adoptapet.com
What is AdoptaPet.com
Adopt a Pet is a free online platform that connects people looking to adopt pets with shelters, rescues, and private owners across the U.S. and Canada. The site aggregates listings from more than 15,000 shelters and rescue groups — showing thousands of dogs, cats, and other animals available for adoption. (Adopt a Pet)
Originally launched in 2000 under the name 1-800-Save-a-Pet.com, the service rebranded to Adopt a Pet in 2008. Since then it has expanded its mission: not only enabling adoptions but also offering resources on pet care, adoption readiness, and animal welfare. (Wikipedia)
How Adopt a Pet works
Search & Filters
On the site, you can browse by species (dogs, cats, small animals etc.), breed, age, size, sex, color, and location. That helps you narrow down pets that match your preferences and lifestyle. (Adopt a Pet)Notifications & Alerts
If you don’t find the right pet immediately, you can sign up for “New Pet Alerts.” The site will email you when new pets meeting your criteria are listed — good for keeping up-to-date without constantly checking manually. (Adopt a Pet)Contact & Adoption Process
Once you spot a pet you like, you can use the “Ask About Me” button or other contact information to reach out to the shelter or rescue. Depending on their process, there may be an application, interview, home visit (for rescues), or you may be able to adopt on the spot (for shelters). (Adopt a Pet)If the adoption is accepted, you pay an adoption fee (often $25–$125 at shelters; $100–$300+ at rescues). That helps cover the pet’s care costs before adoption — food, vet care, spaying/neutering, etc. (Adopt a Pet)
Once adoption is finalized, you receive the pet’s records (vaccination, sterilization), then the pet is brought home. (Adopt a Pet)
Rehome Program
Adopt a Pet also offers Rehome by Adopt a Pet — a tool for people who can’t keep their pet anymore. Pet owners can list their pets for adoption, review applications, screen potential adopters (with guidance), meet them safely, and finalize the transfer of ownership. (Adopt a Pet)
Why Adopt a Pet matters
Wide reach: By partnering with thousands of shelters and rescue groups, Adopt a Pet casts a wide net — increasing the chances for pets (especially those overlooked) to find good homes. (Adopt a Pet)
Support beyond matching: The platform offers guidance — adoption guides, checklists, advice about paperwork, pet readiness, care tips. That’s particularly valuable for first-time pet adopters. (Adopt a Pet)
Helps shelters & rescues: Adoption fees and donations facilitated through the site help shelters cover costs related to caring for animals — vet care, food, sterilization, etc. (Adopt a Pet)
Offers humane alternative to breeding/pet shops: Through encouraging adoption and rehoming instead of purchase, Adopt a Pet helps reduce overpopulation of companion animals and promotes animal welfare. (Wikipedia)
What to know — Limitations & Considerations
Adoption processes vary depending on shelter or rescue, so you need to follow up with each organization individually. Shelter adoptions might be faster; rescues often involve an application and vetting. (Adopt a Pet)
Adoption fees are usually lower than breeders or pet stores, but the fees vary and may not reflect total cost. Additional costs (food, vet care, time, training) remain. (Adopt a Pet)
If using Rehome (private re-listing), the success of adoption depends on how well you screen applicants, how clearly you present your pet’s behavior/needs, and how careful you are with meetings. The platform provides guidance, but responsibility still lies with owner. (Adopt a Pet)
Key Takeaways
Adopt a Pet is a major pet-adoption platform linking 15,000+ shelters/rescues with prospective adopters.
It offers robust filtering and alert tools, to help prospective owners find pets matching their preferences.
Adoption involves fees and paperwork; process varies by listing (shelter vs rescue vs rehome).
It helps both adopters and pet-owner rehomers — enabling shelter animals and previously-owned pets to find new homes.
It also offers resources and support for first-time adopters, helping more people adopt responsibly.
FAQ
Is Adopt a Pet only for dogs and cats?
No. While dogs and cats are the most common, the platform — especially in earlier years — supported adoption of other animals too (small mammals, rabbits, birds, small animals, farm-type pets, reptiles, etc.). (Wikipedia)
Do I pay anything to use Adopt a Pet?
No. Using the site to browse pets or list as a shelter/rescue is free. The only cost comes at adoption time (the adoption fee), or if you use the “Rehome” service as a private owner, which may include a small listing fee. (Adopt a Pet)
What happens if I adopt a pet — do they give medical records?
Yes. Once the adoption is complete, you should receive the pet’s vaccination and sterilization records. (Adopt a Pet)
Can I rehome a pet I no longer can keep?
Yes. Through Rehome by Adopt a Pet you can list your pet, screen applicants, meet potential adopters safely, and complete a transfer of ownership with guidance. (Adopt a Pet)
Is Adopt a Pet trusted? Are there complaints or risks?
Adopt a Pet is widely used and known. But as with any adoption/rescue process, quality of experience depends on the shelter/rescue or owner listing the pet. Some external reviews rate service poorly — adoption outcomes depend heavily on individuals and organizations involved. (Trustpilot)
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