Volunteers in Defense of Animals (VIDA Rescue) - Rowland Heights, California

Lauren

DO NOT SUPPORT VIDA. I was a volunteer here and I had the WORST experience and witnessed horrible things.

First of all, after signing up to volunteer I only saw three workers, and they all said, "yeah here's the cleaning supplies and here are the leashes. Just do whatever and you can walk the dogs if you want. Come whenever you want too". It just seemed like there was no care for the types of volunteers they received and the care given to the animals. They tell you they will train you, but after 15 minutes of showing you around they let you go.

Everything was disgusting. The room the animals stayed in was in poor condition, and outside where they kept most dogs was sad to see. Feces and urine everywhere, and the dogs had to endure the cold weather and rain. I saw a kitten in one of the cages outside that was so close to the edge of the cage and was not breathing. Old and stinky supplies just thrown wherever.

The next morning I dropped by to volunteer again, and NO ONE but one of the workers (who by the way never talked to me and had a creepy aura) was there. I walked into the small room where they kept the sick dogs and these puppies they had found, and I kid you not, feces covered the ENTIRE FLOOR. I was so shocked by what I had seen, and it was obvious no one was caring for the dogs. I cleaned everything and moved the puppies as best as I could, but it was very overwhelming. I also filled up the bowls for the dogs and all the puppies were trying to eat the dry kibble.

After witnessing this, amongst other things, I called animal rescue services to report this facility, but they were no help either. I'm truly saddened by how they mask these horrible conditions by showcasing themselves as loving and caring on their social media. I really wanted to stay and care for the animals because they were so sweet and in need for love, but I could not tolerate working with people who desire profit over proper care for these animals.

David K.

We got a new dog! She is amazing. I was not expecting to find a dog that fit so well with my family. I was not expecting to find a dog that was so well cared for. They set me up for success by chipping her, fixing her and paying for my first vet visit. I was so impressed with the service and quality of animals at this place. Amazing!

Sean

This post is regarding the adoption of our dog Sofee. (Sofee is a dog that someone returned because they were keeping her in an apartment.)

I have waited over one year to write this.

I cannot comment on to whether VIDA are good or bad people. The person I dealt with was a young lady and we didn’t speak more that 20 words but she was professional and appropriate.

I contacted them. I filled out a form online and set up an appointment to meet the dog. The meet and great area is something to be desired,but at the same time this was the tail end of Covid.

I am usually not one to write reviews but I felt it would be good because the review of our dog was very negative.

We got a great dog. Troubled past being abandoned and then returned. It has taken time to make her who she is now. Sofee is amazing and just remember it is in the training.

I have attached some pictures of Sofee’s amazing life.

A word of warning. The average person should not own a cattle dog or border collie in my opinion. It is hard to provide what these breeds need , but if you can. They are the best.

Wendy B.

The volunteers were wonderful in helping me adopt a 1 year old Cocker mixed breed. I inquired on a Wednesday, received a response that night, applied online and got an invitation to visit Friday. We went to meet our pet "Jasper" the next day. After our 30 minute appointment, we were able to adopt Jasper. All the staff were helpful in answering my questions and concerns. Dominque was so helpful in coordinating our visit and Laura helpful in follow up appointments. Volunteer Karen followed up to make sure our concerns were met. As a dog trainer myself with Noah's Ark Dog Training, I highly recommend this rescue.

Jerrie Y.

Love all cute dogs here. Volunteered here washed some dogs. They are cute, calm and nice to people. I believe any animals here has been treated well and will find permanently home soon.

Ellen M.

Prior to VIDA Rescue, I had the experience of trying to go through an adoption process (notice how I said "trying") with another rescue and needless to say, in comparison, I will adopt and recommend to others only VIDA Rescue.

This is the best rescue experience I've had - everything is electronic and they have a simple google survey for you to fill out if you're interested in adoption and it's quick. They also keep their forms updated so you're not filling out something dated 2016.

We set up an appointment to see the available cats and met with Monica. My partner and I told her about what we were potentially looking for (a 3rd cat to be a playmate for our youngest cat so the elder cat can have a quiet retirement) but more so, my partner and I had anxiety about the entire situation in general as introducing another cat could potentially disrupt everyone's routine and most of all, our current cats' behaviors.

Monica was a great listener and answered our questions (no matter how inexperienced it sounded) and instead of us diving right in, she suggested we foster for a month.

Now, it's been less than a month and we made the adoption official. Everything was officiated electronically and done quickly - thank you VIDA Rescue for an amazing adoption experience!

Anthony P.

A great group of people doing amazing work on behalf of countless animals that come to their shelter. The adoption process is detailed but never overly complicated. Our advocate, Dominique, was extremely helpful and communicated with us every step of the way. Thanks to these great folks, we added another member to our family, and we couldn't be happier.

Lauren H.

As a volunteer at VIDA Rescue I have seen that all of the dogs and cats are loved and taken very good care of. The staff welcome all volunteers and are very patient when giving instructions for tasks that are needed to be done. Vida Rescue takes pride in doing their best to ensure that the facility is as clean as possible. Vida makes it very convenient for everyone to come on in and lend a helping hand, or simply socialize with the animals. It’s a Community and all are welcome to participate.