Animal Friends Connection Humane Society - Lodi, California

Linda H.

Update: We adopted our 2nd dog Moana; we renamed her Mia. It's been almost a year. She and Jose are the sweetest dogs. We feel very lucky to have them in our lives.

We adopted Josie in April after losing our one fur baby, and the remaining dog was showing signs of depression. The staff was wonderful, and you can tell Josie was loved by them before we adopted her. Josie is a wonderful addition to our family. We feel fortunate that we found her at AFC.

Emily B.

READ THIS BEFORE YOU TRY AND ADOPT!!
I knew reading these reviews going in that this would not work out with this shelter. First off they don’t allow you to adopt if you’re not 21? A dog isn’t an alcoholic beverage! I own an apartment and pay taxes for god sakes!! I went in there in person and I obviously don’t look 21, and nothing was said to me. Let’s not get someone’s hopes up especially if it’s not explicitly stated on any terms or conditions.
Secondly, I had to call 10 different times, AND had to go through their website to message them just to try to get their attention. Not worth any of the effort!!
Lastly if you own an apartment, like most people who can’t afford a home in this economy, don’t even bother trying to adopt. No matter the rental (even as nice as mine) they will say “the dog isn’t a good fit”.
I understand it’s a non profit but if you don’t want your dogs to get adopted just say that. I will never adopt from here and neither should you, bring your luck to shelters who actually want their dogs and cats to find loving homes.

Gabriela G.

Was recommended that I call this “sanctuary” after we found a kitten in the engine of one of our cars. Explained that it seemed sick and that we cannot take it because we have dogs but wanted to get it some help. The woman who answered was so rude! She suggested I put the kitten in a box and “dump it off” somewhere because their place has “70 plus cats and it’s impossible to find both dogs and cats a home right now.” Such a disgusting human being to suggest that we abaondon a sick kitten. Will be reporting this place for such inhumane behavior.

Anna E. L.

Although I didn't adopt a here, my experience was very positive. The staff are accommodating, very knowledgeable about their animals, and seem to genuinely care about each and every ones well being. I wish one of their kitties had been more suited for my home but I know they'll find good homes thanks to this organization.

Rose M.

When it comes to donating to animal shelters/rescues I donate to them. They are always full of small dogs and kitties. They have very limited space and do their best to care for all of the animals. I think of them as the Cinderella of shelters. Most people donate to the larger, newer, better equipped shelters. This one seems to be forgotten and had so many needs! The ladies that work there are very kind and caring to all the animals and also very grateful for all donations.

Jeff D.

Overall the experience was nice. Every adoption place has some smells. Even if you go to the pet store, at times it will smell. Nothing is perfect. We adopted Autumn and she is 10 weeks old and pretty much came potty trained. As for the adoption process, it was filling out a form and then going in and picking up our puppy. Nothing too fancy. I assume that if there isn't a match in terms of the dogs available then they will pass on us. So I was continuing to look around until they contacted us. As for the cost, this is a really good deal if you get what you are looking for. These days a dog cost $3k or more for a customized puppy and I feel like that is a rip off. Taking time and waiting for a match at an adoption/rescue center like this is much more affordable and rewarding if you ask me. As for the service, this is not a first class experience, so don't expect it. Most of these folks are lower paid or volunteer and doing their best. Don't expect Ritz-Carlton 1st class or you will be disappointed. Just look for your dog and hope for the best. 🙂

Excelsis C.

Do not waste you time with this place. To note the place is very unsanitary and lacks the resources to cater all the animals they take in. They'd rather keep the animals in a tiny crowded place then let people adopt them. I got to the interview stage. It was made to seem that I will eligible to adopt a certain cat. I was told we would schedule an adoption date after a week due to the cat having an sickness that was spreading around the shelter. They wanted to make sure he was healthy before having go out. After 8 days I was called saying I was no longer qualified to adopt that cat due to the head cat supervisor, whom of which based their decision (most likely unknowing) on racist biases of my latino household culture (If you are from a Hispanic family you'd understand animals being like family but not being allowed inside the home) regardless of the heavy amount of preface made that the cat would be staying inside, cleaned/ groomed regularly, given the proper spaces to be comfortable, and taken to a vet when we found one. Again don't waste your time here. The people are indecisive and presumptuous. I suggest looking other places. Wish you the best of luck and don't be too honest on your interview if you do! 🙂

Also I was informed your application will be thrown out for a cat if you're below 20.

(Was going to adopt Tatertot the cat)

Celia Y. R.

I filled out the adoption application and swung by the center the following day or so with my 16 year old daughter to check it out. We were allowed and encouraged to take a pup for a long walk. And we did. And we fell in love with her. So, that Friday, I took my husband, along with my teen, another one of my children AND our super friendly 4 year old doggy that would be the perfect sister to the pup we fell for......mistake.... Let's just say we left heart broken because we were deemed "not a good fit" but they'll talk it over over the weekend. They have all these rules and hoops that are ridiculous. I can't imagine how many people have lost their chance at their fur babies because of the bizarre poor excuses that they say deem you unfit. After reading all the 1-2 star reviews, I now only feel half as bad as I did. I seriously thought I was missing something. I was left feeling like an unfit parent even. Just so heart broken. But, I thought we'd be doing the right thing by looking into adoption.... who knew it was this hard. No wonder why people go with pure bred pups off breeders or other avenues.