How Pet Adoption Builds Connection and Community

When you buy a pet from a shop or breeder, you may know their lineage and pedigree. But when you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue, you become part of their story. Although purchasing a purebred animal may get you a dog with just the right coat or a cat with just the right tail, adopting creates a bond you’ll remember for a lifetime. As a bonus, you’ll become a part of a community of animal rescuers and adoptive pet parents.

Whether they came from an urban backyard, a rural farm, or the side of a highway, every shelter pet has an origin story. Those stories shape their personalities and eventually help form a special bond with their adoptive families. After all, humans are wired to connect with stories. 

When you consider whether to buy or adopt a dog or cat, take time to consider the following.

With buying, promises can be misleading

Buying a pet often starts with a checklist: breed, size, temperament, and cost. When you buy, you might know more about a pet’s backstory — their parents, lineage, and the business behind the breeding. But even with purebreds, many of those things aren’t guaranteed. 

You may get a pet who looks exactly as you expected, but doesn’t connect with you. You may get a pet who has health issues or a shorter lifespan due to genetic conditions or poor breeding. With so many puppy mills and irresponsible breeders out there, there’s also a huge potential to be misled. And if you opt to get a puppy, one thing’s for sure: You’ll have your hands full of rambunctious (and sometimes destructive) puppy energy no matter where you get them.

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With adopting, it’s a story you’re a part of

Adopting a pet starts with a story: their story. It begins with where they came from. Maybe they were found as a stray, surrendered by their former pet parent, or rescued from a bad situation. Sometimes you’ll know all the details. Other times, you’ll piece it together from their quirks. But either way, their story is what helps create your unique bond. 

Yes, adopting can come with challenges. But it is also the beginning of a journey full of rewarding moments. Maybe it’s that first car ride when your new pup sticks their head out the window. Maybe it’s the first night your adopted cat gets the zoomies at 2 a.m. Either way, there’s nothing like watching a rescue pet’s personality unfold the more comfortable they get. With each moment like this, your story becomes even stronger. 

Joining the rescue community 

Adopting saves money, saves lives, and helps fight puppy mills. But one of the unexpected pros of adopting a pet is the community. You’ll start meeting other people in the rescue community — whether it’s at the dog park, the pet supply store, or in the drive-through getting a pup cup. 

The community of adopters is often one of the most uplifting parts of adopting a pet. Rescue culture is built on stories, shared resources, and constant encouragement. Many shelters and rescues offer the following community-building perks.

• Alumni events: These are days when adopters reunite (often with their pets) with volunteers, fosters, and other parents from the same shelter. 

• Online groups: Rescues and shelters often create Facebook groups or other online gathering places for adopters to share stories and photos of their adopted pets. 

• Community resources: Whether you’re looking for new puppy tips, trainers, the best pet supply store, a trusted vet, or a pet-sitter — other adopters or employees of shelters near you likely have answers. 

• Fundraisers and galas: Many rescues host big community events to raise funds for their organizations. These may be in the form of outdoor concerts, fancy galas, or community dinners. No matter what, they’re usually a great time and full of adorable animals. 

Whether you make a new friend at a reunion event or decide to start volunteering at the shelter after you adopt, you’ll join a devoted community of pet people when you decide to adopt. And the more you share your experience, the larger that community becomes. 

Ready to adopt? Here’s what to expect 

If you’re feeling a quiet nudge that is telling you that you are ready to bring home a shelter pet, here’s how to prepare for the next chapter. 

The search

Start by looking into your local shelters and rescues online on Adopt a Pet. Find one with missions and values that resonate with you, and then determine if you want to look at pets online or in person. Some people prefer to look at photos and read bios ahead of time, and others prefer to meet pets in person for a first impression. Don’t be afraid to ask the shelter staff questions — they usually know a lot about the animals in their care.

The process

Each organization’s process for how to adopt a cat or dog is a little different. But typically it looks a bit like this: 

• Fill out an application. 

• Complete an interview or home visit. 

• Pay an adoption fee.

• Take home your pet.

The adoption fee typically covers any medical care until you take home your pet, a microchip, spay-neuter surgery, and vaccinations. Some organizations offer a sleepover or trial period, which helps you make sure your pet is a good fit for your home and lifestyle.

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Post-adoption resources

Once you take home your new pet, you aren’t in it alone. Many shelters offer discounts on your first visit to a local vet, and stores like PetSmart offer discount packages for new adopters to stock up on all the supplies you need. Your shelter may also be able to recommend services like trainers, vets, and more. Our pet adoption checklist can help you prepare for their arrival, too. 

It’s easy to think of adoption day as your “happily ever after,” but really, it’s just the start of your story with your new pet. After weeks, months, or even years in a shelter environment, your adopted pet’s first days with you can be full of wonder. Every experience feels new, from their soft bed to their new toys and maybe even a big backyard. 

Experts encourage you to consider the 3-3-3 timeline when you adopt a pet. 

• Three days: They’re still figuring out their surroundings. Your new pet will likely be curious but cautious. They’ll explore your home and start learning your routine. This is the time for funny anecdotes you’ll talk about years later. 

• Three weeks: Your pet starts to feel comfortable. Their personality may be more prominent, and they may become more playful and communicative. It’s prime time for bonding and creating new habits together. 

• Three months: This is the time for before-and-after photos. Your pet knows they’re home now, and they’re probably settling in as part of the family. 

These first few months will come with challenges, as all good stories do. But they’ll also be full of milestones you can celebrate together. And when you adopt a shelter pet, “happily ever after” is just the beginning. 

Commonly asked questions

Can you adopt a dog for free?

Adopting a dog is not usually free, and for good reason. The adoption fee usually goes toward helping even more animals find homes. Plus, it ensures adopters are ready for the financial responsibility that comes with being a pet parent. 

How much does it cost to adopt a cat?

The cost to adopt a cat varies by the rescue and location. Many have adoption fees between $50 and $500. Keep in mind, this fee covers things such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping the pet — all of which would cost several hundred dollars at a vet clinic. Check with your local shelter or rescue to determine the adoption fees near you. 

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

The cost to adopt a dog varies by the rescue and location. Many have adoption fees between $50 and $500. When you adopt a pet, the fees usually cover their first shots, spaying or neutering, and even a microchip. (If you were to get these services at a vet, they’d cost you hundreds of dollars.) For exact dog adoption fees, reach out to your local animal shelter or rescue.

How long does it take to adopt a cat or dog? 

Some shelters allow same-day adoptions, which means you can walk in, fill out an application, and walk out with a new pet. Others have involved processes that include home checks, interviews, and more — which can take several weeks. Check with the shelter where you want to adopt your pet and ask them about their processes to get a better idea of this timeline.