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One of the greatest things about rescuing a pet is having someone who will be there for you no matter what. As you might already know, there are millions of animals up for adoption worldwide. In the US alone, approximately 6.3 million pets enter shelters every year, and roughly two-thirds get taken in. While the decision to adopt a four-legged companion should not be taken lightly, the feeling of providing a 'furever' home to them is extremely rewarding.

So to celebrate rescued animals and their rescuers, we at Bored Panda are continuing our monthly feature and sharing some of the most soul-healing photos of pets enjoying their second chance at life. Just to warn you though, we’ve handpicked so many adorable critters, they’re bound to melt your heart away.

From tiny newborn kitties and puppies to furry charming rabbits, we hope that seeing these little animals being saved from the hardship of living on the streets will put a smile on your face. Continue scrolling and upvote your favorite ones! And if you’re in the mood to meet even more heroes and their lovely pets, check out our earlier lists right here: March, February, and January.

#1

I Found This Cat After The Fire. A Rocket Hit A House Near Me (I Live In Ukraine), And This Cat Must Have Been There Because His Fur Is Burnt And He Has Problems With His Paw. I Take Care Of Him, Now He Looks Better

I Found This Cat After The Fire. A Rocket Hit A House Near Me (I Live In Ukraine), And This Cat Must Have Been There Because His Fur Is Burnt And He Has Problems With His Paw. I Take Care Of Him, Now He Looks Better

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cheryll_veloria avatar
May light defeat the darkness
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For you and for Ukraine, may peace be restored in your country as soon as possible and may your country come out stronger after the war. 🌻

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#2

First Night Home After Being Adopted

First Night Home After Being Adopted

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#3

I Made The Greatest Decision, I Adopted A Terminal Dog! I Can't Imagine A Better Way To Honor My Old Dogs. Welcome To Your New Life Cream Puff! Prepare For A Pampered Rest Of Your Life!

I Made The Greatest Decision, I Adopted A Terminal Dog! I Can't Imagine A Better Way To Honor My Old Dogs. Welcome To Your New Life Cream Puff! Prepare For A Pampered Rest Of Your Life!

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The decision to provide a home for a mistreated pet comes with a lot of new responsibilities, and they go way beyond filling up the bowls with water and food. This little creature that has probably been through a lot is now completely in your hands, and you have to do the best you can to take care of their physical and mental well-being.

To learn more about pet adoption and the key factors people should consider before taking this big step, we reached out to Dr. Jo Lewis, an award-winning British feline expert vet and author of What’s My Cat Thinking? She offers consultations and online courses to help people better understand cat body language, biology, instincts, and behaviors. "I know it’s really hard to stay objective when you see pets that are in need of homes but it’s really important to make decisions with your head, rather than simply following your heart," she told Bored Panda.

We know how tempting it is to adopt a furry friend the second you step foot through the front door, but it’s better to think about your expectations of this relationship beforehand. "Instead, focus your attention on what you have to offer them and whether or not all their emotional and physical needs will be met by sharing their life with you."

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#4

After Loosing My Buddy Of 16 Years A Month Ago, We Found These Lil Guys In The Street

After Loosing My Buddy Of 16 Years A Month Ago, We Found These Lil Guys In The Street

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#5

Adoption Saves Lives! Look At His Face!

Adoption Saves Lives! Look At His Face!

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#6

Rescued Kitten With Broken Legs

Rescued Kitten With Broken Legs

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Dr. Lewis said you can never be too prepared before taking on a pet. Moreover, you should be mindful of what each species need to stay happy and healthy. "For example, cats are not the independent, 'out of the box', low maintenance pets many people assume they are. They’re definitely not little dogs either, or furry baby humans for that matter. Cats are extremely adaptable and in some ways, that’s their strength, but it can also be a weakness that opens them up to abuse."

The feline expert explained she’s not talking about intentional verbal or physical violence either. "Just human naivety and plain old ignorance and failing to offer cats what they need to be happy and healthy. It can be as much about what you do not offer them, not just what you do offer," she added.

#7

Got Back From The Shelter An Hour Ago, I Think She Is Settling In Nicely

Got Back From The Shelter An Hour Ago, I Think She Is Settling In Nicely

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#8

Went For A Walk And This Guy Was Just Sitting There Gave Him Some Food And He Followed Me Home

Went For A Walk And This Guy Was Just Sitting There Gave Him Some Food And He Followed Me Home

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#9

We Adopted Mango 3 Weeks Ago. This Is How She Sleeps On Her Dad

We Adopted Mango 3 Weeks Ago. This Is How She Sleeps On Her Dad

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When it comes to caring for our four-legged friends, it goes way beyond the obvious basics like providing food, water, and a place to sleep. "You need to think about keeping them physically and mentally healthy," Dr. Lewis said. "It’s not just about protecting pets from injury or poisoning, it’s so important to prevent them from feeling stressed, anxious, bored, depressed or frustrated too."

Before contacting the shelter, consider your lifestyle and time commitments such as your work routine, partner, other pets, as well as your life plan for the lifetime of the pet you’re planning to take on, Dr. Lewis told us. "If you don’t have enough space, time, money, experience or the keenness to learn about what a pet needs and wants before you adopt, then you need to ask yourself the hard question — is their future brightest with you or someone who is better prepared for that commitment?"

#10

We Adopted Gus Gus Yesterday, Who Is A Perfectly Happy And Healthy Pirate Cat

We Adopted Gus Gus Yesterday, Who Is A Perfectly Happy And Healthy Pirate Cat

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#11

I Have Been Alone For A While Now, So I Adopted A New Best Friend. Meet Ping

I Have Been Alone For A While Now, So I Adopted A New Best Friend. Meet Ping

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#12

To The Scummy Human Being/S Who Decided To Dump This Precious Baby At My Doorstep, I Hope You Never Experience Love Like He Does Now

To The Scummy Human Being/S Who Decided To Dump This Precious Baby At My Doorstep, I Hope You Never Experience Love Like He Does Now

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#13

No Matter What Is Going On Around You When You Love Animals You Will Do Anything For Them!

No Matter What Is Going On Around You When You Love Animals You Will Do Anything For Them!

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However, if you looked at this decision from all possible angles and believe adopting a pet is the right choice, start researching rescue centers in your area. "Definitely avoid animals from pet supermarkets, market stalls and online adverts," the expert advised. "Visit local vets to find one that shares your values. There are clinics that focus on one species that aim to be more cat-friendly, dog-friendly or offer Fear-Free vet care. Others have special interests in small furry critters and more exotic pets like birds and reptiles."

#14

This Is Vienna; I Brought Her Home From The Shelter About A Week Ago. She’s Between 10-12 Years Old And Was Surrendered By A Previous Owner. The Shelter Told Me She Kept Getting Passed Up Because Of Her Age, And I Just Couldn’t Leave Her There. I Already Love Her So Much It Hurts

This Is Vienna; I Brought Her Home From The Shelter About A Week Ago. She’s Between 10-12 Years Old And Was Surrendered By A Previous Owner. The Shelter Told Me She Kept Getting Passed Up Because Of Her Age, And I Just Couldn’t Leave Her There. I Already Love Her So Much It Hurts

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#15

Does My Stray Kitty Look Happy With His New Home?

Does My Stray Kitty Look Happy With His New Home?

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#16

This Sweet Lady Is Poppy. She’s 12 Years Old And We Have Adopted Her As Her Previous Owner Passed. She’s Settled Really Quickly

This Sweet Lady Is Poppy. She’s 12 Years Old And We Have Adopted Her As Her Previous Owner Passed. She’s Settled Really Quickly

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Dr. Lewis suggested that rescuing a pet could be seen as a job interview. "What does your pet adoption 'CV' look like? Reputable pet rescue centers will want to screen you before handing over a vulnerable little life. Don’t take personal offense, especially if they reject you, they have the animals’ best interests at heart."

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"They are not aimed at judging how much you might love animals, just objectively considering the practicalities in your life. Long work hours, unstable living arrangements or location by a main road are the common reasons rescue centers decline adoption because they are factors that potentially impact a pet’s long-term health and mental wellbeing," she noted.

#17

I Rescued Fred From The Middle Of A Rainy Highway. Thank You Universe For Letting Me Be In That Exact Place And Time !

I Rescued Fred From The Middle Of A Rainy Highway. Thank You Universe For Letting Me Be In That Exact Place And Time !

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#19

My Girlfriend And I Are Moving Into A New Apartment That Allows Dogs, And The Day We Signed The Lease, Went Out And Got This Little Guy. Meet Duke!

My Girlfriend And I Are Moving Into A New Apartment That Allows Dogs, And The Day We Signed The Lease, Went Out And Got This Little Guy. Meet Duke!

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#20

Just Got My First Doggo At The Age Of 57 - Already Smitten

Just Got My First Doggo At The Age Of 57 - Already Smitten

She is a rescue after being found with the rest of the litter on a street, most likely just dumped as they were on their own. Four months old and a proper mongrel - she fell asleep in the car on the way home but was shaking a bit and breathing heavily when we got her in. She seems a bit calmer now.

I'm looking forward to many happy years with her...

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Adopted animals can also come with many health concerns and emotional "baggage" which could affect their long-term health, Dr. Lewis told us. "Sure, there are many rescue pets that are well-socialized, confident and loving companions that have simply fallen on hard times; however, some have led a very challenging life as a result of how other humans have, or just as importantly have not, looked after them."

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"I am by no means saying, 'get a pedigreed breed instead'. Genetically purebred animals often have lots of their own health and welfare problems — it’s just important to bear a rescue pet’s past in mind, even if you don’t know exactly what’s gone on," she concluded.

#21

3 Newborns Were Found On Friday In An Empty Dog Food Bag. Who Needs A Baby When You Can Raise 3 Puppies? My Life Currently Revolves Around Snuggles, Sleep, Milk And An Insane Amount Of Poop!

3 Newborns Were Found On Friday In An Empty Dog Food Bag. Who Needs A Baby When You Can Raise 3 Puppies? My Life Currently Revolves Around Snuggles, Sleep, Milk And An Insane Amount Of Poop!

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#22

Some A**hole Dumped Her On The Side Of The Road. She’s Mine Now! Meet Dottie

Some A**hole Dumped Her On The Side Of The Road. She’s Mine Now! Meet Dottie

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#23

We Adopted This Little Sweetheart From The Shelter. I Mean, Look At Her Face!

We Adopted This Little Sweetheart From The Shelter. I Mean, Look At Her Face!

ms_huntr3ss Report

#25

The Pose That My Newly Adopted Garbage Kitty Sleeps In

The Pose That My Newly Adopted Garbage Kitty Sleeps In

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#28

My Girlfriend Said He Was Ugly. I Told Her Ugly Cats Need Love Too. And She Replied "So Do Ugly People, That's Why I Am Here"

My Girlfriend Said He Was Ugly. I Told Her Ugly Cats Need Love Too. And She Replied "So Do Ugly People, That's Why I Am Here"

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#29

He Was Found On A Farm As A Poorly Feral Kitten. Now He’s Got Himself A Family To Love And Spoil Him. (He Only Wore The Bow Tie For The Time It Took To Take The Photo)

He Was Found On A Farm As A Poorly Feral Kitten. Now He’s Got Himself A Family To Love And Spoil Him. (He Only Wore The Bow Tie For The Time It Took To Take The Photo)

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#30

Please See Below My Sad Little Rescued Mess Of An Earplane. Her Name Is Peaches

Please See Below My Sad Little Rescued Mess Of An Earplane. Her Name Is Peaches

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#31

After Being Bounced For The First 9 Months Of His Life Griffin Is Home

After Being Bounced For The First 9 Months Of His Life Griffin Is Home

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sandyd avatar
Sandy D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother had a pupper named Griffin who crossed the bride a few years ago now. If your Griffin is even half as awesome as that one, you have a wonderful dog!

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#32

Greetings. Meet Nacho. My 8 Week Old Kitten That I Adopted From The Shelter About 1 Hour Ago

Greetings. Meet Nacho. My 8 Week Old Kitten That I Adopted From The Shelter About 1 Hour Ago

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Kelsey Rivera
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AWWWWWW *dies from cuteness* 😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰🤯😵‍💫😵

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#33

Found This Little Dude Under My Car This Morning

Found This Little Dude Under My Car This Morning

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#35

Drove Past Two [unalived] Kittens In The Road, Turned Around & Wife Spotted This Poor Little Guy Laying In The Grass By The Road, Missed The Fate Of Its Two Siblings, Minor Road Rash & A Sore Leg, But He Seems To Be Ok, Clearly Thrown From A Car, Sigh, Well Say Hello To “Heldig”!

Drove Past Two [unalived] Kittens In The Road, Turned Around & Wife Spotted This Poor Little Guy Laying In The Grass By The Road, Missed The Fate Of Its Two Siblings, Minor Road Rash & A Sore Leg, But He Seems To Be Ok, Clearly Thrown From A Car, Sigh, Well Say Hello To “Heldig”!

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Kelsey Rivera
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WHAT KIND OF MONSTER DOES THAT TO KITTENS THEY ARE JUST M BABIES😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

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#36

The Newest Member Of Our Family, A 5mos Old Devon Rex Girl From Ukraine. Still Arguing About A Name. I Like “Katarina” My Wife Doesn’t

The Newest Member Of Our Family, A 5mos Old Devon Rex Girl From Ukraine. Still Arguing About A Name. I Like “Katarina” My Wife Doesn’t

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#37

Jade, The Pregnant Foster Cat My Wife Brought Home As A 'Surprise' Last Week, Had Her Kittens Today

Jade, The Pregnant Foster Cat My Wife Brought Home As A 'Surprise' Last Week, Had Her Kittens Today

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#38

I Just Brought Home My New Foster Kitten! This Little Fella Was Found Alone In A Parking Lot A Few Hours Ago. He’s Missing A Few Pieces. I Need Name Ideas!

I Just Brought Home My New Foster Kitten! This Little Fella Was Found Alone In A Parking Lot A Few Hours Ago. He’s Missing A Few Pieces. I Need Name Ideas!

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#39

Found A Kitten On The Side Of The Road

Found A Kitten On The Side Of The Road

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Sergy Yeltsen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at that tiny little kitten. I hope she wasn't dumped, but thanks to you for rescuing her.

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#40

Found This Perfect Little Angel Today. She Was Jamming It Up For The Vets! And She’s Settling Right In Now

Found This Perfect Little Angel Today. She Was Jamming It Up For The Vets! And She’s Settling Right In Now

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#45

My GF And I Adopted This Sweet Boy Today. He Immediately Climbed On Me And Gave Me Face Rubs

My GF And I Adopted This Sweet Boy Today. He Immediately Climbed On Me And Gave Me Face Rubs

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Busy Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Face rub means he's marking his belonging. Now you're his slave for life!

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#47

Took This Kitten And A Sibling From A Family That Didn’t Want Them. The Bro Is Serving Up Some Serious Looks

Took This Kitten And A Sibling From A Family That Didn’t Want Them. The Bro Is Serving Up Some Serious Looks

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#48

My Little Adopted Boy, Peanut, Or Mr. Nubs :) His Previous Owners Didn't Take Care Of Him At All, And Peanut Was Found With His Tail Caught In The Hood Of A Car And With A Scratched Mouth. His Tail Is Amputated, And He Has A Cleft Lip But I Love Him No Matter What

My Little Adopted Boy, Peanut, Or Mr. Nubs :) His Previous Owners Didn't Take Care Of Him At All, And Peanut Was Found With His Tail Caught In The Hood Of A Car And With A Scratched Mouth. His Tail Is Amputated, And He Has A Cleft Lip But I Love Him No Matter What

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#49

This Is Spook. I Adopted Her Yesterday, Love Her So Much Already

This Is Spook. I Adopted Her Yesterday, Love Her So Much Already

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ThatHuskyStorm
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does she have that medical condition were the cat has multiple irises? Polycoria I believe it’s called.

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#50

Our Newest Family Member, Daisy. Adopted This Sweet Girl Two Days Ago

Our Newest Family Member, Daisy. Adopted This Sweet Girl Two Days Ago

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Note: this post originally had 103 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.