Animal Rescuers Without Borders

Oh look! Not just two days later and a response! I just want to make clear about my point. This place (and after reading the response) still severely lacks any sort of professionalism. While there were valid reasons for the delay (60 adoptions/​holidays) this review along with many others still show a pattern of behavior in DISORGANIZATION. Also many of the pet stores around the 92 111 or 92 117 area (and more) are monopolized by this group. Many different websites including petfinder etc trace back to ARWOB. Had we known that we wouldn’t have bothered, but the formats are not always the same. In addition, my previous review already stated how other shelters were also unresponsive. Something to keep in mind is we may have waited 5 days, but we had to email first. I am sure had we not responded at all we wouldn’t have even been contacted. The email we did receive was curt, fragmented, and devoid of professionalism. Craigslist has many posts from animal adoption groups (including ARWOB!) and I found two independent and local animal rescues who also had the SAME type questionnaire ex: do you rent or own, do you have kids, how much are you willing to spend on vet expenses etc. We were selected and in one case were chosen over 4 other applicants, which tells me we were obviously fit to adopt. I also check in with both groups texting them photos and emailing them updates on the health and well being of the kittens. Our kittens are HEALTHY, vaccinated, neutered, and yes very very loved. We have no other qualms with any of the other volunteers and I am actually friends with several! However, of the few I talked to in regards to Alondra’s response all of them were very dismayed and disappointed over my situation. I was told Alondra has final say and is the only one who approves the adoptions. This is what makes me question if this is too much responsibility for one person. The animals aren’t being advocated with the professionalism that they deserve and are not held to the organizations mission statement.
In conclusion, you are better off adopting from the ASPCA or the Humane Society.
It’s an even BIGGER slap in the face that you would rather read and respond to a Unilocal review than focus on those animal adoptions. On another note, being a foster home/​volunteer for animals is still a HUGE responsibility if not more so. You should probably consider that before becoming a volunteer as well.

Wanted to take a moment to update my review and remind everyone of the wonderful work this organization does to help homeless animals. As a volunteer, I personally see the effort that does into making sure rescued animals are well taken care of until they can find their forever homes. ARWOB will make sure the animal you may be interested in is a good fit in your home. I highly recommend working with them.

I’m having a hard time leaving a negative review because they united my bff and I, but I feel the situation we had warrants it because you’re giving them your hard earned money.
I saw a couple of dogs on their website that fit the type I was looking to adopt, so I emailed to get more information. They’re not terribly responsive, I get it, volunteers are hard to come by. Not a deal breaker.
I attended an adoption event to meet our sweet girl and immediately knew we were going to take her home. Love at first puppy kisses. A few notes on the adoption event: I could not believe how disorganized they were. I’d never adopted a dog before and had a ton of questions but no one seemed to know much about my little girl. I got some information from the woman fostering her finally, but nothing was in writing. Her «paperwork» was emailed to us several days later.
Here’s the part that gets me. After bringing her home we found 4 ticks on her (we had not taken her anywhere between putting her in the car and taking her home and she hadn’t gone anywhere outside of our front yard which is fake grass and has no trees), and worms in her stool. We also found a bright red spot on one of her paws a day later. Concerned, we took her to the vet before we even got her paperwork. Turned out she had a tapeworm and ringworm, along with a vaginal infection (she had been spayed recently). We saw later on her paperwork that she was prescribed an antibiotic by the vet who spayed her, but it was not given to us when we adopted her, so there’s no way she was taking it.
I have VERY serious concerns about the welfare of these dogs. Yes, they are probably coming from worse situations (probably?) but if you’re going to pay several hundred dollars to adopt a dog, shouldn’t that dog be healthy, or at least have their health issues disclosed upon adoption? I paid upwards of $ 1000 in vet bills and prescriptions just after taking her home to make her healthy.
And yes, I contacted them to let them know because ringworm and tapeworms are contagious and I was afraid the other dogs being fostered might have them, but I received NO response. So disappointing.

Any animal rescue is great… But be prepared to be very patient in every Avenue with these guys… So difficult to get a hold of any leader, or employee at this company… It takes multiple emails /​calls to reach anyone here

I love this group. I adopted my basset hound from them. Alondra and the other staff members are awesome. They work so hard to rescue animals and get them in to good homes. They are picky with who they allow to foster and adopt to insure the animal finds a true forever home. I highly recommend them if you are considering fostering or adopting!

I’m struck by how all-​or-​nothing the reviews here are. We had a great experience with ARWOB, so perhaps armed with a step-​by-​step guide, you can emulate it.
1. Desire a new furry companion. I’m assuming you’re good on this one.
2. Look at all the puppehs* on Petfinder within a 50 mile radius, increase desire for furry companion.
3. Find an especially adorable puppeh, follow link to AWROB.
4. Discover they are having an adoption event that weekend at a nearby Petsmart.
5. Submit adoption application the morning of the event.
6. Attend the event on time, with a) cash on hand, just in case, and b) proof that you are allowed pets in your home (this part is not mentioned on the website, and so we ended up having to haul ass home to find our lease and break a number of speed laws to get back before the event ended).
7. Fall in love with the especially adorable puppeh. Discuss paperwork with one of the volunteers.
8. Fill out any additional paperwork — having put in the adoption application that morning we only had to list our address on the microchipping registration. Made things a ton easier!
9. Make your donation to ARWOB (sizable) and celebrate your newest pet friend!
10. Name her Jinx**
The adoption process (steps 4 – 9) took two days. Things may have been easier given we have a shelter dog already (and thus demonstrated experience with puppehs) and because no one else who had expressed interest in Jinx showed up to the event. Jinx was 8 – 9 weeks old when we got her and had no medical issues, as well, so we were starting from scratch. All that being said, it was quick and painless, and now we have a baby sister for Rosie :)
* All dogs, regardless of age are puppehs
** Don’t — then we’d all have dogs with the same name and they would all get confused at the dog park.

Disclaimer: I am a volunteer for this organization
I have volunteered in animal rescue for many years and have put in time for many different organizations. Some of these organizations had a large team of both staff and volunteers — as it were, a large team is only possible when the organization has a larger budget. Regardless of its size, each organization had a group of folks with BIG hearts and a passion for animal rescue. That being said, Animal Rescuers Without Borders is NO exception! As an all-​volunteer organization, I have never seen SO many dedicated people to the cause. ARWOB’s volunteer staff is comprised of people who really care about animals and who want the best possible permanent forever home for our animals. I have always been impressed at how many animals have found loving homes due to the dedication of our leader, Alondra (and on a limited budget too!).
I first came in contact with ARWOB in March 2014 when I was looking to adopt a second kitty so that my first rescue (Cozy) would have a pal to play with. What drew me to this organization is that they offer a «foster-​to-​adopt» program. I was a bit nervous about whether Cozy would accept another kitty into our home, so the 2-​week foster plan was exactly what I was looking for. After just one week, I knew that little Sandy would make a perfect addition to our home and I contacted ARWOB to finalize the adoption. It was through this process that I got to know Alondra and some of the other volunteers, so I decided to become a volunteer myself. ARWOB works with a very small group of dedicated volunteers and the animals depend on us. I am proud to be part of this wonderful rescue group! In fact, although I no longer live in San Diego, I continue to volunteer remotely for ARWOB because that is how highly I think of my fellow volunteers. I continue to help with computer work since I can do that wherever I can find a WiFi signal.
It is unfortunate that some reviewers are reporting a different experience. I know for a fact that not all rescue groups screen applications as thoroughly as ARWOB. But I can say that ARWOB screens thoroughly because we want the best for our animals and we want them to find a forever, loving home. We only have the animal’s best interest when an application is denied. It is unfortunate that some potential adopters take this personally.

Great rescue group who go above and beyond to ensure the animals are placed in only the best furrever homes. This may mean a longer adoption process than some may like but if you want the dog or cat then the wait is worth it. Nothing but praise for these fine folks!

I learned about ARWOB online. I began volunteering there over one year ago. I fostered two cats and of course, fell in love with them, so they are now mine. I had nothing but a wonderful experience with the adoption and have two more amazing furry members of my family who are thriving. There are so many out there who do not understand how dedicated the ARWOB staff is-​our goal above all is to make sure these animals are rescued and find a safe, suitable, loving home to call their furrever home. It is not an easy task. There is so much that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ in rescuing and caring for these animals so they can have a better life. If it was not for all the volunteers, this would be an insurmountable task that Alondra would have to take on herself. She goes above and beyond for these animals and their comfort, care, and placement is what is important. There are many reasons why someone could have been turned down for an adoption and whatever those reasons are, we are putting the welfare of animal up for adoption first and foremost. Many of these animals would never have had a chance if left in the environments they were rescued from and we only want what is best for them. Sometimes, the task can be overwhelming but you need to understand that Alondra has taken this on as her life’s work and it is no small or easy task. On a daily basis, there is so much to coordinate and take care of as well as making sure animals get to adoption events around the county every time there is an event. The overall care and concern for the welfare of these animals is priority with all of us working at ARWOB. The animals we have available are amazing and we want the best for them. It’s as simple as that. I applaud this group for their dedication to making animal’s lives better. We may be a smaller rescue group than some, but in the end, we are all working towards the same goal.

I honestly cannot stand this place. I want to warn all families who have recently moved to this area: if you are looking for a forever friend and have recently moved to this area and may have to move again, DO NOT COME HERE! The staff is extremely rude and unprofessional. When my family’s application was submitted we did provide the information needed to prove that we are finically sound and have a stable, loving home. However, we were turned down on the basis that our home wasn’t «stable» because we might have to move again due to my husband’s line of work. I tried to put the staff’s concerns to rest by letting them know we have always taken care of our pets, and have always brought them along (and if they needed even more proof, they could have just asked our other dog who has more toys than any dog should: D). It didn’t matter though, not even when we offered to have our home reviewed and completely work with them. Such a terrible experience.

I really wish I would have read the reviews on here before I dealt with Alondra.
My boyfriend and I moved to San Diego from the east coast for jobs offers and have been looking since August to adopt a dog.
We finally found one we LOVED and filled out an app online. Sadly, she rejected our application basically saying we would potentially surrender the dog based on time and sudden financial instability and said that «young adults» often find themselves in these two spectrum’s. She also said that the fact we rented an apartment, we would eventually find ourselves in «a lack of time case scenario sooner rather than later». All of this assumption before even checking our references, verifying employment, meeting us, or seeing pictures of where we live (which is a standard adoption agency practice). To assume that someone in their mid-20’s isn’t financially stable or lacks time is just rude. In addition, because we were renters, she assumed we would find ourselves in a «lack of time and money situation».
She’s just insulting and rude and quite frankly a working 25 year old would have no problem getting a dog from anywhere else.
Her only email to me was basically sentence fragments and hard to understand.
I would not recommend this agency to adopt.
It’s extremely sad that these dogs don’t even have the potential to be adopted by loving families bc this woman denies applications without really checking into them.

As much as I want homeless animals to find a permanent home, I felt compelled to write this review, esp. after reading past reviews with similar situations with Alondra.
It started with my fostering a kitten through ARWOB. She was my first pet and so even though it was a temporary home, I was excited to have her and I bought her toys, quality food, a collar with her name engraved, etc. This kitten soon found a forever home, and I was happy for her. So, initially, things went well, aside from Alondra’s disorganization, which I overlooked.
Soon after I wanted to foster a cat again– this time considering adoption. Alondra gave me a mom and her two babies. I told her honestly that I didn’t feel ready to take care of two newborns who are not litterbox trained (I have light carpeted floors) and that may need a lot of extra attention. However, the center was packed and Alondra convinced me that, «mom will take care of the babies and they wont be needing a litter box for atleast a few weeks since their waste will be pea size so no need to worry about accidents.» After 2 weeks they started pooping on the carpet and the mom was «in the heat» and also not feeding the female baby so I would feed the baby bottled cat milk. It was more than I could manage so, after having a very difficult time reaching Alondra, I was able to convey this to her and she grudgingly took the foster kittens back.
Fast forwarding to recent events, after fostering for a while, I felt ready to adopt two cats/​kittens since my work hours decreased and Ive fostered for a while. Even though Alondra was not very organized (I once received a random text asking if I could take dogs up to oceanside from morena because she was «overwhelmed with work» even though I have a full time job and don’t work for the org.), I fostered from her in the past so I thought i’d try ARWOB. When I contacted her, her fragmented text response stated that she did not think I was fit to adopt cats through ARWOB (even though months prior she was so impressed at how happy and healthy the cats/​kittens I fostered were because I went out of the way to provide care). It’s a shame that Alondra turns down people who can provide animals with a nurturing, happy home instead of cramped quarters.
One final note: both adult cats that I brought home had worms, even though Alondra said that they were dewormed beforehand so unfortunately, I question the level of sanitation that she provides for these animals. I hope the best for these animals as they also deserve a loving home, I just wish the program was run by someone more organized as it’s affecting these animals’ outcomes.
Anyway, I later adopted two kittens through CATS who are very healthy and happy so it worked out, but I felt the need to post as a cautionary tale for those thinking to adopt.

I went to Pet Smart with my son, and we saw a cat (Abigail) that has a personality much like my cat at home. She is beautiful and sweet. My son really wanted to take her home with us. Well, he convinced me, and I applied to adopt her. When I was at Pet Smart, I had no idea the adoption process would be such a pain. I had to come home and go through this long application that asked so many questions. I don’t blame the ARWOB for the questions, however one of them ended up not allowing me to adopt the sweet kitty. Because my cat isn’t fixed, they did not allow me to adopt Abigail. My problem is, that once someone adopts a pet from ARWOB, what guarantees ARWOB that they won’t go get another pet that isn’t fixed? Also, they kept that poor kitty in a cage because mine wasn’t fixed! That is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. You kept a pet from being in the most loving home she could have had. YOU NEED TO RETHINK YOUR CRITERIA!!!

These folks are great! We just adopted the BEST puppy from them about 4 weeks ago. Gingerbread was rescued around December and was one of three puppies the organization took in. She, surprisingly and to our luck, had not yet been placed in a home. We met her at the local adoption event and talked with her foster parent, Chris, extensively. He was super helpful in helping us to learn more about her personality before actually taking her home. ARWOB stated she was good with cats, which was important to us as we have a 3 legged cat, and she was GREAT with her. The adoption process was easy and painless. (The hardest part was waiting to pick her up). She came to us spayed, micro chipped and almost fully vaccinated making the adoption fee quite a good deal although that was certainly not a consideration in our deciding to go with ARWOB but it did help. Gingerbread has been a wonderful addition to our family. We can’t image life without her and we would HIGHLY recommend ARWOB. These folks truly do it for the animals and work very hard to make a difference in so many less fortunate animals lives. I would recommend adopting a pet from them to anyone!

This is my first review on Unilocal and unfortunately it has to be a negative one. I was working with ARWOB to adopt one of two brothers Booboo and Yogi. I was informed that my first pick, Booboo, had already been chosen by another individual, Ben, but I was approved for Yogi.
At their most recent event on December 28, 2013, I was able to see both puppies. Ben was there and we each had the puppies of our choice. After a few minutes of speaking, Ben was unsure if he wanted Booboo or Yogi. We exchanged puppies to spend time with each one. Ben then asked if he could choose between the two. The agreement was that he would take both puppies to show his wife and then return one for me to adopt. We informed Alondra (ARWOB staff) that this is something we wanted to do. Alondra asked to speak to Ben on her own and after a few minutes I was informed that she would call me by Sunday to let me know which puppy I would be taking home. Sunday came and no word from Alondra, I did however, hear back from Ben who blatantly said that he and his wife decided to keep the both puppies and Alondra was okay with it. No courtesy phone call whatsoever from Alondra or any other staff member to let us know this had happened.
Monday morning, December 30, 2013, I received a phone call from Alondra and with a very cheerful voice informing me that Ben gets to keep both puppies. As I began to speak to her, she rudely interrupts me and would not allow me to say my piece. It was only when I raised my voice was when she actually stayed quiet. Her response to all of this was, «I’m sorry, this happens when you give your dog away,» and «there are a lot of other dogs anyways.» First off, I did not give my dog away and second, it’s not about not having another dog to adopt, but it’s the principle and integrity behind what you do. Our conversation ended with Alondra telling me that she’s glad, the puppies are in one home, yes I’m sure you are because you placed them in a home with a man who is selfish and has no integrity behind his word.

My family decided to add another furry friend into our family. I already have a male dog so we wanted a female dog so we didn’t have to deal with who is alpha male. I found the girl I wanted, I submitted the online application and received a call on Sunday from her foster mom. We made arrangements to meet the following weekend. And that was it. I have sent an email inquiring, and received nothing. I jay searched their adoptable dogs and she is still available. I would think that a place would at least have the decency to call and explain. The hardest part was telling my son, who is 10. I wish them the best of luck, especially the little girl I wanted.

I am sure other people have had good luck with ARWOB, however, I cannot say that my experience was the same. I was hesitant to write this negative review at first, since I know their intentions are to help animals but their execution is all wrong. It’s important to inform other people when it comes to the important decision of adopting a pet and which organization to go with.
First off, Alondra, who seems to be one of the people in charge, was rude and gruff since the beginning. I know the focus is on the animals but it’s important to have people skills. You should alienate the people who want to adopt them.
We first came across ARWOB at the annual pet adoption event in Liberty Station. We fell in love with one of the cats but wanted to adopt two. My boyfriend filled out the application… which took a while, I might add. They reviewed it on the spot and approved him. We walked around to think about it. When we came back, they took back the approval. They wanted to meet his roommate to decide whether or not they approved. They also wanted him to fill out the online application. A waste of time but he did fill it out online despite turning in the paper one at the event.
We went to another pet adoption in the Morena Petco, this time with his roommate in tow. They completely ignored his roommate. Did not ask him a single thing. What was the point of asking to meet his roommate? Not to mention that we felt bad for dragging him along for nothing.
At they event, they told us it was best that we didn’t adopt the cats outright. They went in favor of doing a foster-​to-​adopt situation. It was odd but we went along with it. They sent us home with the kittens and meds for one of them. They also gave us conflicting information about what the medication was for. They told us they would contact us soon for a home visit, after which, they would approve or deny the adoption. We thought it would be a week or so but it turned into a month of waiting.
One thing about ARWOB, is that they are very unorganized. I get that they are all volunteers but we were given so much conflicting information throughout the process.
So we had the cats for about a month. My boyfriend called a few times to ask when they would have the home check. Still nothing. At one point, they called him looking for another potential-​adopter. Again, so unorganized.
A month after taking the kittens home, my boyfriend found out he got a promotion at work. One that required traveling and longer work hours. We mulled it over for a week… going back and forth about what was the best decision. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. Eventually, he decided that the best thing for the kittens was to give them back. He wanted them to find a home with people who would give them more time. We were very sad about it but we knew it was the right thing to do.
He called Alondra and she went off on him. My bf is a really nice guy so I have no idea why she was so rude. She said that he should have thought ahead if he was going to get another job (he didn’t think he was going to get it). She basically yelled at him during the duration of the call.
The first thing they tell you. If you ever decide you do not want the animal bring it back. Heck, they weren’t event ours. We were still FOSTERING them. He would have sucked it up and kept them if the adoption went though, however, since they weren’t his, the best thing was to give them the possibility find someone who had more time.
He had intended to give them the adoption fee even though he was giving them back (which as a donation, would have been matched by his company). He had also planned to give them all the things he had purchased for the cats — bed, cat tree, scratching posts, organic food, toys, etc. He was also going to keep fostering them until they were adopted. Of course, because of how rude he was treated, he decided against all this.
If Alondra really wanted what was best for the cats, she wouldn’t been careless. They weren’t even his cats yet. I am just glad we never have to deal with her again. I will hold off on what I really think of her.
The most annoying part of all, is while we had them, I noticed they scratched themselves. I ignored it as something harmless. Well, turns out they had flees. After we took them back, I suffered a bunch of flee bites. So they didn’t even flee treat them. What kind of organization is this???
Such a horrible experience.

This is a great organization. My fiancé and I have been looking for a dog for quite some time and were patiently looking for the right one to fit out home. Both work full time and have a cat. We initially went on their web site and noticed they were having an adoption event. that day. We went to Camp Run a Mutt in Kearny Mesa where it was being held where there were many dogs up for adoption. We must have spent about 3 hours walking different dogs and getting help from the staff who couldn’t have been more pleasant. We finally decided on a 2 year old Shepherd mix. Before we adopted her, they had us fill out a form and also have «Diana», now Hazel meet with an expert dog trainer to ensure she would get along with other dogs well and was healthy overall.
After the two thumbs up, we loaded Hazel into our car and took her home! We had her for a week or two as «preliminary adopters.» Two weeks later someone from ARWOB came to our house and made sure Hazel was in a good situation and happy. That is where we did out final paperwork.
On a site note, when I had any questions about Hazel, I had a point of contact I could call and ask questions. They provided flea medicine and ensured Hazel was healthy before we officially adopted her.
Ever since we adopted our dog from ARWOB in June 2012 she has been an absolute pleasure and a great addition to the household.

Thanks to Animal Rescuers Without Boarders I have another love in my life! I recently adopted a puppy and this organization was amazing throughout the process. Most of their adoptable pets never see the inside of a shelter, instead they live in loving foster homes while they wait for their forever home. This method is absolutely amazing, in my opinion, especially given most of the foster parents already have pets of their own, which aids in socialization of your lil-​one-​to-​be with other animals and in many cases children as well.
My Izzy, 2 months old when I got her, was almost completely potty trained and she easily transitioned into a home with a 6 year old Basset Hound. She has even amped up his energy level.
Vaccinations, flea preventatives, deworming (if necessary), plus registration, microchip, and spay/​neuter fees are included in ARWOB’s adoption cost. This program is a volunteer based organization and as such each of the foster parents and volunteers love each and every animal as much as they do their own pets.
Adoption events are held weekly all around the San Diego area; most recently they have been holding events outside of Unleashed by Petco in Hillcrest. Unleashed has been getting in on the action by providing coupon books to new parents. Due to the nature of this organization not all of the current adoptable animals are at the events, but if you see one you like on AWROB’s website and advise of your interest the foster parent will make an effort and arrange for a mutually convenient meet-​up.
With so many animals, large and small, baby to adult, in need of loving homes, it seems silly to go to pay an exorbitant amount of money to a breeder.
Thank you Animal Rescuers Without Boarders for my little blessing… Izzy thanks you too!