Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge

My husband always donated to this shelter and would send kuranda beds. When one of our dogs passed away, we decided to adopt a friend for my other dog. So we decided on RBARI. My teen daughter and I went to see the dogs. We were not able to even look at any dogs without filling out an application. So we did. We were escorted to the kennel area . I must say the pens were exceptionally clean and odor free. All the dogs looked very healthy. When we decided on a dog, we were not able to see the dog in the viewing room because he was not seen by the vet. The volunteer was very nice and told us to call Thurs afternoon to check to see if the dog had his vet check. If so we would be able to see him. On Thurs we called-he was seen, so I raced up there with my daughter and son, who was returning to college the next day. RBARI requests to see all family members. When we got there, there were about 5 people in the office and they were all excited to see that we were interested in a specific dog. They were all very nice and attentive. We were able to play with the dog, but he was neutered earlier that day and was very groggy. We all fell in love. They told us the next step was to have my dog meet the little fellow and they needed to see my husband. They asked if I wanted to hold the dog and I said yes. The next visiting day was Saturday, so I said we would be back first thing Saturday morning.\r That same evening, I received a call from them saying that I could not hold the dog. I was confused since I was following all their procedures. I was a bit annoyed and asked ""why then did you ask me if I wanted to hold the dog?"" Finally within our conversation, she said ""well the vet tec has the dog on hold for her friend."" I then I said- ""you just told me dogs can't be held. Did the person see the dog before I did?"" She responded-""No but the vet tec has it on hold, but you're second on the list."" I never did get the dog, which I am happy for, since I adopted a wonderful little puppy from a Pennsyvania Rescue. When I told people about this situation with RBARI, they too had experienced disappointments from RBARI also. I generally don't write reviews, but I was so disappointed because I clicked with the dog and fell in love. I couldn't even image if this was done to a family with young children. Very unprofessional. I guess the people who work there get to pick all the good dogs. No more donations from us. more

I have always donated to this shelter in the past, dog food, blankets etc and went to their annual fundraiser. This week I was faced with an emergency situation where a family member was hospitalized for an extended period of time. She has a cat and no one could take the cat for understandable reasons. We went to Rbari twice and both times were refused because she was 10 years old and ""no one wants old cats"". They suggested that we have her euthanized!!! Really this coming from a no kill shelter, TERRIBLE!!! and the manager Courtney is horrible. \r Thank goodness we took her to my vet and he is going to shelter her and get her adopted. more

I agree with all the people in 90% of the reviews that I've read about RBARI, (Ramapo Bergen Animal Rescue Inc.), they should be investigated. I went there with my 3 children to see a 4 month old dog that they had online through PetFinder.com. They asked me to fill out a form which I did. Then after their ""screener"" looked it over they said I couldn't see that dog because I have children, which is NOT mentioned in the dog?s bio. I told them my children have grown up with pit bulls and Dobermans are very loving and know how to act and care for midsize to large dogs. They refused to show us the dog. They tried to push us to see a dog that we had no interest in that was bigger than the one we were interested in. All this while the 8 or so staff sat in the reception office surrounded by catered sandwiches and cakes, (no doubt purchase with contribution money that should be going to the animals), all having a grand time. Unbelievable, how they judge you and your family within minutes and say which pet would be best for you. Talk about a God complex. Then I took my application with my personal information on it back, (because since I wasn't getting a pet from them, there was no reason for them to have my personal info), the woman who was attending to us grabbed my arm and almost jumped over the counter to try and get the application back from me. Even my children were appalled at the actions and rude attitudes. I feel bad for the pets that could be placed into loving homes but won't be because of these people. In my opinion they should be shut down or at very least be restaffed with competent people who are better trained to assist in customer relations and pet placement. more

My son got a dog from them and had her for a month. He just returned her because she bit my dog, another small dog at a dog park, and almost killed my neighbor's dog. She cost my son over $1600 in vet fees for these wounded animals. How could they possibly not mention that the dog was dog-aggressive? She is great with people, overly aggressive with dogs her size, and deadly with small dogs. She shook my neighbor's toy poodle like it was a stuffed animal and the dog was at the vet for three days. If my neighbor didn't step in and grab her dog from Tilly the dog would not be alive today. This was a vicious, unprovoked attack by a dog that should not be around other dogs, cats and most importantly, small infants. They put the dog up for adoption again with no warnings whatsoever. more

Recently inquired about a pup who will most likely grow into 60 lbs or more. Maybe even 80 lbs. I explained I am a 26 year old residing with my active grandparents. Keep in mind my grandmother was involved with the seeing eye and all of her own dogs were at least 50 lbs and the 2 very well trained, well behaved dogs I have had been 60-85 lbs. I was told the dog is not a good match for us. Basically what they were saying was my grandparents were old and would not be able to handle this dog. They have no clue about our life. ALso was told the only way to adopt was to use their training classes. Yes some people pay to have their dog trained or learn how to but our family does just well on our own. We housebreak, teach the dog how to obey and use commands. The family as a whole have had many dogs and NOT ONE was ever surrendered due to behavior, NOT ONE has jumped on or attacked people and ALL have been called the best dogs people have encountered due to their well behaved demenour. SO I take offense of what was said. Not only that I was told after this incident by not one but two other people theywent in to adopt a dog and was told ""well you have kids so is this right for you kids are a huge responsibility"" Are you kidding me!? ENough said. I NEVER complain but this has bothered me and I think they need to train their staff not only how to work with dogs but how to identify GOOD families to adopt their dogs rather than refusing. WOuld you rather give your dog up to a young couple who may stay out til 1 AM or come home late from work and forgets to feed the dog. Thats an example and nothing against young couples. Just pointing out we were a good family willing to love and train a pet. Luckily the next day we adopted elsewhere =) more

One star is too much. This place does not want to adopt out their dogs. Everytime you show interest in a dog they give you a reason why that dog should stay in their shelter. Makes you wonder what they are up to. Read all the reviews with one star and all of that was done to me, I thought it was just me until I started researching this shelter. I sent a complaint to the shelter after I left and to one person on the board of directors - both complaints fell on deft ears, another strange thing about this place - the board of directors on their website is not accurate apparently this has been the case for some time. I wonder how much corporate sponsorship they get and just what are they doing with that money. more