Adopt a Pet connects good people (like you) with great pets in need of loving homes! The pets available for adoption on our site are cared for by shelters, rescues, or private families. For more info, click here!
To search pets available for adoption, click the applicable link below, enter your ZIP code, click "Get Started", and filter by using the menu on the left side of your search results.
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For more info on our new SmartSearch please be sure to review this article.
Pet Profiles: If their profile says "I'm being cared for by Private owner" and you're interested in that pet, click "Apply To Adopt".
Pro Tip: Applying to adopt is not committing to the adoption, it's how you express interest in a pet listed by a private owner, and how we connect the two of you. For more info on adopting from a private owner, click here!
If the pet's profile says "I'm being cared for by" a shelter or rescue organization, click "Ask About Me" or better yet, scroll down to read that organization's specific "Adoption Process" and proceed from there. Be on the lookout, sometimes they'll link an application within the pet's profile!
Pro Tip: The "Ask About Me" button on some pet profiles does not serve as an application. If you’re really interested, submit your application as soon as possible.
Don’t see a good match at first? No problem! New pets are added to Adopt a Pet every day. Set up New Pet Alerts and let us do the work for you! Free Pet Alerts are sent via email within 24 hours of any new pets being added that match your search criteria. Click "Create an Alert" at the top of your search results and BOOM, you’re all set! You may set up as many different alerts as you like.
Pro Tip: Many pets are adopted very quickly. Shelters, rescues, and private owners usually adopt to the first applicant when there are multiple quality applicants for the same pet. Don’t let your favorite pet(s) pass you by! Get started with Premium New Pet Alerts for just $10/month to receive instant email notifications 24 hours prior to Free Alert recipients. Click here to learn more!
When you find a pet you’re interested in, you may add them to your favorites by clicking the heart icon in the top right corner of their photo. Last but not least, read the pet’s entire profile and set yourself up for adoption success by:
- Learning what to expect on your adoption journey
- Being cognizant (and respectful) of individual shelter/rescue organizations' adoption processes
- Familiarizing yourself with our Rehome by Adopt at Pet service (pets listed by private owners)
- Always being candid, open, and honest on your application, and getting it submitted quickly!
- Being patient (and kind) with private owners and shelters/rescues.
Happy Adopting!