Adoption & Rescue Information
Learn where to find local adoption resources, online adoption options, and how you can help animals in need, even if you can't adopt at this time. The links below are for general information about rescue and adoption, success stories, and rescue organizations that work with more than one species. For species-specific adoption information, please click on the "More Categories" links.
Furry Fundraising - how to raise funds for pet and vet care bills
The economy is depressing, no doubt about it. But there are good things happening, too. People have pulled together to increase awareness and funds for shelters, rescues and animals everywhere. This has been accomplished largely through grass roots efforts on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. However, what if you are just one person, rescuing one animal? Here is a collection of res…
The economy is depressing, no doubt about it. But there are good things happening, too. People have pulled together to increase awareness and funds for shelters, rescues and animals everywhere. This has been accomplished largely through grass roots efforts on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. However, what if you are just one person, rescuing one animal? Here is a collection of res…
Adoption Resources - all about dog cat and other pet adoptions
The struggling economy and rising costs mean more animals than ever are in need of homes. Learn where to find local adoption resources, online adoption options, and how you can help animals in need -- even if you can't adopt at this time. Read adoption success stories to know what to expect when you add a new pet to your home. This helps ensure a smooth transition for your pet and human family. P…
The struggling economy and rising costs mean more animals than ever are in need of homes. Learn where to find local adoption resources, online adoption options, and how you can help animals in need -- even if you can't adopt at this time. Read adoption success stories to know what to expect when you add a new pet to your home. This helps ensure a smooth transition for your pet and human family. P…
Pet Adoption and Rescue - People-Pet Matchmaking - Does it work for a…
I write often about adopting a pet; finding homes for pets in shelters is an issue that is near and dear to me. I am all for pre-adoption preparation, too. Not all pets fit all lifestyles. Careful consideration must be given to the size, age, type and temperament of prospective pets. Waiting a little longer in a shelter is preferable to being adopted and returned again. Some adoption organization…
I write often about adopting a pet; finding homes for pets in shelters is an issue that is near and dear to me. I am all for pre-adoption preparation, too. Not all pets fit all lifestyles. Careful consideration must be given to the size, age, type and temperament of prospective pets. Waiting a little longer in a shelter is preferable to being adopted and returned again. Some adoption organization…
Pet Care Planning - Do you have plans in place if you are unable to c…
We love our pets and provide the best possible care. Many of us assume that we will outlive our pets. This is a natural assumption, and often true. But what if we don't outlive our pets? Do you have plans in place should you die or become unable to care for your pets? This isn't a fun topic to think about, but a few minutes of planning and communication today can save heartache later on, for both…
We love our pets and provide the best possible care. Many of us assume that we will outlive our pets. This is a natural assumption, and often true. But what if we don't outlive our pets? Do you have plans in place should you die or become unable to care for your pets? This isn't a fun topic to think about, but a few minutes of planning and communication today can save heartache later on, for both…
Pet Care Planning - Do you have a plan in place for your pets?
Pets don't live long enough. We always assume that we will outlive them. But what if the unthinkable happens? If you die or become injured, what will happen to your pets? Do you have a plan in place? A recent story of a dog "orphaned" in a kennel after her owner died while on vacation got me thinking about pet care planning. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Being prepared helps everyone.
Pets don't live long enough. We always assume that we will outlive them. But what if the unthinkable happens? If you die or become injured, what will happen to your pets? Do you have a plan in place? A recent story of a dog "orphaned" in a kennel after her owner died while on vacation got me thinking about pet care planning. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Being prepared helps everyone.
Adoption Success - share your stories and tips for pet adoption and r…
The decision to add a new pet to the family is one that should not be taken lightly. Stories of animals being returned to the shelter, for whatever reason, are heartbreaking.The inspiring story of Kelsey the Twice-Adopted dog offers good advice about making a potentially difficult adoption work. Patience, commitment and training are keys for success. Please share your adoption success sto…
The decision to add a new pet to the family is one that should not be taken lightly. Stories of animals being returned to the shelter, for whatever reason, are heartbreaking.The inspiring story of Kelsey the Twice-Adopted dog offers good advice about making a potentially difficult adoption work. Patience, commitment and training are keys for success. Please share your adoption success sto…
Animal neglect and cruelty - have you ever reported a case of animal …
Animal neglect and cruelty is something that is hard to think about. We take good care of our pets. Doesn't everybody? Besides, someone else will fix the problem, right? Not always. Neglected and abused animals are often voiceless victims, and not just in some back alley. They might be in your neighborhood. Please share your story to encourage others to be the "eyes and ears" for those in need.
Animal neglect and cruelty is something that is hard to think about. We take good care of our pets. Doesn't everybody? Besides, someone else will fix the problem, right? Not always. Neglected and abused animals are often voiceless victims, and not just in some back alley. They might be in your neighborhood. Please share your story to encourage others to be the "eyes and ears" for those in need.
Encouraging before-and-after photos of animal cases helped by the SPCA
This is a companion gallery to my six-part interview with Beth Brookhouser of the Monterey County SPCA in California. In this gallery, see some startling before and hopeful after cases of animal abuse and neglect involving dog, cat and horse cases.
This is a companion gallery to my six-part interview with Beth Brookhouser of the Monterey County SPCA in California. In this gallery, see some startling before and hopeful after cases of animal abuse and neglect involving dog, cat and horse cases.
SPCA Interview - Meet Captain Adams of the SPCA for Monterey …
Captain Adams contributed to this multi-part SPCA for Monterey County interview. She has worked at this SPCA since 2005.
Captain Adams contributed to this multi-part SPCA for Monterey County interview. She has worked at this SPCA since 2005.
SPCA Interview - Meet Lieutenant Scheid of the SPCA for Monterey Coun…
Lieutenant Scheid contributed to this multi-part SPCA for Monterey County interview. She has worked at this SPCA for two years. She loves her job and making a positive difference in animal's lives.
Lieutenant Scheid contributed to this multi-part SPCA for Monterey County interview. She has worked at this SPCA for two years. She loves her job and making a positive difference in animal's lives.
Interview with Beth Brookhouser, of the Monterey County SPCA …
This is my six-part interview with Beth Brookhouser of the Monterey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The purpose of this series of articles is threefold: 1) to educate people about animal neglect and abuse, 2) offer tips to work with humane organizations and help animals in local communities and 3) see real-life examples of how the SPCA changes animals' lives for t…
This is my six-part interview with Beth Brookhouser of the Monterey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The purpose of this series of articles is threefold: 1) to educate people about animal neglect and abuse, 2) offer tips to work with humane organizations and help animals in local communities and 3) see real-life examples of how the SPCA changes animals' lives for t…
Nervous or not sure about reporting?
This is Part 5 of my interview with Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the SPCA for Monterey County SPCA in California. In this interview, get some tips if you suspect animal neglect or abuse but are afraid to report a friend, relative or neighbor.
This is Part 5 of my interview with Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the SPCA for Monterey County SPCA in California. In this interview, get some tips if you suspect animal neglect or abuse but are afraid to report a friend, relative or neighbor.
What to do if you suspect animal neglect or abuse
This is part five of my interview with Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the SPCA for Monterey County SPCA in California. In this segment, learn what do do if you suspect animal abuse or neglect, and how to report possible cases in your community.
This is part five of my interview with Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the SPCA for Monterey County SPCA in California. In this segment, learn what do do if you suspect animal abuse or neglect, and how to report possible cases in your community.
SPCA Interview Part 3 - Identifying Animal Abuse and Neglect
This interview is the third in a series of six interviews with Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the SPCA for Monterey County SPCA in California. By learning how to recognize signs of animal abuse and neglect, people can be the "eyes and ears" for animals everywhere and provide assistance if necessary.
This interview is the third in a series of six interviews with Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the SPCA for Monterey County SPCA in California. By learning how to recognize signs of animal abuse and neglect, people can be the "eyes and ears" for animals everywhere and provide assistance if necessary.
SPCA Interview Part II - Necessary Veterinary Care
This is Part 2 of my interview with Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the SPCA for Monterey County SPCA in California. In this interview, learn what the SPCA does for animals in need of immediate veterinary care: how the cases are initially handled, how animals are "seized" by the SPCA and laws pertaining to basic humane pet care.
This is Part 2 of my interview with Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach for the SPCA for Monterey County SPCA in California. In this interview, learn what the SPCA does for animals in need of immediate veterinary care: how the cases are initially handled, how animals are "seized" by the SPCA and laws pertaining to basic humane pet care.
Interview with Beth Brookhouser Director of the Monterey SPCA Animal Rescue
Learn what animal shelters and humane organizations do to help abused, neglected and injured animals. This article is the first in a six part series on what the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) does for all types of animals in Monterey County California. Find out how you can be the "eyes and ears" to help animals in need wherever you are. By doing so, you may just save an animal's life or rescue it from another day in misery.
Learn what animal shelters and humane organizations do to help abused, neglected and injured animals. This article is the first in a six part series on what the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) does for all types of animals in Monterey County California. Find out how you can be the "eyes and ears" to help animals in need wherever you are. By doing so, you may just save an animal's life or rescue it from another day in misery.
Online Pet Adoption Guide: Dogs, Cats, Senior and Exotic Pets
Are you considering adopting a pet? Learn what type of pet is best for you, your family, and your lifestyle. Find photos and information online about adoptable pets in your area. What if you aren't ready to adopt at this time but want to help animals in need? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this online adoption article.
Are you considering adopting a pet? Learn what type of pet is best for you, your family, and your lifestyle. Find photos and information online about adoptable pets in your area. What if you aren't ready to adopt at this time but want to help animals in need? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this online adoption article.
Sophie the Dog: adoption update - 6 years later
This is the follow-up story of the shelter adoption of my dog, Sophie, 6 years post-adoption. Other than turning a deaf ear from time to time or chewing something she shouldn't, she is a very good dog, and very much a part of our family.
This is the follow-up story of the shelter adoption of my dog, Sophie, 6 years post-adoption. Other than turning a deaf ear from time to time or chewing something she shouldn't, she is a very good dog, and very much a part of our family.
Sophie the Velcro Dog - Dealing With Separation Anxiety - Part III
This is the story of the shelter adoption of my dog, Sophie, Part III. Four months after adopting Sophie, we are still dealing with mild separation anxiety. Read about this common behavioral problem, and what I did to help reduce this clingy behavior in Sophie.
This is the story of the shelter adoption of my dog, Sophie, Part III. Four months after adopting Sophie, we are still dealing with mild separation anxiety. Read about this common behavioral problem, and what I did to help reduce this clingy behavior in Sophie.
Sophie the Dog: My Personal Story of Pet Shelter Adoption - Part II
This is the story of the shelter adoption of my dog, Sophie, Part II. Four months after adopting Sophie from the Shelter, the "real" Sophie emerges. How did she fit in to our human and animal family?
This is the story of the shelter adoption of my dog, Sophie, Part II. Four months after adopting Sophie from the Shelter, the "real" Sophie emerges. How did she fit in to our human and animal family?
Sophie the Dog: My Personal Story of Pet Shelter Adoption
I wanted to help animals in need and decided to donate some pet food to my local shelter. I have to be honest... I was a little intimidated by the thought. I have, of course, worked with shelters and rescue animals over the years, and quite frankly, it can be depressing. Too many animals. Too few homes. So I sent my husband on this errand. Mission accomplished. Or was it?
I wanted to help animals in need and decided to donate some pet food to my local shelter. I have to be honest... I was a little intimidated by the thought. I have, of course, worked with shelters and rescue animals over the years, and quite frankly, it can be depressing. Too many animals. Too few homes. So I sent my husband on this errand. Mission accomplished. Or was it?
Spay Day 2007 - The Results Are In!
Each February the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) promotes Spay Day, a campaign to promote the spaying and neutering pets and creating awareness of the problem of pet overpopulation. This year, see how many animals were spayed/neutered, how much money was raised for the surgeries and how many people were helped by this campain.
Each February the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) promotes Spay Day, a campaign to promote the spaying and neutering pets and creating awareness of the problem of pet overpopulation. This year, see how many animals were spayed/neutered, how much money was raised for the surgeries and how many people were helped by this campain.
Find Many Ways to Participate in Spay Day USA
SpayDay USA is held each year in February to promote awareness about the serious pet overpopulation problem in the United States. In addition to sharing information about pet overpopuplation, responsible pet ownership and the health benefits of neutering your animal (spay or castration surgery), Spay Day promotes several avenues for low-cost surgery options so no one is left out.
SpayDay USA is held each year in February to promote awareness about the serious pet overpopulation problem in the United States. In addition to sharing information about pet overpopuplation, responsible pet ownership and the health benefits of neutering your animal (spay or castration surgery), Spay Day promotes several avenues for low-cost surgery options so no one is left out.
Pet Rescue and Adoption: Rescue Cat Qualifies for Delta Society Pet Partners
Sarah A. Grim, owner of City Kitty Pet-Sitting Service LLC, Columbia, MO, and Casper, a white Persian, became the 165th cat team registered as a Delta Society Pet-Partner following their successful evaluation in Overland Park, KS, on November 12, 2005. Pet Partners, a service arm of the Delta Society, bring the physical and emotional benefits of human-animal interactions to people in a variety of settings such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Sarah A. Grim, owner of City Kitty Pet-Sitting Service LLC, Columbia, MO, and Casper, a white Persian, became the 165th cat team registered as a Delta Society Pet-Partner following their successful evaluation in Overland Park, KS, on November 12, 2005. Pet Partners, a service arm of the Delta Society, bring the physical and emotional benefits of human-animal interactions to people in a variety of settings such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Viewer Viewpoint - Opinion Piece: Q & A About Paws / Combating Myths
What is the PAWS legislation? How will it affect animal rescue groups? Learn more about this legislation, how it may affect you, and what you can do to help, in this opinion piece by author Jim Willis.
What is the PAWS legislation? How will it affect animal rescue groups? Learn more about this legislation, how it may affect you, and what you can do to help, in this opinion piece by author Jim Willis.
A Puppy for Christmas - by author Jim Willis
From Jim Willis: I get sad at this time every year when I hear people talking about their plans to purchase a pet from a petshop or backyard breeder. I wrote this a couple of years ago hoping to educate the public. I still haven't given up, but the public is still buying animals and from all the wrong sources.
From Jim Willis: I get sad at this time every year when I hear people talking about their plans to purchase a pet from a petshop or backyard breeder. I wrote this a couple of years ago hoping to educate the public. I still haven't given up, but the public is still buying animals and from all the wrong sources.
Animal Hoarding
It may start out innocently enough, rescuing animals in need, but then the situation soon becomes a case of filth and neglect for the animals "rescued". This is a farily common situation for people involved in animal rescue, helping adopt out the overcrowded and neglected pets of an animal collector. Learn about the pyschiatric condition of animal hoarding.
It may start out innocently enough, rescuing animals in need, but then the situation soon becomes a case of filth and neglect for the animals "rescued". This is a farily common situation for people involved in animal rescue, helping adopt out the overcrowded and neglected pets of an animal collector. Learn about the pyschiatric condition of animal hoarding.
Burnout: When Rescuers Need Rescuing
Excellent article by Melissa Kaplan. This article is geared toward reptile rescue and rehab, but good points to consider for all who work in the rescue and adoption field.
Excellent article by Melissa Kaplan. This article is geared toward reptile rescue and rehab, but good points to consider for all who work in the rescue and adoption field.
Ching Farm Rescue & Sanctuary
A rescue and sanctuary for farm animals, since most anti-cruely laws do not apply to farm animals. A little bit of everything here, from horses to cows to pigs to companion pets. Located in the Salt Lake City Utah area.
A rescue and sanctuary for farm animals, since most anti-cruely laws do not apply to farm animals. A little bit of everything here, from horses to cows to pigs to companion pets. Located in the Salt Lake City Utah area.
Farm Sanctuary Rescue & Refuge
With farms in California (300 acre) and New York state (175 acre), this organization provides rescue, rehabilitation and care for farm animals coast-to-coast. They care for "food animals" that have been victims of abuse and neglect: cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, and rabbits.
With farms in California (300 acre) and New York state (175 acre), this organization provides rescue, rehabilitation and care for farm animals coast-to-coast. They care for "food animals" that have been victims of abuse and neglect: cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, and rabbits.
Free to a Good Home?
You may think that you are doing the "best thing" for your pet that you are no longer able to care for, but here are some thoughts that others may have when they read that ad.
You may think that you are doing the "best thing" for your pet that you are no longer able to care for, but here are some thoughts that others may have when they read that ad.
Free to a Good Home - The Truth by Jim Willis
Forward by author Jim Willis. A very informative page directed to people who think "free to a good home" is the way to go for disposing of their pets.
Forward by author Jim Willis. A very informative page directed to people who think "free to a good home" is the way to go for disposing of their pets.
Online Adoption Overview
From your About.com guide -- the pet overpopulation problem, why adoption is so important, and where to get started searching online for a pet to adopt.
From your About.com guide -- the pet overpopulation problem, why adoption is so important, and where to get started searching online for a pet to adopt.
Mossburn Animal Centre - Multi species animal rescue
This is a heartwarming and fun site! This organization fosters perhaps the largest variety of animals, including, but not limited to: horses and ponies, pigs, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs, iguanas, sheep, cows, raccoons. You can foster an animal online quickly and easily. The About Us link has some great 360 degree views of the farm.
This is a heartwarming and fun site! This organization fosters perhaps the largest variety of animals, including, but not limited to: horses and ponies, pigs, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs, iguanas, sheep, cows, raccoons. You can foster an animal online quickly and easily. The About Us link has some great 360 degree views of the farm.
Pets 911
A very comprehensive site to "Find, Adopt, or Help a Pet Where You Live", presented by Animal Planet. Enter in your zip code and click the navigation links to find information on local adoption, rescues, emergency clinics, veterinarians, and spay and neuter clinics. I tried this out for my zip code, and found a large database of information for my location.
A very comprehensive site to "Find, Adopt, or Help a Pet Where You Live", presented by Animal Planet. Enter in your zip code and click the navigation links to find information on local adoption, rescues, emergency clinics, veterinarians, and spay and neuter clinics. I tried this out for my zip code, and found a large database of information for my location.
Save-A-Pet
1-800-Save-A-Pet.com is a fun, user-friendly site dedicated to animal rescue and adoption. It is a non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, and pet rescue groups advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free.
1-800-Save-A-Pet.com is a fun, user-friendly site dedicated to animal rescue and adoption. It is a non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, and pet rescue groups advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free.
Viewer Viewpoint: An Adopted Dog Changed our Lives
Viewer Cheryl L. Anderson shares her story about "Buggy" -- a Rottweiler adopted into a much better home than he was previously at. This is the story of Buggy's life after adoption, and how he touched his owner's life over the years.
Viewer Cheryl L. Anderson shares her story about "Buggy" -- a Rottweiler adopted into a much better home than he was previously at. This is the story of Buggy's life after adoption, and how he touched his owner's life over the years.
Viewer Viewpoint - Adoption Success - Kornflake the Dog
A viewer shares her story of pet adoption, and the joy that an adopted pet can bring. This is the story of "Kornflake" and later on, the addition of "SugarPop".
A viewer shares her story of pet adoption, and the joy that an adopted pet can bring. This is the story of "Kornflake" and later on, the addition of "SugarPop".
Viewer Viewpoint - "Where's Daddy's Baby?"
Author Jim Willis was one of the first contributing authors on this site and has contributed an incredible library of animal stories and poems over the years. He is also a well known animal rights and rescue worker. On the one year anniversary of a tragic house fire that killed 14 of his pets, Jim Willis writes a tribute to friends lost that day.
Author Jim Willis was one of the first contributing authors on this site and has contributed an incredible library of animal stories and poems over the years. He is also a well known animal rights and rescue worker. On the one year anniversary of a tragic house fire that killed 14 of his pets, Jim Willis writes a tribute to friends lost that day.
Viewer Viewpoint - How Could You?
Known the world over, an emotional poem from the viewpoint of an animal surrendered at a shelter, by author Jim Willis.
Known the world over, an emotional poem from the viewpoint of an animal surrendered at a shelter, by author Jim Willis.
Viewer Viewpoint - Stolen Maltese Recovered in Brooklyn, NY
A viewer from Brooklyn, New York shares this harrowing story of her dog's theft and eventual recovery from the streets of New York.
A viewer from Brooklyn, New York shares this harrowing story of her dog's theft and eventual recovery from the streets of New York.
Viewer Viewpoint - You Weren't The One I Wanted
Poem about pet adoption, by author Jim Willis.
Poem about pet adoption, by author Jim Willis.
Hurricane Charley's Animal Victims - August 2004
And update and description of the local damage due to Hurricane Charley from Veterinary Medicine viewer Jodi Witte. Many animals are homeless and in need of help and donations.
And update and description of the local damage due to Hurricane Charley from Veterinary Medicine viewer Jodi Witte. Many animals are homeless and in need of help and donations.
The Viewer Viewpoint: Great Dane Graces Our Lives
Stories of animal neglect, abuse, and abandonment are a daily occurrence in the news these days. This article, like most of the Viewer Viewpoint articles, offers a bright side -- animals given a new lease on life thanks to the kindness of those people who have adopted. Read Cicely's story to be reminded of the power of pet adoption.
Stories of animal neglect, abuse, and abandonment are a daily occurrence in the news these days. This article, like most of the Viewer Viewpoint articles, offers a bright side -- animals given a new lease on life thanks to the kindness of those people who have adopted. Read Cicely's story to be reminded of the power of pet adoption.
The Viewer Viewpoint: Wuffy, the Cat Rescuing Dog
Read about Wuffy the amazing rescue dog in this Viewer Viewpoint article. This dog was rescued/adopted 11 years ago. That in itself is a happy story. What's more, Wuffy has worked for over 10 years rescuing abandoned cats! Learn about her work with the with Southern California Siamese (cat) Rescue in this success story article.
Read about Wuffy the amazing rescue dog in this Viewer Viewpoint article. This dog was rescued/adopted 11 years ago. That in itself is a happy story. What's more, Wuffy has worked for over 10 years rescuing abandoned cats! Learn about her work with the with Southern California Siamese (cat) Rescue in this success story article.