Maxfund

Volunteer there! I’ve only been to the dog shelter but everything they do is for a reason. The kennels are kept SUPER clean. Maxfund really gets to know these animals before sending them out to just anyone. They want them placed in a good home.
I truly believe these doggies could not be at a better place until they find their forever homes. But until than– I get the pleasure of walking and playing with these amazing dogs.

I’ve done a lot of work with MaxFund, the annual Chili Cook-​Off at the Celtic Tavern and even the Lucky Mutt strut. I live in Colorado Springs and saw a dog online that I absolutely fell in love with. I reached out to MaxFund about her and when they finally got back to me, they, very rudely, told me that she already has a pending application. They were very dismissive and shut me down even though that application could have fallen through and I might still of had a chance at bringing her home with me. My kids were crying when I told them that we weren’t even able to attempt get her. The thing that really bothered me is that, if they had been more inviting, we still would have come to the shelter and looked at the other dogs. I can very much say that I will no longer be donating or helping with this shelter again.

I was treated like a criminal. My dog got loose and was turned in 5 days later to maxfund. Those five days were very stressful because of non stop searching, posting, and crying. I posted ads in pet harbor .com. went to every shelter. Called every shelter. She was even micro chipped. She was turned into max fund n Tuesday which they were closed supposedly. they could have scanned the chip and contacted me. The moment they open on Wednesday I was in contact with them and that is when the s*** show started. They treated me like a criminal because my dog was a little under weight. She needed some hospital attention and they sent her there without my consent. $ 700 later they said I could go get her if I have the money. But that was the only way they will release my dog. Then they said I couldn’t get her to 430 after I took off work early borrowed some money and was heading down there at 2. I get there and the police are there. they held my dog hostage basically. I am NOT in support of this place anymore. they are not a charity. In 2013 they brought in 6 million dollars and kept 2 million. In comparison Denver dumb friends league brought in 15 million dollars and kept one million. this place is not about charity. I will never recommend this place to adopt or anything else.

Amazingly nice people! Everyone was friendly and they remembers my dogs name when we came in for a second visit. We adopted the sweetest dog here :) we’ve had her only a few hours and are already in love!

Shelter is nice and clean. The cats look super happy. But the lady at the front desk is very rude. Not willing to answer questions and is very dismissive. She couldn’t wait to get back to clicking on her computer.

My boyfriend and I adopted our biggest source of joy from Maxfund about 8 months ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. They were friendly, open and honest (he had a limp when we got him due to a break that wasn’t treated properly and they informed us of potential issues), and accommodating. It took about a week after applying for us to get to bring him home but that was while they were checking out our references and making sure our apartment didn’t have breed restrictions. I was hesitant always in getting a dog that wasn’t a puppy (he was a year and two months when we got him) but it ended up being a really great decision. He was fully potty trained and already had his own personality. Lucky for us that personality is especially loving and sweet and he will barely leave our sides and sleeps under the covers with his head on a pillow being spooned every night! I never would have imagined falling so in love and from now on will only get dogs from a shelter. Being as loved and as spoiled as he is it breaks my heart to know he wasn’t always and I encourage everyone to give these dogs a great home! I strongly agree with what Maxfund does for animals who are in kill shelters and will support them in any way I can– including recommending everyone pay them a visit! And if anyone from Maxfund reads this I’d like you to know he gained about 20 pounds with us and from the weight gain and chasing any one of his millions of toys around the limp is totally gone!

My amazing dog recently died and I went over to the Maxfund to donate her dog food to them. After I donated the dog food to the Maxfund clinic, I walked over to the Maxfund dog adoption center to see the dogs and potentially adopt one. I was buzzed into the building and I was so poorly greeted and treated by the young lady sitting at the receptionist desk. I asked to see the dogs and she told me this is how it’s done here and proceeded to tell me the process in a rude, monotone, almost robotic voice, while looking at the computer monitor. No eye contact at all. There was no enthusiasm, positivity, concern or happiness in the fact that a Maxfund dog could potentially be given a forever home. I stood there dumbfounded and took the negativity from her as a sign and walked out. After reading the Unilocal reviews, it is revealing that I’m not the only one to have a negative experience with customer service. I feel extremely terrible for the animals at Maxfund because the staff are not making the adopt of these animals the Ultimate Priority.

My friend adopted a lab mix from maxfund after a grueling 2 week adoption process and turns out the dog was very ill and emaciated by the time she picked him up. It cost her hundreds of dollars at her vet clinic, several rounds of antibiotics and proper nutrition to nurse him back to health. Their adoption process is very intense and they clearly don’t take the best care of the animals. No shelter should let an animals health deteriorate in their care, and they absolutely shouldn’t be adopting out sick animals!

The vet clinic is awful. For $ 10 more go to planned pethood and get a great vet doc. I waited 45 min at maxfund and the vet, an older male, was a condescending jerk who insisted on unesssary tests and muzzling my lil dog. DONT TAKE YOUR DOG HERE!

The cat shelter is clean, professionally run, and its staff were very quick with my application. They were all very friendly and had nice volunteers spending lots of quality time with the cats when I visited their facility. My big complaint with the shelter is that their vet techs missed my young cat’s dislocated back leg, which my vet was able to catch by feeling his leg.
In the shelter’s defense, proper vets will usually only see cats that are pretty old or sick primarily for budgetary reasons, and their adoption rates are more than fair already. The shelter is also processing lots of cats, so their attention to each cat is minimal. Cats are also notorious for hiding illnesses and pain for a long time, and often their humans will only catch stuff when it’s really obvious or when they’re very, very sick. However, an untrained person like myself could see that one foot was smaller and different than the other, and quick look at his toes revealed some of them were growing sideways and that he was missing a toe. I feel that something as major as this should have been noted, even if the cat was not displaying signs of distress or pain.
i adopted him from Maxfund a few weeks back. I noticed his back feet were different once we got home and I started to brush him, but seeing as nothing was written about it on his paperwork and no one reported any problems with it, I figured it was just a birth defect of no consequence. After a couple days at home, he started limping. I called Maxfund and asked if anyone had noticed this or had more information on his leg, seeing as they had had him for a few months. They said their vet techs on inspection did not note anything.
I understand that I signed the release form and that I take full responsibility for his wellbeing, but it’s a bit careless that they missed something like this given how long they had him and how obviously different his feet look. Overall, a decent shelter in terms of cleanliness and professional and loving staff.
FYI, the shelter does not provide rabies vaccinations (also likely due to lack of VMDs there full time, though that may need to change soon as my vet informs me that rabies is on the rise in Colorado) and they require that Maxfund remains the primary contact on the cat’s microchip, though you can call the microchip company and ask to be listed as a secondary contact, which I’ll be doing because I will probably move out of state in the future.

We went into Maxfund last weekend to start looking for a loving dog to bring into our home. We went on the website as directed to choose a dog. We found one we thought would be good, but after speaking to the receptionist changed our mind (she cautioned against the dog we chose as he did not get along well with other dogs and our apartment is surrounded by friendly dogs). I feel like if you are giving a dog a forever home you want it to be the best one for it! After a couple other failed attempts she suggested a different dog. We met the dog and fell in love. Unfortunately another couple wanted to meet her after us and they decided to put in an application as well. We waited around all week to hear if we would get to bring her home or not. After hearing nothing, we finally called back today to check and were told that our file can’t be found. After thinking about this dog all week our hearts are broken and I am very frustrated with this whole process.
Eventually we heard back (they found our missing application) and apparently because they had not heard from our 3^rd reference (who called back and left a message) they have the dog to the other couple. Needless to say we will be most likely be going elsewhere to find our perfect dog. Maybe you will have a better experience there!

I’ve adopted two cats from maxfund and both died from diseases they picked up there within months of bringing them home. I am watching my seven month old kitten diying right now in front of me as I write this review.
Unsanitary conditions, too many cats together are likely blame.
The vet bills and the emotional toll this has taken on my family have been too much to express.
Stay away from this place unless want your heart broken. This no kill shelter may have good intentions, but they are killing animals anyway.

We adopted an 7 year old American Bulldog from Maxfund about a year ago with a great experience. A new Maxfund shelter building was under construction in January 2013.
This No-​Kill shelter was founded in 1988 and the original founder is still the current director. They depend on donations without public funding with a volunteer work force that may not provide the best customer service. Maxfund saves injured animals that other shelters will not take.
The location is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood so keep an eye on your brand new car just like in other high crime areas in Denver. The website is not always accurate so call and make sure your interested animal is there.
The background application can take couple weeks and they have to call 3 references and I’m glad it’s a through process to find the right adopters. The adoption fee is $ 125 similar to DDFL and other animal shelters. Good luck saving a furry friend. Woof!

As the 2-​star rating entails, I have experienced better. The car in the neighborhood parked directly in front of ours had its windows smashed in during the 10 minutes we were actually inside the building– so bring your valuables inside. Not the shelter’s fault, but a consideration nonetheless if you’re venturing there.
Differing from the 5 other places (look at my check-​ins if you don’t believe me) we have been to looking at new pets-​to-​be, you are NOT permitted to meet the potential pet unless you have first viewed their photo either in a blurry book or online. We were truly unimpressed with this process. We understand that you can decrease the stress on the future-​pets; however, doesn’t the saying go, you can’t judge a book by its cover? On paper, my current dog, was «aggressive, fearful, anxious» and in real life she was shy, sweet and well… anxious. Abandonment does that to animals and you can’t blame her really. We’re doing awesome now and looking for a new family member as a result of our 3-​yr pup-​owner relationship going so well and my fiancé itching for a new best friend.
I guess the point is that though this system may work for some people and may decrease the amount of stress and guilt on people and pets, I really feel like it removes the accountability from the shelter for proper care of the animals (since no one gets to see how the pets live), as well as decreases my personal ability to have that moment that I had with my dog, HoneyBee, when I saw her from down the aisle at the pound, barking her head off to be let out (she had been abused in a cage) and I knew that I was the one, the one who needed to let her out and give her dogonality (yea, I know it’s not a word but she isn’t exactly a person is she?) a chance.
If you’re reading this best of luck finding your new furry best friend!

My partner and I have been on the «second cat» search for awhile now as we have pretty strict criteria as our first cat is our child and want her to have a great match. Well, we thought we found the match online through the website and got really excited. We decided to go in and if the cat was as they «advertised» to definitely start the adoption process. All that said– you can see that we became a bit attached to what we knew of this one kitty. Well we go into Maxfund and it’s super chaotic just walking in the door. I go up to the front desk and say, «We saw XXXXX on the website and came in to see her because we are so excited!» And this is word for word how the nurse replies: «SHE’S DEAD.» Thanks for your compassion. Why are you working here?
There are TOO many amazing shelters that have really capable staff as well as better treatments of the animals around town for me to waste my time giving up my keys and license when you don’t even screen your animals for illness!!!
Bottom Line: I must echo another Unilocaler’s review named Allie: «I understand the shelter is undergoing some rather big changes including an expansion of the building which is great but does not explain the complete and utter disorganization and dismissive ‘We don’t care if you want to rescue an animal’ attitude that occurred to me on my visit. «
I apologize as this is my most adamant and «dirtiest» post to date, but these are living creatures and not DINNER REVIEWS.

We started looking to adopt a shelter dog to add to our family about two weeks ago. We stopped by the Maxfund shelter on a Sunday afternoon. Without knowing it, we arrived 35 minutes prior to their 4PM closing time.
First, I get that they are staffed by volunteers but why on earth do you close at 4PM every business day?
Second, we were greeted by the exclamation «IT’S 3:25!» I looked at my watch and back at the staff member trying to understand why this was just yelled at us. How about a «you know, it’s 35 minutes to closing time and you probably won’t be able to complete our rather rigorous screening process (and therefore take home a dog) before we close.» That I would’ve respected.
As to the rigorous screening process, this review is not based on sour grapes because we didn’t pass. We were fine. However, I felt like I was applying for a top secret security clearance rather than trying to give a dog a loving home. In the end, we turned Maxfund down and went a few miles down the road to the Denver Dumb Friends League where we were met by many wonderful volunteers and adopted a wonderful dog.
Maxfund, I sincerely applaud your no-​kill mission but you need to work on your customer service… A LOT!

Like many other reviewers/​visitors, I very much wanted to support this no-​kill shelter and rescue an animal. I’ve wanted to adopt a dog for a long time and have been looking on MaxFund’s website. I wanted to adopt an older dog and give him or her amazing last years that did not involve life in a shelter but a happy, 2 story home with a big yard, lots of attention and care. When I went down to MaxFund last Friday morning, I had my heart set on a 7 year old Akita who had been at the shelter for 6 months according to the website.
I understand the shelter is undergoing some rather big changes including an expansion of the building which is great but does not explain the complete and utter disorganization and dismissive «We don’t care if you want to rescue an animal» attitude that occurred to me on my visit. I walked up to the temporary trailer office and was immediately met by a man who asked what I needed help with. There was only 1 other visitor in the room.
I inquired about the Akita and was told that though it did not say on the website, the dog had to be adopted as a pair. Here I thought Akitas were independent dogs. When I brought up my thought, the man told me the website was not up to date, did not include that important piece of information and that he did not know anything about any of the dogs, did not have any records for any of the dogs, and none of them were available for visitation.
I asked about another dog I was interested in who was 6 years old. I was told he did not know anything but that the dog was next door at the clinic and suggested I go next door and ask to visit the dog. I went next door and the woman at the front desk was on the phone for over 8 minutes. I sat there waiting patiently for an opportunity to inquire about the dog’s situation and if it was possible he would be up for a visit. I planned to go back to the office to inquire about a 10 year old dog but after the combination of «don’t know, don’t care, please go away, we don’t know anything here» at the office and the 8 minutes of watching the clerk at the clinic sit on the phone, I left.
The worst lingering feeling I still have about my visit is a sadness and sympathy for the animals, especially the older ones, waiting to be adopted at the shelter, not knowing that friends with loving homes have come and gone trying to rescue them.
I read prior to my visit that there are no same-​day adoptions and I completely respect their process as it seems it is in the best interest of the animals. I was prepared for that and also had their application I’d printed and completed the day before ready to go. I walked away disappointed and bewildered.
My impression? It wouldn’t surprise me if MaxFund were a front for some other shady business, because it is certainly not adoption-​focused or information-​friendly.

I was rooting for this shelter because the adoption fees were all more within my budget and price range.
I got my kitten, Pollito, from Maxfund last month. He seemed pretty healthy when I took him home. Then, a week or so later, he and my adult cat Kitty Softpaws became sick with a parasite. Vet visit #1 in October.
Got medication for both of them and their sickness cleared up. Or so I thought.
Then, both cats became sick again with head colds. Mind you, Kitty Softpaws has been 100% healthy this whole past year since I got her. With Pollito in the picture, Kitty was becoming sick more often.
Luckily the head cold cleared up in Kitty pretty quickly. Pollito meanwhile became super congested and one of his eyes was beginning to concern me (red, puffy, etc.). Vet visit #2 in October. The vet didn’t seem too worried about his eye and gave me some more medication.
Pollito didn’t get better. Kitty wasn’t eating. I took them both in a few weeks ago. Vet visit #1 in November.
Pollito had to be hospitalized; the vet is afraid he has Feline Herpes in the eye. This visit cost me more than I wanted it to, because Pollito had to have IVs, nebulizer, etc.
I picked Pollito up from the vet last Tuesday. Vet visit #2 in November. Vet says Pollito may need an anti-​viral, which will cost me even more.
And why am I writing all this for Maxfund? Well – sure, I had to sign an agreement saying the shelter was not liable for any sickness Pollito had. STILL. Even though they have their own wellness center across the street from the cat shelter, they didn’t think to check for Feline Herpes? Yeah, so maybe Pollito was born with this and the sicknesses just aggravated him more.
Well, it certainly would have been nice for them to thoroughly inspect Pollito before they released him to me. I love him to death and can’t think of giving him back to Maxfund; however, he has cost me so much more than I had anticipated. Boo on Maxfund.
Sigh.
Aside from that, Maxfund’s facilities at first seemed to be more conducive to my liking, allowing me to meet with the different adult cats and the kittens (always use hand sanitizer between each room visit). They also allowed for me to bring Kitty in to meet Pollito before I went through with the application. This was something that DDFL didn’t let me do.
So this all seemed more beneficial for me and that’s why I went with Maxfund. But … but … they didn’t tell me I’d get a sickly kitten. Who knows, maybe all the kittens in the kitten room are infected with Feline Herpes. Oh, but how would the staff know, considering they don’t even check for this. Maxfund DOES have separate visitation rooms for cats with FIV, Herpes, etc. They should put some of the kittens in those rooms as well, instead of letting the little ones all be together and infecting each other.
Sigh. I had hope in this shelter, I really did. But now I feel that I made the wrong choice in selecting Maxfund over DDFL.
(P.S. Kitty Softpaws is negative on Feline Herpes. She is a-​ok to play with Pollito.)

My second successful adoption at Maxfund, this time a beautiful Siamese kitty. I went in to check out the available cats (knowing they don’t do same day adoptions), filled out my paperwork, got my other pets vaccines updated. After my references cleared the process took about 15 mins on my second visit.
Maxfund depends on donations and volunteers and I think they work really hard to care for the animals and hope that they go to a forever home. Many animals are returned or abandoned so they do have an adoption process, please be patient with this shelter.

We stopped in about 20 minutes before closing. It seemed odd at first that they ask for car keys and a driver’s license when you come in (looking for a dog). After we looked at small dogs, we took a look at the bigger dogs. A volunteer was about to take out a beautiful dog that caught our attention. We asked about him, and she offered to let us take him for a walk. Since we gave up our keys, there was no escaping with him. Darn!
We had decided that we wanted to get him. We were told that they didn’t do same day adoptions. That was disappointing. We didn’t look into the policy beforehand, so it was a bit of a surprise. Overall, we decided not to adopt from here, but that decision was not based on the shelter or its policy. If we decide to look to adopt another pet, we will definitely check out Maxfund. They care about the animals who pass through.