Seeking a furry companion? Find your new pup on Petfinder.com
Petfinder.com compiles pet information from rescue websites nationwide into one convenient spot for easy searching by breed, location, and more.
The site gathers pet details from rescue and dog shelter websites nationwide, providing a convenient search based on breed, location, and other criteria.
Petfinder compiles pet information from rescue websites across the country into one spot for an easy search by breed, location, and more.
Lately, I’ve had many friends reach out to me and ask how to find the animal they’re seeking in a shelter or from a rescue group.
With hundreds of foster programs, breed rescues, and shelters in Colorado (and most communities), it can be hard to know where to start. And indeed, no one expects you to visit dozens of places alone.
Enter Petfinder.com! This is probably one of my favorite partnership ideas of all time because it is a website that does only good.
PetFinder collects animals from rescue websites nationwide. Users can search for animals on PetFinder by location, animal type, behavior, age, and human preferences, among other criteria.
Whether you’re looking for family pets, small dogs, guard dogs, or popular breeds like Labrador retrievers, French bulldogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, or Irish Setters, start your search on Petfinder.
Start at PetFinder.com
Let’s say you’re looking for a young or newborn Belgian Shepherd, Laekenois (although I had never heard of the breed, they are gorgeous dogs).
In searching for this rare breed, you also want this Belgian Shepard Laekenois to be a female, be a dog that will like your kids, and get along with your family’s cats.
On petfinder.com, you can narrow your search on any or all of these criteria, and if you do so, you’ll find Sissy might be the perfect pup for you!
PetFinder.com brings together more than 12,000 rescue organizations nationwide and features a database of over 215,000 animals searching for forever homes. The number of homeless animals is staggering.
While it doesn’t even come close to accounting for all of the homeless animals in our country, it indicates the importance of adopting animals. And it helps place family dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Cocker Spaniels.
Available dogs and cats
You can find any dog breed up for adoption; this site is proof.
Plus, not only is rescuing a good deed, but another perk of adoption is that you can get a great dog and spend less than if you purchased one from a breeder or store.
For example:
- The most expensive dog ever sold was a Tibetan Mastiff, which sold for $1.5 million in March 2011. There are nine Tibetan Mastiffs listed on PetFinder.com available for adoption, with adoption fees ranging from $100 to $200.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the second most expensive dog breed, ranging from $1,000 to $14,000 from breeders. There are 189 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels available for adoption on PetFinder.com.
- Samoyeds are the third most expensive breed, ranging from $4,000 to $11,000 per dog. There are 87 purebred and mixed-breed Samoyed dogs on Petfinder.
- Creating awareness
What I love most about this site is the awareness it creates.
Benefits of using Petfinder.com
Petfinder.com is a powerful resource for anyone looking to adopt a pet. Here are some key benefits of using this platform:
Variety of animals: Petfinder offers listings for a diverse range of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and reptiles. Whatever type of companion you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it on this site.
Local adoption options: The site allows users to search for pets available for adoption in their local area. This makes it easier to connect with shelters and rescues nearby, facilitating a smoother adoption process.
Detailed pet profiles: Each pet on Petfinder has a thorough profile that includes information about their age, breed, temperament, and health status. This helps potential adopters make informed decisions and find a pet that fits their lifestyle.
Connection with shelters and rescues: Petfinder is a bridge between adopters and various shelters and rescue organizations. By using the site, users can find reputable organizations committed to animal welfare.
Resources and support: The site offers valuable resources for pet owners, including articles on pet care, training, and health. This information can be instrumental for new pet parents as they navigate their journey.
Awareness of adoption benefits: Petfinder often highlights the importance of adopting pets from shelters. By using the site, adopters not only find a pet but also support the movement to reduce the number of homeless animals.
User-friendly interface: The website is designed to be easy to navigate, allowing users to search by various filters such as breed, size, age, and more, making the process of finding the perfect pet straightforward.
Be prepared to adopt
Adopting a dog can be a life-changing decision, but first-time pet owners often have some common concerns.
Here are a few important considerations:
Behavior and training: Many new owners worry about how to handle a dog’s behavior, including training and obedience. It’s essential to recognize that each dog has its own unique personality and may require patience, consistency, and guidance from training resources.
Compatibility: First-time adopters often worry that the dog may not be a good fit for their lifestyle or family dynamic. It’s crucial to consider factors such as size, energy level, and temperament to ensure a good match for both the dog and family.
Ownership costs: Owning a dog involves ongoing expenses, such as food, grooming, veterinary visits, and supplies. Understanding these costs helps potential adopters prepare financially for their new pet’s needs.
Time commitment: Adopting a dog requires a significant time commitment for exercise, training, and socialization. First-time owners should assess their daily routines to ensure they can dedicate sufficient time to their new companion.
Health and lifespan: Concerns about the dog’s health or longevity are common.
Adopters should be aware of breed-specific health issues and the expected lifespan, as this can help them make an informed decision.
Final thoughts on using Petfinder
PetFinder.com has 175,000 dogs to search through — dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments.
The site also educates visitors, providing information about all dog breeds, and shares resources and articles to help prepare people for being pet owners, making it a great place to send people in your life who aren’t sure what they are looking for in a pet.
Whether you’re looking for hybrid dogs, purebred dogs, or mixed-breed dogs, Petfinder can help you find the right dog to bring home.
So, next time someone mentions they are looking for an adoptable pet, encourage them to adopt and use PetFinder.com as a research tool.
And, if you’re like me, you’ll enjoy just checking out the amazing animals in your area and trying to find them a good home.
Tiana Nelson is the president and COO of PawsCo, a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization based in Denver, Colorado.