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March 2024 by Feath R. E.
NOTE: This is a review for the thrift store only. Summary: A well set up, clean, spacious thrift store, with proceeds that go to a good cause. Used to be reasonably priced, now is more akin to a pricey boutique. Full Review: The La Plata County Humane Society Thrift Store is a local favorite that I used to frequent regularly, despite living almost 90min away. Though the prices could be slightly higher than some of the other thrift stores in the area, they were still reasonable, with tons of great deals, a huge selection, and new inventory in stock all the time. They used to have one day a month where prices were 50% off, and people would line the block waiting for the store to open. Unfortunately, possibly due to covid, the business model of the store changed. They seemingly opted to focus on a smaller selection of higher quality inventory, at a much higher price. This is understandable, considering the fact that they're volunteer-run. However, they have seemingly continued this business model. This may also have something to do with a Goodwill opening up around that same time, but I don't know. I'm sure there were various factors at play. I like to support local causes like this, and I understand if they need to raise their prices. But last time I stopped by, I left after 15min with a bad taste in my mouth. I found a pair of used shoes that were priced higher than the same model listed NEW online. A more recent trend for thrift stores has been looking up items on eBay to price them, but I wish they'd keep in mind that they need to look at what has actually SOLD on eBay, and for how much. Then hopefully price it lower than that, otherwise many people don't have much of an incentive to shop locally when they could get a deal on the same thing with just a few clicks online. At the end of the day, thrift stores are supposed to be where you can find great deals, or at least OK deals on things that you can really use. Higher prices can still be a great deal at a thrift store. However, some of the prices are high enough that it's hard not to feel cheated. Many locals were upset when Goodwill opened up nearby, thinking that it would make the LPHS thrift store go out of business. Because of this, I think many people still prefer to donate to the LPHS thrift store, but who knows how much of that goes into the trash. One huge downside to a smaller amount of circulating inventory at higher prices is that they get a whole lot of donations, and if you're only seeing top of the line items in the store, that means that plenty of very usable stuff is being tossed (I suppose it's possible they give the excess to Goodwill, but I have no clue). All thrift stores throw some items away (especially if it's ACTUALLY garbage). They don't want people to know this, but it's just a fact. However, some thrift stores get very callous about it (they're getting it for free, after all) and throw away anything that doesn't meet a very strict standard. Where the LPHS thrift store falls on this scale, I have no idea. Clearly, they do still have a clientele, but I don't even bother stopping in most of the time even when I'm in the area, which is a shame, as I used to love this place. My guess is that they get plenty of out-of-town people from bigger cities who stop by, and probably locals who have plenty money. I'd be surprised if many lower income folks still frequent this place. Thrift stores can be a really valuable resource for people who don't make much, so it's a shame when they price high on items they get for free. The prices on things they regularly have in stock, like clothes, can be OK, but the selection on those items isn't any bigger or higher quality than other thrift stores in the area. On a somewhat random note, the store used to have a pair of bathrooms that they transitioned into gender-neutral bathrooms. As a nonbinary individual who isn't crazy about using gendered bathrooms, I really appreciated this. However, they soon completely shutte
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November 2023 by Ann Wiley
Excellent! Kind and careful staff, clean facilities - and wonderful dogs!!!
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June 2023 by Scott O.
It is incredible the work they do at the La Plata County Humane Society. We have adopted 3 dogs and 2 cats there. The adoption experience is smooth and you get nothing but great customer service. We had our latest adopted puppy turn sick this weekend and we got tons of help over the weekend and a follow up visit come Monday. We want to thank everybody there for all the support and for what you are doing for our community. We are always impressed by your dedication and hard work. Hey Durango! Get out and support the humane society!
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March 2023 by Amy wiley
Allen, the animal control officer was so sympathetic and caring to the injured cat in my yard that I was surprised and amazed, happy and appreciative. Very helpful in a tough situation. They do not normally deal with cats but made an exception for this injured cat.
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January 2023 by Chris K.
I'm from out of state and saw a kitten that LPCHS had at Creature Comforts and fell in love with him. When talking to the employees at CC they said that LPCHS takes online applications and it's a bit long but it's also pretty thorough. At the end of the application it states that out of county and out of state applications may be denied. I was heartbroken but my friend that was with me convinced me to still apply, "You never know". Not even 20 minutes after submitting my application LPCHS called to ask if I would be still interested about the kitten... Hell Yeah!!! Good think I submitted my application when I did because they informed me that not even 5 minutes of submitting my application they received another for the kitten. I know exactly who submitted their application after me cause I saw that person playing with the kitten right after me. Glad to say that this kitten is spoiled rotten.
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September 2022 by Cathy J.
This is a fantastic store! So clean and we'll set up. You can find anything you need. And it helps all the animals. Staff is so friendly and helpful.
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March 2022 by Rowan Waller
Very helpful, helped me connect with the people I needed to get I touch with!
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March 2022 by Sherry Bailey
They are knowledgeable and are providing us with connections.
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November 2021 by Cheryl B.
I had some furniture I wanted to donate to the Shelter Thrift Store. But SURPRISE! I was told at first that where I lived it would cost me $45, which had to be paid up front, for them to come out and pick up the items. And then, they said I needed to send them a picture first. I told them I didn't have that capability of sending a picture and was told that was the procedure. I told them to forget it and hung up. I then called another non-profit thrift store. At first the woman also asked if I could send a picture and I again said I didn't have that capability. She understood that a lot of people don't have phones to do that but it didn't prevent them from accepting my donation. They came out and picked up the furniture at no cost. This new policy at the Shelter translates to having to pay for the privilege of making a donation. I understand costs have gone up all around but it is the price of doing business. There are several worthy non-profits who are regularly appeal for donations of resale items. The Shelter Thrift Store's manager and/or board should rethink their position if they wish to compete and continue operations.
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September 2021 by Mike G.
This is the most unique thrift store that I have been in. It is a large store with the items laid out like a boutique, but with thrift store prices. Items are grouped together logically, and there is lots to see. Definitely worth a stop if you are nearby.
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June 2021 by Katija G.
partner took me birthday thrift shopping and i am super happy we came here an overwhelming amount of quality stuff from authentic vintage to new with tags - a one stop shop from housewares, furniture, gear, shoes, clothes, sundries, y más prices reasonable and of course for a worthy cause the only con was there is only one dressing room - and of course we hit a day where one inconsiderate woman spent WAY too long trying on their "maximum 6 items" (def had more) - i tried on the 20+ items i had over a tank top and under a skirt while waiting in line (i always thrift this way in case there is no change room) ALL while waiting for her to finish & she was in there before i even got in line! staff might want to monitor a bit more & do something when multiple people waiting in line complain as we did - both to the woman and to staff aside from that annoyance - i am extremely happy with my birthday thrift spree here!!!!!!
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March 2021 by Jewell Gibson
Very caring and helpful
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March 2021 by Cory Prentice
It seems like most of the the reviews for this entity are for the humane society, which is a great organization. Animal control however seems to have nothing better to do than waste tax payer dollars driving around to various parks to make sure you aren’t throwing a ball to your dog.
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March 2020 by Ivan Thunstrom
Great food and atmosphere
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October 2019 by Rozy V.
Store side is wonderful I think, as far as service and endless amount of interesting stuff to look thru. I live 3 hours away so I save my unwanteds till I can go to Durango to donate to THIS thrift store, not the other thrift stores between home and Durango. Well, this past weekend I went to donate but was turned away and told to come back the next day. I told them I live a few hours away, not possible for me to sleep in my truck overnight for that. They said they closed at 4pm. I think I got there around 3:30. I asked if I could just leave the boxes there and they could get to it the next day. I didn't want a receipt either. Anyhow, reluctantly, I ended up donating to Goodwill. And I don't like to donate to Goodwill.
