Unfortunately, I can't say much good about Joyful Rescues. Although some people see their property as a paradise, I see it as a potential hazard for the dogs allowed to run unsupervised there. The chance for dog fights is too great with that many dogs running in a pack. Not to mention the chance for dogs to get loose without notice for some time. And the adoption fees are outrageous - when any good rescue charges maybe $250 for puppies, Joyful Rescues is charging upwards of $500 for some dogs! I know of horse rescues that charge less to adopt out a far more expensive animal. I also don't agree with setting fees based on "adoptability". I will say that the setup for the cats, both on the property and at the off-site location, is quite good. It's the setup for the dogs that makes me nervous. I think the rescue needs to be more accepting of potential applicants - just because Joye doesn't like kids doesn't mean a household with children should be completely disregarded. Some of the best pet owners I know have children, and were able to care and provide for both human and animal just fine. Also, if the applicant isn't a good fit for the animal they're applying for, why not let them know that and work with them to find a more suitable animal? That's what most rescues would do.

Pros: Saves pets; cat setup is good

Cons: Too many to list

When I found Fidel on their website, I knew I found my new boy! I completed a relatively easy/standard application & contacted my vet advising them that Joyful Rescues may call them. There is enough room on the application to explain your answers & I highly suggest doing so. I was not able to supply my neighbors telephone #'s and I gave a very detailed explanation of why. Responses from the rescue were quick & informative. I actually thought the whole process was painless! I didn't even have to drive to pick up Fidel. The rescue brought him with them when they were doing an adoption event at PetSmart. How awesome was that? The gentleman that assisted me with Fidel's papers was great! He went through the information that I needed to know slowly and made sure I understood everything. He answered all of my questions. I got a bag of dog food, coupons and even a FREE vet visit! Fidel is even microchipped. My adoption fee did not even cover that cost. I paid for a microchip for my other dog so I'm aware of the cost. Speaking of adoption fees, I found them reasonable & in line with other rescues. These people are so helpful and wonderful. I was contacted a few days after the adoption to see how things were going with my new boy. If people have issues with the adoption process, maybe they should rethink adopting at all. There is nothing on the application that is not standard to the majority of rescues. Joyful Rescues does a wonderful job and I would not hesitate at all to recommend them to anyone! When the time comes that my boys cross the Rainbow Bridge, I will be back looking for my new family member.

Pros: Look for what's best for the animal, caring, helpful.

Cons: NONE

I will never recommend this organization to anyone. I may sound a little assuming, but my family has a great situation and a lot of experience caring for special needs and rescue dogs. I have 2 wonderful boys who are very busy and absolutely love animals. We have owned several dogs and have 11 acres of land and a big house plus lots of time and financial means.
The day I called to visit, the attendant acted put-off and said that if I couldn't make it by 2pm, don't bother. We made it there and the room we visited potential puppies in was soaked with urine: furniture, toys, the floor was wet! We asked to see these small puppies and instead of having us wash up and see the 10-week puppies first, she showed us the other pups and said we could only look at the others through glass because they had not had shots yet. I acted a little surprised (not rude by any means), at the fact that we could not see these animals.
My husband was appalled at the place. Seeing as we have a wonderful home and a lot of experience, it shocks me as well that we were not approved. Especially since this organization claims to want to adopt out these animals. I can say that the environment is not the best. The dogs basically just run wild with very little perceived attempt to socialize these animals.

While it is good that they are rescuing dogs from puppy mills and bad situations, it seems strange that they are unwilling to adopt dogs to perfectly good homes with no history of ever giving up a dog plus a lot of experience. With the number of dogs in this place in deed of homes, this is really awful. I feel sorry for the animals.

My personal perception of this place is that they are extremely prejudicial when choosing adoptees and do not look at what is best for the dogs. There is also likely level of ignorance, bias and arrogance. These people really do act like they are "God" and 'better than..'

-- additional:

[updated on 2013-02-27 00:53:57]:
Just adding.. After reading some of the other reviews I can see why we were 'rejected'. It appears that we were rejected because we were honest on our application. I would not be surprised to find out that these people have a 50 'flag' list of what they deem a 'deal breaker'. It also seems that they adopt to people without seeing their home or really knowing who they are, as long as they don't get a 'flag'. And it looks like the flags include: farm, children, any outdoor farm animals, no fence, working, etc.. So my question is: why don't you put on your website: "we will NOT adopt to you if you have a farm or children or..... or.... or.... and then people will not have to waste their time. It is truly a shame as I know for a fact some of the happiest dogs grow up with kids and acres of land, etc.. but these people are not really looking for quality of life or love for the dogs. They seem to be just looking to play God and show their true colors of extremely prejudicial, judgemental and self-righteous attitude. This kind of ignorance and unprofessional practices plus a less than ideal environment for these poor dogs is, unfortunately, at the expense of the dogs and kind wonderful, big-hearted people's happiness. The only 'winners' seem to be the 'board of so-called 'do-gooders' that think they're doing right when they are simply being no less than lazy, ignorant and presumptuous; not to mention less than honest and down-right rude and uncaring to both animals and humans alike!

Pros: Dogs allowed to run

Cons: Filthy, unprofessional, rude

My family and I have established a bit of a Joyful Rescues "following" up here in the "Northtowns." After my parents rescued a very healthy, happy lab-mix pup from a foster situation (Hogie- from the "Cigar Collection" of puppies), I had the pleasure of accompanying my mother in law to Joyful Rescues' home so she could meet a dog she was considering for adoption. Though heartbreaking to see all of the discarded pets, it was an amazing thing to see so many happy, healthy, cared for dogs in one place. My mother in law adopted 5 year old "Ginger" almost two years ago and she has transitioned seamlessly into their home- even with a 3-legged high-needs dog already there. Only weeks later, my husband and I adopted 2 year old "Reese the Hunk" who is, without any other appropriate term to substitute- our fur child. Shortly after that, my aunt and uncle adopted a puppy from the "Pizza Collection."

Yes, the application process is lengthy and involved, I feel Joye is best serving her real "clients"- the animals at her home. Anyone can walk into a local pet shop or SPCA and get a dog- with no experience or knowledge of animals at all. Pet owners like this are the reason shelters like Joyful Rescues NEED to exist. Without a discriminating process, many of these animals would be fated to be abused, returned, or even put down.

Joye and her team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide a safe, clean, loving environment for every animal that passes into her care. Everyone there is kind and helpful, providing honest opinions, feedback and guidance when selecting a pet to truly try and make sure each animal finds a FOREVER home.

Personally knowing four of Joye's rescues- all sweet, loving, animals that show us each and every day how grateful they are to be in our homes being loved, I cannot recommend Joyful Rescues any more highly. I will continue to rescue from Joye in the future and will always make Joyful Rescues my first suggestion to friends and family thinking about getting a pet.

Any true animal lover would have to find honor in what Joyful Rescues is trying to do: Place animals in loving, safe, forever homes.

Pros: Kind, caring volunteers and staff, quick responses to questions, concerns, well-cared for and socialized animals...

Cons: Non.

I adopted my sweet Pom/Pekingese mix from Joyful Rescues in April, and they were SO amazing. Come on, people- they are strict for a REASON. These poor animals have been through ENOUGH and they are only trying to make sure their new families have a safe environment and the means to take care of them and love them. My sweet girl is 9 years old and was RECENTLY rescued from a puppy mill, and was probably abused by a male figure because she is still a little nervous around my animal-loving husband. She won't go outside for him, and if she does, she won't listen to him when he calls her. She will probably never be fully house trained. It takes a special family to have the patience for a rescue baby, and they have to be VERY careful with who the animals end up with. They were so kind to give us a massive care package for Peka, and her foster mommy (who was AMAZING) babysat her while my husband and I went to Florida for 2 weeks. I will NEVER adopt from any other agency, as Joyful Rescues was SO good to us and so good to our baby Peka before she was placed into our home. She is a perfect fit, and we love her SO much, and are so thankful to have her!

Pros: They ARE strict, and that what makes them GREAT! These animals deserve to be spoiled and loved!

Cons: NONE!