Looking to adopt a pet online? Whether you’re searching for the best dog adoption sites or platforms offering a variety of animals, we’ve compiled a list of the top pet adoption websites to help you find your perfect companion.
Pet adoption websites/providers:
- Best Friends Animal Society (https://www.bestfriends.org/)
- Offers pet sleepovers and guided tours of their sanctuary
- Largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the U.S.
- Provides nationwide pet transport services across the U.S. and Canada
- Focuses on dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, and other barnyard animals
- Guarantees animals will never be euthanized for lack of a home
- Pet finder (https://www.petfinder.com/)
- Vast searchable database with over 250,000 adoptable pets
- Includes a wide variety of animals beyond just cats and dogs
- Offers extensive filters to narrow searches by species, breed, age, size, etc.
- Provides resources for new pet parents, including adoption checklists and care guides
- ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/)
- Oldest humane society in North America, founded over 150 years ago
- Uses personality-based matchmaking to pair pets with adopters
- Focuses on animal rescue, placement, and protection beyond just adoptions
- Tackles animal cruelty issues and promotes humane treatment of animals
- Adopt a Pet (https://www.adoptapet.com/)
- Largest non-profit pet adoption website in the U.S.
- Partners with over 17,000 shelters and rescue groups
- Offers a “save search” feature and email alerts for new pets matching criteria
- Allows searching for pets by location to find nearby shelters and organizations
- PetSmart Charities (https://petsmartcharities.org/)
- Facilitates over 10% of pet adoptions in North America
- Hosts frequent in-store adoption events with local shelters and rescue groups
- Allows adopters to get supplies immediately after choosing a pet
- Offers a variety of animals including small pets, reptiles, and birds in addition to cats and dogs
- Pets for Vets (https://petsforvets.com/)
- Specializes in pairing war veterans with companion animals
- Aims to help veterans dealing with PTSD, loneliness, and depression
- Focuses on giving both veterans and homeless animals a second chance
- Matches pets to veterans based on personality and needs
- Hearts United for Animals (https://hua.org/)
- No-kill animal sanctuary focusing on ending animal cruelty
- Has rescued over 10,000 animals from puppy mills
- Provides spay/neuter services and temporary housing for at-risk animals
- Adoption fees include vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter, and microchipping
- American Kennel Club (https://www.akc.org/)
- Specializes in purebred dog adoptions
- Maintains the largest rescue network for purebred dogs in the U.S.
- Offers breed-specific searches and expert advice on different dog breeds
- Provides extensive educational resources on dog care and welfare
- Animal Friends Rescue Project (https://animalfriendsrescue.org/)
- Dedicated to helping abandoned, stray, and abused animals
- Offers both in-person and online adoption processes
- Provides resources for new pet parents
- Has an “adopt-a-pet-remotely” program for those unable to adopt directly
- Rescue Me (https://www.rescueme.org/)
- Founded by Jeff Gold to help abandoned animals find homes
- Claims to be the world’s largest directory for animal adoption
- Partners with organizations in over 150 countries
- Offers adoptions for a wide range of animals, including wildlife and farm animals
- Operates a rehabilitation center for injured and abused animals
These organizations provide a variety of services and focus on different aspects of pet adoption, giving potential adopters many options to find their perfect pet companion.
Steps to Adopt a Pet Online
1. Choose a Pet Adoption Service
- Start by selecting a reputable pet adoption website or organization that suits your needs. Some popular options include:
- Best Friends Animal Society
- Petfinder.com
- ASPCA
- Adopt a Pet
- PetSmart Charities
2. Search for Pets
- Use the website’s search features to browse available pets. You can filter your search by:
- Species (dog, cat, rabbit, etc.)
- Breed
- Age
- Size
- Location
- Take your time to find a pet that resonates with you.
3. Fill Out an Adoption Application
- Once you find a pet you’re interested in, complete the online adoption application. This typically includes:
- Personal information
- Questions about your living situation and pet history
- Acknowledgment of any pet policies (e.g., landlord restrictions)
4. Application Review
- The adoption agency will review your application to ensure you meet their criteria and that you’re a suitable match for the pet. This process may take some time, especially if there’s high demand.
5. Interview or Home Visit
- If your application is approved, you may be contacted for a phone interview, virtual meeting, or even a home visit to discuss your application further. Be prepared to answer questions about your pet history, lifestyle, and any allergies.
6. Meet Your Potential Pet
- Arrange a meeting with the pet, which could be in-person at the shelter or a foster home, or virtually. This is your chance to interact with the pet and see if it’s a good fit.
7. Finalize the Adoption
- If everything checks out during the meeting, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork to finalize the adoption. This may include signing an adoption agreement and paying any applicable fees.
8. Pay Adoption Fees
- Adoption fees generally range from $25 to $250, depending on the organization. These fees often cover vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and initial veterinary care.
9. Bring Your New Pet Home
- After finalizing the adoption, you can bring your new furry friend home! Make sure to prepare your home for their arrival and give them time to acclimate.
By following these steps, you can successfully adopt a pet online and provide a loving home to an animal in need.
Pet Adoption Costs
- Adoption fees typically range from $25 to $250
- Fees often cover vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and initial veterinary care
- Municipal shelters generally have lower fees than private organizations
How to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet
By following these steps, you can create a welcoming and safe environment for your new pet, ensuring a smooth transition into your home.
Choose a Designated Pet Area
Select a specific area in your home for your new pet. This space should be comfortable and safe, allowing your pet to feel secure as they adjust to their new environment.
Pet-Proof Your Home
Remove any hazardous items that could harm your pet, such as:
Toxic plants
Small objects that could be swallowed
Electrical cords
Cleaning supplies and chemicals
Ensure that windows and balconies are secure to prevent escapes.
Gather Essential Supplies
Purchase necessary supplies before bringing your pet home, including:
Food and water bowls
Appropriate pet food
A comfortable bed or crate
Toys for mental stimulation
Leash and collar (for dogs)
Litter box and litter (for cats)
Create a Safe Environment
Ensure that your home is a safe space by:
Keeping sharp objects out of reach
Securing heavy furniture to prevent tipping
Setting up baby gates if you want to restrict access to certain areas
Establish a Routine
Plan a daily routine for feeding, exercise, and playtime. Consistency helps pets feel secure and understand what to expect each day.
Prepare Family Members
Discuss the arrival of the new pet with all family members. Make sure everyone understands their responsibilities regarding the pet’s care.
Schedule a Vet Visit
Arrange for a veterinary check-up shortly after bringing your pet home. This ensures they are healthy and up to date on vaccinations.
Introduce Gradually
If you have other pets, introduce them to the new pet gradually to minimize stress and potential conflicts. Supervise initial interactions and allow them to get accustomed to each other.
Be Patient
Understand that your new pet may need time to adjust to their new home. Provide comfort and reassurance as they settle in.
Educate Yourself
Research the specific needs and behavior of the type of pet you are adopting. Understanding their requirements will help you provide the best care possible.
