Pet Adoption Stories

Tabby cat on a cushion in a nook of a bookshelf

Happy tales of adopted pets in their new homes

From snuggling under the covers to enjoying beach days, these adopted cats and dogs are living their best lives with their new families.
Read these updates from adopers
Best Friends Magazine
Grizzy and small brown dog with a underbite

Adopted and adored: Cats and dogs living the dream

From a sassy city cat to a senior beagle on a farm, these heartwarming adoption stories show the joy of a safe place to call home.
Hear about these pet adoptions
Best Friends Magazine
Franklin and Nigel the cats in the vintage shop

10 inspiring pet adoption stories from 2024

Enjoy some of the year’s most heartwarming tales from around the country of pets going home.
Read the most heartwarming adoption stories of the year
Feature
Lisa holding McMuffin the cat outside in front of a blue sky with clouds

Faces of No-Kill: Paralyzed cat’s life in the fast lane

The way McMuffin adapted to his challenges shows just how resilient and unstoppable pets can be.
Now every day is an adventure
Video
Person wearing a Save Them All T-shirt holding two kittens on their arm

Heartwarming animal stories that made 2024 shine

The most-read stories of the year on bestfriends.org showcase the lifesaving work happening for animals across the country.
Read their emotional stories
Feature
Skipper the dog with his family

Pets from coast to coast spend holidays in new homes

Chewy partnered with Best Friends to spread holiday cheer by offering free pet adoptions.
A season of second chances
Feature
Jaime Gallardo lying on the floor with Dublin the dog

Magical fresh start for senior dog

Dublin needed an adopter who understood his mobility challenges.
See him in action
Video
Betty the dog sitting in a car seat wearing pearls

Senior dog regains pep in her step

Sweet Betty recovered from surgery and is thriving in her new home despite a cancer diagnosis.
Senior dog now thrives
Feature
Three happy people posing with a calico cat and a Best Friends no-kill 2023 shelter trophy

New data shows encouraging trend for pets in shelters

Monthly data from nearly 800 animal shelters from across the U.S. shows the first lifesaving progress for dogs and cats since 2020.
Positive momentum for shelter lifesaving
Feature
Three people, including Best Friends CEO Julie Castle, with three dogs at New York's Rockefeller Center

Adoptable dogs shine bright at Rockefeller tree lighting

Best Friends and Toyota spotlight pet adoption and fostering during the iconic holiday event in New York City.
Event was a dream come true
Feature
Gina sitting with with three horses lying together on the ground

A fairy-tale ending for horses who survived the odds

Three horses from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary join a loving herd on a stunning homestead, where they live their happily-ever-afters.
Now thriving with their new herd
Feature
Persia the cat sitting with her eyes closed on a yellow chair covered in a fluffy bed

Cat’s world goes from blurry to bright

When Persia came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she could barely open her eyes. Now, she sees her world clearly — and it’s bright and full of love.
Now her future is bright
Feature
Karen holding Halo the puppy in a home

Faces of No-Kill: Angelic pup survives head injury

Halo needed a miracle when he landed at Best Friends with a major head injury. Now, his health is flying high thanks to swift vet care and a foster home.
Now he spreads joy wherever he goes
Feature
Andy the dog being adopted by two people

Waived adoption fees help dogs and cats go home sooner

When a group of New England animal shelters decided to take part in a fee-waived event, the eye-opening result was more than 150 adoptions in a week.
A win for adopters and shelters
Feature
Goldilocks the cat in a basket with her paw over the side

Faces of No-Kill: A just-right home for persnickety cat

For Goldilocks, home didn’t turn out to be a cottage in the woods. Instead, it was an NYC apartment full of love.
See her now
Video