review №61

We adopted Lucy October 15 and she loves us as much as we love her. Wonderful dog!!!!

Ga
Review №62

U guys doing a great job ..

An
Review №63

I love this place. Great people who care deeply for the animals.

Ti
Review №64

Great people that works they...

al
Review №65

Cindy and I met in April 2016 I have a magnet that reads who rescued who on my ..our car.The staff are so wonderful. I was so excited to show co workers recently the campus where my Cindy and I met i dropped my personal car keys and didnt notice until I went back to my job.I called ..explained ..they called me back they found my key. Cindy missed her Thursday Gurlsday shopping but i made it up by playing her favorite game.. tug of war! Nothing But Love for this campus and staff!💘 cindy🐾 &jeff

Ka
Review №66

Wonderful staff and we have a wonderful dog. A big thank you.

Ir
Review №67

Had my little girl Crazy spaded great people!!

Da
Review №68

Adopted our dog from them. Great experience!

Jo
Review №69

Great place to find your new pooch

Lo
Review №70

Such a great group and what they do for animals is awesome.

Ma
Review №71

The dogs & volunteers are awesome!

Ja
Review №72

Fantastic place for rescue dogs, very nice and helpful

Da
Review №73

Located in a very obscure location and very trashy. It was a relatively cold day when I visited and I noticed that even though the cages for the dogs were large they were all outside which means all the dogs were kept out in the cold from what I could tell. The shelter is also only open 3 hours a day which I do not feel is not much time to really pick out a pet.

Ma
Review №74

Very caring staff

An
Review №75

I use to walk dogs with my mom here a very long time ago. Back when dogs like scurffy, bear and spot were still around.

To
Review №76

Wouldnt even talk to us because we had another small dog....

An
Review №77

I like this dog shelter but the committee disapproves for stupid reasons

Sa
Review №78

Awesome no kill shelter for dogs!!

Si
Review №79

Do you guys accept summer volunteers? If so, what age?

Ge
Review №80

I didnt need to go here. I was looking for a place to register my cat and they pointed me in the right direction

Sc
Review №81

They go above and beyond for the care of dogs both young and old.

Ea
Review №82

Great people who care

Ro
Review №83

Very good

Jo
Review №84

Great place

Ei
Review №85

Attended dog wash fundraiser.

Da
Review №86

No kill.

ni
Review №87

Dogs

Information
65 Photos
87 Comments
4.2 Rating
  • Address:80 Butler Farm Rd, Hampton, VA 23666, United States
  • Site:http://www.animalaidsociety.org/
  • Phone:+1 757-865-0511
Categories
  • Pet adoption service
  • Animal shelter
Working hours
  • Monday:9am–12pm
  • Tuesday:9am–12pm
  • Wednesday:9am–12pm
  • Thursday:9am–12pm
  • Friday:9am–12pm
  • Saturday:9am–12pm
  • Sunday:9am–12pm
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