Animal shelters and groups that offer dog rescues give people an opportunity to adopt the pets of their choice, but sometimes websites make it a lot easier with the ability to search for a particular pet.
These six sites have search methods to find a pet near you, and also include articles and additional services you may need.
Latest: Tell Us About Your Pets! Which Do You Have?
1.
Petfinder provides a quick search based on location, type of pet, breed, age and gender. By simply filling in the information, users get to see photos of potential pets available in their area.
Petfinder also has articles on caring for pets and training. It has stories about the adoption of pets, some dealing with pets being adopted miles away or across the country.
2.
Adopt a Pet has a similar search method, including color and size of the pet you want. Look for a pet in your town or within a certain distance from your home.
The site features tips and news on why you should adopt a dog or cat instead of buying one, or on issues you need to consider in finding the pet that’s right for you. For example, do you want an energetic dog or are you looking for one that will be a good couch partner?
3. The
ASPCA has a website to find pets nationwide through its national database of dogs that need good homes. It also provides a link to its adoption center.
Pet searchers can find pictures of adoptable dogs or cats in their area through shelters, choosing the breeds, sizes, and ages of pets desired. The ASPCA also provides adoption tips and information on finding a local shelter.
Tell Us: Buying or Adopting? How Did You Get Your Pets?
4.
Petco partners with Petfinder in finding a pet near you, but its site also includes information on its services, store locations, and in-store adoption events.
Petco often displays adoptable pets from local shelters and is ideal for people who have a Petco store near them. Or they can use its online search to locate pets and adoption organizations.
5.
Petango.com offers adoptable search services with real-time updates. Many sites have the latest photos and features of pets up for adoption, but sometimes they’re adopted soon after they’re posted.
Petango connects with animal welfare locations across North America. Searchers can look for pets to fit their lifestyle or the character traits they want, whether peaceful or playful. They can also complete a “Pawsonality” test for compatibility.
6.
The Shelter Pet Project provides prospective pet owners with public service campaigns for pets in shelters through the Humane Society of the United States and Maddie’s Fund, leading animal welfare groups.
Users can search for dogs or cats according to the type of pet or by shelter. Articles include information about pet adoption and heartwarming stories on adopting pets.
Vote Now: Should the Government Do More to Assist Animal Shelters?
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.