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Find Your New Furry Best Friend on These Pet Adoption Websites

best pet adoption sites  cat in a carrier with 'adopt me' sign
10 Best Places to Adopt a Pet OnlineGK Hart/Vikki Hart - Getty Images

So you've made the decision to adopt a dog, cat, bunny, guinea pig, or another domesticated, adorable creature you can find on pet adoption websites. You've factored in all that needs to be considered: You're mentally ready to care for an animal, your home is pet-friendly and set up for your animal's safety and comfort, and you have the financial means to provide a pet all that it needs (food, shelter, exercise, vet visits for wellness and illness, to name a few).

Your heart is in the right place, and we couldn't be happier. Roughly 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States each year waiting for good homes, according to the ASPCA. There's no shortage of homeless animals, and the world can always use kind souls like you to take in cats, dogs, bunnies, and other adoptable animals.

But before you jump right in and get a pet, there are many things to note about "shopping around" for one. The most important thing is that you NOT "shop around." Finding the right pet for you (and in many cases, your family) is not like buying a pair of shoes. While many websites feature adoptable pets, it's not a great idea to choose one you haven't met. You should spend some time with the pet in real life to make sure you have a good rapport and can learn more about the pet's personality and needs. You don't just choose the pet — the pet should also choose you.

To help you locate the pet that's a perfect fit, we've rounded up reputable nationwide sites that offer pet adoption services. Here are the best pet adoption websites in 2o22:

1. Petfinder

Petfinder specializes in all kinds of pets, from the traditional dogs and cats to barnyard buddies like horses, bunnies, and pigs. You can filter your pet search by age, organization, and traits, and receive endless advice about training and grooming.

2. Adopt a Pet

This non-profit lists pets from more than 17,000 shelters and rescues across North America — it even has pets in Canada. Adopt a Pet's website is very straightforward, making it easy for people who aren't as technologically inclined. The site allows you to filter by location, age, and breed. If you ever need it, you can also put a pet up for adoption and help find a forever home with the Rehome program.

best pet adoption sites
Whether you and your family are looking for a puppy or a more grown dog, you can find your new furry friend on any of these pet adoption websites.sarahwolfephotography

3. ASPCA

The ASPCA might known for its tear-inducing commercials about abused dogs, but the organization doesn't want to make you cry. It wants to help you find a furry friend. If you're located in New York City or Los Angeles, you can use the ASPCA's local adoption centers to find dogs and cats to adopt near those major cities. If you're not near an ASPCA location, you can still use the site's local shelter portal to find all the pets up for adoption in your area.

4. Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends first launched in Kanab, Utah, in the 1980s. Since then, it has expanded to major cities across the country, like Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. Best Friends' mission is to "save them all," with the goal to end all killings of shelter pets.

5. PetSmart Charities

Like most pet adoption websites, PetSmart Charities narrows your pet search down by zip code, breed, color, size, age, and sex. The organization lists pets from various shelters and rescues in your zip code. Once you find the one you'd like to adopt, you reach out to the specific shelter or rescue and begin the process with them directly. PetSmart Charities also features horses, farm animals, rabbits, and birds.

best pet adoption sites
Dog people and cat people often feel like two different species themselves, but the truth is, both furry friends can be cuddly, warm, and loving.Victoria Penafiel

6. AKC Rescue Network

If you want to adopt a specific breed, the AKC Rescue Network is for you. It allows you to search rescue networks across the country for whichever breed you want, and then sends you to that rescue's site — most of which will have an adoption option. Although it's not the most direct site, it's ideal if you want a particular breed but don't want to go through a breeder.

7. North Shore Animal League of America

We love the North Shore Animal League of America because they are the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. With a goal to find loving homes for pets, they also provide an easy way to search for a cat or dog on their site. Simply add your zip code and search. You'll then be served results for the closest Animal League location. To date, they've rescued over 1.1 million animals.

8. Rescue Me

Most adoption sites help you find cats and dogs. Some will help you find reptiles and farm animals. Rescue Me goes even further and not only has countless pets up for adoption, but also has resources available for wildlife rehabilitators. Given the variety of animals available, Rescue Me requires future pet parents to narrow down their choice beforehand. Once you've decided on the type of pet you want to adopt, you can narrow your search down by state.

best pet adoption sites
Whatever pet you choose to get will make the perfect addition to your family.Ippei Naoi

9. Petco Love

As with most adoption websites, Petco Love give you the ability to filter your search by location, breed, color, size, age, and sex. Your local Petco store also likely hosts adoption events with shelters or rescue groups in your area, if you prefer to find your furry friend in person.

10. Petango

Petango has partnered up with almost 2,000 welfare organizations across the U.S. ad Canada to offer its patrons real-time updates about pets. So, as long as you're in North America, you can find all the pets in shelters near you. Think of it as a pet adoption aggregator.

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