Golden Paw Pet Rescue - Joplin, Missouri

Shilesha D.

Worst experience with an “adoption” ever! They do not care about those animals, they sell them. When I got home 3 hours later and was looking over the cat i noticed she was severely matted. The shelter worker said she was “fluffy” the cat was sooo dirty. She had poop stuck to her tail/butt and who knows what it was on her legs (black matting). Her nose was running, face dirty. Nails so long they are getting stuck in the carpet and she keeps getting stuck on blankets and sheets. I called a groomer over, she disclosed the cat as flea droppings, most likely an upper respiratory infection and possibly ear mites. She couldn’t finish shaving the cat because the cat was to worked and loosing her breath. So now I have a half shaved poopy sick cat until the vet can get her in. I called golden paw up and asked them why would they let an animal go home in this condition. She answered they are short staffed, the answer to everything. I said well you knew I was coming for a week. I could have waited until the cat is healthy and at least clean. She responded you weren’t the only one to pick up a cat. Like that was answer! It’s an excuse this place is a money maker, I feel like the are in cahoots with breeders. How can a rescue shelter only have high end pets? They are preying on people who may not be able to obtain the pet other wise. Something is not right with this place. The are the only pics i have of the first day. And the big hump is not fat it’s pelts inches high of fur. The cat is tiny underneath.

Butch P.

We couldn’t be happier!! My wife and I drove from Tulsa on Saturday to see “Izzy Belle”! She is such a sweet addition to our home. She has adjusted to our home very quickly, and us to her! Thank you “Golden Paw” for all you do for all animals! Izzy is truly a blessing from God!!

Vivian C.

Took a friend from Springfield, Mo. there to adopt a dog. Golden Paws shampooed & dried her before my friend headed back home. My friend is thrilled to have found a new family member who is so loved. Everyone at Golden Paws were very informative & thoughtful in making sure that the new dog would be a good fit. Thank you for your kindness.

Heather P.

I went to look at a dog. They took me through the place. The poor dogs were all matted and dirty as well as there living conditions then they wanted an outrageous amount for them. Like 900 dollars. I don't know how this place hasn't been shut down. Plus I recently seen the owner making racist comments on a public forum. Gross

Rachael K.

We adopted an older dog 1 year ago. She had been there a couple months but per my vet she is healthy. The workers take great care of the animals in their care. They can only do as good as they can with the resources they have. We donate wet and dry dog and cat food and cat litter to try and help. I’d adopt from here again!

Old F.

I will never take my animals here again, ever! After posts on social media with former employees are circling it only reinforced my understanding of how terrible of a place this really is.

After boarding my dogs for 4 to 5 days one came home with a puncture under its arm. We believe it to be either spider bite or a poke from something that made it infected. Our dog almost died just a week after he returned. He made it but the infection was terrible.

Our other dog was okay but their leash and collar were completely destroyed and we weren’t even offered a replacement from their wall of merch.

We weren’t even told our dogs chewed their own stuff up because the collars and leash “were accidentally out in the kennel”. Our dogs never chewed.

Additionally it’s unsanitary, the groomers are hit or miss. The cages and places the animals stay is not clean or heated. It’s apparently okay that it’s 38 degrees with no heater.

I regret and feel absolutely terrible for ever letting my dogs go there. I will never let them experience that again.

I do not recommend Golden Paw for any service. Use at your own risk.

Rachel H.

My parents had taken their 2 standard poodles to this place. They are babies 10 and 5 months old healthy as can be!!! When she picked up the poodles today 6/14/23 the older one could barely walk infection all in his eyes dehydrated and in bad shape! Will need to go to vet. Please DO NOT take your dogs here for Boarding. You will regret this! There will be hell to pay!!!!! Take a look before and after he won’t even move looks so skinny I don’t even think they fed him😩😩 these people are in trouble 👿

Torey S.

The owner makes racist comments on public forums, the animals live in gross conditions, and they come from breeders (not a rescue like they claim). Adopt from the Joplin or Carthage Humane Societies instead.