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 by private families. For more info, click here.
To search pets available for adoption, click the applicable link below, enter your ZIP code, and click the blue "Search" button.
Find other animals (rabbits, horses and others)
To filter your search results, use the menu on the left side of your search results. You may filter by Distance, Breed, Age Group, Sex, Color, Size, and much more!
Pet Profiles:
If the pet's profile says "I'm being cared for by Private Owner" click "Apply To Adopt".
Pro Tip: Applying to adopt is not committing to the adoption, that is how you express interest in a pet (listed by a private owner). 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 scroll down to read about that organization's specific Adoption Process. Sometimes they will link an adoption application within the pet's profile, or they may have public visiting hours listed if they have a a facility where you may Go Meet Their Pets.
Pro Tip: Some shelters/rescues include an “Ask About Me” button on their pets' profiles where you can submit info about yourself and questions about the pet—this does NOT serve as an adoption application. If you’re really interested in the pet, 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. One of the best ways to find a pet is to 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.
New Pet Alerts: To set up your free alerts, click the blue “Create an Alert” button on the top left side of your search results and BOOM, you’re all set! You may set up as many different alerts as you like.
Pro Tip: Many of the pets listed on Adopt a Pet are adopted very quickly. Shelters/rescues and private owners usually will adopt to the first applicant when there are multiple quality applicants interested in the same pet.
Don’t let your favorite pet(s) pass you by! Sign-up for Premium (aka Instant) New Pet Alerts for just $10/month, and receive email notifications 24 hours prior to Free Alert recipients. For more info on Premium Alerts, click here!
When you find a pet you’re interested in… Read the pet’s entire profile, including how the adoption process works with the specific shelter or rescue listing that pet. Each organization's adoption process is unique. To set yourself up for adoption success:
- be cognizant (and respectful) of individual shelter/rescue organizations' adoption processes.
- familiarize yourself with our Rehome by Adopt at Pet service (for pets listed by private owners).
- always be candid, open, and honest on your application, and get it submitted fast!
Last but certainly not least, please be patient (and always kind) with private owners and shelters/rescues!
Thank you and happy adopting!