8 Great Places to Adopt a Pet

Looking for a furry addition to your family but don’t know where to start? Try these top sources for pet adoption.

How to Find a Pet

Ready to add a four-legged or winged friend to your home? Pet adoption is a great way to go: Not only does adopting a pet—whether it’s a cat, dog, pig, or parakeet—from an animal rescue organization save a life, it can save you money, too. Purchasing an animal from a pet store or breeder can cost thousands of dollars, while adopting—with fees averaging in the low hundreds—is a bargain by comparison. “Most of the time the pet will be up-to-date on vaccinations, checked out by a veterinarian, and sometimes neutered and spayed [and microchipped]—and all of this is built into the adoption fee,” says Katya L. Friedman of Adopt-a-Pet.com.

The pet adoption approval process typically involves an application and interview; some organizations also require a home visit and a veterinary referral. If you think you’re ready to find the perfect companion, check out these online and in-person sources.