Find answers to common questions about pet adoption, using adoptly, finding local shelters and rescues, posting events and navigating the adoption process.
Adoptly is a free platform that helps you discover adoptable pets and connect with trusted shelters, rescues, and foster organizations across the country. We aggregate adoption events and organization information to make your pet adoption journey easier.
Unlike pet listing sites, Adoptly focuses on connecting you directly with verified shelters and rescue organizations. We highlight adoption events, provide detailed organization profiles, and help you understand the adoption process—making it easier to find your perfect match through trusted sources.
Yes! Adoptly is completely free for pet adopters. We believe everyone should have access to information about adoptable pets and rescue organizations without any barriers.
No account is required to browse pets, view organizations, or find adoption events. You can explore everything Adoptly offers without signing up.
Adoptly partners with shelters and rescues across the United States. Use our search and filter tools to find organizations and events in your area, or explore options in other regions if you're willing to travel for your new family member.
Visit our Organizations page to browse shelters and rescues in your area. Each organization profile includes information about their available pets, adoption requirements, and contact details. You can also check our Events page to find upcoming adoption events where you can meet pets in person.
While dogs and cats are most common, many of our partner organizations also have rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, and other small animals available for adoption. Check individual organization profiles to see what types of pets they specialize in.
Use the location filter on our Organizations page to find shelters and rescues in your area. You can search by city, state, or zip code. We also show organizations that may be worth the drive if they have pets that match what you're looking for.
Shelters are typically government-funded facilities that accept all animals and may have time limits on how long animals can stay. Rescues are usually nonprofit organizations that use foster homes and can be more selective. Both are great options for finding your new pet—they just operate differently.
Adoptly provides contact information and links for each organization so you can reach out directly. We encourage you to visit organization websites, call them, or attend their adoption events to learn more about available pets and their adoption process.
Adoption events are special occasions hosted by shelters and rescues where you can meet multiple adoptable pets in one place. They're often held at pet stores, community centers, or parks, making it convenient to find your new companion in a relaxed setting.
Visit our Events page to see upcoming adoption events. You can filter by location to find events in your area. Each listing includes the date, time, location, and which organization is hosting the event.
Most adoption events are open to the public and don't require registration. However, some events may have special requirements. Check the event details or contact the hosting organization to confirm. We recommend arriving early for popular events!
Bring a valid ID, proof of address (like a utility bill), and be prepared to complete an adoption application. If you have other pets, some organizations may want to meet them too. It's also helpful to bring any questions you have about pet care!
Most adoption events allow same-day adoptions if you meet the organization's requirements and complete the application process. Some pets may require a home visit or additional screening. Ask the organization about their specific process when you arrive.
While each organization has its own process, most adoptions include: filling out an application, meeting the pet, a brief interview or conversation with staff, paying an adoption fee, and signing an adoption contract. Some organizations may require references or a home visit.
Adoption fees vary by organization and animal, typically ranging from $50 to $500. Fees usually cover spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and initial veterinary care. Many organizations offer reduced fees for senior pets or during special promotions.
The application and interview process helps match pets with suitable homes. Organizations want to ensure each animal goes to a family that can meet their specific needs—this benefits both you and the pet! It's also an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn about the pet's personality and care requirements.
Most shelters and rescues have return policies and prefer you bring the pet back rather than rehome them yourself. Check with your organization about their specific policy. They're there to help—if you're having challenges, reach out before making a decision.
Same-day adoptions are possible at many events and shelters. However, some organizations may take a few days to a week to process applications, especially for popular pets or if home visits are required. Ask about timing when you apply so you know what to expect.
Fill out our submission form and adoptly will vet your organization to verify all submitted information is correct and list you as quickly as possible.
Yes! 100% free forever.
Contact us at hello@beadoptly.com, and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Yes! First, make sure your organization is in our directory on the Organizations page, then fill out the Event form to have your event vetted and added to our events list.
For any questions about listing your organization, updating information, or promoting events, email us at hello@beadoptly.com. We're happy to help!
Please email us at hello@beadoptly.com with the organization name and what information needs to be corrected. We appreciate your help keeping our directory accurate!
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You can reach us anytime at hello@beadoptly.com. We typically respond within 1-2 business days.
Absolutely! We love hearing from our users. Send your ideas to hello@beadoptly.com and we'll consider them for future updates.
Yes, we take privacy seriously. Adoptly doesn't require you to create an account or share personal information to browse our site. Any information you provide to shelters or rescues is handled according to their own privacy policies.
