About 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, roughly 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. The good news is that these numbers are a result of a steady decline—according to ASPCA estimates, there were approximately 7.2 million dogs and cats entering U.S. shelters annually around 2011. And while 710 thousand animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners, 3.2 million are adopted.
To help the latter figure grow even more, the subreddit r/BeforeNAfterAdoption urges people to share the amazing difference a loving family can make on an abandoned or mistreated animal. It has 360K members posting pictures that reveal the spectacular physical and mental transformations their adorable pets have gone through after leaving the shelter, and Bored Panda is ending this difficult year with some of the posts that went viral on the subreddit this December.
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Frankie Was Born With Four Ears And An Eye Deformity But He’s Still Purrfect
This cat is a magic cat from a magic land, his other eye sees the other realm
Remember, after you are done scrolling through the list, you can overload yourself with cuteness, firing up our earlier rescue pet photos from November, October, and September.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected lots of American animal shelters. "Since it began, COVID-19 has put an immense amount of strain on animal shelters across the country. Because this is an ever-changing situation, each shelter is facing unique challenges specific to its community,” Adoptions Promotions Manager at the ASPCA, Kelly DiCicco, told Bored Panda in an earlier interview.
These Two Were Adopted 3 Years Apart From Different Cities. A DNA Test Revealed That They Are Long Lost Siblings!
Emptying cages in 2020 had been especially important because many shelters have reduced staffing due to social distancing requirements—which has meant reductions or limits to the number and types of services offered to the public. "Additionally, shelters have felt the financial impacts of the pandemic, with reduced donations and an inability to host in-person fundraising events, which often play a key role in annual fundraising efforts," DiCicco said.
The Day After My Cat Died, I Went To The Shelter And Told The Employee That I’d Adopt The Cat That Had Been There The Longest. She Said, “It’s An Older Black Cat... Are You Sure?” I Was Never So Sure Of Anything In My Life. Meet Dita Von Panzer
In the second photo she is confident that whatever she's staring at is gonna meet its end very woon.
By adopting an animal in need – no matter the species, breed, or size – people are saving that animal's life as well as freeing up valuable shelter space and resources for other animals in need.
Also, 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, helping the person to bring home the best match they can find.
To find out more about pet adoption, visit this helpful guide by the ASPCA.
As A Single Dad, I Had To Put My Foot Down And Tell My Seven Year Old Daughter That There Was No Way She Was Getting A Dog For Chanukah, No Matter How Much She Asked. Anyway, Meet Waffle
He Was A Rescue. A Runt. Probably Blind, Deaf, Won't Make It Very Long, They Told Me. Well, Happy 10th Birthday, Buddy
Old Man Ed's "I'm Getting Adopted!" Smile Is Both Handsome And Proud!
We Just Adopted The Most Snuggly, Beautiful, Chonk Of A Cat. Welcome Home, Bill
I Just Adopted Atticus This Weekend. He Was A Stray And They Told Me He's A Very Fearful Cat. I Slowly Introduced Him To My Closet With Some Food, A Bed I Warmed Up In The Dryer, And Some Pets When He Allowed. Just This Morning He Sat In My Lap And Purred
Within 2 Seconds Of Meeting The Cat I Was Adopting, She Climbed Onto My Shoulders
Dandy Had Part Of Her Face Shot Off (Before I Adopted Her). I Love Her Two Derpy Top Teeth
i wish people who hurt animals all the bad things in the world! may their pants always pinch, may their sleeves always slide down into the water while they do the dishes and may they always have tiny stones in their shoes! may their glasses always be dirty right after they tried to clean them. may they never feel happy again!
They We're Meant For Each Other
We Adopted A Kitten Last Month... We Now Have Nightly Ritual Of Checking The Fridge And Other Small Spaces To Make Sure He's Not Trapped Anywhere Before We Go To Bed
Adopted A Void Yesterday. Shelter Said She Didn't Like Laps. It's Been An Hour. Send Snacks
I doubt a cat's behavior at a shelter very closely resembles how they'll behave in a forever home.
Went To The Shelter To Look At Dogs, They Didn’t Have Any There But Once This Lil Girl Saw Me She Started Pawing At Her Cage. Now I Have A New Forever Friend
I Just Adopted The Sweetest Kitten...her Name Is Olive And We’re In Love And We’re Gonna Run Away And Be Pirates Together
Just Look At This Little Tripod I Adopted
My Sister Adopted A Senior Dog - Meet Zombie
Society Says Black Cats Are Considered Less “Adoptable”. Society Is Wrong
I Adopted This Baby From The Dominican Republic 1 Month Ago- My Mom Didn't Believe Me That It Was The Same Dog. I Named Him Remi And He Suffered From Mange And Malnutrition, Not Anymore!
Poor pup had almost given up. You basically brought Remi back to life!
I Adopted 12 Year Old Brutus A Few Months Ago. He Is Sluggish, Stubborn, Gassy, Hogs The Bed And Drools So Much I Have Actually Slipped On My Kitchen Floor. And I'm Head Over Heels In Love With Him
Old English bulldogs are just the best . I adopted one 2 years ago and she is just the biggest snuggle monster ever
This Is Bella. First Dog I Have Had In 20 Years
My Wife And I Just Adopted This Sweet Old Dude
He'll be happy and content in his senior years. All animals deserve this.
Adopted A 16 Year Old Bird Named Banana Last Week And She Finally Trusts Me Enough To Perch On My Shoulder
Much underappreciated are budgies, I had one for ten years and they have such great personalities.
She Was Rescued From A Colony Of 30 Feral Cats In NE Ontario. She Follows Me Around For Snuggles, And Will Snuggle Me For Hours. I Think This One's Gonna Be A Foster Fail...
Four Days Since Adoption And New Kitten Charlie Is Loving His Big Brother Tipsy
This Is Bonnie. She Is Happier To See The Food Aisle Than Just Recently Being Adopted
Jenny - My Parents’ New Rescue. Saved From A Life Of Being A Breeding Bitch. 5 Years Old, Doesn’t Know How To Play. Adopt, Dont Shop!
I have a breeding bitch that was shot in the head because the gang bangers didn't like her puppies. Luckily for her a wonderful police officer got her to a vet and she survived. Now she's my princess. Never found out what happened to the puppies.
After 3 Long Months Of Trying To Get Her Trust. This Cutie Has Finally Adopted Me!!
This makes me cry. I socialize ferals that I tend in our local colony, and when one decides it is time to "come in out of the cold"... It's magical.
Rescued A Couple Brothers This Weekend
Adopted Two "Undesirable Cats" At The Animal Shelter- A Very Scared Feral Kitten (Still Trying To Get A Good Face Pic) And The Fattest Cat In The Building- I Already Love Them So Much!
Our New Rescue Dog Patches. He Is Deaf And Would Have Been Put Down If We Didn't Adopt Him. He Is Now The Best Part Of Our Lives! I Have Cuter Photos If People Want To See!!!
Recently Adopted A Kitten, This Was A Pic Of Her First Night Home!
Hi! Is this for real? Do I get to stay here forever and ever? Really? Wow! Awesome!
Our Recently Adopted Old Pup Is Enjoying His New Rocket Jammies
We Adopted A Retired Racing Greyhound That Was Too Afraid To Interact With Our Other Dog. A Few Months Later And They’re Over Here Smoochin
I understand retired racers become total couch potatoes once adopted. Incredibly sweet and goofy couch potatoes. I love that.
Adopted This Guy Last Month. He's Settled In Nicely
Yeah. I don’t know why, but I think he’s pretty happy to be living with you.
Dog's Reaction After Being Adopted
He is reacting to her crying. My Cooper did this. If I was crying, he would lick my tears. I had him for 7 years (older adoption), and it never mattered where I or we were. All it took was a sniffle and he would come running if he was not already at my feet. He was my therapist and my bodyguard. That pain is so different.
Yeah, I had one like that growing up. He was a stray at my Aunt's farm and they had all females. She talked my mom into taking him and he was so special to all of us kids, but for me he probably saved my life
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Exactly A Month Ago He Was A ‘Feral’ Cat Suffering From Multiple Infections. Today He’s My Little Old Gentleman In A Christmas Bow Tie. Merry Christmas And Happy Adoption, Gizmo!
Gizmo looks very dapper in his bow tie. And very happy to be spending his first Christmas with you!
Adopted These Two Little Beauties From The Animal Shelter. Say Hi To Loki And Thor
I Did Not Adopt This Dog. I Started Fostering Her And She Decided She Lives Here Now So I Guess She Does. Welcome To Your Forever Home Bellanova
Adopted Him From The Streets Today ... Welcome Buddy
Thank you for giving this fur baby a home. Best. Christmas. Gift. Ever.
Adopted Teddy For Christmas, Safe To Say She’s Pretty Happy About It
“Uncontrollable Tippy-Taps Right Before Adoption
His Previous Owner Put Him Up For Adoption Because He Is So "Rude". This Is Him On His Second Day With Me
Some people—-make that idiots instead—-need to consult the dictionary for the actual definition of rude, instead of making up their own. Then again, this cat is luckier to be with her than still with that other jerk.
My Friend Asked Me If I Would Adopt A Puppy. Of Course I Said No. This Is My New Puppy
Let me guess. You met the puppy and were immediately smitten. In. Deep. Smit.
My Newly Adopted, 11 Year Old Daisee Enjoying... Life
Pitties have such a bad rep. They are wonderful pets. They fight because they are forced into fighting. The methods of "training" are horribly cruel.
The Day I Adopted Lulu. She Was Slated To Be Euthanized The Following Week, But Through A Local Shelter I Was Able To Adopt Her In Time. I Love Her So Much
I believe the feeling is mutual. She knows you saved her life, and she will always love you for it. You are her hero.
My GF Is A Vet Nurse And Often Brings Home Strays Handed In. She Said "It's Only Until She's Big Enough To Give Away"...
Our most recent rescue, Tabby, was dumped in our yard this past May. She was about 5-6 weeks old, weighed barely 1 lb, and was left there all by herself. And had the loudest meow. We heard her the night before we adopted her, but couldn’t find her. Next day, she started howling again, and we located her hiding behind a thick bush next to the chimney. Terrified. She clung to me for the first week, on my shoulder, hiding in my hair, sleeping on my neck every night. After that, she started wanting to explore the house, the other cats, and the dog (all of whom were also interested in meeting her and playing). She’d still stick close, but was curious and becoming more independent. She’s eight months old now, and fearless, feisty, playful, and still very sweet. She gives you kisses on your face if you hold her close. She blended with our other four-legged kids right away, and they all love each other very much.
I Decided To Adopt Gus After Fostering Him Through His Heartworm Treatment. He Is Perfect
Found W/ No Tags, No Microchip & Adopted After Waiting Period At The Pound; He Is Now My Everything
Rescued my dog straight off the street. Some kids playing nearby told me he was pushed out of a car not long before I came along. Between 3 and 5 years old (vet’s best guess), starving, no collar or chip, hair mats over an inch thick all down his back, toenails so long they were crossing over each other, and not neutered. That was almost 10 years ago. Scruffy is now fat, happy, fixed, and totally in love with us and his pack of 4 cats.
This Is Kodi. He's A 4-Month-Old Rescue We Adopted. Not The Brightest Bulb On The Tree. Kind Of Cute Though
Adopted Carl A Week Ago. He's A Bit Odd
Every cat is a bit odd. Their own brand of odd. And it’s wonderful.
Just Adopted Marshmallow (Mush For Short) Today! I Think He'll Be Very Happy Here
A Week Ago This Little Fella Came To Our Doorstep, Lost, With No Mama In Sight. He Immediately Befriended Us, Everyone Meet Our New Little Vanilla Bean, Asher
Sorry About Bad Quality But We Adopted This New Girl Yesterday And Today She Came Out Of Hiding To Play And Cuddle Me And I’m So Happy!!!
Adopted These 2 From 2 Different Rescues And They Don’t Leave Each Other’s Side
After Months On The Wait List My Girlfriend And I Got Our First Cat. Meet Eggy!
Adopt a friend for Eggy and call them Toast. Then adopt a piglet and call them Bacon. Then every time you feed them you can say, “Breakfast is ready”! (I’ll just duck out the back door now...)
Just Signed Her Adoption Papers! Meet Eevee!
I Just Adopted My First Dog. His Name Is Jasper
Learned How To Crochet Just For My Newly Adopted 8 Year Old Annie! She Is My First Cat And Couldn’t Be More Perfect
My Wife Finally Caved On The “We Should Totally Rescue A 3rd Dog” Request
Today We Adopted Charli
We Adopted A Bonded Pair Of Kittens From A Rescue Two Days Ago. Three Months Old, Orange Girl, Gray Boy, Brother And Sister
Hello My Name Is Olive And I Am Here To Tell U All A Story. Earlier This Year, My Mama's 5 Month Old Kitten, Milo, Suddenly Died And She Was Heartbroken. Then, I Chose Her To Adopt Me So I Could Help Her Heart Feel Better And Carry On Milo's Legacy. As U Can See, I Am Very Good Girl. Mewmew. The End
I had a six month old kitten die too. She was being spayed, but we didn’t know she had an underlying heart condition and couldn’t take the anaesthesia. Broke my heart. That was almost 5 years ago now. Her name was Monkey, and she was a sweet little clown. I had been looking forward to watching her silly antics for the a good 20 years.
Adopted This Old Man A Week Ago. I Think He's Happy To Have A Home
Yes, he can finally take it easy in his golden years. You’re his hero.
I Guess We Have A 5th Cat Now
Yep. Looks like it. All four of our cats were rescues too. Just walked right into our hearts and took up permanent residence. We were chosen.
This Is Max. I Adopted Him Yesterday. He Spent Nearly 4 Hours In My Lap This Morning Napping Off And On And Cried When I Tried To Put Him Down. So I Skipped Coffee Refills, Taking Advantage Of My Stand-Up Desk, And Bathroom Breaks. (Excuse The Robe. Mandatory Home Office Dress Code)
Just Adopted This Little Cuteness
Adopted This Little Sweetie From The Streets Of Bangkok
My Grandparents Recently Adopted This Sweet Little Thing! Any Name Suggestions For Her?
When You Adopt A Cat For Emotional Support But It Ends Up Liking Your Dog Way Better
Ehh, the entertainment value is emotional support enough. Every time I look at my cats and my dog, I always break out in a smile and feel better immediately.
Adopted This Ol' Girl (9 Years Old) Today From The Shelter!
You’ve got a lot of fun years ahead with her. She’s part of a very intelligent breed, so keep her occupied so she doesn’t get bored, and you’ll have a wonderful time with her.
Adopting This Senior Cat Next Week He Was A Stray Found On The Streets & Is Quiet, Friendly But Sad. I Can’t Wait To Give This Boy So Much Love And Give Him The Best Life Ahead
And when you do, his sadness will evaporate, and he will be happy for the rest of his life. And you are then one chosen to do it.
I Adopted This Beautiful Girl Today!
Oh my gosh! She is gorgeous! (and she looks like she knows it too!)
We Adopted This Majestic Baby Floof This Morning
Baby Floof is already doing the rounds, checking out the house. Just to make sure everything—-and everybody—-is in its/their place.
Meet Josie, My Unexpected Adopted Kitty
Meet Rocky! I Adopted This Amazeball A Few Days Ago...and I Just Wanted This Community To Meet My Baby Boy
I Adopted This Senior Cutie Today! Meet Fox Everyone
Adopted This Little Guy Today
My BF And I Adopted This Fine Gentleman Last Night, His Name Is Haku
After Job Turmoil And Quarantine Blues And A Horrible Breakup, 2020 Pulled Through And Put These Angels In A Shelter Right Before I Finally Convinced My Landlords To Let Me Adopt!!
So Glad I Adopted This Little Dude
Say Hi To My Newly Adopted Buddy, Didi! Have A Great Weekend Everyone!
Well, Joey, you and Chandler need to adopt a chick to make the family complete!
Adopted This Little Bean Today And This Is How She Fell Asleep In Her Box
She knows she’s finally home (you know it the first time they sleep very deeply and don’t startle awake at every sound or movement). They can finally relax like that when they finally feel safe, warm, secure, well fed, loved, and happy.
Just Adopted My New Best Bud Parker
My So And I Found This Baby Abandoned. We Adopt Him (It's A Him) And We Are Looking For Name Sugestions! If You Have Any Ideas Please Let Us Know. Also If You Need More Photos Just Ask!
Awww... My New Adopted Kitteh Shared His First Blep!
I Traveled 400 Miles To Adopt This Handsome Gentleman. His Name Is Gordon
Just Sharing My Cat. I Adopted Him As A Senior, And He’s The Greatest
Senior cats are so wonderful! Laid back, cuddly, mild playing, short duration zoomies, no tearing stuff up. Just being really zen with you.
This Is Satan. I Adopted Him One Week Ago
I Adopted This Guy Yesterday From The Animal Shelter. I Think He Feeling At Home. Meet Monkey
I had a cat named Monkey! And she really was more monkey than cat sometimes.
Thank you to all the people who adopt, especially older animals. They deserve a warm and loving last years.
About a year ago, we adopted my rabbit, Misty. She's two years old now, and she's the best and most bizzare creature I could have asked for, and I know that we have many happy years together ahead of us. I legitimately remember the day she went to get spayed. I had school that day, and I couldn't stay in the vet's office anyways, so we were separated for awhile. I was so nervous and afraid for her. My friend remembers this too. I was crying a little at recess and I remember my friend coming to comfort me. When Mom picked me up later that day, I remember learning that Misty would come home to us a bit late because another animal had come in with a much more urgent case. When we finally got her back, Misty was groggy and in slight pain (you'd be too, if you had to get that kind of surgery) but was otherwise fine. She's now happy and healthy and just generally her normal, spunky self. I wouldn't trade her for anything.
A wonderful heartwarming end to 2020! Reminds me how many good and decent people are in this world!
Everyone here has done the best thing ever - given a senior or not-perfect (?) animal a forever home and love. Animal Lovers are the Best People Ever.
Rescues are the best! We adopted our boy in 2012. Has close to three years of behavior of food guarding, night terrors, abandonment issues and not a big fan of catch. His only owner dumped him at the shelter said she was going away for two weeks and didn’t want him. He was devastated. The shelter saved him and sent him to a rescue. We saw him and met him and went to get him! He is now happy, confident and a smuggler and still active at almost 9 years old! He is a joy! No more night terrors, just happy boy and grumpy at night!
Unless you adopt an older pet or one with disabilities, I'm not impressed. Animal babies get adopted in a blink. The others take weeks to months to adopt out. Choose the animals that need you. You won't regret it.
"kill-shelters" are NOT full of monsters who HATE all animals. The humans who work there, they work really hard to save all animals with little support from anyone else. A lot of animals dont really have any other option (other than euthanasia) because of all their health-issues and abuse they met BEFORE they got to the shelter. "kill-shelters" exist only because stupid humans never should get animals at all. Also: shelters often get animals who need so much psychological / medical care, it actually might be better for animals to be let go. Shelters are obligated to take ALL dogs they get, redgardless of how many other dogs they already have there. Even if the shelter is over-full, they have to take in ALL dogs they get. Private shelters, on the other hand, can pick and choose when and what dog to accept in their shelter. Private shelters are not "obligated" to exceed their max-amount of animals. People who BOAST about how they could never support a shelter would never actually donate
I agree. Some old kill shelters have terrible policies, like killing the dog’s if they stay more than x days. But non kill shelters are also not the solution. Some dogs are too ill or too aggressive to be adopted. They deserve to live in dignity, not to be in pain or solitude for the rest of their life. In those cases euthanasia is the best option.
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Thank you to all the people who adopt, especially older animals. They deserve a warm and loving last years.
About a year ago, we adopted my rabbit, Misty. She's two years old now, and she's the best and most bizzare creature I could have asked for, and I know that we have many happy years together ahead of us. I legitimately remember the day she went to get spayed. I had school that day, and I couldn't stay in the vet's office anyways, so we were separated for awhile. I was so nervous and afraid for her. My friend remembers this too. I was crying a little at recess and I remember my friend coming to comfort me. When Mom picked me up later that day, I remember learning that Misty would come home to us a bit late because another animal had come in with a much more urgent case. When we finally got her back, Misty was groggy and in slight pain (you'd be too, if you had to get that kind of surgery) but was otherwise fine. She's now happy and healthy and just generally her normal, spunky self. I wouldn't trade her for anything.
A wonderful heartwarming end to 2020! Reminds me how many good and decent people are in this world!
Everyone here has done the best thing ever - given a senior or not-perfect (?) animal a forever home and love. Animal Lovers are the Best People Ever.
Rescues are the best! We adopted our boy in 2012. Has close to three years of behavior of food guarding, night terrors, abandonment issues and not a big fan of catch. His only owner dumped him at the shelter said she was going away for two weeks and didn’t want him. He was devastated. The shelter saved him and sent him to a rescue. We saw him and met him and went to get him! He is now happy, confident and a smuggler and still active at almost 9 years old! He is a joy! No more night terrors, just happy boy and grumpy at night!
Unless you adopt an older pet or one with disabilities, I'm not impressed. Animal babies get adopted in a blink. The others take weeks to months to adopt out. Choose the animals that need you. You won't regret it.
"kill-shelters" are NOT full of monsters who HATE all animals. The humans who work there, they work really hard to save all animals with little support from anyone else. A lot of animals dont really have any other option (other than euthanasia) because of all their health-issues and abuse they met BEFORE they got to the shelter. "kill-shelters" exist only because stupid humans never should get animals at all. Also: shelters often get animals who need so much psychological / medical care, it actually might be better for animals to be let go. Shelters are obligated to take ALL dogs they get, redgardless of how many other dogs they already have there. Even if the shelter is over-full, they have to take in ALL dogs they get. Private shelters, on the other hand, can pick and choose when and what dog to accept in their shelter. Private shelters are not "obligated" to exceed their max-amount of animals. People who BOAST about how they could never support a shelter would never actually donate
I agree. Some old kill shelters have terrible policies, like killing the dog’s if they stay more than x days. But non kill shelters are also not the solution. Some dogs are too ill or too aggressive to be adopted. They deserve to live in dignity, not to be in pain or solitude for the rest of their life. In those cases euthanasia is the best option.
Load More Replies...