ADVERTISEMENT

Another month, another list of rescue pets. We at Bored Panda have made it our monthly tradition to visit the subreddit r/BeforeNAfterAdoption, and it's incredibly sweet to see that people continue to open their doors and hearts to neglected shelter animals that deserve a second chance at life.

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%.

Yes, we can and should do better. But these photos prove we're getting there!

When you are done scrolling through the list, fire up our previous pieces on r/BeforeNAfterAdoption: January, December, November.

#1

This Stray Cat Was Hit By A Car, Had A Broken Jaw And Arm. Doctors Did Surgery But Had To Remove Most Of Her Teeth. She Recovered Fully And Has A Goofy Smile Now. One Of The Surgeons Adopted Her Straight From The Clinic And Named Her Duchess The Miracle Cat

This Stray Cat Was Hit By A Car, Had A Broken Jaw And Arm. Doctors Did Surgery But Had To Remove Most Of Her Teeth. She Recovered Fully And Has A Goofy Smile Now. One Of The Surgeons Adopted Her Straight From The Clinic And Named Her Duchess The Miracle Cat

reddit.com Report

At the beginning of the lockdown, animal rescue organizations were reporting a rise in adoption and foster applications. Later, however, various contradicting articles began to emerge.

Temma Martin, Public Relations Manager at Best Friends Animal Society, told Bored Panda that people indeed stepped up to foster at an incredible rate immediately after things shut down in mid-March of last year.

"24PetWatch is a shelter management software developed to support shelter and animal care operations, which has been tracking total aggregate numbers for the 1,200 organizations that use their database to show the impact of the rate of change since COVID across all organizations. According to their data, they saw a 93% increase in animals going to foster during the first week after the shutdowns began (March 14-20, 2020), compared to the week prior," Martin said.

#2

Went To Adopt A Kitten Yesterday And Her Sister Started Crying For Her As Soon As They Were Separated. So Now I Have Two Kittens. Best Decision Ever!

Went To Adopt A Kitten Yesterday And Her Sister Started Crying For Her As Soon As They Were Separated. So Now I Have Two Kittens. Best Decision Ever!

reddit.com Report

Eventually, adoptions and fosters leveled off as the weeks and months of COVID and 2020 wore on but it still ended up being a good year for pet fostering and adoption.

"The conflicting reports about how it compared to the prior year need some explanation and are the result of comparing total numbers of adoptions and pets in foster, year over year vs. looking at the percentage adopted or fostered compared to the number available in shelters."

ADVERTISEMENT
#3

First Night Home From The Shelter After Adoption

First Night Home From The Shelter After Adoption

reddit.com Report

#4

Sterile Cat Gets An Adoption Kitten From The Streets

Sterile Cat Gets An Adoption Kitten From The Streets

reddit.com Report

"Here's the explanation: While there are certainly many cases of groups that have seen higher actual numbers of adoptions and fosters since the beginning of the pandemic, the national stats sources that organizations use show a slightly more complex picture," Martin explained.

Actual (raw) numbers of adoptions are down from 2019. However, the rate of adoptions as a percentage of intake is up. This means that thankfully because there was a lower intake—fewer animals entered shelters in 2020—so there were fewer animals that needed to be adopted as well.

But the percentage of animals adopted in relation to the number available was higher than in 2019.  

#5

Went To Adopt Orange Cat, Got A Cat With Orange Eyes

Went To Adopt Orange Cat, Got A Cat With Orange Eyes

reddit.com Report

"According to 24PetWatch, shelter populations were down dramatically in 2020 (as compared to 2019), so there were fewer animals to adopt," Martin said. "Adoptions (in raw numbers) were nearly 20% lower in 2020, but as a percent of animals in the sheltering system, they were over 4 percentage points higher than in 2019."

ADVERTISEMENT

"Like adoptions, foster rates (as a percentage of the shelter population) were higher in 2020 by nearly 6 points (but lower in the raw number of animals fostered by about 3%)," Martin added. "Increases in fostering were more significant for cats than dogs, although rates for both increased."

#7

This Lucky Little Lady Was Found Abandoned In The Middle Of The Road At Just A Few Weeks Old. She Was Missing One Eye And The Other Was So Severely Infected That It Had To Be Removed. After Nursing Her Back To Health, She Was Too Amazing To Put Up For Adoption. So, Meet Smishy!

This Lucky Little Lady Was Found Abandoned In The Middle Of The Road At Just A Few Weeks Old. She Was Missing One Eye And The Other Was So Severely Infected That It Had To Be Removed. After Nursing Her Back To Health, She Was Too Amazing To Put Up For Adoption. So, Meet Smishy!

reddit.com Report

#8

I Just Adopted My First Pet! This Is Kisa, She Is My Emotional Support Animal My BF And I Discovered She’s A Naturally Cuddly Kitty Who Loves Pets! In Only 3 Days She’s Made Her Own Little Nap Spot On My Bed, And We Chill While I Do Homework. She’s Also Beautiful To Boot!

I Just Adopted My First Pet! This Is Kisa, She Is My Emotional Support Animal My BF And I Discovered She’s A Naturally Cuddly Kitty Who Loves Pets! In Only 3 Days She’s Made Her Own Little Nap Spot On My Bed, And We Chill While I Do Homework. She’s Also Beautiful To Boot!

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations were closed to the public due to the pandemic. Best Friends' Lifesaving Centers were no exception. But they adapted and began doing more virtual work and amplified to many that solving pet homelessness won't happen only inside a building.

"One of the biggest changes that happened almost instantly, is virtual adoptions, where potential adopters meet adoptable pets and their foster parents along with an adoption specialist through video chats," Martin said. "This pivot happened not only for Best Friends, but for shelters and rescue groups across the country."

#9

Since I Adopted Her She Has Been Hiding Under The Couch And Today She Came To Me For The First Time After Two Weeks

Since I Adopted Her She Has Been Hiding Under The Couch And Today She Came To Me For The First Time After Two Weeks

reddit.com Report

#10

It Took 3 Months, But Our Rescue Boy Has Learned That Beds Are Safe And Comfy. After 5 Years Alone In An Outdoor Concrete Run, It's Beautiful To See Him So Relaxed

It Took 3 Months, But Our Rescue Boy Has Learned That Beds Are Safe And Comfy. After 5 Years Alone In An Outdoor Concrete Run, It's Beautiful To See Him So Relaxed

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lolawootwoot avatar
Periwinkle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh look at all that fur! You're gonna need a dog brush, and he looks very happy considering his background.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

After A Decade In A Shelter, A Rescue Dog Named Wiggles Finally Has A Home

After A Decade In A Shelter, A Rescue Dog Named Wiggles Finally Has A Home

17 days ago Report

Interestingly, many groups report even greater success with virtual adoptions than traditional ones. Martin said this might be due to pets showing far better in foster homes than they do in kennels or cages. "This offers adopters a chance to meet a dog or cat virtually, in a home or on a couch, rather than in a shelter environment, and to see their true personality shine in a foster home."

Plus, foster parents have more first-hand knowledge of the animals and are able to participate directly in the virtual adoption process, sharing with potential adopters how the pets get along with other animals and family members, and their individual likes and dislikes, quirks, skills, and behaviors. 

#12

Been Telling Myself The Only Way To Keep Them Together Is To Just Adopt Them Myself. It’s Not My Fault. I Have No Choice

Been Telling Myself The Only Way To Keep Them Together Is To Just Adopt Them Myself. It’s Not My Fault. I Have No Choice

reddit.com Report

#13

I Volunteer For A Cat Shelter And This Kitten Was Dropped Off By A Woman Who Said Her Neighbors Were Trying To Kill Him Because They Didn't Like Black Cats. After Being Treated For An Abscess On His Leg Caused By A Bb, I've Adopted Him So He Can Derp His Life Away In Comfort And Safety

I Volunteer For A Cat Shelter And This Kitten Was Dropped Off By A Woman Who Said Her Neighbors Were Trying To Kill Him Because They Didn't Like Black Cats. After Being Treated For An Abscess On His Leg Caused By A Bb, I've Adopted Him So He Can Derp His Life Away In Comfort And Safety

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lolawootwoot avatar
Periwinkle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine being that much of a sicko you'd kill a cat. for their colour. They must be racists too. More traditional then having a turkey for christmas. Christ sake. Happy that the cat has a new home, he looks lovely.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"One of the silver linings of the pandemic is how a transformational vision for animal sheltering that many, such as Best Friends, have been practicing and piloting is accelerating and become widespread. When the pandemic first hit, animal shelters called on their communities for support and those communities stepped up to be part of the solution on a level we have never seen before. For example, shelters saw unprecedented numbers of people sign up to foster. Some shelters completely emptied their kennels for the first time ever."

ADVERTISEMENT

Martin believes that this new vision of community-supported sheltering is something that will last long after the pandemic is over.

#14

Might Have Adopted A Seal Instead Of A Puppo

Might Have Adopted A Seal Instead Of A Puppo

reddit.com Report

#15

He’s 12 Years Old And I’m Hoping To Make His Golden Years Brighter By Adopting Him. Reddit, Meet Charlie!

He’s 12 Years Old And I’m Hoping To Make His Golden Years Brighter By Adopting Him. Reddit, Meet Charlie!

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lolawootwoot avatar
Periwinkle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When people adopt senior dogs, it's just the best. I have a senior dog myself and he requires so much care.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

This Is Nazuka, We Rescued Him A Couple Hours Ago. He Used To Live Under A Broke Down Car, We Adopted Him And He's Now My Husband's First Dog

This Is Nazuka, We Rescued Him A Couple Hours Ago. He Used To Live Under A Broke Down Car, We Adopted Him And He's Now My Husband's First Dog

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
comerfordsamantha46 avatar
Samantha Comerford
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He is lovely. I can’t help but think he is going to own the streets where he lives . 😂

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Also, remember that you can help shelter animals even if you can't adopt one just yet. Not only that, you can contribute to keeping animals out of shelters in the first place.

"People can help shelters directly by volunteering, if they have opportunities available, donating, and spreading the word. And certainly foster a pet, even if you can't adopt one yet," Martin said.

#17

We Officially Ended Our Foster And Now We're His Forever Home!

We Officially Ended Our Foster And Now We're His Forever Home!

reddit.com Report

#18

Went To My Local Shelter To Adopt A Cat And This Lovebug Ran Up To Sit In My Lap. She Was Found On A City Sidewalk Giving Birth Months Ago. Her Kittens Have Since Been Adopted But This Mama Cat Has Been Living At The Shelter. She Arrived At My Apartment Today And Has Already Made Herself At Home

Went To My Local Shelter To Adopt A Cat And This Lovebug Ran Up To Sit In My Lap. She Was Found On A City Sidewalk Giving Birth Months Ago. Her Kittens Have Since Been Adopted But This Mama Cat Has Been Living At The Shelter. She Arrived At My Apartment Today And Has Already Made Herself At Home

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lolawootwoot avatar
Periwinkle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's gorgeous! I wish she did have her kittens with her, however.. Still, to have a home is something every cat deserves.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

I’ve Been Dreaming Of Adopting A Velvet Hippo For Years. The Perfect Girl Was Surrendered At My Hospital And Now She’s All Mine

I’ve Been Dreaming Of Adopting A Velvet Hippo For Years. The Perfect Girl Was Surrendered At My Hospital And Now She’s All Mine

reddit.com Report

Also, you can check into supporting programs that help people keep their pets at home, like pet food pantries, which may be operated by shelters or by human food banks. "Since last year, everyone's lives have been upended by the pandemic, but a heartbreaking number of people in every community have also been devastated financially during this difficult time," Martin said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Many pet owners who were gainfully employed before the pandemic may now wonder from week to week how they'll buy the next bag of dog or cat food to care for and keep their pets safely at home. Sometimes a bag of pet food makes all the difference between keeping a dog or cat at home, or someone having to make the agonizing decision to relinquish their pet to a shelter."

#20

Our Foster Puppy When We Told Her We Were Adopting Her

Our Foster Puppy When We Told Her We Were Adopting Her

reddit.com Report

#21

Tried To Adopt One Loaf, Ended Up With Twin Loaves

Tried To Adopt One Loaf, Ended Up With Twin Loaves

reddit.com Report

#22

Rescued My Neighbor's Chicken A Few Weeks Back, Now She Comes Knocking On My Door Every Morning To Gossip

Rescued My Neighbor's Chicken A Few Weeks Back, Now She Comes Knocking On My Door Every Morning To Gossip

reddit.com Report

Additionally, check into other resources that help pets and people to see if there's anything else you can do. There are resources available in many communities, from temporary housing for displaced pets, to pet food pantries, to free and low-cost spay and neuter and veterinary care.​ Martin said that other community-supported options might include reaching out to friends and family on social media, your veterinarian, or apps like Next Door.

"Know the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Helping people find needed resources or even providing temporary foster care for the pets of neighbors in crisis can help keep their pets from being relinquished to shelters as they get back on their feet. Here's a link about forming a neighborhood network."

#23

My First Ever Pet Besides A Goldfish, Everyone Meet Pluto. I Rescued Her From An Animal Shelter

My First Ever Pet Besides A Goldfish, Everyone Meet Pluto. I Rescued Her From An Animal Shelter

reddit.com Report

#24

So Apparently My Brother Adopted A Stray Cat And When I Came To Visit, He Introduced Himself Before I Could Get Into The House!

So Apparently My Brother Adopted A Stray Cat And When I Came To Visit, He Introduced Himself Before I Could Get Into The House!

reddit.com Report

#25

From Stray To Foster To Forever Home. I Think She Likes It Here

From Stray To Foster To Forever Home. I Think She Likes It Here

reddit.com Report

Martin pointed out that fefore last year’s stay-at-home orders confined pee, many would-be pet parents across the country may have felt they didn’t have the time or weren’t home enough to foster or adopt an animal. But a lot has changed since then. For so many people who are now working remotely from home, it seems there’s no better time to welcome a furry friend into their lives.

"This has been a fantastic time to adopt because pets are just good for us. Numerous studies have determined that the presence of pets is beneficial for our physical and mental health. The companionship of animals has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and lessen depression and anxiety, helping people to feel calmer and more secure when the news from the outside world is distressing."

See Also on Bored Panda
#27

Statler, A Rescued 33 Year Old Indian Flying Fox Here At Bat World Sanctuary, Has Been Getting Some Crazy Social Media Attention Lately! He Sends His Love And Appreciation

Statler, A Rescued 33 Year Old Indian Flying Fox Here At Bat World Sanctuary, Has Been Getting Some Crazy Social Media Attention Lately! He Sends His Love And Appreciation

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lolawootwoot avatar
Periwinkle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love flying foxes. They just look so cute and I find not too many people actually know about them. Could be wrong.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

I Found This Little Guy Yelling Alone In The Scrapyard, After A Clean Up And A Trip To The Vets To Check For A Microchip, I Can Finally Say I’ve Adopted My First Kitten! Welcome Arthur

I Found This Little Guy Yelling Alone In The Scrapyard, After A Clean Up And A Trip To The Vets To Check For A Microchip, I Can Finally Say I’ve Adopted My First Kitten! Welcome Arthur

reddit.com Report

"Many first-time fosters or adopters who have been working from home during the pandemic have realized how easy it is to care for a pet, and that they really do have time to have a pet around, even after they go back to work," Martin said.

"By now people have undoubtedly discovered the secret reality of what dogs and cats really do all day. Whether there are people around or not, they mostly sleep, with a bit of eating and playing mixed in--all things that they can do just as easily without human companionship. Plenty of people work full-time jobs and provide loving homes to foster or adopted pets."

#29

Our New Rescue Dog Already Gives Us The Cutest Derpy Smile

Our New Rescue Dog Already Gives Us The Cutest Derpy Smile

reddit.com Report

#30

This Is My Rescue Twinky. She Likes To Wave

This Is My Rescue Twinky. She Likes To Wave

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
kress-victoria avatar
Felicity Lemon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fluffy....*gasps*.....cat......must..hug.....fluffy.....cat.......must.....wave.....back........to.....TWINKY!!!!!!!*falls over*

View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Meet Paisley! Her Mama Was A Stray Kitten My Sister Took In And Adopted. Paisley Is Now An Indoor Only Kitten And Has Found Her “Forever” Home With Me. These Are Pics Of Her At 3, 4, 5 & 6 Weeks

Meet Paisley! Her Mama Was A Stray Kitten My Sister Took In And Adopted. Paisley Is Now An Indoor Only Kitten And Has Found Her “Forever” Home With Me. These Are Pics Of Her At 3, 4, 5 & 6 Weeks

reddit.com Report

#32

Not Even One Year Old, Moved 5 Times. Now He's Finally At His Forever Home, Welcome Home Little Guy!

Not Even One Year Old, Moved 5 Times. Now He's Finally At His Forever Home, Welcome Home Little Guy!

www.reddit.com Report

#33

My Boyfriend & I Finally Adopted A Puppy After Dreaming About It For Months. Welcome Home Winston!

My Boyfriend & I Finally Adopted A Puppy After Dreaming About It For Months. Welcome Home Winston!

reddit.com Report

#34

Our New Rescue Kitty Watching People Shovel Snow Outside Blep!

Our New Rescue Kitty Watching People Shovel Snow Outside Blep!

reddit.com Report

#35

My Wife And I Taking This Rescue Pup To His Forever Home

My Wife And I Taking This Rescue Pup To His Forever Home

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lolawootwoot avatar
Periwinkle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, He's just gone off and went to sleep. Look at him. Isn't it lovely?

View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Shelter Dog Near Me From Last Fall. He Was Adopted! That Lip!

Shelter Dog Near Me From Last Fall. He Was Adopted! That Lip!

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
stevensedwards avatar
Hannah Edwards
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That sad little face. I want to see an after adoption pic to mend my broken heart.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#37

We Adopted This 7 Year Old Weiner Dog Two Weeks Ago, My 14 Year Old Beagle Mix Seems To Be Okay With It

We Adopted This 7 Year Old Weiner Dog Two Weeks Ago, My 14 Year Old Beagle Mix Seems To Be Okay With It

reddit.com Report

#38

About To Adopt This Boy. He Shall Be Named, Beef Supreme

About To Adopt This Boy. He Shall Be Named, Beef Supreme

reddit.com Report

#39

Just Adopted This Guy This Morning! His Name Is Franklin And Is 3 Years Old

Just Adopted This Guy This Morning! His Name Is Franklin And Is 3 Years Old

reddit.com Report

#40

Gretchen Says Good Morning! I Adopted Her A Couple Days Ago And She’s The Sweetest Lil Muppet In The World!

Gretchen Says Good Morning! I Adopted Her A Couple Days Ago And She’s The Sweetest Lil Muppet In The World!

reddit.com Report

#41

I Work At A Shelter And Told Myself “If No One Adopts Him Soon I Will, But He Will Be Gone Quick.” A Week Went By And He Was Still There. And Now He’s Mine

I Work At A Shelter And Told Myself “If No One Adopts Him Soon I Will, But He Will Be Gone Quick.” A Week Went By And He Was Still There. And Now He’s Mine

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
yettichild avatar
Yettichild
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My one and only foster fail Loki has a similar story. I fostered him and his brothers for a few weeks since they had URIs. When they were better I gave them back to the shelter even though I wanted to keep my boy very badly. A week later I got a phone call saying they were sick again and I was like "Okay, he came back to me, he's mine now".

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

Appreciation Post. Newest Member Of The Family. Went To Three Homes Prior To Ours. Finally Settled Into Her Forever Home

Appreciation Post. Newest Member Of The Family. Went To Three Homes Prior To Ours. Finally Settled Into Her Forever Home

www.reddit.com Report

#44

I Heard You Guys Like Floppy Eared Babies... Here Is Charlie The Day We Adopted Her

I Heard You Guys Like Floppy Eared Babies... Here Is Charlie The Day We Adopted Her

reddit.com Report

#45

I Adopted My First Cat Today!! Meet Nova!

I Adopted My First Cat Today!! Meet Nova!

reddit.com Report

#46

Chopper The Rescue Piggy Is Settling In Well To His Forever Home. Currently Building Him A Little Piggy House!!

Chopper The Rescue Piggy Is Settling In Well To His Forever Home. Currently Building Him A Little Piggy House!!

www.reddit.com Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#47

After A Long Journey, Kendall Was So Pleased To Be In Her Forever Home

After A Long Journey, Kendall Was So Pleased To Be In Her Forever Home

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
garrettobanion avatar
TheHolyFatherOfToast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me about that comic where this massive and scary dude adopts the smalest and cutest dog in the shelter. I don't know why, but it does.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

I Rescued This Lazy Butt Two Weeks Ago

I Rescued This Lazy Butt Two Weeks Ago

reddit.com Report

#49

Catfruit, The Newest Addition To Our House! Gizmo The Rescue Kitten Joined Our Family Today

Catfruit, The Newest Addition To Our House! Gizmo The Rescue Kitten Joined Our Family Today

reddit.com Report

#50

I Adopted Scotty Kitten Yesterday And We’re Totally Obsessed With Each Other

I Adopted Scotty Kitten Yesterday And We’re Totally Obsessed With Each Other

reddit.com Report

Note: this post originally had 66 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.