One of the easiest things you can do to instantly improve your life is adopt a pet. No more returning to a quiet, lonely house. Now, you’ll have a furry friend eagerly waiting to greet you at the door, and you’ll never have to sleep in your bed alone again. Whether you’re a cat person, a dog person or you prefer something else entirely, there’s an animal out there patiently waiting in a shelter to be rescued by you.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to go out and find the pet of your dreams, we’ve got you covered, pandas. Below, you’ll find a list that Bored Panda compiled of heartwarming and wholesome photos of animals who were recently adopted into their forever homes. Enjoy scrolling through these pics that might make you say, “Awww!” And be sure to upvote the ones that give you serious puppy or kitten fever!

Discover more in 50 Adopted Pets That Are Already Chilling In Their New Homes (November Edition)

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#1 My Small Cat Fell Asleep In Hands

This is Lola Kiwi. Someone found her in a grain treatment site and brought her to me as they knew I was taking care of other cats. I fell in love with her and decided to adopt her. She’s my sunshine!

#2 I Just Adopted My Dream Cat!

#3 Just Adopted This Senior Gentleman

My landlord once told me that “home doesn’t feel like home without a pet,” and that really stuck with me. There’s nothing like the feeling of a sleeping cat curled up on your chest or a wet dog nose waking you up in the morning. My apartment just feels so quiet and lifeless without a furry little friend running around. I can’t imagine not having my cat by my side!

But when it comes to where we should be getting our pets from, adoption is always the right answer. According to the ASPCA, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in the United States in 2024. Thankfully, 4.2 million shelter animals were adopted into loving homes. But tragically, over 600,000 potential pets were also euthanized, to free up space in rescues for new animals.

#4 Got A New Kitten And Wasn’t Sure If Our Adult Cat Would Accept Her

#5 He Finally Found Her Forever Mom!!! – Got Adopted By A New Mother Cat

#6 100 Year Old Woman Adopts Dog No One Wanted

As tempting as it may be to go to a breeder when you have a specific dog or cat breed in mind, adopting from an animal shelter saves not only one pet’s life, but two. Worldwide Veterinary Service explains that by taking one furry friend home, you create an opening in the shelter for another pet to wait for a loving home.

By doing so, you also support shelters and rescues, rather than breeders. Unfortunately, many breeders don’t treat their animals very well, and often, these dogs and cats are forced to breed as often as possible. There are plenty of animals that are already waiting for loving homes; there’s no need to create more demand for breeders.

#7 Adopted An FIV Cat

#8 This Is Alek, We Fostered Her In May. Now She Lives With Us Permanently

#9 Got My First Orange Cat. Everyone Meet Dan

Another great benefit of adopting a pet from a shelter is that you get the lifetime support of the shelter employees. They know your pet better than anyone, and they’ll be able to provide you with help if you’re ever struggling with your pet’s behavior or training. Plus, they will likely have already vaccinated and spayed or neutered your pet before you ever take them home. So all you’ll have to worry about is making sure that your furry friend feels loved and taken care of.

#10 Hank

#11 Found A Box Of 6 Abandoned Puppies, This One Stole My Heart

#12 Went For Food, Came Back With Freddie

There’s no question that owning a pet can be expensive. Americans spend an average of $1,270 per year on each pet, and the initial costs of getting a new pet can fall between $500 to $1,000. But if finances are a concern for you, adoption is certainly the best solution. First of all, the price you’ll pay for your animal will be significantly lower than you would have paid a breeder. Plus, if you get to skip the upfront costs of vaccinations and medical care, you can focus on the more fun necessities like food, treats and toys.

#13 Recently Acquired Shelter Baby

#14 Today We Adopted…

#15 We Did It. We Got A Second One

Now, there are some misconceptions about adoption that we need to set the record straight about. Some people assume that pets coming from rescues will have behavioral issues due to trauma in their past. But this is certainly not the case for many animals. In fact, the Animal Humane Society notes that pets are relocated for a variety of issues. For example, their family may have moved, may have had allergies, or may have had a change in their lifestyle that forced them to rehome their pet. The animal that ends up in the shelter may be scared, but that doesn’t stop them from being incredibly sweet and loving if that’s their temperament.

#16 Just Wanted To Show Off My Newest Baby

#17 My Neighborhood Cat Adopted Me To Be His Food Dispenser. Named Him Peter

#18 Best Decision Of My Life

Some people also avoid looking in shelters for their next pet if they’re set on taking home a puppy or kitten. But in reality, you can find pets of all ages in shelters. Yes, some may be seniors, but puppies and kittens can end up there as well. For example, a dog who is pregnant might be taken in by the shelter, and then their puppies will be put up for adoption once they’re old enough. Or a box of kittens might be left on the shelter’s doorstep. It’s always going to be worth it to see what’s available at a shelter; you might just find your new best friend!

#19 Just Adopted A 7 Year Old Cat

#20 First Time Cat Owner

#21 I Finally Have One Of My Own

Owning a pet can provide you with countless benefits, from reducing your stress and anxiety to giving you a sense of purpose. Your health might even improve, if you become more active while playing with your furry friend, or if your pet reduces your heart rate by simply keeping you relaxed. There are plenty of reasons to adopt a pet. And while the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly, if you’re ready to welcome a fluffy friend into your home, it might be the perfect time to take the leap!

#22 It’s Only Been Two Days, But Wasabi And Tobiko Are Completely Inseparable

#23 Just Wow

So this little guy was left tied to a tree in a park 2 or 3 towns away from where we adopted our little chia seed… my wife is a vet tech and he was brought in because her clinic is the only one in the state that does low cost or occasionally free spay/neuter clinics so animal control brought him in hopes it would make him more adoptable…. we kinda think there is a decent chance they are related. Soooooooo we are now probably gonna have 2 vicious beasts to haunt the neighborhood.

#24 My Two Rescues

Are you feeling serious puppy or kitten fever after seeing all of these precious photos, pandas? Keep upvoting the pics that warm your heart, and let us know in the comments below if you’ve ever adopted any of your furry family members. Then, if you’re looking for another Bored Panda list featuring adorable photos of adopted animals, look no further than right here.

#25 I’ve Been Adopted

#26 My Newly Adopted Dog. Name Is Still Trying To Be Decided On

#27 I’m Adopting My Dogs Twin!?

#28 I Decided To Adopt My Friends Cat Buffet When He No Longer Could Keep Him. Ginger Color

#29 Caught My Newly Adopted Kitten Cuddling My Resident Cat

#30 I Promised They Would Be Adopted Together. Today, Brother And Sister Left For Their Forever Home

#31 Phoebe, My Tortie

#32 He Seems Thrilled To Be Getting Out

#33 Decided To Adopt These Two Cuties From The Shelter!

#34 My First Cat. I Adopted Him Today. He Is Literally My Dream Of A Cat

#35 Remember The Video Of Big Bertha In The Backpack? She Was Just Adopted!

#36 Found This Little Fella Outside And Legally Kidnapped Him

#37 Adopted A Cat Called Frank. Here He Is Enjoying His First Christmas Tree

#38 My Meggie Is The Best Dog!! I Adopted Her At The Age Of Eight

#39 I Think I Was Just Adopted By A Pocket Bully

#40 Penny The Smol Kitten

#41 Adopted This Girl Yesterday. Can’t Agree On A Name. Please Help Us Out

#42 This Is Chopper. He’s New Here, A Street Dog Rescued From Korea

#43 Just Got A Siamese Kitten On Impulse Now I’m Worried I’m Not The Right Fit. Need Advice Update!

#44 Having A Sleepover

#45 Went In For A Kitten But Her Big Sis Had Other Plans

#46 Just Adopted This Girl

#47 I Adopted A Reactive Bully

#48 My Dream

This is Bandit (we call him Bandito) and he is a two-year old corgi-mix (I’m planning to do a DNA test because I’m very curious what he’s mixed with). We adopted him from our local humane society and he is so great. I’ve wanted a corgi for as long as I can remember, and I finally have one. He gets along really well with our other two dogs (we did a meet and greet ahead of adopting him). I will say going from two mini-aussies and a border collie/aussie mix is quite a change of pace. I love his energy and stubborn nature. That corgi attitude I’ve heard so much about. I just can’t wait to get to know him even better