Are you considering adding a new furry friend to your family? Adopting a dog or kitten can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to find the right match for your lifestyle and home. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you find the perfect companion. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process of adopting a dog or kitten.
Why Adopting a Pet is Better Than Buying
When you adopt a pet, especially from a rescue group, you save money compared to buying from a pet store or breeder. You’ll get detailed information about the animal’s background, so you know what to expect. The rescue group will help you during the adjustment period because they want to find the animal a loving home. By adopting, you’re giving a pet a second chance at life. Adoption fees are usually between $50 and $200, which covers costs like boarding, vet care, and grooming. This makes adoption more affordable than spending $500 to $1,000 or more to buy a pet.
Pet Ownership in the USA
Pets are really popular in the United States. 66% of households, which is about 86.9 million homes, have at least one pet. Most people have dogs, with 65.1 million households having them as pets. Cats are also very popular, with 46.5 million households having them. Freshwater fish are loved by many too, with 11.1 million households taking care of them. It’s interesting that while many people (42% of dogs and 43% of cats) get their pets from stores, a lot of others (38% of dogs and 40% of cats) choose to adopt from animal shelters or rescues, showing that many people like to give homes to animals that need love.
Most Popular Pets in the U.S.
While dogs and cats are the most common pets in the U.S., millions of households also cherish fish, birds, and small animals such as hamsters and rabbits.
| Pets | Households |
| Dogs | 65.1 million |
| Cats | 46.5 million |
| Freshwater fish | 11.1 million |
| Small animals | 6.7 million |
| Birds | 6.1 million |
| Reptiles | 6 million |
| Horses | 2.2 million |
Top 10 Websites to Adopt Dogs & Kittens
- Petfinder
- Adopt a Pet
- Rescue Me
- Petco Love
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Best Friends Animal Society
- PetSmart Charities
- AKC Rescue Network
- CUDDLY
- North Shore Animal League of America
1. Petfinder
Are you looking to add a new furry friend to your family? Petfinder is here to help you find the perfect match. With its extensive database of adoptable pets from shelters and rescues across the country, Petfinder makes it easy to find a pet that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
- Search for pets by species, breed, age, size, and location.
- Petfinder profiles offer detailed insights into a pet’s personality, behavior, and any special needs they may have.
- Petfinder offers photo galleries for each pet, providing a glimpse of their appearance and personality.
- Petfinder provides adoption information, including fees and requirements, to help you prepare for the process.
- Petfinder provides information about shelters and rescues, including location, contact details, and adoption policies.
Price:
- Veterinary wellness visit and exam: $50-100
- Spaying or neutering: $150-300
- Distemper vaccination: $20-30×2
- Rabies vaccination: $15-25
- Heartworm test (for dogs): $15-35
- Feline Leukemia/FIV test (for cats): $30-50
- Flea/tick treatment: $50-200
- Microchip: $50
- Deworming: $20-50
- Collar and an identification tag: $5-10
Available for Adoption:
- Dogs
- Cats & Kitten
- Small & Furry Pets
- Birds
- Horses
- Barnyard Animals
- Reptiles, Amphibians & Fish
Pros:
- Petfinder has a large database of adoptable pets.
- View adoptable pets online from home, even without a nearby shelter.
- Petfinder offers valuable pet adoption, care, and training resources.
- Adopting Petfinder helps shelters and rescues find homes for homeless pets.
Cons:
- Petfinder doesn’t have all adoptable pets since not all shelters and rescues use the site.
- Incomplete pet profiles on Petfinder can hinder informed decision-making due to lacking behavior or medical history.
- While they help shelters, adoption fees can be a barrier for some adopters.
- Free pets usually don’t come with medical care, so you might save on adoption fees upfront but face accumulating medical expenses.
Note: A Website and Searchable Database for Over 11,000 Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups Across the US, Canada, and Mexico to Post Their Adoptable Pets.
2. Adopt a Pet
Adopt a Pet is a non-profit organization that helps homeless pets find forever homes, aiming to reduce shelter populations and promote rescued animal adoptions. They offer a wide variety of animals, including puppies, kittens, mature cats, and dogs, to match every lifestyle, whether you seek a loyal walking companion or a cuddly friend for relaxing afternoons.
- Adopt a Pet offers a wide range of animals for adoption, providing detailed information to help you find your perfect match.
- Adopt a Pet’s website simplifies pet adoption with easy navigation and personalized search options.
- Adopt a Pet offers resources and support for every step of your pet adoption journey.
- Adopt a Pet facilitates adoption events and partnerships with local pet stores for convenient pet adoption experiences.
- Adopt a Pet provides ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition for you and your new companion.
Price: Adoption fees at shelters typically range from $25 to $125, while at rescues they can range from $100 to $300 or more.
Available for Adoption:
- Dogs
- Cats/ Kitten
- Birds
- Horses
- Reptiles, Amphibians & Fish
- Rabbits
- Farm-Type Animals
- Small Animals
Pros:
- Adopting through Adopt a Pet gives animals a second chance and helps reduce shelter overpopulation.
- Adopt a Pet offers a diverse range of animals for every lifestyle and preference.
- Adoption fees through Adopt a Pet are usually lower than buying from a breeder or pet store and often cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
- Adopt a Pet’s community supports pet owners with a network of resources.
Cons:
- While Adopt a Pet offers a wide selection of animals, specific breeds or species may be limited at times.
- Some adopted pets may need ongoing care for health or behavioral issues.
- The adoption process through Adopt a Pet may involve an application, interview, and home visit, which can be time-consuming.
Note: You Can Also Put a Pet Up for Adoption and Help Find a Forever Home With the Rehome Program.
3. Rescue Me
Rescue Me is an online platform that helps pets find new homes by allowing users to create profiles for adoptable pets and search for them based on location, breed, and age. It’s a lifeline for animals in need of loving homes, connecting them with potential adopters.
- Rescue Me has a vast database of animals from shelters and rescues nationwide, including dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles, available for adoption.
- The website offers search filters for species, breed, age, size, and location, helping users find the perfect pet match.
- Rescue Me provides detailed profiles with photos, descriptions, and temperament information for each animal, aiding potential adopters in understanding their personalities.
- Rescue Me provides contact details for each animal’s rescue organization or shelter, simplifying direct inquiries about adoption.
- The website showcases uplifting adoption stories from Rescue Me, inspiring potential adopters and showcasing the impact of adoption on animals and families.
Available for Adoption:
- Dogs
- Cats/ Kitten
- Horses
- Rabbits
- Farm-Type Animals
- Small Animals
- Pet Birds & Wild Birds
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Wildlife
Pros:
- Adopting through Rescue Me saves lives and creates space in shelters for others.
- Rescue Me offers diverse animals for adoption, simplifying the search for the ideal match.
- Rescue Me’s community supports new adopters with valuable advice, showing a strong commitment to animal welfare.
- Adopting through Rescue Me is usually cheaper than buying from a breeder or pet store, with fees covering vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
Cons:
- Rescue Me has a variety of animals, but specific breeds or species may not always be available.
- Rescue Me’s listed organizations’ distant locations may deter some potential adopters.
- Adopting through Rescue Me may require contacting the organization, completing an application, and potentially a home visit.
- Rescue Me’s adoption fees are lower than buying from a breeder, but adopters should still be prepared for ongoing costs like food, vet care, and grooming.
Note:
- Rescue Me not only offers a wide range of adoptable pets but also provides resources for wildlife rehabilitators.
- Rescue Me has facilitated the adoption of over one million animals.
4. Petco Love
Petco Love, formerly known as the Petco Foundation, is an organization dedicated to supporting animal welfare. They provide resources and funding to help shelters and rescue groups across the United States. Their website offers information on adoption events, success stories, and ways to get involved.
- Petco Love offers various pets for adoption, from playful puppies to cuddly kittens and more.
- Easily find and adopt a pet from home by browsing, selecting, and completing an online application, and then the team assists with the process.
- Petco Love offers support for adopters throughout the adoption process, providing guidance on pet care and training.
- Petco Love offers financial assistance to help cover adoption fees and other expenses, making pet adoption more accessible.
- The website also features information on how to donate, volunteer, or get involved in other ways to support pet rescue efforts.
Price: The cost of adopting a pet varies widely, with shelter fees ranging from $50 to $350 or more. This variation is due to each animal organization’s unique factors used to determine a fee that supports their rescue work. Adoption fees typically include:
- A wellness exam
- Vaccinations like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella
- Heartworm test and preventative heartworm treatment
- Tick-borne disease panel
- Flea and tick preventative treatment
- Fecal test and deworming
- Spaying or neutering
- A microchip and the cost of insertion
- A small administrative fee to cover the cost of processing your adoption
Available for Adoption:
- Dogs
- Cats/ Kitten
- Reptiles
- Small Animals
- Rabbits
Pros:
- Offers resources for pet owners, including care tips and training advice.
- Allows users to search for adoptable pets based on location, breed, age, etc.
- Offers opportunities for volunteering and fostering pets
- Supports animal welfare organizations through donations and grants
Cons:
- Petco Love’s pet availability varies by location and demand, so popular breeds may have longer adoption wait times.
- Adopted pets’ behavioral issues can often be resolved with proper care and training.
Note: Petco Love stands out for its extensive partnerships and funding, which greatly support animal shelter programs.
5. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. They offer various programs and services, including animal rescue, adoption, advocacy, and animal welfare education. If you’re interested in adopting a pet, they might be a good resource to explore!
- The ASPCA offers various animals for adoption, including dogs, cats, and sometimes rabbits and guinea pigs, increasing the chance of finding a perfect match.
- The ASPCA’s adoption process is thorough, including an application, interview, and possibly a home visit, to ensure each animal finds a loving home.
- ASPCA animals undergo assessments for health and behavior before adoption to match them with compatible adopters.
- ASPCA offers post-adoption support, including pet care resources, behavior training, and a helpline for questions or concerns.
- The ASPCA provides transparent history and medical records for each animal, helping adopters make informed decisions.
Price:
- Adoption fee: $150 for all animals
- Additional $8.50 for NYC dog licenses for adopters within the five boroughs
Available for Adoption:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Horses
Pros:
- Provides information on pet care, adoption, and animal welfare.
- Offers resources for reporting animal cruelty and finding lost pets.
- Conducts research and advocacy for animal protection laws and policies.
- Provides opportunities for donations and volunteering.
Cons:
- The website may overwhelm some users due to its extensive information and options.
- Some users feel the org prioritizes fundraising over animal care.
- The adoption process can be lengthy and require approval, which might deter some potential adopters.
- Limited adoption availability in some areas.
Note: The ASPCA provides increased opportunities for dog adoptions, particularly for dogs in shelters and rescues located in New York City.
6. Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Their website, bestfriends.org, offers information on adoption, fostering, volunteering, and advocacy to help save the lives of pets in shelters. It also provides resources for pet owners, including training and behavior tips, pet care information, and ways to get involved in the animal welfare movement.
- Best Friends operates adoption centres and programs, offering dogs, cats, and horses for adoption, with a thorough matching process.
- Best Friends’ Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, houses thousands of animals, including those with special needs or behavior issues.
- Best Friends promotes responsible pet ownership and supports pet owners in need through community outreach and education.
- Best Friends advocates for animal welfare and promotes laws that protect animals at all levels.
Price:
- Dogs: $75
- Puppies (younger than six months): $200
- Cats: $25
- Kittens (younger than six months): $90
Available for Adoption:
- Dogs
- Cats/ Kitten
- Rabbits
- Birds
- Equine
- Pigs
- Barnyard
- Small & Furry
Pros:
- Provides comprehensive information about animal adoption and care.
- Offers resources for fostering animals.
- Features success stories and ways to get involved.
- Provides a platform for finding adoptable animals nationwide.
- Offers educational resources about animal welfare and advocacy.
Cons:
- Website navigation can be overwhelming due to the amount of information.
- Limited direct adoption options, as Best Friends primarily works through partner organizations.
- Some areas may not have local Best Friends chapters, limiting access to certain resources and events.
Note: If you’re 55 years old or older and adopt an animal that’s five years or older, your adoption fee is waived! Additionally, adopt any cat or kitten for the regular fee and the fees for a second cat will be waived!
7. PetSmart Charities
PetSmart Charities aims to find lifelong homes for pets by supporting programs and providing funding to animal welfare organizations. They promote spaying and neutering to reduce pet overpopulation and have saved over 10 million pets through adoption.
- PetSmart operates adoption centers in its stores across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, making it convenient for potential adopters to meet pets.
- PetSmart Charities partners with local groups to find homes for pets, increasing adoption rates.
- PetSmart Charities hosts adoption events with discounted fees and promotions, offering a variety of pets in one location.
- PetSmart Charities offers support and resources for adopters, including pet care, training, and behavior information, ensuring a successful transition for pets and their new families.
- PetSmart Charities promotes spaying and neutering through low-cost services and grants to reduce pet overpopulation.
Price: The adoption fee is $100 for a single pet or $150 for a pair, covering testing, deworming, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and 30 days of complimentary pet insurance.
Available for Adoption:
- Dogs
- Cats/ Kitten
- Birds
- Horses
- Reptiles
- Rabbits
- Farm-Type Animals
- Small Animals
Pros:
- PetSmart Charities has a large network of adoption centers across North America.
- They offer resources and information on pet care, training, and behavior.
- They frequently hold adoption events to help pets find homes.
- Their adoption centers are often located in PetSmart stores, making them easily accessible to potential adopters.
Cons:
- The selection of pets available for adoption may be limited compared to other shelters.
- While fees are generally reasonable, they may still be a barrier for some potential adopters.
- The availability of pets for adoption and the quality of services may vary depending on the location.
Note: They have raised over $500 million in grant funds to support non-profits and government entities.
8. AKC Rescue Network
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is renowned for its dedication to purebred dogs, maintaining breed standards, and promoting responsible dog ownership. The AKC Rescue Network is an extension of this commitment, focusing on rescuing purebred dogs in need and placing them in loving forever homes.
- The AKC Rescue Network offers a diverse selection of purebred dogs, from puppies to seniors, across various breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds.
- The AKC Rescue Network provides valuable insights into breed characteristics, temperament, and care, ensuring a successful adoption experience.
- The AKC Rescue Network partners with reputable organizations to ensure dogs receive proper care and find loving homes.
- The AKC Rescue Network offers education and guidance on responsible pet ownership, training, and breed-specific care, helping adopters provide the best care for their new dogs.
Price: The average adoption fee is between $100 and $300.
Available for Adoption: Dogs
Pros:
- Rescue Network helps you find a purebred dog that matches your preferences.
- Dogs available for adoption through the AKC Rescue Network come from reputable sources, ensuring they receive proper care.
- Many AKC Rescue Network dogs are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, saving you time and money.
Cons:
- Rescue Network offers a wide range of purebred dogs, but availability may be limited for some breeds.
- The AKC Rescue Network’s adoption process may be more stringent, requiring specific criteria for potential adopters.
- While AKC Rescue Network fees are usually lower than breeder prices, they can exceed other rescues’ costs.
Note: One notable aspect of the AKC Rescue Network is its emphasis on purebred dogs.
9. CUDDLY
CUDDLY is a unique online platform that connects animal lovers with a purpose. With its innovative approach to pet adoption and fundraising, CUDDLY has created a community where compassion meets action, making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.
- Offers advanced search filters for species, breed, age, size, and location.
- Each CUDDLY pet’s profile includes details on personality, behavior, medical history, and adoption requirements, aiding potential adopters in decision-making.
- CUDDLY offers fundraising tools for animal rescues, enabling users to support them directly.
- CUDDLY fosters a supportive community where users can interact, share adoption stories, and offer advice, creating a welcoming environment for all pet owners.
Available for Adoption:
- Dogs
- Cat
- Chicken
- Chinchilla
- Dove
- Duck
- Ferret
- Goat
- Goose
- Pot Bellied
- Guinea Pig
- Hamster
- Horse
- Mouse
- Mule
- Parakeet
- Parrot
- Pig
- Pony
Pros:
- CUDDLY features a diverse range of animals for adoption, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and exotic pets, increasing the chances of finding the perfect match for every adopter.
- CUDDLY helps adopters find their perfect pet while supporting rescue organizations with fundraising tools for animal care.
- The user-friendly interface simplifies pet adoption with easy navigation, detailed profiles, and comprehensive search filters.
Cons:
- Limited availability of certain animals based on location and partnering rescues.
- Adoption fees and processes can vary widely depending on the rescue organization.
- Possible challenges in returning or exchanging animals if the adoption does not work out.
Note: One of the distinctive aspects of CUDDLY is its emphasis on raising funds for animal rescue organizations and shelters.
10. North Shore Animal League of America
Since 1944, the North Shore Animal League of America (NSALA) has been the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, dedicated to saving lives and finding forever homes for homeless pets.
- NSALA is committed to being a no-kill organization, giving every animal a chance to find a loving forever home.
- Offers a wide variety of animals for adoption, including cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens, with diverse breeds, sizes, and ages to choose from.
- The adoption process is thorough, including a screening process to match adopters with the right pet based on their lifestyle and needs.
- Provides ongoing support and resources to adopters, including behavior helplines, training advice, and access to affordable veterinary care.
- NSALA is involved in community events promoting responsible pet ownership.
Price:
- Puppies (up to 6 months): $375
- Adult Dogs (over 6 months): $125
- Small Breed & Pure Breeds (over 6 months): $325
- Kittens (up to 6 months): $125
- Double Kittens: $200
- Adult Cats (over 6 months): $75
- Double Adult Cats: $100
Applicable, a $50 Spay/Neuter deposit is required for kittens, and $75 for puppies.
Available for Adoption:
- Dog
- Cat
Pros:
- Adopting NSALA supports their mission to save and rehome animals in need.
- Provides excellent care for all their animals, including vet care, socialization, and enrichment.
- With a diverse selection, you’ll find the perfect pet to fit your lifestyle.
- NSALA’s community offers support for new pet owners.
Cons:
- NSALA’s main adoption center in Port Washington, NY might be inconvenient for some adopters.
- NSALA’s adoption fees may be higher than others’, but they support their mission.
- Expect a waiting period due to the thorough adoption process.
Note: The North Shore Animal League of America holds the distinction of being the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization.