The building is not clean

If you choose to visit an animal shelter and notice that the whole building is not clean, you have to be very wary and highly suspicious of their professionalism and ability to care for the animals well being. Animals should live in a clean environment, with clean bedding, cages, toys, food, and water.

“High levels of ammonia often indicate excessive pet urine and feces, which can lead to respiratory issues for both people and pets, a lack of cleanliness and lack of adequate ventilation,” says Hansen.

You have to trust your instincts, so “if you walk into a shelter and have a not-so-good feeling, trust that instinct and let somebody know, because chances are it’s gone past the ability to help an animal as initially intended,” says Michael Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs MSPCA-Angell in Boston.