Veterinary Medicine

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Veterinary Medicine

Adoption Resources - all about dog, cat and other pet adoptions

Learn about pet adoptions and how to help animals even if you can't adopt now

By , About.com Guide

See More About:

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. Please share your stories on a variety of adoption/rescue topics to help others make informed pet adoption choices.

1. Online Pet Adoption Guide: Help for those considering adopting a pet

Lonely Dog© cnynfreelancer on Flickr
Shelters in the US are sadly overfilled with dogs, cats and other animals that have been found running loose, confiscated or surrendered by their previous owners. Meanwhile, puppy mills and "backyard breeders" continue to breed more animals looking for a quick buck; creating all sorts of health problems, in addition to reducing the amount of potential homes for animals in shelters. Read this adoption overview to know where to start your pet adoption research.

2. Sophie the Dog: My Personal Story of Pet Shelter Adoption

Sophie the Dog in 2002 © Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM© Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
It started out simple enough. I wanted to help animals in need; animals waiting for adoption at the local shelter. Short on time but wanting to do something, I decided to donate some pet food to my local shelter. The story of how Sophie entered our lives.

3. Sophie the Dog: adoption update - 6 years later

Sophie the Dog - October 2008 © Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM© Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
Sophie is a true shelter adoption success story. From her rag-tag beginnings running the streets, she has found a home to call her own. She has blended well with our other pets, family and friends who visit. She is an easy going, low-maintenance dog. She isn't perfect, but we love her.

4. Share: Your tips for a successful pet adoption

Pick Me - superfem on Flickr© superfem on Flickr

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. Do you have pet adoption tips or stories to share that will help others make informed, committed decisions? Knowledge is power.

Please share your adoption success stories here.

5. Share: People-Pet Adoption Matchmaking -- does it work?

The Human Animal Bond - Getty Images News - David Paul Morris/StringerGetty Images News - David Paul Morris/Stringer

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 organizations, such as the ASPCA, employ formal pet-people matching methods. Do these programs work? Was your family screened prior to adopting a pet? Are you too "old" to adopt? Where you pre-screened?

Please share your opinions and stories about adoption matchmaking.

6. Go behind-the-scenes at the Monterey County SPCA in California

Syringe-feeding a rescued puppy. credit: SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County California
This is my six-part interview with Beth Brookhouser of the SPCA for Monterey County. 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 the better.

7. Pet Care Planning: Do you have a plan in place for your pets?

Darby the German Shepherd Dog Looking for a Home © Susan Ragan© Susan Ragan
Read the story of Darby, a dog up for adoption under unusual circumstances. Here owner died while on vacation, and all of a sudden, this well-loved and cherished pet was homeless. This story was a good reminder to make plans for our pets.

8. Share: Your tips for pet care planning

Darby the Dog Finds a Home © Susan Ragan© Susan Ragan

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?

Please share your tips for caring for your pets if you can't.

9. The story of Kelsey the Twice-Adopted Dog

Kelsey the Twice-Adopted Dog on the beach © Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D.© Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D.
Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) shares the story of Kelsey, the dog her family adopted after the dog had been returned to the shelter.

10. Adopting an Exotic Pet

Rabbit in the grass by peterastn on Flickr© peterastn on Flickr
Learn about where and how to adopt other types of pets, including (but not limited to) rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles and birds from Lianne McLeod, DVM.

Explore Veterinary Medicine

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Make Your Own Scented Pine Cones

Bring a little of the fall season in your home with this easy-to-make craft. More >

Veterinary Medicine

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Veterinary Medicine
  4. Adoption & Rescue
  5. Adoption Resources - all about dog, cat and other pet adoptions - online and at adoption rescues and shelters>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.