While it is sad that there is a need for adoption in the first place, luckily it is in and of itself a solution to the problem—a solution that quite a bit of folks seem to embrace.
And when folks adopt, it’s likely they take to the internet to celebrate their newest member (or members) of the family, sharing a picture of them being curious, mischievous, or downright adorable. Some of these find their way into our pet adoption of the month listicles, so here are the best ones for the month of November.
#1 I Rescued 3 Kittens From My Construction Job Site
Image credits: realogy
#2 Decided To Adopt The Hissing, Swatting, Growling One At The Shelter. Took Her Less Than A Day To Turn Into The Sweetest Cuddle Bug
Image credits: gotpoopstains
#3 Today, I Adopted A Street Cat And Her One-Day-Old Kittens
Image credits: shahid_555
It’s important to consider animal adoption stats for a minute because it emphasizes how crucial it is for them to find forever homes.
Around 6.3 million companion animals are admitted to animal shelters around the US each year. That’s roughly equivalent to the populations of Maryland (6.17M) and Indiana (6.79M).
Of them, dogs and cats go almost half-and-half with 3.1 and 3.2 million respectively. Luckily, this is a drop since 2011 when 7.2 million pets ended up in shelters.
#4 My Neighbors Were Evicted And Abandoned Their Cat. I Decided To Adopt Him. Meet Mimi
Image credits: Pogys
#5 I Asked For The Least Adoptable Cat… Ended Up With A Sweet Bundle Of Love
Image credits: Fluffy-Designer
#6 Adopted A Sweet Bait Dog
Image credits: BuddhaDaddy88
Of these 6.3 million, only 4.1 are actually adopted, and about 810,000 of pets who enter shelters as strays are eventually reunited with their human companions.
Unfortunately, the reality is some animals end up euthanized. And reasons can vary from shelter overcrowding to the animals being incurably sick, aggressive, injured or suffering from something.
So, adoption is definitely the option.
#7 I Just Adopted Her And Named Her Duchess. Dutch For Short
Image credits: NBD2016
#8 We Adopted This Little Orange Cutie
Image credits: MdnightRmblr
#9 Rescued This Little Girl From A Trash Compactor. Her Name Is Sylvie!
Image credits: Aquarius_Bitch
Bored Panda has reached out to Julie Posluns, an applied animal behaviorist (ACAAB) and the founder of The Cat School, to learn more about adoption and adopted pet behavior.
“A recently adopted cat may initially hide due to fear of their new surroundings; overcoming this fear could take days or weeks,” explains Julie.
“As a cat becomes more familiar with its new surroundings and guardians, you should expect more exploration and social and playful behaviors.”
#10 Just Adopted Two Tiny Voids
Image credits: Celthara
#11 My Step-Mom Adopted A Cat For Her Elderly Parents. We Were Nervous Her Dad Wouldn’t Like Him
Image credits: kittyishhh
#12 Recently Adopted A Kitten, Was Worried He Wouldn’t Get Along With My Dog
Image credits: zachp0wer
Julie continues: “Once a bond develops and your cat starts trusting you, they may start following you, seeking your attention and lying closer to you, or on you if you are lucky! The first few weeks and months are full of surprises as you learn more about your cat's personality.”
And to increase your chances of becoming a cat cushion, it helps to have some soul-searching done before actually adopting—considering the energy levels, personality, size when fully grown and their fit in the family.
#13 Daughter Was Worried About The Adopted Void Being Accepted
Image credits: screaming_avacado
#14 We Adopted A Second Cat Today. He And Our First Cat Are Working Things Out
Image credits: coinpile
#15 Accidental Hug While Brushing A Newly Adopted 15yo Pittie
Image credits: alittle_disabled
If possible, spend time with the adoptee in the shelter and see how they react to you. And once you’ve set your (puppy) eyes on one, move on to prepping.
“While time and patience are helpful when a cat is rehomed, there are methods to speed up the integration process,” explains Julie. “Setting up the environment so your cat has many places to feel safe—both hiding spots and elevated areas to monitor their environment can bring a sense of control.”
#16 Just Adopted This Sweet Boy, Can’t Believe He Was Left Behind By His Previous Owners
Image credits: Limp-Bacon
#17 Just Adopted This 11 Year Old Love Bug
Image credits: irishrose381
#18 On The Euthanasia List At An Animal Shelter Instead, She Got Adopted And A Puppuccino From Starbucks
Image credits: moncking
“Encouraging play, using food as enrichment in puzzles and for clicker training are excellent ‘ice-breakers’ to start your relationship on the right paw.”
As for dogs, they too require a place of their own at home. So, set up a place with a bed and blanket for them to rest and introduce them to their food bowl and use food enrichment to help them familiarize with the environment.
#19 This Is Weasley And Capucine Adopted Thru Our Shelter. The Big Boy Was Lonely (And Really Playful) So His Human Adopted A Little Sister For Him. Things Seems To Be Going Great
Image credits: sonia72quebec
#20 Rescued Violet 1 Week Ago
Image credits: HospyNursie
#21 We Just Adopted A Rescue. Meet Popcorn!
Image credits: willevans1972
It goes without saying that finding a local veterinarian and looking into pet insurance are highly recommended.
In the long run, and even more so with dogs, you can start introducing them to other pets around the neighborhood or even in other family circles.
Pet training also comes in handy in many different situations. Training essentially helps you communicate better with the pet and for the pet to understand you better.
#22 Rescued This Little Fella From Being Thrown Away. She’s Now A Part Of The Family
Image credits: DJ-Zero-Seven
#23 I Am In Love With My 6 Weeks Old Cat
Image credits: hamada625
#24 Brother And Sister We Adopted Together Who Cuddle Constantly
Image credits: takeagender
Adoption has an impact on pets’ behavior and personality and it’s virtually always positive.
“There are many heartwarming stories of homeless cats who go from avoiding any human contact to becoming sweet and affectionate companions,” elaborates Julie.
#25 Susie Q Found Her Furever Home Yesterday!!!
Image credits: animeyiddies69
#26 Adopted My First Dog, Her Name Is Bug
Image credits: httpsal3m
#27 Newly Adopted Dog, Name Suggestions Please!!
Image credits: there_is_no_party
Julie continues: “Similarly, moving from a crowded shelter environment into a quiet home can have a profoundly positive effect on a cat's personality.”
“Fortunately, even cats surrendered multiple times can adapt to new environments and become trusting companions.”
#28 Meet Naomi! She Adopted Me A Week Ago And I Wanted To Show Her Off!
Image credits: asm485
#29 What Name Should He Have?
Image credits: Kyto_Echo
#30 My Newly Adopted Puppy Is One Silly Sleeper
Image credits: mll2000
Be sure to check out more from the Cat School website, where you can find resources for cat training tips as well as get yourself specialized products like clicker training tools and cat leash walking kits. And be sure to follow the school on their YouTube and Instagram.
But if you want more adopted cuteness, these listicles come out on a monthly basis, so check out the one from last month.
#31 Adjusting To Indoor Life After Being Adopted From The Parking Lot
Image credits: PartyMud
#32 Just Rescued This Lil Dude
Image credits: pizzapuppiez
#33 Happy Halloween From Benny! 15 Y.o. Just Adopted Him Last Week!
Image credits: helicopterlanding
#34 Our Latest Rescue
Image credits: pdonettes
#35 Accidentally Adopted A Potato But We Love Her All The Same
Image credits: GuideToTheGalaxy05
#36 Adopted At A Rescue And Newly Groomed. Truffles, Good Girl And Terror Of Squirrels
Image credits: UCFLegion
#37 Rescued This Little Guy Tonight, Can Anyone Give Insight On His Age
Image credits: LadyMcRib
#38 Adopted This Mama Cat And Kitti
Image credits: Crafty_Check_889
#39 Officially Adopting My Street Foster Jpeg, Look At Her Brother's Happy Face!
Image credits: freyaeyaeyaeya
#40 This Mf Adopted Me Yesterday
Image credits: mr638
#41 Just Adopted. Her Name Is Juniper!
Image credits: littleponine
#42 My Wife Just Adopted Her
Image credits: zuinno
#43 I Was Adopted By A Stray Cat Today. I’m Grateful
Image credits: New_Weather_7611
#44 We Adopted Our Newest Family Member, Miley, Today!
Image credits: RiightUmmNo
#45 Adopted A Swiss Sennen/Labrador Boy For Our Blondie Lab Girl
Image credits: Rimmer2022
#46 First Week!
Image credits: MajorCatEnthusiast
#47 Adopted A Kitten This Weekend
Image credits: -Thenburyher
#48 My New Little Guy, Simon
Image credits: Anon08753
#49 I Adopted A Kitten Named Toe
Image credits: MarlaLinger
#50 My Dad Just Adopted This Baby
Image credits: SayiBocedi
