What Is Adopt a Pet’s Certified Partner Program?

Pet adoptions are booming, and shelters and rescues are stepping up in a big way. In 2024 alone, more than 4.1 million cats and dogs went from kennels or cages to cozy couches, thanks to the dedication of shelters and rescues nationwide. But today’s adopters want more than just a pet. They’re also looking for a warm, welcoming adoption experience built on trust.

Shelters and rescues truly shine when they connect pets to people with warmth and humanity. To celebrate these efforts, Adopt a Pet launched the Certified Partner Program, a national recognition for organizations that truly go the extra mile. This program makes it a breeze for adopters to spot organizations known for clear communication, transparency, and compassion. As for the shelters and rescues? It’s a badge of honor that helps them stand out, build trust, and ultimately place more pets in loving homes.

How the Certified Partner Program works

The Certified Partner Program spotlights shelters and rescues that go above and beyond by offering transparency, speedy communication, and outstanding service. Here, adoption isn’t just a transaction — it’s the start of a partnership between people and pets. That human touch is what Adopt a Pet is all about: making sure each adopter feels supported and every pet finds their perfect match.

Certified partners can earn bronze, silver, gold, and platinum badges, each representing a new level of awesomeness.

Bronze Level

• Has been active as a shelter or rescue organization for at least one year and has added at least 10 pets to Adopt a Pet’s website

• Has a complete, accurate organization profile with visible contact info

• Replies to most inquiries within four days and/or has a facility with walk-in adoption hours at least three days per week

Silver Level

• Meets all Bronze criteria

• Is a registered nonprofit or municipal organization

• Values inclusivity and accessibility throughout the adoption process

• Replies to all inquiries within three days and/or has a facility with walk-in hours at least three days per week

Gold Level

• Meets all Silver criteria

• Replies to inquiries within two days and/or has a facility with walk-in hours at least three days per week

The Platinum tier is reserved for those who partner with Adopt a Pet through innovative programs and post-adoption support.

Any active Adopt a Pet shelter or rescue can apply through the Certified Partner Program application. Certification is free and typically takes a few weeks to complete. Once approved, badges update automatically on an organization’s Adopt a Pet profile and all pet listings, giving adopters an instant way to identify organizations they can trust.

"Our adoption policies were reviewed to ensure that they remained inclusive and accessible, aligning with the Open Adoptions criteria,” says a representative from The Rescue Train. “ We have steered our volunteer adoption team to make the screening process more conversational, focusing on creating a climate of trust. This ensures that adopters feel welcome and supported, while also helping us identify the best matches for each pet.”

Benefits for animal welfare organizations and adopters

For shelters and rescues, certification isn’t just a badge of honor. It’s a spotlight and a stamp of approval that shapes the way communities relate to them.

• Stand out from the crowd: Certified partners shine on Adopt a Pet, where millions of pet lovers search for new companions each month.

• Instant credibility: The badge shows adopters, donors, and volunteers your organization’s commitment to communication and trusted adoption values.

• Access to additional resources: Partners can take advantage of new initiatives, such as Shelter Plus, TailTalks, Post Adoption Toolkits, and other partner programs.

For adopters, the badge is a simple way to spot shelters and rescues that care. It means their questions will be answered, their concerns welcomed, and the whole adoption process will be handled with heart.

Why the Certified Partner Program matters

The Certified Partner Program builds trust and confidence in adopters reaching out to shelters and rescues. When communication is clear and trust runs both ways, adopters feel supported, shelters and rescues boost their reputations, and pets find homes faster.

By making it easy for people to find caring, professional shelters and rescues, Adopt a Pet builds trust in the pet adoption process and inspires more families to choose adoption. It’s a small badge with a big impact, a simple sign that lets adopters know they’re in good hands.

The Certified Partner Program is part of a larger shift toward openness and compassion in animal welfare. By spotlighting organizations that lead with kindness, Adopt a Pet is building a culture where adopters feel supported, shelters and rescues are valued, and every pet gets a real shot at a happy ending.