Heartland Humane Shelter & Care

"I waited a long time (days) before deciding to post this because I know that there are genuine people at this organization who mean well and truly care for the welfare of animals. That being said, it does not discount the horrific miscommunication and utter disregard for clientele (they even THREW AWAY personal belongings after lying - but more on that later). First and foremost, I must preface this review with the fact that I have been a long-time supporter of Heartland Humane. I’ve donated to their organization SEVERAL times to support senior animals under their care. I’ve even stopped by and donated brand new things for the dogs (as I’ve had a dog many years). I am not here to trash the organization, but I do need to shed light on how much their lack of integrity has caused MUCH damage to others. I have been working with a feral cat for MONTHS to get her adoptable. I am highly aware of the difficulty of rehoming cats with this history, but I was assured (almost half a year ago when I first found her) that there was a “shy cat” program where she would be worked with. Despite my severe allergy and lack of experience with cats (I’m a dog person and have never worked this long to rehab a feral cat), she had made so much progress and the shelter told me they could take her in. Awesome! I was under the impression that someone would work with her to ensure she was adoptable. Always erring on the side of caution (as it’s usually weeks or months before ANYONE responds to my emails), I dropped by and spoke with a staff person who put me at ease - she said the shelter would not be a good environment for a cat with this history… and since the cat was doing so great, she would do best to continue to be a great house cat at a foster. I agreed. I was PROMISED that she would be looked after and would have a foster so she would not regress after all her progress. Well, a couple weeks pass, I’m finally able to not only pick her up and carry her but also put her into a carrier with no problem. She looks like a lightbulb. I realize she may be pregnant and decided to call and see if they would still take her. They said yes. This was great because I am in the process of moving and I don’t want to foster a pregnant cat amidst a long distance relocation. The cat (all animals, for that matter)’s well-being is more important than my feelings and I knew that though I had formed a bond, I was allergic, would be moving and with her pregnant that adds an additional urgency to finding her a foster. I was told multiple times from MULTIPLE people at this organization to bring her familiar things so she can adjust to foster life and eventually be rehomed. I drop her off (with ALL her things, I even buy extra bags of food and put in all of her familiar things for her)… and have a strange feeling. I felt like no one knew what I was talking about. I drop her off and the person who helped me said there “should” be a foster waiting if I was told that. Suddenly, it sounded like she would only have a foster if she was pregnant. Fast fwd a couple days and I’m told she’s not pregnant (which is hard to believe, because once she was fixed she was her normal size again)…. And that she was in the shelter and not doing well. NO foster. So despite moving out of my house, I decided I needed to pick her up and get her out of there ASAP. Now here’s the kicker, not only did they lie to me about having a foster for her (she’s a completely different cat now - food aggressive, very insecure, panicked all the time- all that great progress GONE) but when I asked for the box full of her things (I wrote her name all over the huge box at drop off), many things ($$) to make sure she had a smooth transition at the foster (which she never had), I was told all her stuff was gone. ALL OF IT. No apology. Said if I didn’t pick her up they’d make her a barn cat(!!). No foster. No rehome/adoption. They just lied to me, further traumatized her and took away all the things I need to foster her myself after they DUMPED my belongings. STAY AWAY FROM HEARTLAND."

"Took in 15 cats locked in crates on a whim when everyone involved was helpless. Oregon humane society would never. This place is a true blessing to the community. Thank you heartland humane society for doing the right thing and caring. You are so appreciated."

"I had an amazing experience when I took my babies to Heartland Humane Shelter for their vaccination clinic. One of my dogs has anxiety, and she didn't want to leave my side to go to the back with the tech. They were so gentle, patient, and loving with them! The techs came over and worked on becoming "friends" with her to create a more comfortable and trusting environment. Both of my pups were given endless love and treats during their visit, and they thoroughly enjoyed the attention (especially the treats!). I will absolutely book their future vaccinations with them again. I also wanted to mention that they accept donations of food and pet products for their pet food pantry. They also accept monetary donations for the shelter. I highly recommend giving them consideration when choosing a charity or a place to adopt your next furbaby. I've never had such an amazing and positive experience with a shelter as I have with this one. Thank you!"

"Love how I can go visit the cats. Staff is very friendly and care about the cats. Eventually ended up adopting two cats, both total sweetheart cuddle bugs. Thank you so much for my cats. I have had them about two months now and absolutely love them."

"The staff at Heartland were so caring and very helpful the day before Thanksgiving. We have been blessed with our new family member, Gilbert. Thank you Heartland❤️"