Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Arlington, Virginia

Run like a scam. They have a high adoption fee but don’t spay or neuter, unlike any reputable organization. They don’t answer calls or emails. When I finally got someone on the phone I was insulted and hung up on almost immediately, but not …

I forgot my foster dog’s folder at home 45min from the Petsmart they had me drive to, to which they said had his rabies info (apparently no other copy of their own, which sounded like total bs), they told me I’d have to drive back to my home (45 min) pick up his folder and then drive (45min) back to the event then drive back home (45min). I told them I could come to another event to which they said no and I’d need to leave the dog. They make the fosters pay for the puppy pads, food, and gas for the foster animals but yet don’t have copies of their rabies vaccine in case we forget the folder then villainize the fosters because their system is flawed? Solid organization. I hope my foster gets adopted fast so they don’t have to deal with their bs either.

I had the unfortunate experience to have to surrender my little guy. Lucky Dog made this already emotional event so much more traumatic; I’m writing this review 6 months after and it still hurts. Before adopting, I was quite specific about my reasons for returning an animal: not a barker and must be dog friendly (I live in a large high rise where every other condo has a dog). Didn’t care about breed or anything else for that matter. But those two were musts, which he exhibited. Lucky Dog gave me the run around for months, channeling me to one of their dog therapists who charged a lot but didn’t help. By June he attacked a neighbors dog, and the condo was writing eviction papers; still Lucky Dog ignored me then refused to take him back. They actually reiterated that I could not take him to the pound per the adoption contract and then tried to charge me a rehoming counseling fee from that same therapist! I would heartedly encourage any would-be adopter to rethink adopting from Lucky Dog. I’m sure most of the time things work out - but what if they don’t? You’ll be paying LD and it’s associated a lot over a excruciating, emotional rollercoaster.

LDR is amazing. They introduced me to my baby boy four years ago! Excellent group that truly cares about the welfare of the dog.

I had posted a much longer, more thorough review, but google blocked it for being too long. Here's the short version: Lucky dog adopted out a dog with behavior issues, then provided no meaningful help. In my case: 9+ months of behavioral specialists, medications, and more out of my pocket. Asked to rehome and after 3+ months of nothing, was denied a return because the dog was too dangerous. If you adopt from LDAR and discover the dog has behavioral issues, you are on your own. They will NOT help you. EDIT: Their response tells you everything you need to know. "How much his behavior changed in the year...". They didn't vet the dog before adopting it out then try to blame the adopters. Despicable.

I found their adoption process overly complicated and unnecessary. Ive had much better experiences with other adoption agencies.

They tout how responsible you need to be, but they did nothing to help my friend rehome a dog that had severe problems and bit several people. They tried to guilt him into keeping the dog. I won't donate to them any longer.

Lucky dog is discriminatory. I can provide a very good life for the rescue animals, but I was denied for no reasons. (I was “approved”, but denied all the dogs I asked for). I met lots of people at a dog park who adopted from the lucky dog. They are all white people. Go figure. I ended up adopting two dogs, a cat and few other small animals from other organizations.

Lucky Dog needs to hire new employees that actually know how to talk to people. I tried to start the process of adopting a dog. I filled out an application and someone named Barbara emailed me and said she’d get back to me on a phone screen and etc. She then emailed me a couple of days later asking if I was still interested because she hasn’t heard from me I said yes and she let me know the times she’s available to “chat”. I emailed back and let her know I’ll be available the next day. The next day I emailed her again to ask her if she’s still available that day. She sent me the rudest email, she said “WHO IS THIS! I don’t know who I’m talking to I don’t see your name in the system” Even if that’s the case there’s a way to talk to people and that was wrong I work in HR and I’d never talk to anyone that way especially at work! Anyway I won’t be using Lucky Dog to adopt that completely rubbed me the wrong way. Please hire people who aren’t rude I promise you will lose business because of it

Had an enjoyable experience with Lucky Dog and their team. They made sure I understood everything there was to know about every dog I met before I met them. Ended up adopting my dog Stenson, and we are such a good fit. The only thing I will say is that they don’t guarantee the breeds of dogs so if that is something that is important to you, be sure to ask about their match making program since that’s a process where they make sure they pair you with a dog based on your breed and temperament expectations.

I've fostered for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue for 2+ years and adopted a puppy from them 2 years ago and am obsessed with this organization. They are incredibly well organized and care so much about the dogs that they transport in from all over the country and, occasionally, world. As a foster and adopter, I know from both sides how thorough their adoption process is and how committed they are to making sure their dogs find a forever home. They are transparent about every dog's quirks and opportunities and provide lots of education and training to fosters and potential adopters to ensure that when a dog has specific needs or considerations they are met so that both animal and human can appreciate one another. For potential adopters, the fact that LDAR relies on a vetted foster network is a huge plus because you can learn about your prospective pup from someone who has spent a good amount of time with them. That said, they only have the dogs for so long, mostly during an adjustment period, and can only know so much about them given that their history or background may be largely unknown, so I encourage anyone adopting to keep an open mind and have somewhat flexible expectations!

We just adopted our pup Grits yesterday! This process was so smooth and everyone has been so kind and helpful. They got us approved to adopt super quickly so we could go and meet her and take her home the next day. They’ve already reached out to make sure she’s doing well!

Lucky Dog does amazing work finding new homes for dogs and cats, helping raise funds for pet animal medical costs, and raising awareness for rescue animals. I recently adopted my dog Holo through Lucky Dog and am so thankful that they helped bring her into my life. The adoption process was quick and smooth--I was quickly put in touch with an adoption coordinator after expressing interest in Holo. The coordinator walked me through the steps; I soon met Holo at an adoption event and brought her home the same day! I definitely recommend Lucky Dog for anyone looking to adopt a new best friend!

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is a one-of-a-kind organization! My family and I have dealt with other rescue organizations and Lucky Dog is truly a gem. They CARE about the pups they are responsible for and have gone above and beyond when foster pups need more care (i.e. disabled, injured, etc.). They are diligent and thorough with vetting the fosters for their organization which was the reason we ended up switching to Lucky Dog as a foster (and eventually as an adopter). The adoption process is just as thorough - and with good reason - they want their pups matched with the right people and with people they know will care for them. Here are pics of our foster pups (as well as our resident Lucky Dog pup)!

They are liars and said that I never completed an application process when I did and went through a telephone interview. I was not very fond of the fact that I was unable to adopt a Labrador retriever. I thought that Melissa was very …

100% Honest criticism. The place has clout, its nearby me, and has a wonderful selection of fur babies. With COVID-19 and being stuck in the house I wanted to adopt a dog... You know, like many others. However, before putting my time into adopting a dog from Lucky's I should have peeped the negative reviews instead of following the positives. (But do not let that detour you) because like most, I also felt as though there was always an excuse for why a dog wouldn’t be a fit for me. Ironically, I get the exact opposite reaction from better places like Small Miracles... which is eventually where I ended up adopting my sweet lil baby boo boo girl(sitting on my lap while I write this lol) Mrs. Horowitz is literally a respectable woman doing amazing things. Lucky's has outstanding adoption ratios with very few returns; However, you need to peep some folks you hire to review the adoption applications and whomever tracks the processes because there is a obviously something wrong on that end and that makes potential adopters feel as though Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is being too unreasonable or unfair. Its great that LDAR is a non-profit that want pets to go to good homes, literally everyone adopting and volunteering want that too. But kindly consider reviewing the internal process that goes into who is accepted and who is not. Thanks -Philly M'

I had the best experience adopting from Lucky Dog. Everyone was responsive and super helpful throughout the process. It was my first time adopting a dog and they made it so easy!

Generally helpful and caring people, but the information they have on the dogs can be misleading or downright lies. I adopted a pup on Monday (without being allowed an in-person visit). Yeah I know. I should have insisted an in person visit, but I realize that COVID has altered rules so I’ll 100% own up to my naivety. I did a video visit and the pup looked sweet as can be. Fantastic in the house, crate trained, potty trained, just had some “minor barking issues and some pulling on the leash”. She was also very clearly marked as “good with other dogs” which couldn’t be further from the truth. I tried to introduce her to several other dogs with nothing but jumping, barking and nipping (which may have turned into biting had we not pulled them away). This was on 3-4 different occasions. Each time I’m told “she just wants to play” yet the owners of the other dogs sure didn’t think so. I was repeatedly told that she just needed more exercise. We’d go on 4-5 walks per day and mind you, the pup barks aggressively at every person, dog, bike and pulls on the entire walk. It’s gotten to the point where I’m scared to take her out because she has nipped at someone just trying to pet her. Shes also 45 pounds and strong as heck, so I’m also a bit afraid that she’ll pull the leash out of my hands one day. Please bear in mind that I think given the right situation (a large yard and a family with prior experience adopting behavioral dogs) she would be an amazing and loving furry friend. I feel awful that she definitely hasn’t had the best life and she clearly is not a good fit for the middle of the city. All of this is to say that I feel very mislead. I contacted my adoption coordinator within 1 day of the adoption and expressed my concerns that the pup was far more behavioral than they had told me. I continued to follow up over the course of the week expressing my concerns and asking for help. They kept telling me to just take her to the dog park and to look for a trainer. What person in their right mind would let an aggressive/ leash reactive dog just run free in the dog park? Incredibly unsafe suggestion and then they basically proceeded to blame me because I wasn’t providing enough exercise. The adoption coordinator did very generously offer to meet me at a dog park as a “trial” to let the pup run free. However, after showing a video of the pup’s interactions on leash, decided that the dog park may actually lead to a “set back”. I called several reputable trainers and the earliest I could get was 15 days after the adoption, which is an eternity when the behavior needs immediate attention. Just because a dog is high energy does not mean that it will react negatively to everything it sees. It’s also very difficult to provide exercise to a leash reactive dog if you don’t have a private fenced in area to do so. Now, I’m out $400, plus a bunch of other costs because I want to do the right thing and return her to someone who has the appropriate time, tools and space to give her the best life possible. I’m told it can take “a few days” to find a new foster which seems crazy considering how many people are being turned away as fosters right now due to demand. On top of that the tone of the adoption coordinator as she told me “you don’t need to get defensive” when I explained how difficult it was to exercise the pup was way out of line. I have been nothing but honest and very apologetic and appreciative. I don’t appreciate being told over and over that the main problem is exercise when it very clearly is not. I feel as bad as anyone that I need to take the pup back. I hate that she’s had to endure a life with no consistent home. *edit: while I still was not able to get any money back, the team was able to find a foster home for her in just 1 day. Sarah was very understanding and helpful. I still think it should be mandatory that all adopters meet the pet before being allowed to complete the process. That would have completely avoided this unpleasant situation.

I adopted a Jack Russell 9 years ago she is 10 now and she has been the best dog. So loving and just the best friend. Her name was Zelda and we named her Missy. She is the best I can not say enough about her and yes the Lucky Dog Rescue people were also the best they were kind and caring about the dogs, and truly only looking for the best homes for these homeless dogs. I give the a 10 star rating. Thank you so much for sweet baby girl

Adopted a dog from here back in November. This was the only place to get back to me after applying at 3-4 different rescues/shelters. My dog Dahlia is wonderful and very well behaved. I couldn't have asked for a better dog Thanks Lucky Dog!

I LOVE Lucky Dog, what an absolutely fantastic organization! They rescue dogs and cats from high kill shelters, put them in foster homes, where the foster learns about their "personality" and then everything is done to match the right dog or cat to the right family. I have 2 Lucky Dogs, rescued a year apart and another rescue. Both of my Lucky Dogs, were "must go to home with a 2nd dog.". Completely accurate! My older dog, Sam, has taken them under his paw, and helped them learn how to be dogs. Both were definitely scared of their own shadows and had been abused but that is extremely common with dogs coming from high kill shelters. They need time and love to heal. Rescues almost always need a good 3-6 months to settle in, no matter how wonderful the new family is. I am very grateful to Lucky Dog for all they do to save dogs and cats! Thank you !

We adopted a 6 month old puppy in Apr 2020 when this pandemic started. We collected her from a home for whom this was their 37th foster! Adoption process was very methodological. After applying and filling out detailed forms, LDAR did a video screening call with us, the new home and all members of the family (in normal times I think they visit in person). After which we joined an approved adopters' mailing list from where we can see who's ready for adoption. We were most pleased to welcome Sofi to our house. Fast forward 4 months, my son decided to take Sofi to college with him. The home felt empty so we joined the fostering group. Fosters go through the same screening process as adotpers and LDAR asks for honest reports from fosters regarding dogs behavior, energy levels, and demeanor before putting up for adoption. I think this is as well run a place which depends on so many volunteers and minimal staff. We're now on our 3rd foster and are happy to help these dogs in need of care.

Lucky Dog does everything they can to get their dogs in homes, which is great because it means more lives are saved, but they don’t always place dogs in the right home, which in my experience has resulted in dogs being passed around from home to home which is stressful on the dog. I recently worked with Ashley to take in my first foster dog, and felt like she downplayed and misrepresented the dog’s behavior. I reached out for help multiple times but didn’t feel like Lucky Dog provided the support I needed to make the dog successful. Each time I reached out I was made to feel like I was doing something wrong and I was overreacting. Meanwhile, I tried training sessions three times a day and dog park trips as frequently as possible. The dog really has a lot of potential, but I wish Lucky Dog would take more care and consideration, and be honest about the dogs’ challenges when placing them with fosters and adopters. Lucky Dog's founder, Mirah did offer to jump on a call with me, which I truly appreciated, but the conversation was mostly unproductive and hostile. She did confirm at the end that they would find a suitable place for my foster dog, which was my main concern, and they did do just that a few hours after the phone call. Her new foster seems experienced and I am hopeful the dog will thrive with them. It seems like Lucky Dog is overwhelmed and under staffed and unfortunately, the dogs are the ones who pay the price - my sweet, albeit leash reactive foster dog is stressed from being passed around because Lucky Dog has not been receptive to feedback about what she needs. I have adopted 6 rescue dogs throughout the years and never had an experience like this. I would recommend organizations like Crossing Paths, Big Fluffy Dogs, and Eleventh Hour Rescue over Lucky Dog. Melissa, the adoption coordinator was very responsive and worked with me to get as much information about the dog as possible to find the right family for her, so that was definitely appreciated. I want to make it clear that this experience was an issue with the organization, not the dog I fostered.

When we decided we were ready for a pup of our own in December, we wanted to find the perfect match-- stat! Lucky Dog Animal Rescue helped us do just that. We thought we wanted a slightly older dog who would laze about our apartment, but in our screening call, our screener Barbara, thoroughly examined what we wanted in a dog (one to go hiking, visit the dog park daily, go running, etc.). Barbara, a puppy screener, recommended adopting a puppy- given our desire to train a dog and partake in obedience classes (something they recommend for all pups*). We hadn't thought about such a young dog, but upon hearing her logic & even frankness about the amount of time and energy required to train, we decided this was the right fit for us. Five months later we have a 7 month old pup we couldn't adore more. She's incredibly high energy & a lot of work, but we were prepared for that thanks to the Lucky Dog application & interview process. This organization truly strives to pair up owners & pets in a sustainable, rewarding match. We're very grateful. Logistically, we applied on a Thursday & had our puppy by the following Saturday-- the organization moves quickly to get potential adopters approved so that they can save more animals from high kill shelters. We appreciate the expediency!

We adopted two Lucky Dogs. Tori about 10 years ago and Houston about 4 years ago. We have also fostered other pups with Lucky Dog (3 since the pandemic stared). This group is serious about finding a good home for pups who have had a rough start. For good reason they have an application process, do virtual home visits and consider the dog (or cats) quirks when matching them with the right home. My family has had a great experience with the group and hope all my dogs will be lucky dogs. Gratuitous picture of my pups on vacation with me this spring in New Mexico.

I was just recently a first time foster with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. I was blown away by how attentive and thorough the entire administrative team was when working through some health issues that Mabel endured during the transition from the shelter to my home. Her adoptive family already loves her to pieces and I feel completely content with her placement in her furever home. I have fostered in the past with other local organizations and have never been witness to this kind of compassion and commitment to their pets (and foster families) from those other organizations. Truly a wonderful experience!!!

I am a foster with LDAR and the experience has been absolutely amazing. The coordinators and other volunteers work so hard to get these furries well taken care of. I give kudos to any organization that works to save the lives of pooches and kitties in need. DR

I have not been happy at all with my experience. There seems to always be a reason why a dog wouldn’t be a fit for me. They list their dogs incorrectly, as well as listing it as good with other dogs incorrectly. Also had a bad experience …

I have been a faithful volunteer for two years now. I have been in love with this organization since I started. I'm a master handler which means I handle dogs at events that require more skill and training. I have fostered two dogs and both have been adopted. It is very easy to get in touch with someone if I have a concern. They send emails constantly to perfect dog training and specific triggers to look out for during fostering and handling. I just love it here and I can't wait to get back to doing the weekly dog events again.

My experience with them was disgusting. My race is not good enough for their dogs. Clearly, they (the few people I interacted) only allow white people to adopt their dogs. Most condescending people I ever talked to. Discrimination was just so obvious. They spoke to me as if they are superior. There are plenty of nice rescues out there.