I'm sorry for such crummy experiences.
I have only delt with two different rescue type places, "The TX St. Bernard Rescue" and "Houston's own ASPCA". I only have positive things to say about both.
I rescued one St. from the St. rescue and had a very positive experience. (Yes they did call my references but didn't do a home check until they dropped her off. I was able to see her at her foster home a few times to "try her out".)
Also the St. Bernard rescue uses HS to spay and neuter all of the St. Bernards that need it. "Kate" came home to me with her very own "tramp stamp" (tatoo) on her tummy to prove that she was spayed.
I have rescued a rabbit and a cat from Houston's ASPCA. I have also dropped off countless dogs there.* The Houston ASPCA is top notch in my book. The place looks like a million bucks. I only had to fill out one form...two pages max, and pay a fee. I think it was 75 for the cat and 15 for the bunny. Both came with shots and were neutered.
They even offered an older children's volunteer camp in the summer. I remember seeing actual children in the cages playing with the kittens.
AND(!) they had bunny-related get togethers to encourage more bunny adoptions. It was sooo cute!
*South TX has WAY more than it's fair share of stray dogs running about...it is just terrible. Most of them are pit bulls, which makes me think it is the reason why they are thinking of banning the breed down there. Not against the breed, it is the irresponsible "owners" that I'm against. And there are many irresponsible dog owners down there.
eta: I think I paid 75 to get my kitty.