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Adopt

Ready to adopt a pet?

Let's get started. Search pets from shelters, rescues, and individuals.

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Learn how you can use all the tools from Adopt a Pet and our partners.
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Get a breakdown

New here? Learn how to use Adopt a Pet. (Spoiler alert: it's pretty easy, even when adoption isn't.)
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Set up alerts

Want help searching? Sign up for Free or Premium New Pet Alerts, and we'll email you new matches.
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Rehome a pet

Need to find a new home for a pet? We're here to help them find a new family, quickly and safely.
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Protect your pet

Nationwide offers the best pet health insurance for the best pet owners. Make sure your pet is protected with pet insurance from Nationwide.
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Check out adoption advice

Get the inside scoop on pet adoption and bring home a furry friend.

Why adoption over buying

Did you know that over 1,000 people per hour run a search right here looking to adopt a pet? Pet adoption is quickly becoming the preferred way to find a new dog or cat, and rightly so, there are many benefits to adopting a pet. Pet adoption fees are usually much lower than buying from a breeder.

You’re also likely to find a pet who’s already learned a few things. Adoptable pets are often already housetrained, good with kids, and do well with other pets. And don’t forget the wonderful feeling you get from saving a life!

How to find the perfect pet

Do you know what type of pet personality you’re looking for? Finding the ideal pet for your home should start with understanding the pet personality that best fits your lifestyle, not necessarily a specific breed. Consider this, do you need a dog that is low key? Perhaps a cat that gets along well with others?

The rescue professionals posting on our site are experts at matching you with the right pet. Our website even has a "New Pet Alert" feature to help you narrow things down. Simply tell us what you are looking for and we’ll email you your matches!

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Get to know us

We know pet adoption, because we're adopters too. We think it's just about the best thing you can do. But we'll be real: it can be a lengthy (paperwork-filled) process.

So we're making it easier, with the tools, advice, and transparency you need—from the first search through to daily life as a pet parent.

Because we'll do whatever it takes to help millions of people and pets find each other.

Ready to find your pet? Let's do it.