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December 2021 by Cynthia Y.
We just adopted our first rescue dog from ARV Simi Valley and it couldn't have gone better! We have a wonderful, adult dog who was rescued from a box next to a dumpster. Luckily, ARV found the most wonderful foster mother for this little one. Her love and care was so evident. This organization is well organized, purposeful, caring, and compassionate. Staci was so efficient in everything involved with the adoption, including the follow-up days after. You never realize there are so many details involved in the adoption process, but they were handled well and we had a great experience. We're so happy that this little one found us, and that we found ARV.
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November 2021 by Kendall D.
Animal Rescue Volunteers was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The adoption process was thorough and professional, and the volunteers were caring, compassionate, and generous with their time and experience. We ended up with a great dog and it was clear that they had been taking great care of him. I highly recommend ARV Simi Valley!
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August 2021 by Cindy E.
We just adopted our little princess Raven with ARV. Every step of the way Kayla was amazing. I feel so blessed to have found her. They are so passionate about their cause to help rescue and find quality homes for so many animals. If you are looking to adopt a pet please consider this wonderful organization.
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January 2021 by Rhonda M.
I have nothing but positive things to say about Animal Rescue Volunteers. I was treated with kindness and patience. Their vetting process was reasonable as was their adoption fee. At all times it was clear they were looking for the right home for Dougal. I am so happy it was us. Even after the adoption we continue to hear from Staci at ARV with follow up calls.
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December 2020 by Marie H.
THis Rescue agreed to Give me back my Dog named Dutch in the month of October after she finished weaning her puppies. Refuses to give her back , I have no idea how's shes doing I had her since she was a pup. Seems to be they are only interested in the newborn puppies.. I can only imagine the fees for adoption.
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December 2019 by K C.
I had a similar negative experience this weekend as written by The Last Honest Reviewer, Marilyn S. and Alex S. Expect to be ignored and discriminated against if you are a more mature individual. The volunteers decidedly cater to young people/families. A young couple was looking at the puppies for a few minutes when a volunteer approached them and practically begged them to complete a questionnaire (they weren't interested). I was there over an hour holding puppies, conversing with the volunteers, asking questions, and not one volunteer asked or offered me a questionnaire. I then met Stacie for the interview. She conducts the interview in the middle of an aisle where she is seated but you stand (setting that whole dominant/subserviant, intimidation symbiotic relationship). There was no privacy. And, it was a rather unprofessional manner to make a life-changing family evaluation. As another commented, I, too, got very negative judgmental vibes from the first moment I met Stacie. It was evident from her whole body language that I was not going to be a "good fit". It was definitely an age discrimination thing. I own a home with a large fenced yard. I am responsible and can adequately care for and provide. I have adopted, raised, played and loved 4 rescue dogs from puppies through to very old ages (~17). I showed pictures of my large fenced yard and home but she was not the least bit interested. And, they claim to have "adoptive rules" but then selectively break these rules to suit whomever they favor. I wanted to see the pup I was interested in as soon as possible (Friday) as I was excited. I was told I had to wait for the Saturday adoption event. So, how is it that one of the pups of this litter was not there on Saturday because she had already been adopted out? So, I had to wait until Saturday but someone else was able to not only see but also adopt before Saturday? Don't waste your time and energy if you fall into the more mature category; you won't be their "good fit".
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March 2019 by Lesley J.
My beloved fuzzy son , Rudy passed away almost two years ago and I was so devastated. I swore I would never get another dog because I was heartbroken and felt I would never find another dog as wonderful as Rudy. After some time had passed, I started looking in the shelters and some of the local adoption groups. The shelters rarely had little dogs and the local adoption groups wanted upwards of $500 to adopt. I saw "PeeWee" (now Ziggy) on Perfinders and contacted ARV. They arranged for me to meet him and it was love at first sight! His adoption fee was reasonable and they came to our house to make sure it was suitable for Ziggy (which shows they care about whom they place their animals with.) His foster mom was the nicest person and called several times to check in and make sure he was still a fit for our family. I recommend this adoption group wholeheartedly. They really care about their animals and finding the right family!! Ziggy is a perfect fit for our family!
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March 2019 by Pam P.
My forever adoption of Phoebe is the best gift. We looked to adopt a small young dog. Phoebe was a perfect fit for our family. I highly recommend this way to find a forever pet. I cannot thank them for enough for everything.
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March 2019 by Allie M.
Thank you for our little fur baby........ We couldn't be happier ! She is so sweet,spunky and playful.
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March 2019 by Zach L.
Decided it was time to get a puppy, and ARV Simi Valley was nothing less than phenomenal in their organization and operations. From the moment we entered the facility, it was obvious that all of the employees worked with passion and attention to detail. We worked with ARV president "Staci." She was clear with her communications and expectations of hopeful pet owners, and I would expect nothing less. Lastly, ARV Simi keeps owners in the loop with an (optional) free news subscription and very fun annual "Wag 'n Walk Charity Dog Walk." It's been over a year since we've adopted our pup "Stella" (previously "Prancer"), and we've been blessed beyond measure to be able to care for such a loving puppy. I Highly recommend this business!
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February 2019 by Billy M.
In Jan 2018, my partner and I adopted a 4-month old chocolate terrier mix from ARV. Willow was fully spayed and only had 1 round of shots still due. We first saw one picture of Willow on Petfinder, and we made a plan to attend the weekend "Meet N' Greet" that ARV holds at a pet store in Simi Valley, about 30 mins north of our house in West LA. Once at the event, the ARV staff was extremely kind, helpful and attentive. There were about 5-7 pens with the available litters of varying breeds. All looked healthy, clean and well-cared for! There were many families w children there, and we were all allowed to pick up and spend a few minutes with any dogs we were interested in. After holding Willow in our arms for a minute, we knew she was the one for us. We alerted one of the many helpful and attentive ARV staff and filled out the application on site. We then waited about ten mins in the store for the staff to review our application, after which one kind woman did a quick, painless interview with us right in the store. She mentioned that inadequate yard/patio fencing was the most common reason why their dogs end up back on the streets - I imagine this is one of the main reasons why applications might be rejects, fyi. After about 35 minutes total of being at the event, the ARV staff told us they would be calling us later to let us know if we were lucky enough to be Willow's parents. And to our great joy, that phone call came that night at 6pm and 3 representatives from ARV were in our apt with our little girl one hour later! The entire process was easy breezy. I can't recommend or thank everyone at ARV enough for the love and care they gave our puppy during those crucial first few formative months of her life. Willow is about to turn one and a half, and is an incredibly healthy, well-behaved, loving and smart girl. We are indebted to ARVI for ALL they do for so many dogs in need and would give them more than 5 stars if we could.
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February 2019 by Booker C.
Many years ago, I experienced the negative effects and experiences associated with a mall purchased puppy. I loved that dog, but also took in a stray that was set to be euthanized. I was overwhelmed to learn of the number of beautiful animals that were just waiting for a (last) chance to be loved. Almost two years ago, I decided I was ready to add a little more love and joy to my life. I visited shelters, adoption events, and scoured online sites, to find my new partner. Many rescue organizations had me questioning their purpose, processes, and objectives. By the time I looked online and saw the many wonderful animals at Animal Rescue Volunteers, I didn't really process or envision actually having one of their rescues; that was, until I went to their weekly showing. The professionalism, care, knowledge, and genuine interest in placing their rescues in the "right" home was evident. There was a big selection of dogs (sad, but reality). The representatives REALLY knew their "homed" dogs. When I mentioned the characteristics that I was looking for, they were able to able to lead me to the right dog (and over a year later, she is exactly what I was looking for). The application, interview, home inspection, and periodic follow-ups are designed to only place an animal into a caring, responsible, and fitting environment. I could tell that she had been homed in a caring and responsible environment. She is truly a wonderful dog. My next adoption will be from Animal Rescue Volunteers. They are truly an incredibly first-rate organization, that truly adheres to its purpose and objectives. Please, no comments re: grammar or punctuation, my dog is a little sensitive about her typing skills.
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February 2019 by Melissa M.
We adopted two amazing dogs from ARV. It was the first time my kids had ever had a dog. The staff at ARV is amazing! After adopting our precious little girl, Molly, it had gone so well we went back and adopted our little prince Fudge. If you are in need of service that is exemplary, and people who truly love animals, you wouldn't go anywhere but to ARV. They are kind, helpful and truly want what is best for the animals in their care. We couldnt be happier with the completion of our "furry family" Many thanks to Staci and Sue who helped us all along the way!
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February 2019 by Samuel C.
Hello! My name is Samuel and I wanted to post a short message here thanking Animal Rescue Volunteers as an organization that really took care of my dog Lucy and her babies the moment they were born. My wife and I had no idea on how to handle such a huge moment as our dog Lucy delivering the babies. Stacy, Sue and the other two ladies which I can't remember their names, really went out of their way to tend to and care for Lucy and her puppies. They also took care of their spay and neuter procedures, vaccines and even referred us to get all 8 dogs (mom, dad and 6 puppies) microshipped for free! I cannot thank them enough for their help and dedication to our FURmily! I live in a different state now, but I would absolutely recommend them and brag about their service and care to all the dogs and beautiful animals out there in the Simi Valley area. Outstanding work you guys! May God bless you and continue to do great things for all the beautiful animal friends!
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February 2019 by Sue O.
**I highly recommend this adoption agency. I could not be happier or more impressed with ARV - Animal Rescue Volunteers. I have always rescued dogs and most of the time directly from the shelter. However, this time we came across the adoptions being held at R&R Pet Supply. This organization took in 3 pregnant mama dogs from the shelter, so they would not have to give birth to the puppies at the shelter (all around the same time!). At any rate, when they were up for adoption, there was a large response and many, many people there. Despite the large crowd, Staci and her staff were very friendly, while at the same time professional. They took the time to get to know me (and I could see they did the same with all the others too) which is why it took some time to get to go through the line. When Staci and her daughter came to our house to make sure our area was safe, she found a few things we needed to do to make it safe. It wasn't as if she expected me to be a perfect fit from the start or that she expected too much from me. She totally worked with us to make sure we were the best fit for the animal. I thought imagine if I had gone directly to the shelter, they would not be there to point out the changes needed to assure a safe environment. Because I did not put pride into the mix, it was all the more reason I appreciated what she was expecting from us. When Staci came back to verify the changes were made, she answered any questions I had in such a caring way. She explained all of the paperwork and answered all my questions. She even sent me several pictures of Bella, nursing with her mama and her litter!! About 2 weeks after we brought our Bella home, we "thought" she had gotten out since we could not find her anywhere. After looking for Bella for 2 hours and it was getting very cold and dark, I decided to call Staci, just in case she somehow hears of someone finding our Bella. Immediately, she, and her husband, her daughter and her daughter's friend in two different cars to cover more area, were out looking with me and a few other friends. As it turned out, my Bella had decided to put herself in the crate (in a dark corner of the house) that we had only used a few times and she was sound asleep. While we were all out looking, my husband called me to tell me he found Bella asleep in the crate. Embarrassed, yes, I was. When I called Staci to tell her where Bella was she was so kind and simply said I am so glad she is home safe. She also added, if there is a next time, don't wait call us. The sooner we can look for the dog the better. How amazing! I was blown away by their kindness and commitment to the well being of the animals they rescue. Staci has checked in with me over the past year and I am so grateful she did. All my other dogs that I rescued were not puppies and I had many questions along the way. After reading the complaints on yelp I am dumbfounded. The fees are nothing as high as mentioned in the review below and are comparable to the animal shelters. An important recommendation would be to realize there are always two sides to a story.
