How does Adopt a Pet work?

Looking to bring home a new pet? Adopt a Pet is a free pet adoption site that connects potential pet parents with thousands of pets through partnerships with more than 15,000 shelters, rescues, and rehoming pet parents across the U.S. and Canada. 

We make it easier to find the right match with smart search filters, New Pet Alerts, and practical adoption advice, so you’re supported from your first search to day one at home. Beyond pet adoption listings, you’ll also find trusted resources on behavior, wellness, and breed research to help you feel confident at every step. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to get started.

How to find a pet

Start your search on the Adopt a Pet homepage by choosing dog, cat, or other pet, entering your zip code, then clicking Search. Or you add pet criteria right away for age, sex, size, breed, compatibility, and more. Here’s how to keep exploring and make the most of the Adopt a Pet site:

• Update the filter information. As you view adoptable pets, you can update the search criteria in the filter bar at any time to better describe your perfect pet.

• Set up a pet alert. The site will show you all adoptable pets in your area who match your search criteria. But if you don’t see your ideal pet immediately, you can set up a pet alert for later.

• Start the adoption process. On every pet’s profile, you’ll see an “Ask about Me” or “Apply Online” button or other contact information to start an inquiry about the pet.

Find a pet with Adopt a Pet’s AI SmartSearch

AI SmartSearch is an AI-driven tool that makes finding a new pet easier. Instead of manually selecting filters and scrolling the site, you can write out the type of pet you’re looking for and let the system do the rest.

To use AI SmartSearch, go to the Adopt a Pet homepage and click “Try our new AI SmartSearch,” below the standard search function, or use this direct link to get there. Type in the kind of pet you’re looking for in phrases, such as “a large brown dog” or “a Golden Retriever good with kids.” When you’ve found a pet you’re interested in, click on that pet’s profile to learn more information.

Use New Pet Alerts to see the latest pets

If you’re not finding a pet you connect with, you can easily set up a free New Pet Alert so Adopt a Pet can email you whenever new pets match your criteria.

Approximately 20 percent of pets listed on Adopt a Pet are adopted within 24 hours. To increase your chances of finding your dream pet, consider signing up for Premium Pet Alerts. As a Premium subscriber, you’ll receive notifications about pet matches up to 24 hours before other users. You can subscribe to Premium Pet Alerts for $10 per month.

How to apply for a pet

Once you’ve found a pet you’re interested in, take a few minutes to read their full profile. You’ll learn more about who they are, what they’re comfortable with, and whether they feel like a good fit for your home and lifestyle. At the top of the profile, it will indicate who is “Caring for” the pet, displaying either a shelter or rescue’s name, or stating “Private Owner” if listed by an individual.

Applying through a shelter or rescue

If your pet is listed by a shelter or rescue, you’ll see either an “Ask About Me” button with either a phone icon or message icon, or an “Apply Online” button, which will direct you to the next steps. Either option will connect you to the shelter or rescue where the pet is living. Please know that messaging the shelter through Adopt a Pet does not count as an application and does not place a pet on hold.

Applying to a “private owner”

If a pet is listed by their current pet parents, the button will say “Apply to Adopt.” The pet parent will review your application and then reach out if they are interested. Again, hitting this button does not lock in an adoption. If you are interested in a pet, don’t hesitate to get an application in, because the adopter may be selected on a first-come, first-served, best-matched basis.

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What happens after I ask about a pet?

After you make contact, the process may take some time to get started, especially with short-staffed shelters and rescues. Here is an outline of what you can expect:

• Put in your application on the shelter or rescue’s website.

• Look into the shelter or rescue’s specific adoption criteria, which may include an interview, a meet-and-greet, and a home visit.

• Fill out the pet adoption paperwork and prepare the payment. 

• Arrange the pet pickup.

If you apply to adopt from an individual pet parent, the process will take a few days to kick off. Ideally, each application receives a response within 72 hours, but your average response time may vary. Here’s what you can expect when adopting through a “private owner”:

• Put in your application 

• If the current pet parent wants to move forward, they will contact you. 

  • If not, you’ll get an email from Rehome by Adopt a Pet about your application status.

• Talk to the pet parent on the phone, text, or via Zoom or FaceTime.

• Set up an in-person meet-and-greet in a public space to learn more about the pet. 

• Discuss an adoption timeline and decide what will happen if the adoption doesn’t work out.

• Have the current pet parent log into Rehome by Adopt a Pet and click “Finalize the Adoption.” 

• Both you and the current pet parent must sign the Transfer of Ownership form.

• Pay the adoption fee to the current pet parent.

• Arrange the pet handoff.

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How to Pass a Pet Adoption Interview: What Shelters Look For

Adoption interviews aren’t about passing or failing — they’re about finding the right fit.

Commonly asked questions 

Who cares for the pets listed on Adopt a Pet until they’re adopted? 

Adopt a Pet doesn’t house or care for the pets you see on the website. They are cared for at animal welfare organizations, like shelters or rescues, or by families who need to rehome their pet. 

What if I haven’t heard back? 

It can take up to two weeks sometimes to hear back from a pet’s caretaker. Make sure you check all your email folders and be patient. If you haven’t heard a response by seven to 10 days, send a polite follow-up email. 

Who responds to applications? 

Adopt a Pet is simply a relay for your message. The person who replies to your application will be the one in charge of the pet’s care. If you are considering adoption from a shelter or rescue, we also recommend reviewing their website for further instructions.

How does Adopt a Pet screen shelters and rescues? 

All organizations must pass an initial screening and agree to comply with the terms of service. Screening requirements may vary. Adopt a Pet does its best to make sure each shelter or agency is legitimate and in compliance before approval. Click here to read more about Adopt a Pet’s screening process.