Adopting a pet is a big responsibility. But if you have the right conditions and do the homework, the rewards of saving an animal in need outweigh most concerns and fears surrounding it.
Every month, we at Bored Panda go through the subreddit r/BeforeNAfterAdoption and hand-pick adorable photos that show animals enjoying their second chance at life. Whether it will inspire you to get a pet, donate to a shelter, or simply make your day, it’s a win-win. May 2021 was no exception.
Continue scrolling to check out what the subreddit has blessed us with this time, and when you’re done, fire up our earlier posts for more heartwarming pics: April, March, February.#1
My Foster Kitten Is Part Domestic Shorthair, Part Vampire
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
Beyond wonderful.10ReplyView more comments
At the beginning of the pandemic, reports emerged that people began adopting animals in huge numbers. Cages were getting empty. But skeptics remained cautious whether the boom will produce any long-term results. They feared that once the isolation ends and governments ease restrictions, allowing their citizens to return to their normal lives, there will be a spike in pet returns. New findings, however, suggest otherwise.
Recently, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) released new data from a nationally representative poll of 5,020 respondents. According to the numbers, close to one in five households acquired a cat or dog since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, which would account for approximately 23 million American households based on the 2019 U.S. Census.
“The vast majority of these households still have that pet in the home—90 percent for dogs and 85 percent for cats—and are not considering rehoming their pet in the near future,” ASPCA told Bored Panda in a statement. “Despite alarmist headlines tied to regional reports of a surge in owner surrenders, this trend is not currently evident on a national level with many organizations simply seeing a return to pre-pandemic operations and intake.”#2
Anytime Someone Asks To Adopt The Pups Separately I Send Them This Picture
the-dogtor-is-in Report131POST
Julia Atkinson10 hours ago
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother18ReplyView more comments#3
A Fantastic Blep From My Newly Adopted Blind Old Kitty, Ambrose
KeyserSozeWearsPrada Report130POST
Birgit M9 hours ago
Old pets are often overlooked and thats so sad. I am happy for Ambrose!18ReplyView more comments
“This incredibly stressful period motivated many people to foster and adopt animals, as well as further cherish the pets already in their lives, and our recent research shows no significant risk of animals being rehomed by their owners now or in the near future as a result of the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “Pets are still providing their families with joy and comfort, regardless of changes in circumstances, and loving owners continue to recognize and appreciate the essential role pets play in their lives.”
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted across the country, the majority of surveyed pet owners are incorporating their new four-legged family members into their lifestyles with little reported concern about having enough time to spend with their pet or wanting to travel more but feeling limited by an animal.#4
My Foster Dog Had Never Been Indoors Before. This Is Her First Nap, On A Bed, In A Home
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
This hurts me, for all she must have been through. Thank you a million times over.27ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#5
Adopted A 12 Year Old Cat. Her Look Tells Me She’s Thankful And I’m Smitten
Chancey10 hours ago
So sweet!10ReplyView more comments
“Although some pet owners expressed general concerns, 87 percent of respondents shared that they are not considering rehoming their animal, suggesting that pet owners remain committed to caring for their cats and dogs,” ASPCA explained.
But it is important to remember that even without a national surge in returns occurring at this time, there are a variety of reasons that might make it difficult for individuals to keep a pet due to new factors outside of their control.
“The ASPCA encourages any pet owner who may be considering rehoming their pet to enlist the support of a friend or neighbor—or to reach out to a shelter or rescue organization in their area, as the staff can often provide advice and assistance,” the organization said.
Some issues are tougher than others. So for pet owners who are concerned about their new dog experiencing separation anxiety when routines change, there are many resources to help ease the transition, and working with a certified applied animal behaviorist, veterinary behaviorist or certified professional dog trainer can help.
For more information about the ASPCA’s efforts to keep people and pets together, visit ASPCA.#6
My Neighbor Just Adopted This Little Thing And I Just Can’t
Julia Atkinson10 hours ago
Ear fluff powers activated18ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#7
They Said She Was A Normal Cat When We Adopted Her But I’m Still Not Convinced
Friday10 hours ago
The new normal12ReplyView more comments#8
“Old Man Ed’s “I’m Getting Adopted!” Smile Is Both Handsome And Proud” I Am Getting Along Well With The Old Man
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
Ed has the best expression. Very Clark Gable.26ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#9
Someone Is Happy To Be Adopted Today
Friday10 hours ago
Welcome home little one 🙂7ReplyView more comments#10
We Had No Plans To Adopt Our Current Foster Dog But Then This Happened
Kzincat10 hours ago
Best friends.9ReplyView more comments#11
The Orange Kitten I Rescued From Under My Stairs Two Days Ago Already Knows How To Pose Like A Supermodel
Kzincat10 hours ago
Precious.7ReplyView more comments#12
Adopted A Stray. Meet Sushi Roll
Nadia Montera8 hours ago
This is the most adorable good boï ❤6ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#13
1 Week Post Adoption
Numerous_Asparagus87 Report101POST
Nadia Montera8 hours ago
Draw me like one of these French girls 🙂9ReplyView more comments#14
This Baby Had Been Returned To The Shelter By Previous Adopters. I Will Never Understand How Someone Couldn’t Want Him. He Is The Best Companion And He Is My Best Friend
Sue Simmons10 hours ago
Because he was meant for YOU. XXX29ReplyView more comments#15
Meet Zoey Everyone! My Little 4lb Peanut I Rescued From The Side Of The Road
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
Oh my goodness. Precious baby!8ReplyView more comments#16
Meet Eugene. He’s A Parvo Survivor That I Fostered For Over A Month, And After 2 Failed Pending Adoptions I Took It As A Sign From The Universe That He Was Meant To Stay Forever
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
A sign from the universe or a sign from your heart. Lovely puppy.6ReplyView more comments#17
A Month Ago She Showed Up Crying At Our Window. After Searching For Her Owner And Bringing Her To The Shelter, This Weekend We Officially Adopted Our Sweet Little Junie B
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
Munchkin? Adorable.5ReplyView more comments#18
So, I Adopted My First Cat He’s A Senior With Arthritis, Kidney Disease, And Bad Teeth, But He’s The Absolute Sweetest Boy; It Was Love At First Sight He’s Only Been Here For An Hour, But He Seems To Be Settling Into His Retirement Home Nicely
Julia Caroline8 hours ago
Good for you 7ReplyView more comments#19
Recently Adopted This Polite Young Lady. Meet Mooncake!
nobuttsnococonuts Report89POST
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
Sigh.5ReplyView more comments#20
I Grew Up Thinking Huskies Were Majestic. Then I Adopted Argo
Yettichild10 hours ago
They are definitely characters.12ReplyView more comments#21
We Adopted A 6 Month Old Pit/Lab Mix Yesterday, Say Hello To Larry Everybody!
Chancey10 hours ago
Larry lol Perfect name.5ReplyView more comments#22
Went To Look At New Born Cats And This Guy Crawled Into My Hoodie Filled Out The Adoption Papers Not Just A Minute Later With The Fluff Ball Still In My Hood
Kzincat10 hours ago
You were chosen.18ReplyView more comments#23
I’m Newly A Divorced Single Mom. I Adopted This Guy Who Had Been Returned To The Shelter. He Thanks Me Every Day…but He’s Got No Idea How Thankful I Am For Him
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
He absolutely knows and feels the same way.7Reply#24
Started Volunteering At The Animal Shelter 2 Weeks Ago. Brought Home My First Foster Family Today. Momma And 6 3 Week Old Babies
Friday10 hours ago
Proud mama!7ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#25
I Adopted My First Cat!
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago(edited)
You already see eye to eye. Congratulations on years of joy ahead.9ReplyView more comments#26
Been Struggling With Depression And Anxiety For Years. And I Have Finally Decided To Adopt My Own Cat And I Already Feel So Much Better. Say Hi To Princess Leia Everyone
Dorothy Parker10 hours ago
Pets help so much. You saved a life, too.13ReplyView more comments#27
Adopted Two Little Meezers. Named Them Yin And Yang
A B C5 hours ago
They look so soft 2ReplyView more comments#28
Adopted A Dog Last Week. This Is How She Slept The Other Night
Friday10 hours ago
She knows she has her furever home now7ReplyView more comments#29
My Foster Dog Just Got Adopted! I Think He’s Excited
A B C5 hours ago
Awww, he looks so happy ❤2ReplyView more comments#30
We Adopted A Bulldog Yesterday The Cat Clearly Was Not Excited About It
Láďa Durchánek10 hours ago
The floor is lava now.14ReplyView More Replies…View more comments
Note: this post originally had 54 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
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Ilona BaliūnaitėAuthor, BoredPanda staff
Ilona is a photo editor at Bored Panda with an MA in Communication Of Creative Society. Before Bored Panda, she worked as a social media manager and freelance graphic designer. When she is not photoshopping or searching for the most interesting photos for stories, she is usually watching good movies and says that The Godfather is the best. Read more »
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