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Another month, another set of wholesome pet adoption photos. Bored Panda has yet again collected some of the most heartwarming images of animals enjoying their new families and homes. We've got cats, dogs, even ferrets, and hens for you this time, all finding comfort after suffering abandonment.

Best Friends Animal Society estimates that 5.4 million cats and dogs entered US shelters in 2019 (52% of them were dogs and 48% were cats). 79% of these animals were saved. And while it breaks my heart that 625,000 cats and dogs were killed, we've come a long way since 2014, when as many as 4 million animals were killed in American shelters and the national save rate was just 50%. And we're not going to stop!

If you want more similar pics (why wouldn't you?), check out our March, February, and January editions of the series.

#1

This Guy Got No Shows For 3 Different Adoption Days. When We Met He Climbed Right Into My Lap And I Fell In Love. Now He's My First Dog And Lifelong Best Friend. Meet Winston!

This Guy Got No Shows For 3 Different Adoption Days. When We Met He Climbed Right Into My Lap And I Fell In Love. Now He's My First Dog And Lifelong Best Friend. Meet Winston!

olda1tewz Report

#2

We Adopted This Cat And Now He Sits Like He Is About To Drop The Worst Dad Jokes Ever

We Adopted This Cat And Now He Sits Like He Is About To Drop The Worst Dad Jokes Ever

KuppeRL Report

One cute bundle of joy who landed on the list is Harvey, or Harvey The Magnificent as he is known online. He's a Mini Aussie and Rat Terrier mix, and his owner, Reddit user mightbedylan, describes the little guy as a handful. But in a good way! "He's a great puppy but that boy got some energy to burn off," they told Bored Panda.

"I don't know much [about his past] as he was actually just put up for adoption by one of my mom's neighbors. It was an older couple and they liked him a lot but said he played too rough and that they were running out of bandaids."

Harvey has been living with mightbedylan for about a month now. Luckily, they're getting along just great. "It took my cats a while to get used to him (and for him to figure out that cat tails aren't toys) but besides that, he seems happy! He spends most of his time chilling out on my patio. At least when he's not trying to gnaw my arm off," Harvey's owner joked. "He's a really sweet dog. My last doggy passed away back in February and I just got lonely without a doggo around. I live alone and cats tend to make boring roommates."

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#3

I Was Fostering This Goof When A Family Adopted Him. The Family Brought Him Back For Being "Too Large" So I Adopted Him. Welcome Home, Big Guy

I Was Fostering This Goof When A Family Adopted Him. The Family Brought Him Back For Being "Too Large" So I Adopted Him. Welcome Home, Big Guy

harding44 Report

#4

Two Weeks Ago, I Adopted A Boy With The Saddest Face From A Nearby Shelter. He's Really Come Out Of His Shell In That Time, And Has Already Grown Attached To Me. Meet Tom Bombadog!

Two Weeks Ago, I Adopted A Boy With The Saddest Face From A Nearby Shelter. He's Really Come Out Of His Shell In That Time, And Has Already Grown Attached To Me. Meet Tom Bombadog!

dickgunslinger Report

#5

This Little Girl Decided To Break In Through Our Front Window Every Day For A Week And Adopt Us. It's Been A Month And No One's Claimed Her, So We Adopted Her Back

This Little Girl Decided To Break In Through Our Front Window Every Day For A Week And Adopt Us. It's Been A Month And No One's Claimed Her, So We Adopted Her Back

NyxWaterhouse Report

Jester is another pet whose photo ended up on this list. "He is, well, a goofball," Jester's owner, Reddit user Harding44, explained to Bored Panda. "He absolutely loves his big sister, Bella, and follows her around everywhere. He is super energetic and loves to play. He thinks he is a lap dog and always tries to lay his whole 70 pounds on you."

One of the reasons why Harding44 adopted Jester was because of how much he reminded them of their old dog. "He was so loving and silly. After just a few days, he was so protective of me. It didn't take me long to realize he belonged with me."

"He has been with me for about a month or so now. He settled in nicely and already feels so comfortable with my family and I. We are lucky to have him!"

"My roommates and I originally were fostering him," Harding44 added. "He was with us for a week before being adopted by someone else. They returned him to the shelter for being 'too large and hard to control.' I immediately took him and haven't looked back since!"

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#6

This Is My New Friend, Harvey! Took This Just Minutes After Adopting Him!

This Is My New Friend, Harvey! Took This Just Minutes After Adopting Him!

mightbedylan Report

#7

A Few Weeks Ago I Adopted A Puppy (Right) And Today A New Dog Appeared In Front Of The Door And He Looks Like He Is The Same Dog From The Future And He Is Trying To Warn Himself About Something

A Few Weeks Ago I Adopted A Puppy (Right) And Today A New Dog Appeared In Front Of The Door And He Looks Like He Is The Same Dog From The Future And He Is Trying To Warn Himself About Something

Clear-Relief-1424 Report

#8

Say Hello To Our Retired Military Working Dog We Adopted. He Gets Toys For Life Now; Including The Biggest Tennis Balls He’s Ever Seen

Say Hello To Our Retired Military Working Dog We Adopted. He Gets Toys For Life Now; Including The Biggest Tennis Balls He’s Ever Seen

trentth1 Report

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Kelly DiCicco, Manager, Adoptions Promotions at the ASPCA Adoption Center told Bored Panda in an earlier interview that by adopting an animal in need – no matter the species, breed, or size – you are not only saving that animal's life but are freeing up valuable shelter space and resources for other animals who need a second chance in life too.

"A huge benefit of adopting animals from a shelter is that shelter staff know the animals well and can provide detailed information about an animal's history, medical needs, behavior, and temperament. They also consider a potential adopter's lifestyle, home environment, and the animal's potential compatibility with children and other animals in the home in order to make matches that are a good fit," DiCicco said.

#9

I Adopted My First Ever Cat Last Month. I Was Nervous About It, But I Think She’s Found Her Home. Meet Blueberry

I Adopted My First Ever Cat Last Month. I Was Nervous About It, But I Think She’s Found Her Home. Meet Blueberry

gray8219 Report

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#11

Yesterday, I Helped This Sweet Girl Get Adopted. Her Parents Sent Me This Photo Of Her In Their New Home

Yesterday, I Helped This Sweet Girl Get Adopted. Her Parents Sent Me This Photo Of Her In Their New Home

younoloveme Report

DiCicco encourages those who are seriously interested in taking home a new pet to keep an open mind and heart when visiting a shelter or rescue as they may walk out with a pet they'd never considered before, like a senior animal or even those of a different breed, size or species. "When it comes to choosing which pet to adopt, prospective adopters should feel comfortable asking plenty of questions and lean on shelter staff for guidance, as every shelter has a unique population of animals and no one knows them like the people who work with them every day," Kelly said.

"Plus, shelter staff have expertise in making successful matches and can help prospective adopters decide whether an animal is a good personality and lifestyle fit. They also consider each animal's background and energy level, as well as how the animal might get along with other people and pets in the home."

Harvey and Jester's cases are perfect examples of just how good these matches can be!

#12

This Is Old Lady (Almost 18), Her Family Of 16 Years Gave Her To A Shelter Where She Lived For Almost A Year, Until We Adopted Her A Few Months Ago. Giving Her The Best Life Possible

This Is Old Lady (Almost 18), Her Family Of 16 Years Gave Her To A Shelter Where She Lived For Almost A Year, Until We Adopted Her A Few Months Ago. Giving Her The Best Life Possible

Bmansway Report

#13

Before And After Adoption. Meet Dixie

Before And After Adoption. Meet Dixie

JohnnyLaw16 Report

#14

Just Adopted This Old Lady And I'm In Love. Sushi, 9 Years Old

Just Adopted This Old Lady And I'm In Love. Sushi, 9 Years Old

heonyswag Report

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#15

Meet Van Gogh. Trying To Get Him To Pose For His Adoption Photo

Meet Van Gogh. Trying To Get Him To Pose For His Adoption Photo

Da_da_da_daaa Report

#16

Shelter Doggo With A Huge Smile Being Adopted

Shelter Doggo With A Huge Smile Being Adopted

Thund3rbolt Report

#17

We Adopted Him Two Weeks Ago. This Is Their First Cuddle

We Adopted Him Two Weeks Ago. This Is Their First Cuddle

dutzi_thecat Report

#18

I Adopted An Anteater

I Adopted An Anteater

99percentCat Report

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lynslow avatar
Demongrrrrl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, you have adopted ALF, from the 1980s tv show of the same name.

rirene avatar
Ruth Dyke
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He has a large muzzle. What kind of mix is he? Whatever he is he is a treasure.

erinwelch_1 avatar
ERIN W.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boy that is quite a snout but it's attached to what seems to be a very wonderful doggo!

e_rangel avatar
E. Rangel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought that was how you took the picture did he get bitten by a bee

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#19

We Adopted This Five Year Old Shelter Cat Last Week, I Adore Her And She Adores Us. Couldn't Ask For A Better Girl, Ily Rosie

We Adopted This Five Year Old Shelter Cat Last Week, I Adore Her And She Adores Us. Couldn't Ask For A Better Girl, Ily Rosie

chadburryeggs Report

#20

Akali Was Returned To The Shelter By Her First Adopter, But Now I Have A Best Friend

Akali Was Returned To The Shelter By Her First Adopter, But Now I Have A Best Friend

voodlesnoodles Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would anyone abandon this beauty?? You're both lucky to have one another!

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#22

4 Day Old Kitten! Her Mama Disappeared, So I'm Bottle Feeding And Adopting Her

4 Day Old Kitten! Her Mama Disappeared, So I'm Bottle Feeding And Adopting Her

CharlieTrees916 Report

#23

We Just Adopted This Beautiful Senior Lady And I'm So In Love With Her Already

We Just Adopted This Beautiful Senior Lady And I'm So In Love With Her Already

Gonefeywild Report

#24

I Adopted A Silly One

I Adopted A Silly One

flexilexie Report

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Amery
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You adopted one that's got the "Moves like Jagger!!" ;) luvit!!

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#25

Recently Adopted A Stray Cat, Two Weeks Ago She Wouldn’t Be In The Same Room As A Human. Tonight, She Scratched At My Bedroom Door To Come In. No Touching Though!

Recently Adopted A Stray Cat, Two Weeks Ago She Wouldn’t Be In The Same Room As A Human. Tonight, She Scratched At My Bedroom Door To Come In. No Touching Though!

Pokuchefski Report

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Zena Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everything in it's own time. May you both have a good life together.

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#26

Baxter Lived To Twice His Life Expectancy (8/16.5). I'm So Proud To Be His Rescue Mom. Love, Boop Snoots And Adopt!

Baxter Lived To Twice His Life Expectancy (8/16.5). I'm So Proud To Be His Rescue Mom. Love, Boop Snoots And Adopt!

B00KW0RM214 Report

#27

I Adopted Two Special-Needs Kittens Separately. Today They Held Hands

I Adopted Two Special-Needs Kittens Separately. Today They Held Hands

skeletonclock Report

#28

I’m So Happy I Adopted This Boy

I’m So Happy I Adopted This Boy

EeveeGirl411 Report

#29

We Adopted A Corgi Two Weeks Ago. One Of Her Ears Just Popped Up Overnight!

We Adopted A Corgi Two Weeks Ago. One Of Her Ears Just Popped Up Overnight!

no_modest_bear Report

#30

After Fostering 4 Pups Over A Period Of 3 Mths, I’ve Decided To Adopt The 5th One! You’re Coming With Me Wherever I Go From Now On! Welcome To Your Forever Family, Haribo!

After Fostering 4 Pups Over A Period Of 3 Mths, I’ve Decided To Adopt The 5th One! You’re Coming With Me Wherever I Go From Now On! Welcome To Your Forever Family, Haribo!

nicholastaii Report

#31

I Think The Ol’ Bastard Is Starting To Fall In Love With Me. We Adopted Him Last Month And He’s Just Now Getting Comfortable Enough For Some Attention

I Think The Ol’ Bastard Is Starting To Fall In Love With Me. We Adopted Him Last Month And He’s Just Now Getting Comfortable Enough For Some Attention

non_curamus Report

#32

Wasn't Planning On Adopting A Kitten Until She Jumped Up On My Back. Libby Is All Mine Now

Wasn't Planning On Adopting A Kitten Until She Jumped Up On My Back. Libby Is All Mine Now

OHenryTwist Report

#33

After Spending Most Of My Adult Life Living In Tiny Apartments, I Finally Moved Out Of The City And Was Able To Adopt This Happy Girl. Meet Grace!

After Spending Most Of My Adult Life Living In Tiny Apartments, I Finally Moved Out Of The City And Was Able To Adopt This Happy Girl. Meet Grace!

Casandy420 Report

#34

Read Here Yesterday Black Cats Aren’t Adopted As Much As They Don’t Look As Good In Photos. Meet Morningstar

Read Here Yesterday Black Cats Aren’t Adopted As Much As They Don’t Look As Good In Photos. Meet Morningstar

Fioraously_Fapping Report

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#35

Meet Luna! We Adopted Her From A Local Shelter A Week Ago And All She Wants All Day (And Night) Long Is Belly Rubs

Meet Luna! We Adopted Her From A Local Shelter A Week Ago And All She Wants All Day (And Night) Long Is Belly Rubs

theBird956 Report

#36

Adopted A Deaf Kitten, My Wife Picked Him Out Specifically For Those Amazing Eyes!

Adopted A Deaf Kitten, My Wife Picked Him Out Specifically For Those Amazing Eyes!

unsetname Report

#37

I Adopted This Little Guy A Couple Of Weeks Ago. He’s Extremely Very Shy And Has Been Hiding Under My Bed Since Day One. I’m Happy To Finally See Him Out Enjoying The Sun—even Though I Had To Hide To Take This Picture. I’ll Win His Little Heart One Step At A Time!

I Adopted This Little Guy A Couple Of Weeks Ago. He’s Extremely Very Shy And Has Been Hiding Under My Bed Since Day One. I’m Happy To Finally See Him Out Enjoying The Sun—even Though I Had To Hide To Take This Picture. I’ll Win His Little Heart One Step At A Time!

Snazzy_SassyPie Report

#38

Adopted Baby Flora After She Was Found Left Outside An Elementary School. Who Could Ever Do Such A Thing After Seeing This Pretty Face?

Adopted Baby Flora After She Was Found Left Outside An Elementary School. Who Could Ever Do Such A Thing After Seeing This Pretty Face?

eneroquatro2 Report

#39

I've Been Wanting To Adopt A Cat For Such A Long Time And I Finally Got The Chance To Do It. Here Is Kiki, My 3 Months Old Kitten!

I've Been Wanting To Adopt A Cat For Such A Long Time And I Finally Got The Chance To Do It. Here Is Kiki, My 3 Months Old Kitten!

gonzalofuster Report

#40

Little Kratos Sleeping From The Excitement Of Adoption Day

Little Kratos Sleeping From The Excitement Of Adoption Day

clapkittycat Report

#41

After Waiting A Week For Our Adoption Appointment To Finally Come, My Kids Are Smiling As Much As This Happy Boy Is

After Waiting A Week For Our Adoption Appointment To Finally Come, My Kids Are Smiling As Much As This Happy Boy Is

ajmeraz82 Report

#42

Adopting A Second Cat Was The Best Decision. They Love Each Other!

Adopting A Second Cat Was The Best Decision. They Love Each Other!

rosebudmeow Report

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Jackie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww the blond (golden?) kitty is getting lots of kisses

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#43

This Little Aussie Tyke Was Adopted For My Mom. Can’t Wait To Introduce Her To The Rest Of The Family

This Little Aussie Tyke Was Adopted For My Mom. Can’t Wait To Introduce Her To The Rest Of The Family

peatitty Report

#44

Adopted This Sweetheart Yesterday: 65lb, 7 Months Old, Supersonic Hearing

Adopted This Sweetheart Yesterday: 65lb, 7 Months Old, Supersonic Hearing

attachedmomma Report

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#46

We Adopted The Smaller Kitty 3 Days Ago. They’ve Bonded So Quickly

We Adopted The Smaller Kitty 3 Days Ago. They’ve Bonded So Quickly

lifeofacookie Report

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Zena Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something's caught their interest.Older cat: "Stay away from No. 47, big dog"

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#47

Meet Sally. She’s 12 Weeks Old And We Just Adopted Her From A Rescue

Meet Sally. She’s 12 Weeks Old And We Just Adopted Her From A Rescue

EBone12355 Report

#48

Took About A Hundred Attempts To Get This But Here’s My Pupper Named Milo. Adopted 3 Weeks Ago

Took About A Hundred Attempts To Get This But Here’s My Pupper Named Milo. Adopted 3 Weeks Ago

Whats-A-MattR Report

#49

Two Days After Adoption And They’ve Already Settled In

Two Days After Adoption And They’ve Already Settled In

tally__ann Report

#50

My Girlfriend And I Adopted This Little Lady Today, Had Her For 4 Hours And She's Spent About Half Of It Purring Our Laps, And The Other Half Demanding Strokes. Meet Verity!

My Girlfriend And I Adopted This Little Lady Today, Had Her For 4 Hours And She's Spent About Half Of It Purring Our Laps, And The Other Half Demanding Strokes. Meet Verity!

Sir_Wormalot Report

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Zena Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hello Verity, a very demanding lady by the sound of it. Give her a stroke for me.

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Note: this post originally had 128 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.