Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Review

Less guilt, shame, and judgment from the staff here than from most shelters I've been to. So that was nice. Didn't end up adopting a dog (went to Pennsylvania to buy a show line GSD) but will probably adopt a cat here when my 10yo cat eventually passes.

I have visited many animal shelters in my day but have never found one so spotlessly clean, odorless, and with the dogs so calm. This is a five-star facility in my view. There are other shelters that are no kill and that strive to maintain high standards, but this shelter was for me a revelation of what animal rescue can be!! No doubt, much credit goes to the volunteers, who were numerous and very much in evidence during my visit. Kudos to all who are involved in managing and operating this exemplary shelter.

2 stars because the dogs are great, sweet, loving dogs that deserve a home... but some of the staff and policies are ridiculous. The shelter has amazing dogs but the policies are terrible. You can only LOOK at them through the fence. If you try to pet them when they squeeze up against the fence just wanting some love, an employee will yell at you to get your fingers out. Then sometimes they will take the dogs out on a leash and if it is one you wanted to pet and you ask, they RUDELY say "no I can not introduce you" and keep walking with no eye contact. I just don't understand how you are supposed to fall in love and adopt a dog when you can't even touch them or get to know them first. I understand the safety side of things but this is a little absurd...Where I am from (the south) the shelters allow you to get in the pen with the dogs and even take them out on a leash to an interaction pen where you can get to know the dogs personality to see if it's a right fit for you. It seems a great disservice to the dogs there that they are locked in a pen and not allowed any loving contact. A lot of the dogs there seem to be returned (as written in their bio) and the only reason I can think of as to why that would happen is because you're simply buying a dog blindly without getting to know their personality. As a HUGE rescue/pit bull advocate, I leave this place pissed off every time. I'm not saying don't check it out because they have some awesome dogs that I'm sure you'd fall in love with, I'm just giving a heads up to not go in expecting to have a chill/fun experience finding a dog. All that being said, I have had some staff members treat me with great respect and a friendly attitude and allow me to pet the dog I was eyeing but then sometimes if I go in I will have employees treat me like I'm an inexperienced, 5 year old when in reality I feel confident saying I know more about dogs than most of them.

The best Shelter Around! I have adopted 2 pets from them. The facility is very clean. The staff is very knowledgeable and caring! They know all the animals by name and you can tell the are well cared for. After your adoption is complete, you receive a folder with all their info. They nueter and spay and give their starter shots which is in their folder. I highly recommend them!

We adopted our sweet dog sadie grace 2 years ago. I highly recommend this organization; they will find the perfect match for your family.<3 <3

Would not recommend. Upon disclosing to not one, but two staff members my needs for an emotional support dog and my interest in one of the dogs I felt would be a fit for me, they gave me the green light to come as soon as the veterinarian comes the following Tuesday for final evaluation before the dog would be allowed to be taken. However, upon the following days, I was then told that they ultimately would not allow me to adopt one of their dogs because the "manager" made an executive, inappropriate decision that the dog I chose would not be best; in fact, that the dog would need emotional support from me. Completely ignorant to the fact that emotional support is mutual! Also, very unprofessional for a complete change in heart just days after speaking to representatives in person about my needs and interests in providing a loving home for one of the following dogs. However, it is my belief this place gives unfair advantages for people who express deep desire for a specific dog and simply wanted to give the dog to another family despite the "first come, first serve" policy as the representative warned me several people have asked about the dog before me.

They have adorable kittens and puppies get yo doge here and you will be very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very Happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! \(*_*)/

Friendly and dedicated staff. Super clean facilities. Support this shelter!

Found the love of my life. You can walk in and leave with a rescue.

The staff here is really nice and the animals seem to be well taken care of. They are a bit difficult to see from the street tucked behind PetSmart, but the facility looks well taken care of. Definitely check them out when looking to adopt a dog.

My 16 years old daughter volunteered there, and she had so much fun, and the people treated her very well.

Lovely place to adopt a dog!! I got my pup there. He is a lovely beagle mix, and the sweetest thing ever!! Honestly, I m he staff is so helpful and kind. Highly recommend

Very well run, clean and the staff is very helpful and friendly. They all really seem to know the animals individually and to have the animals interest at heart. Liked that they provided me with the medical file for my new family member

Just adopted a dog from MT Pleasant Shelter and he is fantastic. They do a great job spending time with their dogs.

Staff was incredibly friendly and I brought home my new companion today!! She's a Austrailian Cattle puppy mix with blue healer and Catahoula(she has many of those traits but the two are only my assumptions). She's 5 months old and still a little baby!! I love her to death and she makes an amazing, energetic, athletic, little pup and loves outdoors and running!!! She's so playful!!! I'm so happy

I've been a supporter of MPAS since the 90's. It has grown since those early days. They have helped me countless times. The shelter gives great care to its animals. They all have their space, clean and cozy. The staff was always helpful and supportive.

We had a pleasant experience with our adoption. Caring staff, clean facility.

Great place and very clean. The staff is great. I hope to be working there soon

Have lovely animals to adopt! Try to get out in the community more but could use a little bit of a clean up on their appearance, NOT THE ANIMALS, they seem clean & well cared for. Very nice staff, but seemed overwhelmed. I d highly recommend adopting from here.

My parents got there dog here. It is a nice place to adopt a dog and the staff is friendly and respectful

I adopted a handsome puppy mutt here. He's been with the family for 4 years now and is one of the most loyal, well trained dogs you will see. The staff here were pleasant, helpful and most importantly clearly took great care of their animals. The adoption process was thorough but streamlined and I have 0 complaints. If I ever adopt another dog, it will definitely be from here. I'd also like to give a shout-out to staff member Shannon, as she was helpful, professional and very knowlegknowle about dogs and the adoption process.

Awesome experience! Well run! Well worth the fee! Worry free adoption! We are in love with our little girl, Oreo!

Very helpful and knowledgeable. We adopted a puppy from there and he is healthy and was well cared for. The process was straightforward and fairly easy. Lots of other dogs and cats were they looking for forever homes.

Our two family dogs came from here. Wonderful dogs both of them. The staff is incredible. Expect to make many visits, but you will find that unique dog that matches your family and cats.

Adopted my little waffles here and love love love her!!!

They were absolutely amazing. Extremely informative and accommodating. It was my boyfriend and I's first time adopting from a shelter and they were so kind with everything. Glenn worked with us directly and we ended up adopting Lynn (who is now Kaiya) practically on spot (had to go to the bank first!) They answered every question we had and were just plain awesome!! I highly recommend them to everyone! they have an almost full shelter too, so please at least go look at the gorgeous dogs and cats they have!

Seems like a very caring rescue facility for dogs. The dogs all come with a backstory explaining who they are and how they ended up there. There is a place to walk the dogs on leashes. Dogs are vaccinated and spayed/neutered. The people are friendly and assist with the dog adoption process. Its also heart breaking to see so many dogs in need of homes.

Is a great place they have the animals nice and clean healthy too

Liars. Be sure to check all documents and don't take their word.

I filled out a very lengthy, personal (What's your income? Where will the dog sleep?) online adopt-a-pet Application and since I haven't heard back from them, I guess I'm not good enough to own a 2 yo Mixed mini pinscher/chihuahua who must have issues -- otherwise, why would she be in that situation? I own (no mortgage) a condominium, have excellent mobility, good driver, am caring, decent, have common sense, and am an intelligent person who happens to have some non serious health issues (don't we all ?) and am looking for companionship and a little security wouldn't hurt being a lady alone - But apparently they'd rather eventually euthanize the poor animal than give her to me. They also want to inspect my home and interview me. For Heaven's Sakes! Now, I understand why people simply go to a pet shop and pick up a 'puppy-mill' dog. I just want to know why these so called volunteers are so selective when their pets are far from perfect. Many are blind, or have only one eye, severe dental problems and other expensive health care issues. Yet, I'm suppose to be picture PERFECT. If I were managing this service I'd be happy as long as your a decent average person.

Friendly approach and they take a good care of the pets. It's easy to miss the turn coming of the rout 10, it's right after PetSmart

A wonderful place to be at. I can t adopt due to my allergies, but I love to visit. The dog s room is kind of sad, because they keep the dogs in cages 24/7, but that s ok. The cats are my favorite. My personal favorite cats:
Catalina
Lorenzo
Cupcake
Gloria
If you have kids, I d recommend Catalina. (I sholuld know, because I m a kid to) Lorenzo will hop it your lap and kneed his claws on you, which kinda hurts. ICupcake is really shy, and you need to pet her for a while before she warms up to you. But once she does, she is very, very sweet. Gloria is also pretty good with kids, because she likes to play. Even if you can t adopt, it s a wonderful place to visit. If I could give it more then 5 stars, I definitely would.

Great place, animals seem well cared for and the staff is realistic about dog temperments and compatibility.

Not the cleanest of shelters BUT this is the place I would adopt from. Staff is very friendly and plenty of needy animals.

Saraha - now called Sarah, was the third adoption from Mt. Pleasant. This is a wonderful shelter where the dogs/cats are tenderly cared for. The shelter is clean with someone always walking around with a mop, etc. The personnel are fantastic. If you want to adopt a pet, this is the place to go.

I've always adopted wonderful kitties here and the staff is great.

Adopted my new baby from here. The staff can be a little bit rough on the edges. Makes it difficult to adopt a dog. Felt as if I was in trial just to get approved. I love Taz and once I met him I would jump through any hoop for him even dealing with the staff that make you feel judged. Just wish they realized that most people who are adopting a pet are usually there because they love animals and are looking for a addition to their family. Not everyone is a bad person. Some of the staff were super pleasant and so thoughtful and caring just wish they were all that way.

This animal shelter is very friendly and nice. They inform you of the food and the bad about all the animals honestly. The animal have plenty of room and sadly lots of play mates. The shelter truly treats the animals as if they are already in their forever homes. The staff are extremely nice and even help you walk to your car once you ve got your new furry friend

I adopted my lovely Boo from there. The cages are clean and they are fed well. Most of the cats are playful and mild mannered. People were kind of friendly maybe because they were so busy. There is an adoption fee of 150 but you get the 1st vet visit free and 1st nail clipping free. So that made up for it. You also get a free bag of cat food at the petsmart next door and coupons for expensive food that I'll never buy. But my cat is wonderful.

A friend wanted a small dog. At first we went to another shelter where they took us around with other people. (A GROUP OF OTHERS) The experience was bad. I then took her to My. Pleasant and they took their time and helped us pick the perfect little guy ! Within a few days Buddy came home with her and her life is complete. I'm going there tomorrow to find my little buddy.

If you have a lovely camping tent to pitch, you might as well bring it to MPAS. I have never encountered a facility that made it near impossible to adopt a pet. I had visited on a Sunday to look for potential dogs. Out of the whole kennel I had fallen in love with two dogs; a yellow lab mix and a chihuahua mix. I wasn t allowed to meet them yet as they had arrived two days before I had shown up and hadn t been seen by a vet or behavior tested. Fair. I had walked out to reception and I was told to fill out an application (which is useless just so you know). The lady at reception told me that the application wasn t a place holder but that I would be considered before other people (lies) should they be interested. I was told both dogs would be ready on Tuesday at 1pm (more lies). She told me to call in the morning to check to see if they were ready for adoption and I could come up on Tuesday to adopt. Nobody ever remotely mentioned to me I needed my whole family plus your unborn children to attend to meet the dog. Needless to say, I work like the average American. I had called when they had said to and I was told both were available for adoption and would be cleared by 1pm. Great. With ignorant bliss, I picked up my mother and we drove a good 40 minutes to the shelter only to be told upon arriving one of my dogs had been adopted already.... did this family use a VIP pass I didn t know about to beat the 1pm clearance? I digress. The other dog I was interested in was still there. I was told to sit in the chairs and wait for them to bring him out. We were eventually escorted into another room to get history about him (which wasn t much). The employee was impossible to understand and never looked us in the eyes, always away from us or down at the floor. He said you needed all members of the family in attendance. I had stated that nobody had ever told me this and he laughed and said that was their policy. He eventually brought in the dog and naturally my mother and I fell in love. I had called my father and disturbed him at work and told him my plight. He agreed to leave early and hop in his car to meet us at the shelter. The employee who had brought the dog in cane back in and we had said happily that the third member was coming up. He looked confused and nervous and said he was going to let the front desk know. The dog had fallen asleep on my lap and was very calm. The next thing I knew, the so called manager came in and said there was another family looking to adopt the dog I had and without another word took the dog from my lap and walked out. My heart hit the floor so hard I found
Earth s core. They left us alone in the room for what seemed like hours before they came back in to tell me without compassion the other family is taking him and they put a down deposit on him like he was a layaway item. Staff was very rude, had no compassion, and definitely only cared about getting their dogs out of the door with their first come first serve policy . Stay far away from this place unless you like disappointment and heartbreak while getting treated less than the dogs they try to re-home. Take my advice, contact your vet about adoptable dogs or visit another shelter.

Was amazing. I got my dog there and it was perfect I love her

I had to reached out to the animal shelter when we found a dog on pet finder that caught our attention. We drove the hour and a half to NJ (we live in the Hudson Valley) to meet this dog. We were introduced to a volunteer who was young and dint have much experience, but that we OK. After meeting the dog, the connection wasn't there. So, I asked the volunteer if we could take a look around the kennel. The kennel was very clean, all of the dogs had their own space and bed. It was a bit overwhelming for me to see all of the dogs, because they looked so sad or were so crazy loud and barking. Another volunteer, who had our application, approached us and suggested we look at "Little Bear" he looked so sad, but they had us go to meet and greet room, and brought him in.

He was such a love bug. SO smart, and cuddly. The volunteer (a more experienced one) went over his file in detail, and answered all of the questions we had.

After about an hour of talking and playing we decided this was the dog for us. They were so helpful with getting all of his paperwork together. AND! the shelter is in the parking lot of Pet Smart, so after the adoption process we walked over and got some supplies for him.

We've had Teddy (aka Little Bear) for almost a month now. He is so smart, kind, and gentle. It breaks my heart to think that a family didn't want him or couldn't take care of him, but it makes me so happy to know that we found him and he has made our lives so much happier!!

Very clean!!!! Amazing staff helped us bring home our new baby Waka-Bailey! Highly recommended!!! Going back on Tuesday for another one!!!

Love visiting the pets. Wish i could bring them all home. But already have a dog and cat in the home

The staff was clearly qualified and caring of all these beautiful animals. I would recommend this shelter to family and friends!

Horrible experience! The family went on a Saturday and fell in love with a dog named Butter. We had told the staff that we were interested in him but Butter needed further medical examination, so we were told to come back on Tuesday at 4:00. In the meantime, we called them again on Saturday afternoon to discuss the adoption process and make sure they knew our strong interest. We spent the WE preparing for Butter's arrival. On Tuesday, we called them at 1PM to make sure the medical examination went well and confirmed we were coming. We arrived at 3:50, so excited to bring Butter home. However, right here and then, they told us that someone was ahead of us to meet with him. Yes, they knew we were interested; yes, they agree the other person should not have had priority but blank , no explanation as to how and why this happened. That stranger did indeed choose to take Butter with him. This was plain cruel, and the staff's complete lack of compassion and responsibility as to the mistake they had made, and their refusal to correct it while it was still time, was devastating to the 4 of us.

Great, went for vax and nail clipping. Very pleasant staff

I adopted several dogs through the years, they have been wonderful companions. I have always found the staff at the shelter compassionate and helpful. I only adopt at this shelter. They need more donations as they never turn away an animal! Thank God for these kind people.

After an extensive search, dealing with multiple rescue shelters and organizations, I ultimately adopted my dog from MPAS. My experience was fantastic and I would eagerly adopt from them again for the following reasons:

1. The staff and volunteers were friendly and compassionate. From the top down, everyone I met was equally devoted to the animals at the shelter. I visited multiple times and each time the shelter was clean and the animals maintained. The front desk staff was attentive and the adoption counselors were knowledgeable about the individual animals. Our counselors were wonderful and we are still in contact, by choice, not by requirement.



3. MPAS is honest. Just as we were not the ideal adopters, he was not the ideal dog. They were upfront with his issues including exercise needs, manners (or lack thereof), and toy guarding issues. We were made aware in no uncertain terms that he was not a first time dog-owner dog. We were also provided his known medical history. MPAS wants to be sure their dogs go to forever homes. They truly want the experience to be a positive one for both the animal and new owner.

4. Lastly, you get what you pay for and more! The adoption fee is reasonable and inclusive: spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations and more. These services easily total 500-1000 dollars. My vet was surprised to see the vaccinations included canine influenza (an optional vaccine at most vet offices). He found our dog to be in great condition; a happy and healthy young dog. He also had kind words and praise for this organization.

This is a class-act organization. Extensive thanks to MPAS for doing what you do. We couldn't love our boy more!

Such great and caring staff! We have fostered several times and have been delighted with the experience. All staff were very polite and clearly loved all of their animals! Highly recommend.

Don't go there. Staff started off very nice. We had a 20 min interview with adoption counselor, reviewing our application. The they showed us some cats for adoption, and were very patient while our family played with each cat. Finally, we decided on one of the kittens they gave us to play with. When we told them this is the one we want, they told us NO because their "manager" was not comfortable with us. (so why didn't they tell us that up front?) Most likely, this was bogus, as we have small children, whose emotions were hurt by this terrible treatment, being led on and then let down.

We just recently adopted a wonderful Yorkie girl that was named Toto. We have renamed her Belle because she was rescued from a shelter in Atlanta, GA and is a Southern Belle. Highly recommend Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter. The people are fantastic!

One of the best animal shelters out there. And great employees! I adopted my furbaby from them about a year ago. They were the best!

Got my two adorable cats from here they mad it quick and easy and gave us a ton of discounts at the pet smart

The very best for pet adoption. Caring volunteers, invaluable service they only euthanize for violence or illness. We have a great American blue healer mix, adopted here, wonderful experience.

The animals seem to be very happy and well taken care of , and this is the Most important . But I might have visited on a moody day for the front desk.

Am looking to foster/adopt a pet, and figured working from home full time, right now would be the best time. This shelter has been, unfortunately, non communicative. I've left voice mails, sent a couple of emails and no response. I understand we're going through difficult times. I'm trying to help out and make it better, but have had zero contact from any of the avenues I've gone through. Slightly disappointed as I want to help, but am being handicapped by this organization.

Thanks to Mt Pleasant I was able to find the perfect dog for me. Every time I went there the staff and volunteers were always great to deal and genuinely cared about the animals. I would highly recommend Mt Pleasant to anyone considering rescuing.

Special thanks to Debra and the manager Q for making the process as painless as possible!

Great place.....you can tell the staff really cares

They truly care about the animals in their care! They also have a high turnover of animals, so you will meet lots of new animals each week. One suggestion I have is that you get there as soon as they open if you are adopting that day. It's first come first serve.

The Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter is honest about their animals. They match the right animals with the right people. I highly recommend you adopt from the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter. The staff is very nice and the building is very clean. Each dog has their own space and their own Kuranda dog bed. The catteries (the areas where the cats are kept) are very nice and the cats get to play and walk around. The Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter doesn t euthanize their animals; they actually get their animals from shelters that euthanize.
Honesty is extremely important. The staff knows each one of the animal s personalities and each animal goes through evaluation. During evaluation they test the animals to see if they are good with cats, dogs, & children. If the animal isn t good with cats, dogs, or children, then they put that on the animal s profile. If the animal is good with cats, dogs, or children, then they add that to the profile too.
Cleanliness is important too. They make sure that the animals live in a clean environment. They thoroughly wash every towel, bed, leash, collar, harness, toy, blanket, animal costume, & food dish in order to avoid the animals getting sick. They thoroughly clean the catteries/kennels multiple times a day. The dogs are taken on walks a few times a day and they also get to play in the yard.

We got the best kitten I've ever met here, and we are so thankful to them for making it happen. Great place, lovely staff.

We adopted a dog and she has been what our family was missing. Go bring your pet home to their forever home.

Adopted my cat, Ash, about 1 month ago. The process is very quick and easy. I have to say the catteries have a very strong ammonia smell at times but sometimes not. There are plenty of cats available for adoption here and some are free roaming so you can play with them to see their personalities and temperaments. Absolutely do not regret coming here for my first cat :)

Edit: I am keeping my review as 4-stars as I cannot express enough gratitude for helping me find my best friend, Ash, but a week or two into his time with us, he did show symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, which I know is common for shelter cats, but the staff workers did not mention anything of the sort. Also he had round worms, which I checked with the vet that he had them for a while, long before he came home with us so I was a little annoyed at the lack of transparency on the animal's health when adopting.

We've been debating an adoption for years - finally went into this shelter and were warmly & patiently greeted by the staff. While we didn't take the dog we met home with us - we weren't pressured - in fact the complete opposite. We hope to return until we find the right fit! Thanks to Shannon especially for her time and kindness.

This was my first time going to a shelter for a dog, and it was a bit unnerving to say the least. Basically, the staff were very evasive about pretty much everything, and I felt like they lied to me about many things. I asked repeatedly about the history of the dog but they had nothing, or they were not telling me!! I should have known then!! Finally we ended up with a dog that was a complete mismatch to us and what we needed. I came in with my young eight year old daughter. We wanted to foster. They told me they did not foster...then a little while later they came to me and said they DID foster but only if I put a deposit down, and it would be foster to own. They also told me we could put the money toward another dog if this one did not work out. So we had the dog for about a month and the dog got consistently more and more aggressive toward us. It was to the point that the dog was randomly lunging at us and biting, or jumping up in my face out of the blue to bite me for no reason. I called them and they told me it was "play." Finally both me and my daughter were too scared to do anything in our home, so we returned her after about three weeks. When we did return her, WE were blamed for not understanding "play." I don't think a dogs mouth around my arm while growling is "Play." The "MANager" also did not want any feedback on what exactly went on in our home, or what patterns to look for in case they actually wanted to train the dog!!!! Like if we sat on our couch the dog would go insane and bite at our feet and clothing until we had to get up ! That would be good information, right?? HUH! AND they would not give me my deposit back, even when they distinctly said i could put it toward another dog. She told me that "was a lie." Yeah Im the liar....wow.....I would not go to the place ever again. Its sad for the dogs. We kept this dog only as long we did because we felt sorry for her having to return there....so very sad. I personally think the place should be shut down. Very unprofessional!!! Very very unprofessional!!!

I was treated very respectful. Plus, I found the staff to be extremely knowledgeable in my search in finding a dog.

If you want to adopt a new friend, I would visit this place first, they have much more large dogs than small dogs. They are my favorite shelter please support them in any way you can.

Recommend visiting here for adopting. Great staff, very hands on, compassionate, and super informative.