The Pixie Project Reviews

I worked there for some time and basically in the last year, about 20 employees have quit due to the toxic environment cultivated by the director, Amy. There are lots of wonderful employees but one by one, she burns them out by overworking us and euthanizing more animals then she adopts out by far. About 90% of the animals she euthanizes go to sleep based on her "expert opinion" that they aren't perfect. She by the way, has zero education in Veterinary Medicine or Animal Behavior yet is deeming animals untreatable and killing them every day. She lies to people constantly, telling them to bring her thier animals and that she will adopt them out and then immediately euthanizes them without ever having any real professionals look at them. She pressures people who call her for help rehoming dogs to euthanize, being emotionally manipulative. She can't keep staff because no one can stand her for that long so the existing staff is forced to work long hours and split shifts. Because of that, the animals don't get good care or enough enrichment and we watch them fall apart emotionally before she kills them. She is one of the worst human beings I've ever met by far and she's the reason a good idea will never live up to it's potential. She treats all but her 2 favorite staff members like shit. She speaks down to us, belittles us, screams at us and is a general bully. But we can leave...and we have. But the animals can't and 90% of the time, going to the pixie project is a death sentence and this is all because of Amy. Please, please do not support this organization and do not ever bring your pet here.

I was working with an individual staying in a shelter that needed some basic supplies for their cat. We called Pixie and they immediately helped them out! Prompt and kind, they helped this person maintain some dignity while struggling through a difficult situation by giving them what they needed to care for their companion animal. Thanks! It's gestures like these that demonstrate what a great organization The Pixie Project is for our community.

They have friendly knowledgeable people on staff they have great Foster families caring for the animals until they're adopted. They make sure the animal is the right one for you and make sure that you have all the resources you will need to care for this animal
when you take it home

Walked in and immediately fell in love with a kitty and walked out with him that day. They sold me very affordable startup supplies. The only thing I felt was a little strange was that they technically still own the cat. So when Hank becomes Instagram famous, I feel like they can take all his treat money. Here he is smiling to be at home.

This group does great work. People who have given bad reviews may just misunderstand the information they received.
For one, adopting only ONE kitten with no other pets with which to play is not a great situation. Two kittens or a younger cat or dog is best to keep the kitten entertained and out of trouble. As well as teaching the new kitten the "ways of the home". Maybe it should have been explained or suggested two kittens are better than one. Many reputable rescues have a policy of only adopting kittens in pairs, or with a playmate in their new home.
Dogs taken to Multnomah shelter will get great care. They do not immediately euthanize dogs with issues. Again, the shelter is staffed with caring professionals who will behavior test the animals and do all they can do to get the dog (and cats) training, attention and hopefully a home.

Our foster dogs are Amazing and they check up on them

this place is an absolute lifesaver I am so grateful for the help that they give to the community and the low-income families. Five stars from me all the way

Coo coo. If the writers at Portlandia are looking for new material, this might be a good place to find some inspiration.

Got my 2 yr old cat neutered here and when I came to pick her up they said I was irresponsible and selfish for not getting her fixed earlier they were very rude and wanted me to "surrender" her to them I was on the verge of crying when the lady said I was giving her a "disrespectful" face, nonprofit organization my a$$ they try to take animals from loving caring families

My Mother in law recently passed away suddenly of cancer. She had 4 rescued pets that we needed to re-home. (luckily friends took the two dogs) Although the shelter was already full and couldn't take in her two cats, the gal that responded back to my inquiry via their website, Shannon, happily and sweetly offered to post them on the Pixie Project's website. She could have easily said....nope, too full lady.....your problem. Bye! Instead she took the time out of her busy day to write beautiful descriptions of the kitties and posted them on the website within a day. I've been into the shelter numerous occasions as I pass by there daily and love to see the pets in the window. The staff are kind and very friendly. This shelter has a lot of heart. One of the cats was adopted within two days. The other will be adopted by this week. Thank you for all the help. My Mother would be at peace knowing her rescued animals were rescued again and given good homes. <3

These folks are wonderful and are always nice
friendly, and do so much to help animals.

I not understand how can people can make money out of the poor animal

We have been fostering cats here for the past few months and have had nothing but great experiences! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and work extremely hard to help their kitties find loving homes. Definitely take a look here if you're considering adopting.

Such a great organization. They match the pet to the people :)

So sweet, to both us and the animals. Will help you on followup shots, vet work for life, sweethearts all around

It did not smell very nice in there, it could be cleaner and lady in office was a snooty kind of friendly, kittens are cute and well cared for

Very ethical organization that takes great care of dogs and cats needing homes + the humans who want them. Public meet and pet cats room is therapeutic

I called this place to try and get help for a dog that had been abused and was going to be put down because his owner was taken to jail and they took the dog to the shelter. He has behavioral issues and doesn t do well around other animals as he s been attacked by other dogs in some of his previous homes and been neglected. The DIRECTOR told me to basically leave him there and went on a tangent about how much rehab and stuff costs and that helping him would hurt another dog with no issues. That they would simply put him down as well. She asked specifically if he has bitten or attacked other dogs, which he has not and I stated that. He has no issues with humans whatsoever. She then goes on about how he will make pit bulls have a bad name an all that bully discrimination stuff and blamed the dog for his situation. That being said, I left a message to get help. So why call back and tell me all this asinine stuff and then tell me I should leave him at the kill shelter. Left a bad taste in my mouth and honestly I used to have nothing but stellar things to say about this place as I ve even volunteered with them in the past. Safe to say I will never recommend this place again.

We had to re-home one of our cats due to unforseen circumstances. I had a long phone interview and was very impressed with the depth of info they wanted about him. They are very thorough in getting info regarding the surrended pet and also if you are looking to adopt. They were very excited about him and felt they could find him a loving home with no issues. I would definitely adopt from them and if the unfortunate situation arose where we had to surrender again, they would be the ones we would go to.

It's nearby my work and such a good place to relax and the cats love it, too!

Great place to come and play with cats. Friendly staff.

I bought a cat from Pixie Project. They cleaned his teeth just before I picked him up, included in the standard price and he had all his vaccinations. I got very good service.

My dog had no clothes and I got tons of leashes collars jackets harnesses it was great

No one wanted to help us and my friend and I wanderd around for several minutes (around 15) befor anyone told us anything. Meanwhile there was an older couple that they jumped on as soon as they walked in. Then, they told us we had to adopt a pair of kittens, fine, we will take them. She is more then capable of caring for 2 kittens. Then before we have a chance to fill out the application the director comes out to chat with us. She tells us that she feels 2 kittens would be a financial burden on our family, with out even asking ANY QUESTIONS! Nothing, not even about gross income, family size, ouR names, NOTHING! She then assumed we where unable to provide for the animal because of my friends young child, I know this because she said it. It s so sad that this loving family who recently had to put down there 17 year old cat( she had cancer) was Denied the chance to make a new family member (or 2) because this group of humans wanted to pass judgment on her with out knowing any information about her at all( like no joke they didn t even ask her name or anything just seen her kid and said no). I wouldn t recommend going here. Not worth anyone s time!

We just adopted a kitty from the Pixie Project and had a really positive experience. They were quick to get back to us via email and were friendly, knowledgeable, and really helpful throughout the whole meeting and adoption process.

We've been fostering for pixie for about 4 months now. A truly caring organization who wants the best for their animals and families.

I don't understand why Pixie Project won't reassure me that my darling Finny cat is happy and ok. I am so overwhelmed with grief. Did the Pixie Project kill my cat? It is horrific that such a thought would be in my mind. The following is a warning, a public service announcement. If you want to be 100% certain that your beloved pet is being placed in hands as loving as your own, don't take it to ANY shelter or adoption center and especially DO NOT TAKE YOUR PET TO THE PIXIE PROJECT. I trusted Pixie Project and they have betrayed my trust by refusing to offer me ANY proof that sweet darling Finnegan is alive, healthy and happy. There is no denying that I am tormented with worry. Why is Amy Sacks, executive director and founder of the Pixie Project doing this to me? You don't have to take my word for it. There are many other negative on-line reviews.

They're always willing to take extra food that my Bengals have gotten tired of...

Exceptionally well organized and such wonderful staff and pups!

Adopted 2 wonderful new additions to our family and the staff is amazing.

The parking lots was arkward so I suggest parking on the street. The cats were nice:)

Takes a "screw dogs that aren't perfect" approach. You'd better be perfect too. Extremely snobby, rude, and heartless.

I've attempted for two months to get Pixie Project to return my call about neutering my Dog and have yet to receive anything back. Unprofessional company that lacks BASIC customer service skills. I would HIGHLY recommend using other services out there!!

NO MILITARY VETERAN WHO IS LOOKING FOR A SERVICE DOG SHOULD ADOPT FROM HERE!
I was planning on adopting from this shelter and when I spoke to the adoption lady Amy. She made it seem like she had a problem with my disorders that I obtained from the military. Even though on the application I stated I would have him be trained as a service dog. The whole conversation was centered on the fact I had a mental health problem so the dog would not be happy with me. That is what I got. She was not listening and even when she spoke to my husband he said he felt like she was blaming me for my problems and I was a problem and would not have a good home for the dog. Bottom line. I was black listing this place for militaty veterns trying to make a connection and have them be service dogs. Horrible experience.

I apologize for having my mental health problems because I obviously wanted them to begin with.

I appreciate their mission. But they charge $350 in 'adoption' fees.

We adopted our terrier/chihuahua mix, Rainey, from Pixie this summer. After turning in our application, we met Rainey at her foster home. We were really grateful to have a 2 week trial adoption period before making the final decision to adopt Rainey, because that allowed us to get to know her and all her quirks. We talked to Pixie staff, including the owner, several time during our trial, to get tips on dealing with her transitional anxiety. They gave us great advice, and we now have a very well-adjusted dog. I appreciate that the staff at Pixie is so ethical and responsible for their animals well-being and take good care to make a good animal/human match.

I fostered here and ended up adopting. I advise you spice up your life with some kitten love. It's the best anti-depressant I've ever had.

I had my puppy neutered with the pixie project. Found them very professional, clean and caring facility. They did a awesome job. I did have troubles getting a hold of them original. So I went with the E-mail on their web site. Found better communication that way. My daughter also used them for her puppy. Had the same positive experience I did.

Great rescue organization. I really love their cattery! You can go in a sit with their adoptees and love on them to your hearts content. Good for the cats and good for the human heart. A win-win!

I take ownership of being a bad pet owner and trying to re-home our family dog who we made a commitment to. Judge me because it was horrible on my part. And I judge myself.

The Pixie Project killed our dog within less than a week of being there.

We always kept him safe from running off because we were warned that he should not be around cats. "No cats" was almost literally the only cautionary information we received from Pixie. We adopted him when he was 2 1/2 and put our hearts into providing a safe and loving home for him.

His instincts kicked in if he saw "prey" (cats) and we were careful to keep him away from them for 10 years while making sure he got outside to exercise and socialize. For 10 years, he was a dependable running buddy. He was extremely gentle with our small poodle and two young children. At times he showed anxiety over strangers he felt threatened by, but always calmed down in about 30 seconds. (We inferred he was possibly abused before we adopted him.)

Starting in 2014, I had a 3 year battle with some health struggles that made it increasingly difficult to provide the training/exercise he needed and deserved.

Unfortunately problems in a location change arose immediately. My 2-year-old opened doors (now secured with child proof covers) to the outside and our dog was an escape artist.

On his last escape incident, he bolted over to the neighbors' chicken coup where his instincts took over and he encountered chickens--killing one and hurting three others.

My heart broke that he took the life of someone else's "pet" and hurt a source of their food. My heart broke that, although I tried, I failed in previous training for him to stop charging at smaller prey. My heart broke that my two-year-old expresses feelings of guilt for letting our dog outside (though I was careful not to place that heavy blame on a two-year-old). My heart broke that my kind neighbors were now freighted of our dog. My heart broke that if it happened again, he was at risk that a neighbor could take a shotgun to him. My heart broke that I knew I had failed miserably as his owner.

Pixie repeatedly insisted if at any point we needed to re-home him, we were to return him to Pixie Project. We were instructed *not* to find another home for him. It was a brutal and painful decision to make the call to the Pixie Project. Amy made sure to shame me, knowing nothing of our personal struggles or that all we wanted was a better life for our dog than we could currently provide. I didn't so much mind the fact she shamed me. Or that when she asked me what our dog is like, she cut me off and did not allow me to finish explaining about our dog's personality or experience with us and changed the subject to when we would bring him.

I should have asked her more specific questions such as, "What is the process for deciding if he would be euthanized?"

4 days after we returned our dog to Pixie Project, my brother called saying his friend *really* wanted to adopt our dog after hearing about this and had a great lifestyle for him. I recommended he be assertive in making sure to connect with them ASAP as it is a challenge to reach them.

By the time Pixie called back, it was too late. They had put our dog down without a chance, claiming his behavior (while suddenly being relocated from a comfy home to the shelter) warranted his death.

I never...(repeat), NEVER would have given my dog back to Pixie. We trusted they would try to give him a safe home that he deserved. We thought we were doing the right thing. I can't go back in time to save our dog, but I can, hopefully, save the life of another deserving animal from these inhuman and lazy decisions by an organization.

I made a horrible decision and cost one of our family members' life. I take responsibility for this. I will never forgive myself and I learned from this experience.

But you, Pixie Project. You euthanized my dog within a week. A dog that we could have just found a better home for within days. A home he deserved if you hadn't insisted he come to you first.

Amazing group of people here that are changing the futures of these animals. They do a large array of services for cats, dogs ect.

This place is the best! Adopt here, volunteer here, and donate.

The Pixie Project is an amazing organization. Sadly, I had to surrender kittens I could not care for. They put me at ease, knowing they are in excellent hands.

I have taken a few kittens there now to utilize their spay/neuter program and they have been great. Took great care of my pets and staff is very helpful and friendly!

Crew is nice but if you want a kitten, just one, you will need to pay for two because of a weird policy of them about the kitten personality (thing that I didn t buy from them bc is not true). The price is 140 per kitten.. but they push you to adopt two. And if this doesn t work out they take them back... so I ask her: so you are telling me that I can adopt two and if the second doesn t work out you will have it back? (I asked her because the policy doesn t make any sence) BUT adult ones, yes you can have just one. And for me, I don t know for you, adults came with a lot of history, you will not be sure how that will workout for you ... I wanted a kitten so I can groom him, give him the best food same food all the time (best quality for vitamins and everything) teach him on a tricks, playing.. and they said that they have this policy so the cats learn how to bite properly while playing with themselves .. that s is the most un-creative reason to make you have two instead of one (we have this policy because we have professionals on the field for 20 years she said) lol I had cats my whole life and you can teach them how not to bite you with love and affection since they are kittens you cannot fix an adult one.. and she said that I am wrong.. so to let you know if you are able to have two kittens this is the right place for you, the crew is nice and they really take care of them.

Fostered animals and volunteered for them. The staff are rude and overworked probably because the place is poorly managed. They use the extensive adoption forms to judge people- Ive heard them gossiping about various families. It s shameful to keep homeless pets away from loving people just because the homes are a little unconventional.
Echoing what others have said, something is really off about this place.

The bad reviews are not surprising. There is something unsettling about this place.

I was looking for a small, older female dog. I tried to search their site only to find there is no search filter.

I emailed asking how to filter. I received a response that had a tone of stubbornness and defensiveness.

The email stated they choose to have the site set up that way, that most of their customers aren't interested in size, age, or sex of the animal, and that they "always receive happy and positive feedback."

Adopting 101: A good fit between a pet and an owner is crucial in a successful adoption.

They're putting their own personal feelings and attitude ahead of finding pet homes.

Staff was friendly and accommodating. I felt confident in leaving my pet with them. Ver professional.

Did a great job on my three boys would send more people there

Under new ownership. The staff is friendly and eager to help thier customers find what they need. The store and restoom is clean and i encourage you to stop by and meet the new owners

They neutered my baby kitty for $35, were very kind and courteous and my kitty did so well that he didn't need any pain meds.

Super helpful and supportive in finding out new family additions. Even during Covid times.

If Google offered an option to leave zero stars, I would have taken it.

We went to Pixie Project a couple of weeks ago looking for a cat, and after visiting twice in one day, we were so excited that we found one that we all loved and were excited to take home.

The lady at the desk was extremely rude both times, and when the teenager with us asked about seeing animals, she was very condescending while she explained their [very involved] process.

After filling out the [extremely invasive] application, we waited at the desk while the staff was behind glass chatting away (yes, they looked up and saw us but didn t bother coming out to help). After waiting about 10 minutes, of the people in Our Party lightly knocked on the glass and the original lady at the desk came out and snapped at us, saying that we had disrupted the dogs sleeping in that room. (Note: I could see the dogs in that room and they slept right through it.)

I handed her the application and she came back less than 30 seconds later, saying that they wouldn t approve us because we have an unneutered dog at home and that we were irresponsible for not having him fixed. (Note: he is a working dog and cannot be fixed for this reason). We explained that he is not allowed around other dogs and we always know where he is. The lady said it s Our policy, 1,000% of the time, not to adopt pets to homes who are allowing their dogs to over breed and add to the overpopulation of animals. She absolutely would not hear that this was not the case and continued in her rudeness and condescension. Our sense was that she made her mind up about us before we even looked at the animals - she was really hard to work with from the first sentence spoken.

We would never go back for any reason. It was not only a huge waste of time, but also left a bad taste in our mouths about this adopting process.

Apparently they have plenty of resources to keep animals as long as they want. We love and care for our animals like they re family and would have been a really good home for the cat we wanted to adopt.

The people we experienced at Pixie Project were rude, and that s putting it mildly.

Because of Pixie, my family and I have been able to add a wonderful member to our family, Broly. They were so great in matching us with him and even helping with his surgery and his training. Anytime I have a friend who wants to adopt a cat or a dog, I tell them to come here first

Wish I could leave 0 stars. Go to Oregon Humane Society instead- much better people with 100% better customer service.

The Pixie Project is an amazing place, with an amazing concept, and amazing people! They gave me simple but helpful advice and helped me take care of my cat when I thought I would have to give him up. Thank you Pixie Project! You make the world a better place, especially the Portland area!

Took my client who isn t really that old (in his 60 s) and has a disability to the pixie project today. He picked out a kitten and filled out the paperwork just to be told by the first woman that because of his age he really should take 2 kittens so it always has someone to play with. Then when he said he really only wants one cat she gets her manager and tell us that he can t have a kitten because if something happens to him they don t want the cat to come back. They told us that he has to have a co-signer for the cat. Someone to take the cat if my client dies. I asked if I could do it and she said no because I m not a relative or close friend of 25 years. She was very rude in her tone and attitude and I m not sure if she was aware that discrimination of age and disability isn t okay. Discrimination of any kind isn t okay. I ll never go there for a pet and I wouldn t recommend it to anyone. Not to mention their adoption fees for cats are very expensive, higher than the shelters!

Was very disappointed in the experience here. There was no where that said we had to fill out an application before visiting. They wouldn't even let us walk around or give us info on any of the dogs and sent us out like they didn't need our business. Wouldn't recommend going here and won't be returning.

This place is amazing. The work they do here is wonderful. Please support this nonprofit. They helped me Spay my dog that I rescued at a very reduced cost as I have been unemployed. Once I get back on my feet, I will donate $100. Thank you to all that volunteer at Pixie Project. Everyone was wonderful. They had great patience and care with me. They took the time to listen and care my my Annie as she is very loving but anxious due to previous abuse. Please support!!

Much praise for this place on their quality of care, and you can just show up and play with cats!

I do not have enough words to express my appreciation for the great work done by the Pixie Project. I am a full time working parent of a child with extreme anxiety. I love dogs, but haven t had one as an adult, as I m never home and felt it wasn t fair to a dog. I realized my daughter NEEDED a dog as an ESA to help her gain some emotional soothing skills, and I had better figure out how that would work. I contacted the Pixie Project as a hail mary, just to see if I was crazy for thinking a rescue would meet my never home, cuddly sweet small dog that is social and can be at work meeting people all day requirements. Amy took my call, gave me so much information and assured me we would find the right dog. I felt so amazingly supported from the first call, to every contact in between. It took only 2 months, and Pixie found us the perfect dog for our family. From day one, our new dog family fit in perfectly, eased all my fears about not being able to do ALL THE THINGS for my daughter, for work, AND for a new dog, as Amy was right, and this dog was perfect, and eased in better than I could have even expected. Now, being in the midst of the COVID crisis, I am BEYOND grateful that this dog is home with us, and easing my daughter s anxiety, and already making all of our days better. I am now left wondering why I didn t do this sooner. The dog that I needed wasn t necessarily the dog that I always wanted (a sweet breed I knew well vs a sweet breed I had no experience with), but boy, does he fill the hole fully to overflowing. I am forever grateful to Amy and her team at Pixie Project. They do amazing work. If you are looking for that just right for you animal, or for a great organization to donate to and support, please consider Pixie Project.

Great option for pet adoption. I go there to pet the kitties often. Donate even if you don't adopt. They do great work for the community.

Honestly less than a star! I guess I went on a bad day. Either way the manager was absolutely one of the rudest I've encountered! I have more to say but I'll be the bigger person and just take my adoption elsewhere. And pray that no one else gets treated the way I did.

These people are unkind ruthless money mongers wouldn't help us to get our dog back

Because they MADE IT SO WE COULD GET 5 DOGS FIXED FOR A VERY LOW COST

This is my little Junebug! She came through the Pixie Project, she's a delightful addition to the family! I love her to pieces!

The pixie project is Amazingly great. I will go back on a regular basis. It has become a new favorite place to eat for me

Fixed my cat very cheaply but he came he with a cold.

The staff very friendly, no hesitation in assisting you, answered questions and over all I really like how, it's set up to help match you with an adorable pet(s).

A wonderful organization. I fully support their mission & the way they are going about accomplishing it! Highly recommend <3

Me and my mom went to pick up my moms friends dog the dogs name is baby she is very old and one of the people from the staff there flight to keep this poor dog alive the vet was gonna put her down when she broke her leg but this amazing person stepped in and fought for baby then when her owner left her in there care for the night they did great when me and my mom when to get her she was purkey and excited such a great place and if you want to adopt an animal go here best place ever

If you are looking to adopt a cat/dog. This is one of the most professional places in Portland. Please just take some time out your day and take a tour.

Kate is so rude and awful. I'll never be back and I'm cancelling my donations

Be forewarned, this is not an adoption or rescue facility but a homing project. They are more than happy to keep animals out of loving homes.

Great place to adopt pets, feline or canine. Friendly and helpful staff work extra hard to pair the right adoption.

The website was very easy to navigate. Most of the animals I searched we adopted so seems like they do a wonderful job find forever homes for these fur babiea

Ended up with a fantastic pet. The staff clearly love animals and care about the adoption process.