Business ProfileforHumane Society at Lakewood Ranch

On 3/11/24 I engaged via emails correspondence concerning an adoption of one of the shelter's cats. I responded to information concerning possible adoption through a website called Petfinder.com which is a nationwide website listing of available for adoption dogs and cats. I was informed that the cat I was interested in was both still available and a good match concerning my prerequisites and their requirements. I live in *********. Despite the distance I decided to fully adopt the cat from shelter named *****. I sent many emails which were responded to in a timely fashion; however at no point in any email or on the shelter's website was it stated that out of state adoptions were not allowed as per the shelter's policy. I received assurances that ***** was still adoptable and would be so on a first come first serve basis. Simba is of the ***** **** breed and highly desirable by some pet owners. I tried to contact by telephone but could not get an answer. As I stated I live in *********, and left my home state by car to adopt *****. I learned that the shelter was closed during the week and the first opportunity to adopt any animal was 3/16/24. I was 2 days into my travel when I received and email from the shelter's director informing me that the shelter can not allow out of state adoptions. There were to be no exceptions despite all the confusion and misinformation relayed to me by shelter staff. I have requested that changes be made to the shelter's website about the issue of out of state adoptions and to clarify communication. I was unaware that I was communicating with more than one staff member as none of them except the director used a name. *********************** director of the shelter has apologized but has refused to make any changes to the shelter's website. I informed her that the shelter has cost me money and time and that the entire incident could have been avoided. All I ask is that she make the changes to their website. Complete emails available upon request.