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.
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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
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. 🌻
First Night Home After Being Adopted
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!
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."
After Loosing My Buddy Of 16 Years A Month Ago, We Found These Lil Guys In The Street
Adoption Saves Lives! Look At His Face!
Rescued Kitten With Broken Legs
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.
Got Back From The Shelter An Hour Ago, I Think She Is Settling In Nicely
Went For A Walk And This Guy Was Just Sitting There Gave Him Some Food And He Followed Me Home
We Adopted Mango 3 Weeks Ago. This Is How She Sleeps On Her Dad
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?"
We Adopted Gus Gus Yesterday, Who Is A Perfectly Happy And Healthy Pirate Cat
I Have Been Alone For A While Now, So I Adopted A New Best Friend. Meet Ping
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
No Matter What Is Going On Around You When You Love Animals You Will Do Anything For Them!
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."
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
Does My Stray Kitty Look Happy With His New Home?
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
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."
"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.
I Rescued Fred From The Middle Of A Rainy Highway. Thank You Universe For Letting Me Be In That Exact Place And Time !
We Rescued Daisy! She Had Been Abandoned In The Woods
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!
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...
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."
"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.
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!
Some A**hole Dumped Her On The Side Of The Road. She’s Mine Now! Meet Dottie
We Adopted This Little Sweetheart From The Shelter. I Mean, Look At Her Face!
I Never Knew How Much I Needed You Until I Adopted You
The Pose That My Newly Adopted Garbage Kitty Sleeps In
Picked This Baby Up Earlier Today
Got A New Best Friend From The Shelter!
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"
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)
Please See Below My Sad Little Rescued Mess Of An Earplane. Her Name Is Peaches
After Being Bounced For The First 9 Months Of His Life Griffin Is Home
Greetings. Meet Nacho. My 8 Week Old Kitten That I Adopted From The Shelter About 1 Hour Ago
Found This Little Dude Under My Car This Morning
I Got Adopted! 1st Night At My Forever Home
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”!
WHAT KIND OF MONSTER DOES THAT TO KITTENS THEY ARE JUST M BABIES😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
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
Jade, The Pregnant Foster Cat My Wife Brought Home As A 'Surprise' Last Week, Had Her Kittens Today
The kittens' names should be: Jasper, Amethyst, Sapphire, Garnet, and Ruby.
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!
Found A Kitten On The Side Of The Road
Look at that tiny little kitten. I hope she wasn't dumped, but thanks to you for rescuing her.
Found This Perfect Little Angel Today. She Was Jamming It Up For The Vets! And She’s Settling Right In Now
My Older Brother Just Adopted This Little Pupper
My Roommate Got A Kitten
A Triple Adoption?!?
I Adopted My First Shelter Cat
My GF And I Adopted This Sweet Boy Today. He Immediately Climbed On Me And Gave Me Face Rubs
Face rub means he's marking his belonging. Now you're his slave for life!
Our Cute Little Rescue. His Name Is Bartholomew
Took This Kitten And A Sibling From A Family That Didn’t Want Them. The Bro Is Serving Up Some Serious Looks
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
This Is Spook. I Adopted Her Yesterday, Love Her So Much Already
Does she have that medical condition were the cat has multiple irises? Polycoria I believe it’s called.
Our Newest Family Member, Daisy. Adopted This Sweet Girl Two Days Ago
This Stray Gave Birth On My GF’s Porch. This Is The Mother And Her Newborn Son
2 Weeks Ago, Betty Was Stray. She Has Quickly Become Part Of Our Family And We Love Her So Much.
Rescued This Angel Last Night
Help Me Name My Beautiful Foster Boi!
Help My Friend Name Her New Cat! Given Name Is Taffy
Local Stray That Decided To Move In With Us.
Are the grey splotches dirt or fur colour? Makes him an amazing coloured kitty if it's actual fur.
Just Rescued Three New Kittens
My Fiancé And I Adopted This Handsome Gentleman Today. His Name Is Newton!
My Boy Obiwan Has Thumbs And No One Wanted Him Because Of Them But Those Particular Thumbs Were The Reason We Adopted Him.
Gator Is The Happiest Rescue
' you called me, boss?" I'm sorry,that's what the face says. He's scrumptious!
A Rescue. ...lot Of Work But She Is A Keeper
My New Little Rescue, Niko ♥️
Yesterday I Found An Abandoned Kitten!! Introduced It To The Other Stray That I’ve Rescued And They Are In Love 💓
Feeling A Lot Better Since This Moocher Moved Into My Apartment
We Saved A Stray And Now We’ve Adopted Him
Just A Very Dapper Appalachian Rescue Good Boy. Cur/Feist.
Adopted This 8 Year Old Sweet Girl A Few Days Ago. Is This My Life As A Cat Owner Now?
Found This Little Guy Huddled Up Against My Woodshop This Morning. So I Guess I Have A New Shop Cat
Adopting This Bad Girl In Two Days, Considering To Name Her "Magia", Any Suggestions?
The Lady I Adopted Him From Said Her Husband Was Newly Disabled. She Gave Him A Dog And He Asked For A Divorce.
Charming!!! Maybe as he's newly disabled he's angry at the world or doesn't want to be a burden ,,, goodness knows ,, at least that little guy will be happy and lived
Just Signed The Papers To Adopt This Beautiful Cat. I've Wanted A Cat My Whole Life And At 29 I'm Finally Going To Be Able To Provide For One.
We Rescued A Pup Today, Say Hello To Charmy!
Adopted My First Cat Today And Couldn't Be Happier!
Looks like a Muted Calico—-called that because the colors are muted; gray instead of black and peach instead of orange. She’s just beautiful!
Unexpectedly Brought This Guy Home Yesterday 💙
Adopting This Boy!! His Name Is Rorschach 🤗
What Should I Name Her?
My New Pupper, Has Only Been With Me For A Few Days Now 😍
Kitten Found In The Woods Of My Back Yard!
An adult cat was living in a cave in my back yard and my wife and I saw her on Saturday and had been feeding her until the rescue could come this morning. Super cute and sweet. Kept trying to look and listen for any other cats/kittens in there but didn’t hear or see anything. Then tonight when I was out with my dogs I stuck my head in to check I could hear meowing but couldn’t see her so went and got some food. Eventually she crawled closer to the hole and I grabbed her out of there. Rescue just came back and picked up this sweet baby.
I Just Adopted This Beautiful Girl!
Just Adopted This Little Puppy! Her Name Is Haru, She’s 8 Weeks Old!
Just Adopted This Small Void. What Should I Name Her?
Its Been Two Weeks Since I Adopted Theseus. He Is The Best Cat Ever. I Couldn’t Be Happier And I Hope He Is Too.
Perfect name for a most-beloved, truly amazing cat! Wishing you and him many loving years together --
Just Got Her Today, Any Name Suggestions? Her Brother’s Name Is Sundae
Just Adopted Clyde Today, Shar Pei/? Mix. He’s So Sweet!
Can Someone Tell Me Which Race This Dog Is ? My Family Found Him On The Streets
Found This Handsome Fella Right In Front Of Our Apartment. Got Immeadiately Neutered And Checked By The Vet. Probably Someone Left Him Because He Was Scared And Also Very Clean To Be A Street Cat. He Is Waiting To Be Adopted!
I Adopted Sophie 24 Hours Ago. We Are Besties. 🐈⬛🖤
Our Rescue Stray Cat Poesko Cuddled Up To Me For The First Time ! :d
I Just Adopted Two Cats About 4 Hours Ago.
This Is Our Little Old Man Bacon Who We Adopted A Week Ago. Hes At Least 7 And Has Spend All His Life In A Cage And On Pellet Diet. We're Trying To Introduce Greens To Him But He Doesn't Seem Very Interested. He Likes Fruits And Carrots Tho, But Eats Only A Little Lettuce. Any Helps Is Appreciated
Just keep doing what you are doing. It's going to take time for him to come around to greens. He is very cute though.
I Found This Little Girl In A Drainage Pipe A Few Days Ago, She Is Healthy And Warm Now, So Please Help Me Name Her! Preferably Something Starting With M Because Of The Markings Above Her Eyes!
What Should I Name My New 3 Legged Baby Girl?
Adopted This Good Boy Today
Adopted This Beautiful Girl Yesterday, Named Her Dinah 🥰
Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah. Someone’s in the kitchen, I kno-o-o-ow. Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah, strummin’ on the old banjo.
I Need Some Advice. Just Found This Kitten Alone In The Heat In The Middle Of The Street. Mother Was No Where To Be Found. Extremely Dehydrated And Hungry. Any Tips On How To Secure His Health As Well As What Food/Formula I Should Give Him Would Be Greatly Appreciated. He’s A Sweetheart.
Take him to a vet to get checked out. They can give you recommendations, as well.
Help!! Adopted A Stray, Or More Like She Adopted Me?
Update: We Adopted The Void!
Looks like the void has had some fur/skin issues, and that’s why they’re wearing the hoodie? Keep up the treatment, because they look like they’re going to be a huge floofy void when they’re better!
Just Adopted My New Cat, What Should I Call Her? 🤓
Cutie Showed Up At My House Yesterday So We’ve Taken Her In But I’ve Been Kinda Stumped On What To Name Her, Any Suggestions?
My New Adopted Kitties! Are They Considered Torties?
Any Name Suggestions For My Rescue Kitty ?
Adopted This Little Guy Yesterday. Any Name Suggestions?
Kitten Help! We Think It’s Two Weeks Old. Found On Sidewalk. We’re Feeding It And Getting It Taken Care Of, But It Won’t Defecate. We Can Get It To Urinate Through Stimulation But No Poop
Can I please beg that if you find a cat/kitten or dog/puppy on the street you make a massive effort to find if it has been lost by a family? So many of these posts go from 'found outside my house' to 'so I have adopted it' without this vital step in between. A friend of mine and her family were devastated when one of their much loved cats never came back home, despite doing everything you're supposed to do to find a lost pet. They presumed it had been hit by a car and then the body disposed of by the council or taken by foxes. *Years* later they found out the cat had been 'rescued' off the street by another family (who I am sure were all praised for how kind and lovely they were) and she had a massive fight to get her own cat back (she is a good person and never directed any hatred at the other family). Please let all the local vets know, and all the local shelters, at the very least, so if someone contacts them to see if their pet has been handed in they will find out where it is.
Sadly I suspect that people want to rescue a pet and don't want to find it and hand it back to the owner, so that's why they don't make the effort to find out if it's just lost.
Load More Replies...As a shelter volunteer myself, thank you to everyone who gives these animals a loving lifelong home and all fellow rescuers. To all the idiots and monsters that are the cause of 80% of these animals being here in the first place, I hate you and hope you rot in hell. When a person gets too sick or elderly to care for their animals anymore, that's what we are here for, any other reason is not acceptable.
Have a heartfelt Thank You yourself for doing this great job!
Load More Replies...Me and my now six month old rescue kitty are very grateful to these people :)
Agreed it is a simple task that I belive the amazing woman karma can make time for
Load More Replies...I adopted an old cat. He was in the home for ages and I couldn’t resist. His name is Caspar as he’s white but we call him chunk cause he’s a big guy. He’s 11 and had been a stray for a long time. First night he purred so loud and I brushed him. He soon settled in and loves my big bed. He’s gorgeous. He loves tv and I leave it on for him to watch while I’m at work. Adopt everyone. Even the old guys. Cats protection do a wonderful job.
I love dogs and would love to adopt one from a shelter, but I'm also afraid that there might come up problems because I have no experience with dogs so far and most dogs in our nearby shelters have a history of being difficult to handle :( we settled for a rescue cat and love her! Maybe in the future we'll add a dog to the family, when we have a large yard.
My cat on my lap reading with me told me to write you: Don't be hard on yourself for not getting a dog - thank you for rescuing and loving your cat!
Load More Replies...What an absolutely delightful way to start my weekend ... Heart warming and soul soothing 😍😍😍
i always have mixed feelings about these posts, because on the one hand i'm so happy to see pets get dedicated and loving owners, but on the other hand i always get upset thinking about all of the animals that *don't* get found by caring humans. i hate having to worry about every box and bag i drive past, and reading about the monsters who make a specific effort to like, seal new kittens up in a box and leave it in the middle of the woods. please, everyone, spay and neuter your pets, keep your cats indoors if at all possible, and be kind, to humans and animals alike.
This guy showed up on my road a couple of months ago. I sent him to the shelter thinking he'd be adopted quickly. After he'd been there a week I offered to foster him, but I was a miserable failure at fostering because I adopted him this month and he's been a perfect addition to the other four waifs who live here now (five if you include me!). Trigger-1-...3c56bc.jpg
I can always only comment very few of the photos, I have chronic #CTS and have to wear a brace, won´t get the surgery done, a) I have #Lupus and am currently drastically underweight with a #BMI of 13,8 only from it, and b) I´d have nobody who could help me do my household and care for Gizzy & Thori, my 2 adopted senior tomcats until the surgery wound would have healed.
Can I please beg that if you find a cat/kitten or dog/puppy on the street you make a massive effort to find if it has been lost by a family? So many of these posts go from 'found outside my house' to 'so I have adopted it' without this vital step in between. A friend of mine and her family were devastated when one of their much loved cats never came back home, despite doing everything you're supposed to do to find a lost pet. They presumed it had been hit by a car and then the body disposed of by the council or taken by foxes. *Years* later they found out the cat had been 'rescued' off the street by another family (who I am sure were all praised for how kind and lovely they were) and she had a massive fight to get her own cat back (she is a good person and never directed any hatred at the other family). Please let all the local vets know, and all the local shelters, at the very least, so if someone contacts them to see if their pet has been handed in they will find out where it is.
Sadly I suspect that people want to rescue a pet and don't want to find it and hand it back to the owner, so that's why they don't make the effort to find out if it's just lost.
Load More Replies...As a shelter volunteer myself, thank you to everyone who gives these animals a loving lifelong home and all fellow rescuers. To all the idiots and monsters that are the cause of 80% of these animals being here in the first place, I hate you and hope you rot in hell. When a person gets too sick or elderly to care for their animals anymore, that's what we are here for, any other reason is not acceptable.
Have a heartfelt Thank You yourself for doing this great job!
Load More Replies...Me and my now six month old rescue kitty are very grateful to these people :)
Agreed it is a simple task that I belive the amazing woman karma can make time for
Load More Replies...I adopted an old cat. He was in the home for ages and I couldn’t resist. His name is Caspar as he’s white but we call him chunk cause he’s a big guy. He’s 11 and had been a stray for a long time. First night he purred so loud and I brushed him. He soon settled in and loves my big bed. He’s gorgeous. He loves tv and I leave it on for him to watch while I’m at work. Adopt everyone. Even the old guys. Cats protection do a wonderful job.
I love dogs and would love to adopt one from a shelter, but I'm also afraid that there might come up problems because I have no experience with dogs so far and most dogs in our nearby shelters have a history of being difficult to handle :( we settled for a rescue cat and love her! Maybe in the future we'll add a dog to the family, when we have a large yard.
My cat on my lap reading with me told me to write you: Don't be hard on yourself for not getting a dog - thank you for rescuing and loving your cat!
Load More Replies...What an absolutely delightful way to start my weekend ... Heart warming and soul soothing 😍😍😍
i always have mixed feelings about these posts, because on the one hand i'm so happy to see pets get dedicated and loving owners, but on the other hand i always get upset thinking about all of the animals that *don't* get found by caring humans. i hate having to worry about every box and bag i drive past, and reading about the monsters who make a specific effort to like, seal new kittens up in a box and leave it in the middle of the woods. please, everyone, spay and neuter your pets, keep your cats indoors if at all possible, and be kind, to humans and animals alike.
This guy showed up on my road a couple of months ago. I sent him to the shelter thinking he'd be adopted quickly. After he'd been there a week I offered to foster him, but I was a miserable failure at fostering because I adopted him this month and he's been a perfect addition to the other four waifs who live here now (five if you include me!). Trigger-1-...3c56bc.jpg
I can always only comment very few of the photos, I have chronic #CTS and have to wear a brace, won´t get the surgery done, a) I have #Lupus and am currently drastically underweight with a #BMI of 13,8 only from it, and b) I´d have nobody who could help me do my household and care for Gizzy & Thori, my 2 adopted senior tomcats until the surgery wound would have healed.