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Adopting a pet is a big responsibility. But if you have the right conditions and do the homework, the rewards of saving an animal in need outweigh most concerns and fears surrounding it.

Every month, we at Bored Panda go through the subreddit r/BeforeNAfterAdoption and hand-pick adorable photos that show animals enjoying their second chance at life. Whether it will inspire you to get a pet, donate to a shelter, or simply make your day, it's a win-win. May 2021 was no exception.

Continue scrolling to check out what the subreddit has blessed us with this time, and when you're done, fire up our earlier posts for more heartwarming pics: April, March, February.

#1

My Foster Dog Had Never Been Indoors Before. This Is Her First Nap, On A Bed, In A Home

My Foster Dog Had Never Been Indoors Before. This Is Her First Nap, On A Bed, In A Home

mugglequeen Report

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

This hurts me, for all she must have been through. Thank you a million times over.

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At the beginning of the pandemic, reports emerged that people began adopting animals in huge numbers. Cages were getting empty. But skeptics remained cautious whether the boom will produce any long-term results. They feared that once the isolation ends and governments ease restrictions, allowing their citizens to return to their normal lives, there will be a spike in pet returns. New findings, however, suggest otherwise.

Recently, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) released new data from a nationally representative poll of 5,020 respondents. According to the numbers, close to one in five households acquired a cat or dog since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, which would account for approximately 23 million American households based on the 2019 U.S. Census.

"The vast majority of these households still have that pet in the home—90 percent for dogs and 85 percent for cats—and are not considering rehoming their pet in the near future," ASPCA told Bored Panda in a statement. "Despite alarmist headlines tied to regional reports of a surge in owner surrenders, this trend is not currently evident on a national level with many organizations simply seeing a return to pre-pandemic operations and intake."

#2

My Foster Kitten Is Part Domestic Shorthair, Part Vampire

My Foster Kitten Is Part Domestic Shorthair, Part Vampire

CatsandPlants90 Report

#3

Anytime Someone Asks To Adopt The Pups Separately I Send Them This Picture

Anytime Someone Asks To Adopt The Pups Separately I Send Them This Picture

the-dogtor-is-in Report

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"This incredibly stressful period motivated many people to foster and adopt animals, as well as further cherish the pets already in their lives, and our recent research shows no significant risk of animals being rehomed by their owners now or in the near future as a result of the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “Pets are still providing their families with joy and comfort, regardless of changes in circumstances, and loving owners continue to recognize and appreciate the essential role pets play in their lives."

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted across the country, the majority of surveyed pet owners are incorporating their new four-legged family members into their lifestyles with little reported concern about having enough time to spend with their pet or wanting to travel more but feeling limited by an animal.

#4

A Fantastic Blep From My Newly Adopted Blind Old Kitty, Ambrose

A Fantastic Blep From My Newly Adopted Blind Old Kitty, Ambrose

KeyserSozeWearsPrada Report

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

Old pets are often overlooked and thats so sad. I am happy for Ambrose!

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#5

Someone Is Happy To Be Adopted Today

Someone Is Happy To Be Adopted Today

meowlloryjane Report

"Although some pet owners expressed general concerns, 87 percent of respondents shared that they are not considering rehoming their animal, suggesting that pet owners remain committed to caring for their cats and dogs," ASPCA explained.

But it is important to remember that even without a national surge in returns occurring at this time, there are a variety of reasons that might make it difficult for individuals to keep a pet due to new factors outside of their control.

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"The ASPCA encourages any pet owner who may be considering rehoming their pet to enlist the support of a friend or neighbor—or to reach out to a shelter or rescue organization in their area, as the staff can often provide advice and assistance," the organization said.

Some issues are tougher than others. So for pet owners who are concerned about their new dog experiencing separation anxiety when routines change, there are many resources to help ease the transition, and working with a certified applied animal behaviorist, veterinary behaviorist or certified professional dog trainer can help.

For more information about the ASPCA's efforts to keep people and pets together, visit ASPCA.

#6

We Had No Plans To Adopt Our Current Foster Dog But Then This Happened

We Had No Plans To Adopt Our Current Foster Dog But Then This Happened

Jedi_Mama Report

#7

My Neighbor Just Adopted This Little Thing And I Just Can’t

My Neighbor Just Adopted This Little Thing And I Just Can’t

teenytiny212 Report

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

Don't feed it past midnight, or it will overpower you with cuteness

2128627 avatar
Queen_Fisher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sir, I don't think that that is a cat. . . This is a baby Wookie!

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

A question if you don't mind. What did they do and will it happen to me? Flat , soft and somebody sleeping on top of me too?

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

That's it - home 24/7 nothing else matters, we need someone to take care of both of us 😀

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

Those eyes: "You will adopt me, take me home with you.....!"

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Nameless 4
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To me, this looks like a Maine C**n kitten. Which means it will be a very big cutie soon

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#8

Adopted A 12 Year Old Cat. Her Look Tells Me She's Thankful And I'm Smitten

Adopted A 12 Year Old Cat. Her Look Tells Me She's Thankful And I'm Smitten

Ragiv13 Report

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#9

"Old Man Ed's "I'm Getting Adopted!" Smile Is Both Handsome And Proud" I Am Getting Along Well With The Old Man

"Old Man Ed's "I'm Getting Adopted!" Smile Is Both Handsome And Proud" I Am Getting Along Well With The Old Man

mythrowawaywhy Report

#10

The Orange Kitten I Rescued From Under My Stairs Two Days Ago Already Knows How To Pose Like A Supermodel

The Orange Kitten I Rescued From Under My Stairs Two Days Ago Already Knows How To Pose Like A Supermodel

PolymerPussies Report

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#11

Meet Zoey Everyone! My Little 4lb Peanut I Rescued From The Side Of The Road

Meet Zoey Everyone! My Little 4lb Peanut I Rescued From The Side Of The Road

jkschlatzer Report

#12

They Said She Was A Normal Cat When We Adopted Her But I’m Still Not Convinced

They Said She Was A Normal Cat When We Adopted Her But I’m Still Not Convinced

whistlerite Report

#13

Adopted A Stray. Meet Sushi Roll

Adopted A Stray. Meet Sushi Roll

theninmurai Report

#14

So, I Adopted My First Cat He’s A Senior With Arthritis, Kidney Disease, And Bad Teeth, But He’s The Absolute Sweetest Boy; It Was Love At First Sight He’s Only Been Here For An Hour, But He Seems To Be Settling Into His Retirement Home Nicely

So, I Adopted My First Cat He’s A Senior With Arthritis, Kidney Disease, And Bad Teeth, But He’s The Absolute Sweetest Boy; It Was Love At First Sight He’s Only Been Here For An Hour, But He Seems To Be Settling Into His Retirement Home Nicely

melthewhale Report

#15

Been Struggling With Depression And Anxiety For Years. And I Have Finally Decided To Adopt My Own Cat And I Already Feel So Much Better. Say Hi To Princess Leia Everyone

Been Struggling With Depression And Anxiety For Years. And I Have Finally Decided To Adopt My Own Cat And I Already Feel So Much Better. Say Hi To Princess Leia Everyone

hafizah2708 Report

#16

This Baby Had Been Returned To The Shelter By Previous Adopters. I Will Never Understand How Someone Couldn’t Want Him. He Is The Best Companion And He Is My Best Friend

This Baby Had Been Returned To The Shelter By Previous Adopters. I Will Never Understand How Someone Couldn’t Want Him. He Is The Best Companion And He Is My Best Friend

rootybear Report

#17

Meet Eugene. He’s A Parvo Survivor That I Fostered For Over A Month, And After 2 Failed Pending Adoptions I Took It As A Sign From The Universe That He Was Meant To Stay Forever

Meet Eugene. He’s A Parvo Survivor That I Fostered For Over A Month, And After 2 Failed Pending Adoptions I Took It As A Sign From The Universe That He Was Meant To Stay Forever

saykaci Report

#19

I'm Newly A Divorced Single Mom. I Adopted This Guy Who Had Been Returned To The Shelter. He Thanks Me Every Day...but He's Got No Idea How Thankful I Am For Him

I'm Newly A Divorced Single Mom. I Adopted This Guy Who Had Been Returned To The Shelter. He Thanks Me Every Day...but He's Got No Idea How Thankful I Am For Him

MakeThisRight30 Report

#20

A Month Ago She Showed Up Crying At Our Window. After Searching For Her Owner And Bringing Her To The Shelter, This Weekend We Officially Adopted Our Sweet Little Junie B

A Month Ago She Showed Up Crying At Our Window. After Searching For Her Owner And Bringing Her To The Shelter, This Weekend We Officially Adopted Our Sweet Little Junie B

Neekeii9 Report

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#22

Went To Look At New Born Cats And This Guy Crawled Into My Hoodie Filled Out The Adoption Papers Not Just A Minute Later With The Fluff Ball Still In My Hood

Went To Look At New Born Cats And This Guy Crawled Into My Hoodie Filled Out The Adoption Papers Not Just A Minute Later With The Fluff Ball Still In My Hood

superbunnymonkey Report

#23

We Adopted A 6 Month Old Pit/Lab Mix Yesterday, Say Hello To Larry Everybody!

We Adopted A 6 Month Old Pit/Lab Mix Yesterday, Say Hello To Larry Everybody!

GR4VYTR41N Report

#24

I Adopted My First Cat!

I Adopted My First Cat!

Alpha-Wolf10X Report

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You already see eye to eye. Congratulations on years of joy ahead.

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#25

Started Volunteering At The Animal Shelter 2 Weeks Ago. Brought Home My First Foster Family Today. Momma And 6 3 Week Old Babies

Started Volunteering At The Animal Shelter 2 Weeks Ago. Brought Home My First Foster Family Today. Momma And 6 3 Week Old Babies

Raising_Danger Report

#26

I Grew Up Thinking Huskies Were Majestic. Then I Adopted Argo

I Grew Up Thinking Huskies Were Majestic. Then I Adopted Argo

LadyTempest Report

#27

Adopted Two Little Meezers. Named Them Yin And Yang

Adopted Two Little Meezers. Named Them Yin And Yang

Seahinell Report

#28

Adopted A Dog Last Week. This Is How She Slept The Other Night

Adopted A Dog Last Week. This Is How She Slept The Other Night

Code3LI Report

#29

My Foster Dog Just Got Adopted! I Think He’s Excited

My Foster Dog Just Got Adopted! I Think He’s Excited

blueluth Report

#30

We Adopted A Bulldog Yesterday The Cat Clearly Was Not Excited About It

We Adopted A Bulldog Yesterday The Cat Clearly Was Not Excited About It

jrr_53 Report

Note: this post originally had 54 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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