Animals, just like humans, need a second chance. Whether they have been lost, abandoned, or given up, the critters people meet at shelters are all unwanted and helpless. Until we adopt them.
You can't make many choices that feel as rewarding as saving a life. And it's not just you who's reaping the benefits of finding a new best friend. Rescuing a pet also frees up shelter space so more animals can get the care they need, and, most importantly, someone very miserable becomes very, very, very happy.
Just like in February and January, Bored Panda has compiled a list of pictures that feature newly adopted animals of the month. From kitties and pups to bunnies and horses, the smiles on these rescue boys and girls definitely prove they couldn't be happier they've finally found their forever homes.
This post may include affiliate links.
Adopted Coco The Ginger And Came Back A Week Later To Get Her Brother Tux As We Couldn't Bare To Leave Him Behind. They Are The Best Of Friends!
"By adopting an animal in need – no matter the species, breed, or size – you may be saving that animal’s life as well as freeing up valuable shelter space and resources for other animals in need," Kelly DiCicco, Manager, Adoptions Promotions at the ASPCA Adoption Center told Bored Panda. "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."
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 according to ASPCA estimates, the number of dogs and cats entering U.S. shelters annually has declined from approximately 7.2 million in 2011. If you want to contribute to lowering these numbers and rescue an animal, you can find general adoption tips or a local shelter in your area at ASPCA.
Wife Wanted A Cat. I Said No, So We Compromised And Got A One Eyed Cat
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’s Skinny Body Was Found Abandoned In A Ditch, Soaking Wet, And Dotted With Cigarette Burns. He Was Infested With Fleas, Anemic, And Starving. One Look At His Little Face And I Knew Had To Adopt Him. Fast Forward 5 Years, He’s Now A Confident, Happy, Healthy Boi With A Career In Modelling
Animal torture should have the same penalty as child molestation or rape.
However, the coronavirus pandemic that is currently ravaging our world is also putting an immense strain on shelters all over the US. "Because this is an unprecedented and ever-changing situation, each shelter is facing unique challenges specific to its communities," DiCicco explained. "Many shelters are facing reduced staff and volunteer support, which is putting animals in desperate need of temporary or permanent sheltering outside the four walls of typical adoption centers and shelters."
For example, Sarah Bhimani, a spokesperson for Animal Humane Society, told Bored Panda that the organization has made the difficult decision to temporarily close all four of their shelters to the public through May 2 and only provide limited services, such as accepting surrendered/stray animals, providing limited veterinary services, and continuing humane investigations. "As our shelters were scheduled to close, we saw an outpouring of support from our community and experienced some record days of adoptions. The majority of remaining animals are being cared for by foster volunteers until the shelters reopen, and a small group of staff are caring for animals that must stay at the shelter for medical or behavioral reasons."
Lots Of Strange Things Happening In The World Lately. Adopted This Rescue Kitty Today To Help Make Both Our Lives Better
But with everything going on in the world right now, Bhimani reassured that animals in need are not forgotten. "We’re still here to help the most vulnerable animals in our community, and we encourage others to get involved too at animalhumanesociety.org"
One of the ways people can help during these difficult times is fostering. "[It] can give you the opportunity to single-handedly change an animal’s life for the better and is a rewarding experience for those who choose to become caregivers," DiCicco said. "There’s no place like a loving home to get a dog or cat used to the sights, sounds, and experiences that will set them up for a successful future adoption."
I Didn’t Know Cats Could Have Such A Wide Range Of Emotion Until I Adopted Leonardo Dicatprio
Shelter Dog Cannot Contain Her Excitement About Getting Adopted
My GF Wanted To Adopt A Kitten, I Said Not Now. As Compromise Here's The Kitten
My Grandmother (87) With Her Newly Adopted Senior Peanut (14) On Their Way Home From Foster Care Today
Just Adopted This Handsome Boy Yesterday
What a beautiful coat this good boi has. Now you just need an eye patch and a pirate name for him. Maybe "Yaaaar!"
I Think I Adopted A Vampire
I Adopted 2 Kittens Last Week. After Many Days Of Not Seeing Them, I Woke Up To This Today
Can’t Have Kids, So I Adopted
Just Adopted Cotton! Her Favourite Hobbies Are Cosplaying As Plants And Taking Naps In Random Places
My Mom Adopted An Outdoor Cat After It Gave Birth To Some Kittens And Wanted To Give It Some Shelter
Found Him On A Beach In Russia. Brought Him Back Home To The States. He Adopted Me
3 Years Ago I Adopted This Old Guy. Today He’s 14 And Doing Better Than Ever!
This Good Boi Showed Up One Year Ago Tonight. He Rescued Us As Much As He Was Rescued
Beautiful. Yes, we may rescue these beautiful animals but they rescue us right back with all their love.
Adopted My “End Of The World” Team Yesterday. Shelters Are Struggling And I Was Lonely Anyway
Signing Over The Adoption Papers Today For My New Baby, Moo. Any And All Tips And Advice Are Welcome!
Tip: Get a second one! Unless there are serious reasons why not to (sick bun or super aggressive towards others), buns should not be kept alone. A lot of countries even require the adoption of two buns.
My Rescue Boy Strawberry Flashing His Beautiful (Don't Tell Him Otherwise) Camera Ready Smile
I can just imagine this animal laughing with that grin on his face.
Just Adopted This Sweet Girl. Best Decision I’ve Made In A While
Chewy, The Recently Adopted Unit From The Nebraska Humane Society
Sorry to inform you that the rescue clinic misidentified this animal as a cat. It's not a cat. You now own a bear.
Today I Rescued This Littly Beauty, She Drive With Me For 1,5 Hours Like This. I Think She Knows Shes Going To Her Forever Home
My Brother's Rescues, Addie & Chase
Please Keep This Boy In Your Thoughts Tomorrow, He's Meeting His Potential Adoption Family!
Moose was adopted and gets to live with an older couple who will have tons of time to spend with him and a lake to take him out on!
Saw These Two Boys Up For Adoption At The Local Pet Supply Store. Their Names Are Honda And Civic
Sonny Is A Rescue From A Bad Owner. He Has A Lot Of Health Problems But He’s Very Proud Of His Remaining Tooth!
I have a one-toofer too! Love his little crooked smile.. He broke his other one in a fight or something and we had it removed.
Adoption Day! 9 Yr Old Good Boy Zak, We’re Gonna Make Sure Your Last Years Are Your Best❤️
My Little Rescue, Lilith, Got To Play Outside For The First Time Today!
We Have Adopted Bud
Last Week Was The Purrrfect Time To Adopt A Kitten. She Sends You Teeny Kisses
Reddit, Meet Finn! He’s Making Social Distancing A Little Easier :)
That doggy is absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful addition to your family.
Just Adopted My First Rats Last Week. It’s So Great Seeing Them Come Out Of Their Shells
Two Years After Adoption And Still Getting Floofier By The Day
My Friends Recently Adopted Pup
Our Newly Adopted Incorgnito (We Think Corgi/Cavalier King Charles). Meet Riley!
I Adopted This Handsome Boy A Week Ago... Look At That Beautifully Executed Front Curl!
The Nypd Rescued This Large Bunny!
Our Newly Adopted Dog “Mello” Hides Under The Table
Just Adopted This Pupper From A Shelter, Although This Is Cute I'm Teaching Her Not To Jump On Counters
But shes just so beautiful let her look at the wonder of the world
Maybe you could find a mirror that can be stood on the floor for her to admire herself.
It's not the counter that she wants, it's the mirror to make sure she's still cute!!!
You might need to make the bathroom counter OK so she can see how pretty she is.
This Is Merlin. We Adopted Him Last July, Making Him The Fourth Member Of Our Rescue Chihuahua Family. He's About Eleven Or Twelve Years Old. He Came From A Hoarding Situation Where He Lived In A Cramped, Dark Cupboard With Fifteen Or So Others. He Enjoys Cuddles, Giving Kisses, And General Mischief
We Made Steak Tonight For The First Time Since We Adopted Him. Apparently He Has Special Sits For The Occasion.
Second Day After Being Adopted. Seems Pretty Relaxed If You Ask Me!
My Boyfriend And I Adopted This Beauty About A Month Ago And She Is Already Growing To Become A Fierce Lady
Ernest Is A Polydactyl Bengal/American Curl Hybrid. He Was Carelessly Bred By A Backyard Breeder, And Given Up To A Rescue After They Realized He Was Going To Get Chronic Ear Infections. My Fiancé And I Were Allowed To Adopt Him Because As A Nurse I Could Give Him The Care He Needs. Fully Recovered!
My Friend Has Adopted The Most Expressive Cat Ever. Meet Babushka!
Adopted A Cat To Stay With Me In The Quarantine, She Is Safe Now
Just Adopted This Chonk
Aww! Such a sweetheart! Hopefully you'll be able to help him shed some pounds so he can go back to being a healthy, happy pupper!
This Picture Of A Dog Rescued Makes Me Very Happy!
The Day My 15 Y/O Lady Decided Our New Puppy Was Alright With Her.
That was an excellent decision, the puppy looks scared, and Lady looks a bit aloof. but there will be great love, between the three of you, of that I have no doubt..I love both of your dogs!!!
We Adopted Them, They Adopted Each Other
Adopted A Pony From A Sanctuary And He’s Very Underweight. Help Me Fatten Him Up.
Just Picked Up Our Newest Foster Dog From The Humane Society. We Named Him Carl! He’s 11 Years Young. He’s With Us Until He Gets Adopted, We May Just Keep Him ❤️
Meet Moby! Muscovy Duckling Only 4-5 Days Old And Such A Sweetie. Adopted After Being Rejected By His/Her Mother
This Grumpy Lady Was Adopted By Me After Spending 4 Yrs In The Shelter Last Month.
Grumpy? I don't think grumpy cats present their belly for rubs like that. So cute!
Rescue Pit Mix Jelly Bean Loves To Smile
I Saw This And It Really Touched My Heart. These Are The First Beautiful Moments Between A Man And His Newly Adopted Dog.
This Is Wilbur Aka “Willie”. We Just Adopted Him A Week Ago. He’s Completely White Other Than His Tail, Which Is Completely Black.
Can You Believe This Guy Was At The Shelter For 5 Months Before We Adopted Him
Adopted This Lonely Little Girl Today! She’s Been Left Alone In A Hutch For A Long Time Because “The Children Outgrew Her.” 🙄 I’ve Never Know A Rabbit Enjoy Sitting For A Cuddle So Much. I’m So Excited To Give Her All The Snuggles And Attention She Needs For The Rest Of Her Life!
This Is Arnold! We Adopted Him 3 Weeks Ago, And He’s Had An Amazing Transformation. I’ve Never Met A Cat With So Much Moxie
Just Adopted, First Car Ride Home Of Many
Shelters Are Lowering Or Waiving Their Adoption Fees Around Me So The Time Was Right To Pick Up This Shy Girl. Meet Adeline!
I Was Only Planning On Getting One Cat When I Adopted These Two...couldnt Separate Them
Yup, that happend to us as well. We went to the shelter to adopt one cat but he brought his sister along. Best decision ever: two cats dont cost you that much more then one and they have a cat friend to cuddle and play with. If you can always try to adopt two. (Of course there are cats that dont like other cats, if you have one of those, one alone is perfectly finde)
My Friend Has Adopted A Kitty, His Name Is Alvin And He Is The Cutest ♥️♥️
Rescued My First Pit Mix. I Have Always Wanted One. I Think My Husband Is Happy.
Adopted This Sweet Girl Yesterday, Meet Coco!
Reddit, Meet Misty! She Was Rescued From Houston, Tx In December (Too) Weighing 46lbs. Bottom Pic Is Her Today After A Hike And Some Yard Zoomies At 62lbs. It’s Been 3 Days Since Adoption And I Love Her To Death.
She looks so sad in her shelter pic - but then they usually do. My rescue dogs have made such a difference to my life. Highly recommend it to anyone who can.
Archie Mirin’ My Husband The Day He Rescued Him
We Adopted Four New Members To Our Family Yesterday! This Is Bean
The Pregnant Stray I Took In Finally Gave Birth To A Litter Of Seven Kittens. How’s Your Quarantine Going?
I Found This Two Baby Cat In Street And Adopt Them Today
I Thought I Adopted A Dog Last Week, Turns Out I Actually Adopted A Model
Just Adopted This Sweetheart Who Loves Being My Desk Buddy!
Gracie Was Rescued From The Streets Of Mexico And Has Made A Full Recovery From Parvo! She’s So Photogenic She Needs Her Own Calendar!
My 62 Year Old Boss Adopted My 12 Year Old Foster Dog A While Back And He Sends Me Updates Of How He’s Doing.
This Little Buddy Got Adopted Today. I Don’t Think He Minds Too Much...
After A 4hr Drive To Rescue Her It Took Me Another 2hrs To Coax Lucy Out Of My Suv
Adopted A Scooby-Doo
We have also rescued a Scooby Doo <3 (That's his actual name, my then 6 year old son got to give him his new name when we adopted him from Spain) IMG_3777-5...ab4734.jpg
This Is Duke Silver. My Wife And I Have Wanted To Adopt A Dog For Years And Just Never Felt Like It Was The Right Time...we Adopted Him Last Saturday (The 21st). He Loves Sleeping, Playing With His New Toys, Long Walks In The Park And Is One Of The Loudest Snorers I Have Ever Met.
2 Of My Rescues, Left - Indica, Right - Sativa
i absolutely love ferrets and am so happy you rescued them. I had to rehome mine last night due to management threatening eviction and my heart is broken
A Small Floof My Wife And I Rescued From Inside A Car
Adoption Day Snuggles!
Rescue Kitten Sitting Like A Human And Licking My Leg.
This Is Martha. We Rescued Her Today And Now I’m In Love
Fara Means Mouse In Arabic. Pepsi Cap For Scale. She Weighed 94 Grams When We Rescued Her.
I (F27) Adopted My Very First Cat Today But He’s Still A Little Shy (Been Hiding Behind The Microwave All Night)
I tell my son with every new kitty- don't force it. Kitty will come up to you soon. Make sure they know they are safe and loved and have no loud surprises!
Adopted Two New Family Members Today, We’re Very Excited! Here’s Milo And Sam!
Thank you for taking in two black kitties. Unfortunately, many people are still unwilling to do so.
When You Are Forced To Work From Home, You Adopt A Kitten. Everyone Meet Tomato! My Wee Little Companion During This Difficult Time :)
I’ve Wanted My Own Puppy For Six Years And Finally Got This Piece Of Fried Chicken
Adopted Two Elderly Piggies Today - I'm In Love Already!
My Fiancé And I’s Recent Adoption, Penelope, Proud Of The Raincoat My Mom Gifted Her.
My Friends Showing Me And My Housemate Their New Kitten Via Social Distancing Window
Throwback To Our First Encounter. I Decided To Adopt Him Shortly After 😸
I like the angle. It's kind of like he's taking a selfie!
Adoption Day Boop!
Adopted This Sweet Baby Girl Today
The Wife And I Just Adopted This Beautiful Girl
We Adopted This Good Boy Today Just As Our State Went On Lockdown. Meet Jasper.
Sleepy Idiot. My Rescue Girl Has No Front Teeth
Narwhal, A Rescue Puppy With A Tail On His Head.
Cowboy The Day We Officially Adopted Him
My Girlfriend And I Recently Adopted A 4-Month Shoulder Kitty. Meet, Milo!
My Ex And I Found This Little Guy In Bad Condition. Decided To Keep Him And Name Him Mark!
My Big 70 Lb Handsome Boy Hash Brown
Taboo (Boo), The Day She Was Rescued From A Kill Shelter And Seven Years Later.
My Cat Lucky. She’s A Stray So We Rescued Her. That’s Why She’s Lucky
Just Adopted This Chonk
I hope everyone who adopted a pet to get them through the pandemic remember that animals are for life, good or bad.... I have only ever had rescue animals, and wouldn't do it any other way!
Yes, hopefully they are not discarded once the pandemic has finished.
Load More Replies...One good thing about this pandemic. People are finding new housemates!
Load More Replies...I love these, so happy these animals got adopted, and those not so lucky pls go to the kill shelter adopt them, they are waiting for us, it's their last chance.
I'm reading this while cuddling with my kitty Pippin, who I adopted a year + a few months ago. He approves. 😊🐱
I just want to know how everyone is able to adopt these pets? In my area all the adoptions have been suspended and all rescues have gone into foster care. I've been trying for weeks to adopt and the shelters have either said not until after the pandemic or just not responded at all! 😔
So happy to see these adopted babies. Hope they are kept well and happy.
It breaks my heart that we have so many animals that need rescuing. We need laws that make it impossible to run puppy or kitten mills, restrictions for breeders, obligatory spaying and neutering of animals, and illegal to sell animals of a certain age unless they have been spayed or neutered. These lovely creatures should have more protection under the law.
I'll go first. 400€ - 600€ for a dog. 80€ - 120€ for a cat
Load More Replies...I think you should review who your sponsors are and don’t ad sites that sell animals!!! I have a photo of the ad selling cats in this post and it is obscene. But for some reason I couldn’t attach it.
My parents are thinking about getting a small dog. Any tips on how to persuade them to get it??
Those are extremely different things to compare. However, they are not mutually exclusive either. People who are kind to animals are quite likely to be kind to people too. They don't cancel each other out! What makes you think rescuing an animal precludes other acts of kindness. And I'm sure you've adopted kids and have your parents live with you, but they can do that too, if not perhaps not everyone is able, needs to, can. I just don't get the outrage.
Load More Replies...I hope everyone who adopted a pet to get them through the pandemic remember that animals are for life, good or bad.... I have only ever had rescue animals, and wouldn't do it any other way!
Yes, hopefully they are not discarded once the pandemic has finished.
Load More Replies...One good thing about this pandemic. People are finding new housemates!
Load More Replies...I love these, so happy these animals got adopted, and those not so lucky pls go to the kill shelter adopt them, they are waiting for us, it's their last chance.
I'm reading this while cuddling with my kitty Pippin, who I adopted a year + a few months ago. He approves. 😊🐱
I just want to know how everyone is able to adopt these pets? In my area all the adoptions have been suspended and all rescues have gone into foster care. I've been trying for weeks to adopt and the shelters have either said not until after the pandemic or just not responded at all! 😔
So happy to see these adopted babies. Hope they are kept well and happy.
It breaks my heart that we have so many animals that need rescuing. We need laws that make it impossible to run puppy or kitten mills, restrictions for breeders, obligatory spaying and neutering of animals, and illegal to sell animals of a certain age unless they have been spayed or neutered. These lovely creatures should have more protection under the law.
I'll go first. 400€ - 600€ for a dog. 80€ - 120€ for a cat
Load More Replies...I think you should review who your sponsors are and don’t ad sites that sell animals!!! I have a photo of the ad selling cats in this post and it is obscene. But for some reason I couldn’t attach it.
My parents are thinking about getting a small dog. Any tips on how to persuade them to get it??
Those are extremely different things to compare. However, they are not mutually exclusive either. People who are kind to animals are quite likely to be kind to people too. They don't cancel each other out! What makes you think rescuing an animal precludes other acts of kindness. And I'm sure you've adopted kids and have your parents live with you, but they can do that too, if not perhaps not everyone is able, needs to, can. I just don't get the outrage.
Load More Replies...