Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Wanderers Rest Humane Association Inc in Canastota
Categories
Location on the map
Canastota, Madison County, New York, US
Accessibility
Phone: +1 315-697-2796
Site: http://www.wanderersrest.org/
Site: http://www.wanderersrest.org/
Opening hours
- Monday:12PM–6AM
- Tuesday:12–6PM
- Wednesday:12–6PM
- Thursday:12–6PM
- Friday:12–6PM
- Saturday:12–4PM
- Sunday:Closed
Comments (99)
Great with animals, they have a food pantry for those who need help with pet food
Today was my first time at Wanderer’s Rest and I have to say, I got a great first impression. The place was clean, animals looked healthy and seemed secure. It’s hard to fully connect with cats, especially, (which is what I was looking for) because they are sometimes nervous and shy. But from what we saw, the cats seemed to be quite content. I also have to give a shout out to the staff I met. They seem to be very concerned with each animal and they put a lot of time and effort into making sure the animals that are adopted out have a good and safe home. I appreciate that. I was also impressed at how clean the place was. Definitely check this place out! I hope to go back soon.
I adopted an animal from here in January. I recently brought him back because I agreed to do so when he was adopted if I were to not keep him he’d be returned to them. Initially upon adoption the dog was overweight. I changed his food and exercise and the dog became a healthy weight. Said dog had recently become ill and lost a bunch of weight. The dog was cared for at his vet (with records provided) and then a couple of days prior to returning him to the shelter he started only picking at his food again. I sent an extensive email to them to aid them in finding him a home to fit his needs. I get a phone call from some guy in regards to animal abuse and cruelty, are you serious? The lady at the front desk is extremely rude, they throw accusations around because they’re upset you didn’t keep their animal. It’s crazy. I’d never recommend anyone adopt an animal from them.
We adopted our cat from here and they were amazing. We went to look one day at cats and filled out an application. They told us we were approved within 2 days and we went back the next week to pick out our cat. The process was easy and all of the people there were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.
Horrible experience... They tried to say my daughter was putting her hands in the cage when she wasnt. We asked about a very cute dog and were treated very rudely. The woman at the front desk is terribly rude. Im an animal lover and so are my children and we were very disappointed in our experience there. The other staff caring for the animals was very nice though.
The folks at Wanderers Rest are genuine, dedicated animal lovers. The dog and cat kennels are spotless. Spotless! When you first pull up, the area is not much to look at, but I suspect thats because all donations and funding goes to taking excellent care of the furry lodgers. I highly recommend adopting a dog or cat from Wanderers Rest!
Approximately 4 years ago, I adopted 2 wonderful and friendly cats from Wanderers Rest and rescued a 3rd cat from another party. Due to personal circumstances, I had to move out of my parents home and into an apartment that did not allow pets. Therefore, I had to leave the 3 cats to continue to live in the same home which they were adopted into. All 3 cats are spayed/neutered, up to date on all vaccinations, dewormed and on routine flea prevention as well as routinely seen under veterinary care (as was verified by the employees at the animal hospital in which all 3 cats are patients). In July 2019, I was informed via telephone call by an employee that my application for a cat was denied because I did not take the 3 cats with me when I moved out of the home and the 2 cats from Wanderers Rest were adopted under my name per the adoption agreement. Understandable. I did not feel the need to explain my past personal circumstances to a stranger via telephone call or give a sob story in order to adopt a new cat. HOWEVER. The woman on the phone asks me, and I direct quote, Couldnt you have just taken one of the cats with you? Excuse me? Why would removing 1/3 cats out of their HOME and into an apartment that doesnt allow pets be beneficial to anyone or beneficial to the animals? Why would separating the 2 bonded littermates be beneficial to anyone or to the animals? Why would removing a socialized cat out of a home with other cats whom it had bonded with and placing it into a home with no cats and no pets allowed be beneficial? Would my application have been accepted had I taken just 1 of the 3 cats with me when I moved out? Her question lacked logic or insight and was honestly so stupid I couldnt carry on a conversation further so we ended it there.
I normally dont write scathing reviews, and I understand how difficult the job of shelter staff and volunteers are, but the experience my family had at Wanderers Rest was so terrible and traumatizing I feel like it needs to be shared. I apologize for the length, but it is worth the read.Background: We recently had a cat die from a rare, random untreatable illness. We had adopted this kitten and her sister from a different shelter with a very thorough vetting process less than a year ago and had an excellent experience. Our other cat was very lonely, and missing her sister, so our family decided to try to find another cat her age for a companion. My husband and I are professionals. I work in a field that deals with animal care (wildlife), and I have extensive prior experience rescuing cats (specifically caring for feral barn cats, trapping and fixing them, etc). We make monthly donations to a different cat rescue. We know there are many cats out there looking for good loving homes like ours.Our experience: We found a cat at Wanderers Rest that would be a perfect fit for our family. We were brought in a (dirty) room to interact with the cat. As soon as the cat was handed to me, I was surprised to see she had been recently spayed. No one had mentioned this at all. And since I have extensive experience with recently-spayed cats, I understand the specifics of how to handle them, and I was surprised they even allowed us to hold the cat at all. I specifically made sure to NOT allow my children to hold the cat. The staff member observing us made no efforts to discuss the cat with us, so I asked as many questions as possible to learn about her.When we went to fill out the paperwork, I was surprised at how lacking in detail it was. We had brought proof of employment, proof of home ownership, vet records, references, tons of paperwork with us since we understand the normal vetting process. There was nothing like that on their paperwork. The paperwork only consisted of name/address and a place to list what other pets we had. Thats it. I thought maybe wed have a more detailed form to fill out after we were approved.The next day, we got a call that we were denied because my husband didnt seem open to discussing the proper way to handle a recently-spayed cat. What? No one even mentioned the spay until *I* brought it up. I called back, and when I pressed for more details, the story kept changing. First it was my husband, then it was my kids carrying around the cat by its arms, letting the stomach stretch out. WHAT? I know my children, I know they are young, thats why I specifically did NOT let them hold the cat at ALL. Then it was two staff members that agreed we wouldnt make good pet parents. Okay, at this point, I feel like the adoption director was making up any lie she could to deny our family and she was becoming increasingly rude. Still, we loved this cat, so I offered to come in to discuss with the adoption coordinator in person, since she hadnt met us and was making a decision based on the perceptions of her volunteers. She refused. She also refused contacting our references, our vet, and my offer of a home visit to see what a wonderful home we can offer this cat. Nope. She would rather that cat sit in a cage because she was too stubborn to consider that her staff member had made a mistake about us.Honestly I cant understand what happened at all. Even IF they felt that we werent handling a cat properly, that is the point at which you educate a potential adopter, not flat out deny a good home for something a 5-minute conversation would fix. I wouldnt think a shelter had that kind of luxury considering how many pets are turned away each day.You have to wonder about an organization that disables all public commenting on their social media, doesnt respond to the Better Business Bureau request for Charity Accountability, and doesnt provide a way to contact their board of directors. So this is the only way to warn others.We had a horrible experience and will never be back to Wanderers Rest again.
I want to thank Wanderers Rest and the staff that we worked with. They were professional as well as friendly. Ratler, now Sam, has already captured our hearts and taken over the house. Once again, Thank you!
Got my beautiful baby Firefly here (They knew her as star). Kind, caring and knowledgeable staff that put the wellbeing of the animals first and foremost. Clean and well-maintained facility filled with well cared for animals just waiting for you to take them home. Adopt, dont shop! P.S. They offer a discount for Veterans off their adoption fees so get out there brothers and sisters! Make two lives better!
We have one dog and one cat through Wanderer’s Rest and both have been healthy, happy, well-adjusted members of the family. The shelter staff recently helped us pick the cat that would be good for us and he has been perfect; for $125 he came healthy and up-to-date on shots, neutered, microchipped, with food, treats, toys and a little blanket to help him feel at home. Wonderful, easy experience from start to finish.
Perhaps the staff at the actual shelter are friendly and organized, but the volunteers at the adoption event I attended today were not. I made a special trip to Pet Supplies Plus to meet the cats at the Wanderers Rest adoption event...only to be completely ignored by the three (3!!!) volunteers camped out there chatting with each other and the store staff. Not one person offered to tell me about the cats there or ask if I was a cat-lover or offer to let me hold an animal. They were simply...much more interested in talking with each other. It just seems like such a waste of time and energy to schlep half a dozen homeless cats to a store for 4 hours only to ignore the public. Maybe you have to have some kind of in within the organization to adopt from them?
I am extremely disappointed with my experience here. I found a wonderful cat at Pet Supplies Plus that was with Wanderers Rest Humane Association. I called them on Monday and they did not answer, so I went online and filled out an application that night. I called the office on Wednesday to check on the application and the lady stated that she needed my father’s phone number since I didnt own the home. I called on Friday to check in the application process, since my father did not get a call. There was no answer so I left a message on Friday. Saturday later in the day they called my father saying that the cat was adopted. I was extremely upset when I found out and when I called the lady was very rude. At the end of the day, I am happy that the cat found a home, but I am unimpressed on the level of professionalism and process of adoption with this humane society.
Happy to get my pitbull Buddy home and donated. I was just upset I was told one day then I had to wait another . Also. The fact he wasnt bathed had fleas after leaving there and was sooooo hungry. Idk he was crying N screaming/ screeching to get to me while I was filling out paperwork. Was so excited to see me(mommy)
Vicky should not be working in any sort of customer service. She is extremely rude and makes the whole company look bad with her being the adoption coordinator. Worse customer service experience I have ever had.
One of the staff members is very rude!! She couldnt give me a time frame as to when I could come in to adopt a kitten and couldnt give me a time frame as to when the kitten would be neutered. It could be weeks before he is neutered and she told me while I was waiting for him in the shelter I couldnt even come in to play with my kitten!!! I said well I will wait to come in and pay the adoption fee. She said if you wait then he is still adoptable. I said well when can I come in to pay for him since she said he was approved? She said she didnt know when I could come in to pay for the adoption fee. She was the rudest person I have ever encountered. She was not even pleasant. Save yourself the heartache!! Dont go there!!! Be warned!!
Caring, friendly staff willing to help families looking to adopt a forever pet. Thanks so much for helping us connect with Julie!
Compared to other shelters this place was very clean and smelled nice. It is more expensive to adopt than other places but the cleanliness of the facility makes me think the animals are better taken care off. The staff seemed very friendly and willing to help.
Very rude staff. Went to a public event to inquire about donations/adoptions and asking questions seemed to be an inconvenience to them. We decided anyway to drive to the Canastota office dropped off a donation and met the rudest person ever. For a company who wants help, money, donations; this certainly isnt how to attract assistance. Its a shame that they are so involved with media, always promoting themselves but when it comes to answering questions in order to gain assistance we were met with resistance. We will never step foot near another public event or location of theirs again. This is coming from a strong family with a long history of adoptions, donations and supporting pro-animal rights.
The staff was fantastic, the facilities cleaner then the previous ones we had been too. Added a wonderful new dog to our home and the experience couldnt have gone smoother.
Hi I want to let everyone know what a wonderful experience I had at wanders rest now I know there have been many negative comments however i found the place clean the staff awesome and Vicky well you rock it. I adopted two boys and I couldnt be happier i had no issues what so ever in fact they opened early so I could I couldve d puck up my furii
Vicky is the most rude person I have experienced in retail. After I tried too explain my situation, she told me that she had me on speaker phone blah blah blah. Then after being sooo! Negative. She told me I was being rude and then turned the hole thing around. Very!!! Inmature and you need too get someone with retial experience/ customer.
I adopted Diana (a ragdoll Siamese 3yr old cat) 3 1/2 months ago. Yesterday I took her to Oneida Animal Hospital because she was having trouble breathing. She stopped eating and using the litter box for 2 days. Diana had an enlarged heart that covered her whole chest cavity. She had to be put down - she could have died the next day at my home. I am saddened by this because Diana was a beautiful, loving cat. My first cat. There was no guarantee that any treatment would save her. I will miss her terribly.
Want to know what this place is all about? Two lazy (mother and daughter) that run the place do nothing but decide which animal to put down! It happens ALOT!!! I seen bags and bags of donated food go to waste (because they only use one kind) Instead of giving it to some place that would use it-they rather waste it like everything else. I donated a king size flannel sheet set to find it in the trash !They are the most wasteful place I have ever seen. I have watched workers beat on the doors and yell at the dogs (to shut them up) Animals got fed once a day. The only ones that actually do anything are the volunteers. I let everyone know what really goes on, Its a shame. I told a board member about these issues apparently she agrees with the way they run because she does the wasting of donated towels, wash cloths, rugs and blankets.
Horrible! The first time we called she was rude and we called her when we got there to look at a cat and she pretended she could not hear me. Did the same thing to my wife. Never went in and I left. I feel bad for the pets there
After poor experiences at Helping Hounds in DeWitt and CNYSPCA, I adopted Eddy then BuddyBoy from Wanderers Rest. Both were positive experiences. Buddy was a Karma adoption in that WR had told me to visit on a certain day to see a GSD but, when I arrived I was told that dog actually not yet available to the public. So, I wandered past the kennels and saw Buddy, did a visit with Eddy as he was with me, and took Buddy home that dayBoth are doing very well and keeping my house a mess of toys. Karma. NO bad interactions with the staff.
I got my pitbull, Ash, here and he is such an amazing dog. When visiting him for the first time, we were assisted nicely, didnt feel rushed, and it was a clean environment.
Great place, bur they need to keep in mind that people are handicap and the dogs and cats need to be groomed to meet people that are handicapped.
Our family has adopted many times over the years, we have been very happy with our Furry Family members... And the staff is awesome!!
Great place. Costs me $100 to get my dog when she runs away though...but its worth it
Our Community is very lucky to have a facility and people that care for dogs and cats, as they all do at Wanderers Rest
Pain in the neck to get your dogs back, dog warden stole two out of four dogs and brought them here when our house burned down. Had to show paperwork that burned in the fire. Smelled horrible.
This shelter definitely takes care of their animals to their best ability and Beyond I have never seen a more spoiled bunch
The whole process was explained, and went quickly. Tha pet I adopted, was fixed, all shots, AA flea treatment .
The staff and volunteers are so welcoming and kind, caring. If I ever decide to adopt again this is where Ill start!!!
Wanders Rest is very nice for the people that want a pet AND also for the pets that want to be adopted. The staff and volunteers on Wanderers Rest take care of the pets and try help the people that wants pets.
This place should not be open. Animals in their care are in danger of being put down. It’s a shame they are allowed to operate! Please please do NOT surrender your furry loved ones to this place!!
Adopted my beautiful kitten there. I love her. Great personality, my Mom loves her too.
Dont know what happened to the guy who was running the place, but wow..... Totally gone down hill. I wouldnt send my worst enemy there now. Attitudes are rotten, staff is rude and ignorant and the poor animals are there ones suffering for it.
The adoption coordinator is a very rude person. Apparently she doesnt have people skills.
One person who works there was one of the rudest people I ever called or met with. The people who volunteer there, however were great.
I love these careing people who care for the animals. Im sure the animals feel their love too.
Small but inviting place to find your next forever furry animal to join your family.
Horribly rude and unhelpful staff. If there were a way to give less than I would. Hopefully they are nicer to the animals than they are to people.
They kidnapped my dogs at 10:30 pm when they where out side in fenner (no lesh law) them kept them fir 6 days before letting me take them home
This is the third dog we have adopted from Wanderers Rest. We always have a good experience dealing with them!
Great experience! Very friendly staff. Highly recommend
Very rude. They have policies but follow when they feel like it. Follow for some but not for others
Got my two cats here. Most the staff is good and knowledgeable.
Great place to rescue a cat or dog. Quick, friendly and informative shelter
They have alot of great pets, was hard to only choose 1
Went to check on a Rottweiler to adopt. People were nice and helpful.
Extremely friendly and helpful staff
Worst dog ppl ever if you go save one of these amazing puppy ask for Jackie or Lance
Great place adopted a jack Russell terrior
They are over packed with dogs so people go adopt them!!
Great people doing wonderful things for animals.
Rescued a wonderful cat, everyone was very helpful and friendly.
We got our cast, Luna, from here. Shes amazing.
The care and dedication to the dogs and cats is wonderful!
The people were very warm and welcoming.
Great staff! Great animal care! Great pets!
Place has really gone done hill. Nobody seems to know what they are doing and you can forget anyone getting back to you.
Nice place friendly people well cared for pets
Donate, donate, donate!!! Lets help all those animals without a family
The staff was very good.
They are very helpful and great with the animals
Place was kind and helpful in getting a cat
Great place to get a dog and Walk it
Its a lovely place and good environment.
They provide a great service for the community 😄
Very professional very pleasant people
Nice people, great pets!
Good people that care for animals
Till Im approved for adopting Marcy
They are amazing with the animals!
I like dogs and cats. ADOPT
Place is a joke#cooldongapproved#vapeturds
Lady at desk was very rude
Friendly. Hours are a little messed up.
Great place great ppl
Very poor communication skills.
Clean, will organized.
Makes you feel sad
Excellent animal care
Lady at desk rude!!!!!
Wonderful establishment
A need for the community
Chaotic environment
Total reviews rating 4
99 Reviews for Wanderers Rest Humane Association Inc 2023:
Review №1
2021-12-18We adopted Leonard a week ago and are so happy we did. The adoption process was easy and you can see how much the staff love their jobs and all the animals. The staff let my mom and I spend a lot of time with the kitties and never rushed us. We are already planning on adopting another cat from them.
Review №2
2022-04-24Bixby and Seeley are WR Alumni. FABULOUS companions and they think the same of us. Hope the next event goes well.
Review №3
2022-05-06All the workers at Wanderers Rest went above and beyond to help me and my pets in a dire time of need... I am ever so grateful... If I could give more than 5 stars I would... Well run, clean and tidy... People who really care work here... Thank you ladies!!!
Review №4
2022-05-24Everyone very helpful and kind. They helped us find this purrfect match for our family
Review №5
2022-04-05Great staff and caring helpful people they walked us thru everything and even brought us a puppy to play with
Review №6
2021-07-032 , almost 3 weeks ago, I applied for adoption to some of the kitties at this shelter as it was my first pet and wanted to adopt through here because I am local. Little did I know I would never get a call back from them to “make an appointment”. If you are wanting to give animals to good homes, you would think they would be urgent and get back to people but they never did! Ended up going to Finnland Fosters where they took care of me. Don’t go here if you don’t wanna get your hopes let down! Very unprofessional.
Review №7
2020-11-11Great dog, very loyal and he has found his forever home
Review №8
2021-12-11So many lovely animals and the staff are wonderful I have volunteered there and seen the background process and is so professional and the animals are treated so well
Review №9
2021-02-13Would like to really record zero stars. My aunt has been donating through her bank account withdrawal monthly for years. She passed away recently and they said they have never heard of her. I cant stop the withdrawal as her estate going to probate and they wouldnt accept any of her cats. Very disappointed. Luckily I found a first rate rescue that has integrity for one cat and all others placed as well.
Review №10
2021-11-27Great staff with a mission they take seriously. They can always use donations of dog and cat treats, toys (especially for large dogs), cat litter, and more.