Helen Woodward Animal Center - Pet Adoptions

We had a very good experience finding our newest family member. The staff here is very caring and professional. Everyone we came in contact with was very helpful and wanted to make sure that our choice would be best for us and our new dog. I would recommend the Helen Woodward Animal Center to anyone. Actually already have. They really care!

This place is a great example of what an animal shelter should be like. Very friendly and helpful staff, you can see the animals are well taken care of, and they make sure all animals go to the right homes. My family got a puppy from this shelter and it was a great experience! Their website is very informative and shows a list of animals that are currently available for adoption as well as the adoption process.

Absolutely one of the worst experiences I have ever had. After purchasing the dog, less than 24 hours later my wife was in the hospital ER due to having her throat closed off, as a result of her allergic reaction to the dog. The doctor said it was one of the worst cases she had ever seen. My wife did hold the dog prior to and play with and no reaction, but when we got home she broke out all over her body and began having shortness of breathe.

The next day we returned the dog with the paperwork showing her issues and they refused to refund. Additionally the day we did purchase our dog, after signing the paperwork and paying, they conveniently tell us our puppy just tested positive for worms in her stools and she needs two more shots which is on our dime. Please take my advice and steer clear. Go to the humane society or another adoption center that has morals.

What started as an exciting and hopeful trip to meet and adopt a new member to our household, we were met by a very rude and demeaning staff member. We had put down to see 4 dogs we were interested in meeting, and the older lady at the counter, (who definitely has a complex) decided to cross them off our list because of details regarding our fence.

She then added that she would like us to give her permission to a home inspection, which we kindly declined, that we then became ridiculed for. This woman left us completely disappointed and upset that we had gotten our hopes up. We will not be returning to this facility.

What a wonderful facility! The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the whole adoption process. They even supplied us with a gift bag of goodies and a free first vet visit. Plus, our puppy was already chipped and spayed when we got him. Anyone is welcome to go look at the animals up for adoption however the staff does want to know that you're serious about adoption before they will allow meet-and-greets.

Would highly recommend and if we were to ever adopt another pet we would 100% come back here. So glad we found them! FYI, the map took us to their main office which is around the corner from the shelter location which is across from the Rancho Sante Fe Fire Station on El Apajo. They are open daily for walk-ins! (Had to add some pics of our new cutie )

15 years ago what seemed like 20, our family adopted a cat- a mutt if you will- from this facility. It is still peppy as the day of purchase. We came here in hopes of getting another cat but turns out you have to be 18 (age of consent) to try out the cats. We were turned down and did not get our cat that day. We will be forced to look elsewhere.

We adopted our wonderful puppy and renamed him "River". He's added a lot of joy to our family during these Covid times. He's so smart, responsive and energetic. He walks 4 miles a day and responds favorably to edibles while training. He is 5 months old. In the future he will live near the Colorado River with our daughter. We are jointly training him in all aspects. We all enjoy him and he's starting to socialize in a more positive manner. Thank you Helen Woodward for all you do!

I adopted an adorable puppy here. The staff is very helpful and courteous. They tell you fairly all the information you need to take care of your newly adopted pet. I am very happy *****

This is the most professional and caring company. They are extremely thorough with their adoption process and make sure their animals go to the right home for both parties. They gave an extremely detailed medical list to show what was done for my dog. I would suggest this place to anyone looking to adopt.