ADVERTISEMENT

Contrary to popular belief, instead of cats and dogs, the first American animal activists focused mostly on horses, working tirelessly to protect the welfare of animals who were a key mode of transportation.

Then, on April 14, 1869, Caroline Earle White and a group of women established what's now considered the first American animal shelter, in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. In addition to horses, its mission expanded "to provide as soon as possible, a refuge for lost and homeless dogs, where they could be kept until homes could be found for them, or they be otherwise disposed of."

It marked a turning point. The notion of a shelter, or even a municipal pound, as a place where you could go and find a pet, according to historian Bernie Unti, really took hold in the latter part of the 19th century and then has grown steadily ever since.

So to celebrate how far we've come, we at Bored Panda are continuing our monthly series, and have compiled the sweetest pet adoption photos we could find. Continue scrolling to check them out and in case you've missed our earlier publications, we kindly invite you to catch up: October, September, and August.

For everyone who is thinking of (or has just) invited a new critter into their home, we also had a chat about making the transition as smooth as possible with the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity in the United Kingdom. You'll find it spread in between the images.

#1

Beagle Puppy Cuddles Up To The Rescuer Who Saved Him From Euthanasia. Nice Dog Rescue Story Heard From Franklin County Shelter And Adoption Center In Ohio

Beagle Puppy Cuddles Up To The Rescuer Who Saved Him From Euthanasia. Nice Dog Rescue Story Heard From Franklin County Shelter And Adoption Center In Ohio

ProfessionalDavidson Report

#2

8 Month Old Abused Retriever Mix. Scared And Sad. Brought Her Home. She Barely Moved. Was Scared To Even Walk Around The House. Lowers Head When You Reach To Pet Her. Couple Days Later With A Little Love And A Stubborn Beagle That Kept Bugging Her To Play And She’s A New Happy Dog Running Wide Open

8 Month Old Abused Retriever Mix. Scared And Sad. Brought Her Home. She Barely Moved. Was Scared To Even Walk Around The House. Lowers Head When You Reach To Pet Her. Couple Days Later With A Little Love And A Stubborn Beagle That Kept Bugging Her To Play And She’s A New Happy Dog Running Wide Open

impirepro06 Report

"Getting a pet is a very exciting time, but choosing a pet and making sure you are able to provide everything they need can feel overwhelming!" PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Spooner told Bored Panda.

"And there are so many pets to choose from – dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, or smaller pets like hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, and chinchillas."

#3

Adopted The Cutest Stray I’ve Ever Met My BF Named Her Edith (Aka Edee)

Adopted The Cutest Stray I’ve Ever Met My BF Named Her Edith (Aka Edee)

mackenzie1701 Report

#4

I Recently Finished Chemo Treatment And Decided To Adopt A Husky! Say Hi To Loki!

I Recently Finished Chemo Treatment And Decided To Adopt A Husky! Say Hi To Loki!

Idontlikeworms Report

#5

Fishtopher The Cat Finds Forever Home After His Adoption Listing Went Viral

Fishtopher The Cat Finds Forever Home After His Adoption Listing Went Viral

kimjexziel Report

Add photo comments
POST
marcopinto2 avatar
Paulo Freitas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's só adorable, i want him, and to be fair there is 99.999% chances of me wanting all the cats on this thread...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"Firstly, how much do you know about the pet that you want? [The UK is a country] of animal lovers – our 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report found that 52 percent of [local adults] own a pet."

However, Spooner highlighted that raising an animal can be a different experience from the one we like to imagine. "Research as much as you can about the species and breed of pet you want, and make sure you know all about The 5 Welfare Needs that every pet needs to be healthy and happy."

ADVERTISEMENT

"Talk to people who already own that particular pet for their real-life experiences, and get advice from a vet," she added.

#6

Meet Jade, My Newly Adopted 9 Year Old Fluff Ball

Meet Jade, My Newly Adopted 9 Year Old Fluff Ball

Gordondel Report

#7

Meet Leo And Luna! Even Though I Saved Them From A Sad Home They Have Ended Up Rescuing Me From Some Sad Days! #catsrule

Meet Leo And Luna! Even Though I Saved Them From A Sad Home They Have Ended Up Rescuing Me From Some Sad Days! #catsrule

OrganicGinger69 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

This Is Bubble. We Adopted Him Knowing He Was Feral And Probably Would Never Go Near Us! 3 Days In And We Are Already Getting Contact

This Is Bubble. We Adopted Him Knowing He Was Feral And Probably Would Never Go Near Us! 3 Days In And We Are Already Getting Contact

Aaron123111 Report

When deciding which pet is right for you and your lifestyle, Spooner said you should think of P.E.T.S. – place, exercise, time, and spend.

Let's start with place. "All pets need space to run and play, but dogs in particular need regular access to safe and secure outdoor areas," she explained. "Many cats also enjoy being able to exercise outside, and rabbits and guinea pigs need access to a large run or a garden to be happy and healthy."

#10

From Stoic To Smiley

From Stoic To Smiley

Physical_Ad3997 Report

Add photo comments
POST
daniela-maurer-1 avatar
Dani M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love post like this. Every dog deserves love and happiness.... reminds me of my own shelter dog

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

Just Adopted This Cat Who Sits Up Like A Groundhog

Just Adopted This Cat Who Sits Up Like A Groundhog

bcEOS70D Report

Add photo comments
POST
libstak avatar
Libstak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait till he does it at 3am while staring at the wall....then we will see how cute you think it is....ok, mine all did that and after i got my racing heart in control it was still cute.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

This Handsome Man Was Thrown From A Car Window And Luckily Someone Found Him, I Saw His Adoption Post And Was The First To Inquire. Meet Sushi!

This Handsome Man Was Thrown From A Car Window And Luckily Someone Found Him, I Saw His Adoption Post And Was The First To Inquire. Meet Sushi!

vampiric-midget Report

Next, exercise. "Dogs enjoy regular walks, and playing off the lead whenever it is safe for them to do so. The amount of exercise a dog will need depends on their age, size, breed, and health," the vet nurse pointed out, adding that all pets enjoy fun games and to keep themselves active, but for smaller pets, you can easily do this in your house.

#14

Meet Smeagol! We Found Her Outside In The Rain Clinging To Some Rocks

Meet Smeagol! We Found Her Outside In The Rain Clinging To Some Rocks

voredsims Report

#15

Rescued A Barn Kitty From The Cold Yesterday

Rescued A Barn Kitty From The Cold Yesterday

Shronkydonk Report

Add photo comments
POST
jules_11 avatar
Jules
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well done. Give it lots of love, poor wee thing ❤️

View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Dad Wanted To Get Mom A Puppy; She Rescued This Senior Citizen Instead. Allow Me To Introduce Mr. Kiss Kiss

Dad Wanted To Get Mom A Puppy; She Rescued This Senior Citizen Instead. Allow Me To Introduce Mr. Kiss Kiss

FiliKlepto Report

#17

Just Adopted Sylvester. He Is Showing Off His One Fang And Shredded Ears. He Has Feline AIDS And Is The Gentlest Boy

Just Adopted Sylvester. He Is Showing Off His One Fang And Shredded Ears. He Has Feline AIDS And Is The Gentlest Boy

JordanPromise Report

Add photo comments
POST
marcopinto2 avatar
Paulo Freitas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FIV+, be very carefull with his mouth, they are very pron to gum infections. I Lost my Mateus to kidney faliure caused because of the FIV.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Moving on, we have time. "Pets are generally sociable and dogs especially love your company. It's really important that they aren’t left alone for longer than four hours, as dogs can become lonely, anxious, and distressed," Spooner said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Each type of pet will have different requirements; walks, training, playtime, feeding, cleaning their home and equipment, grooming, and visits to the vet might take more time than you think."

#18

My Wife And I Adopted These Two Sisters Recently, Aka They Chose Us At The Animal Shelter. Love Black Kitties

My Wife And I Adopted These Two Sisters Recently, Aka They Chose Us At The Animal Shelter. Love Black Kitties

Affectionate-Art-303 Report

Add photo comments
POST
marcopinto2 avatar
Paulo Freitas
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Be afraid, be very afraid, just look at those eyes, plotting your accidental Demise, the only thing delaying the plan, is the fact that they cant Open the food cans lol ( they are frikking adorable and i Also want them )

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

An Update To My Update: Sir Remi Remington And His Mustache Won Me Over. I Couldn’t Part With Him After Fostering Him As A Bottle Feeder And Because He Fit In So Well With The Family. I Officially Adopted Him

An Update To My Update: Sir Remi Remington And His Mustache Won Me Over. I Couldn’t Part With Him After Fostering Him As A Bottle Feeder And Because He Fit In So Well With The Family. I Officially Adopted Him

WhatIsTheTeaToday Report

Add photo comments
POST
arianwen001 avatar
Deborah Harris2
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a failed foster too I love hearing of others who fell in love with their furbabies <3

pattiwagner avatar
Patti Wagner
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the name, how appropriate! He looks like a regal English gentleman!

jasonray_1 avatar
jason ray
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congratulations on the foster "fail". We have 3 successful fails also.

miriamemendelson avatar
Mimi M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Feeling cheated b/c no pics of him being bottle-fed... some people just don't have their priorities straight in life...

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

I'm a sucker for gentlemen such as this monsieur here 🖤

View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Our Family Adopted A Cat Today. I Swear He’s Smiling

Our Family Adopted A Cat Today. I Swear He’s Smiling

minnimmolation Report

#21

I Knew Adopting A Kitten Would Be Kinda Cute, But I Had No Idea What I Was In For

 I Knew Adopting A Kitten Would Be Kinda Cute, But I Had No Idea What I Was In For

TurtlesAndBobcats Report

Lastly, spend. And it's not just the initial cost of getting a new pet that you need. There are also ongoing and unplanned expenses that will drain your wallet.

"Food, equipment, toys, flea and worm treatments, pet insurance, replacing a chewed-up bed, or unexpected vet bills, it all adds up significantly over the lifetime of your pet, especially as they get older or if they develop health problems," Spooner said.

#23

Meet Nala! We Rescued This 14 Yo Beauty And She’s Absolutely Amazing

Meet Nala! We Rescued This 14 Yo Beauty And She’s Absolutely Amazing

Firehawksmom Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like when Nala was rescued, her coat was matted and had to be shaved down. She should be a beautiful floof once it grows back in.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#24

I Rescued This Kitten Outside Of My High School! Named Her Rocket Because I Found Her During A Paper Rocket Test

I Rescued This Kitten Outside Of My High School! Named Her Rocket Because I Found Her During A Paper Rocket Test

SCGkitty Report

#25

Meet My Newly Adopted Cat Benson! He Was Neutered As An Adult Right Before I Adopted Him So He Has The Cutest Tom Cat Cheeks! His Eyes Are Also So Beautiful!!

Meet My Newly Adopted Cat Benson! He Was Neutered As An Adult Right Before I Adopted Him So He Has The Cutest Tom Cat Cheeks! His Eyes Are Also So Beautiful!!

hehehehehehhhe Report

#27

Rescued This Cat From The Cold And It Looks Like He Has Claimed Me As His Owner

Rescued This Cat From The Cold And It Looks Like He Has Claimed Me As His Owner

Comfortable_Dark1626 Report

#28

Carson Spent Two Years At The Rescue - He Was Too Shy/Nervous For Everyone. Their Loss. They’ll Never Know What They Missed Out On

Carson Spent Two Years At The Rescue - He Was Too Shy/Nervous For Everyone. Their Loss. They’ll Never Know What They Missed Out On

samitarium Report

#29

My Fiancé And I Decided To Adopt A New Kitten. Everyone Meet Larry!

My Fiancé And I Decided To Adopt A New Kitten. Everyone Meet Larry!

sassyshelbbs Report

#31

Was Looking Around To Adopt A Bunny And Found This Derpy Looking Bunny

Was Looking Around To Adopt A Bunny And Found This Derpy Looking Bunny

Flying_Boat Report

#32

I Was Adopted Yesterday By This Pretty Lady!

I Was Adopted Yesterday By This Pretty Lady!

spider_fly Report

#33

Just Adopted These Brothers, They Seem To Be Waiting For Me To Do Something

Just Adopted These Brothers, They Seem To Be Waiting For Me To Do Something

animabot Report

Add photo comments
POST
marcopinto2 avatar
Paulo Freitas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Feed usssss, feeeeeeed usssss, ( use the voice of the aliens in " independence day " for added drama ) lol

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#35

Went To The Rescue - Met Somebody. Named Him Jackson. We Are Going To Have A Blast

Went To The Rescue - Met Somebody. Named Him Jackson. We Are Going To Have A Blast

keeperofthedingo Report

#36

Welcome To The Family. Adopted A Kitty

Welcome To The Family. Adopted A Kitty

Roselovescats Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With a built-in parent or older sibling who loves them already!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Decided To Give The Cat My Fiancé And I Adopted Some Tuna For Thanksgiving. He Then Went Into What We Affectionately Call Goblin Mode. Safe To Say He Enjoyed It!

Decided To Give The Cat My Fiancé And I Adopted Some Tuna For Thanksgiving. He Then Went Into What We Affectionately Call Goblin Mode. Safe To Say He Enjoyed It!

Vaughn-De-Vile Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We always give our cats and dog pieces of turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas. They love it, and always go into their own little turkey comas with big smiles on their faces. My husband and I do the same.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

Our New Baby Girl

Our New Baby Girl

budmanm3 Report

#39

Nala Was A Little Lonely, So I Adopted A Brother For Her. Meet Aurum

Nala Was A Little Lonely, So I Adopted A Brother For Her. Meet Aurum

Meraneus Report

Add photo comments
POST
alextomkins avatar
Ent Hugger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i will hug him and pet him and squeeze him and name him george! er i mean aurum!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Another Rescue, Crazy Lady Thought She Could Keep Kittens In A Tiny Cage Without Food Or Water. 5 Of Them Made It, This One's Name Is Marsha Marsha Marsha

Another Rescue, Crazy Lady Thought She Could Keep Kittens In A Tiny Cage Without Food Or Water. 5 Of Them Made It, This One's Name Is Marsha Marsha Marsha

Vern_Mcnue_Fishing Report

#42

Rescued A Dumpster Diving Kitten Last Night

Rescued A Dumpster Diving Kitten Last Night

Sobotkafan Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like they’re either purebred or have quite a bit of Siamese or Himalayan in them. They’re already beautiful, and once you get them healthy and happy, they will be breathtaking.

View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#45

Scared And Hissing Little Cat We Saved From The Pound. He Made So Much Progress In Just A Month

Scared And Hissing Little Cat We Saved From The Pound. He Made So Much Progress In Just A Month

Spinozaurr Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He just had to check you out first, and be sure you weren’t going to hurt him. He looks satisfied that you passed his test!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

Adopted Name Alfalfa, We Call Him Alfie. Nearly 3 Years Old And He’s Just A Little Smol Boy That Shouts All Of The Time

Adopted Name Alfalfa, We Call Him Alfie. Nearly 3 Years Old And He’s Just A Little Smol Boy That Shouts All Of The Time

ghostinthesn0w Report

#47

Just Adopted A New Kitten. Decided To Name Him Koda After The Cub In Brother Bear. He Reminds Me Of A Mcflurry

Just Adopted A New Kitten. Decided To Name Him Koda After The Cub In Brother Bear. He Reminds Me Of A Mcflurry

JoeCamRoberon Report

#49

I Adopted A Kitten With Three Legs And Lol

I Adopted A Kitten With Three Legs And Lol

popebologna Report

#50

Adopted A Black Kitten, Named Him Ryuk

Adopted A Black Kitten, Named Him Ryuk

goth_eggz Report

Note: this post originally had 115 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.