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Adopting a pet is an important decision and it shouldn't be something you rush into. But it's so rewarding. After all, you're saving more than one life — by taking an animal home, you're not only giving them a second chance at life but you're also freeing up space so the rescue organization can help another critter.

According to some estimates, around 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 810,000 are returned to their owners, 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted, and 920,000 are euthanized.

It's worth mentioning that the number of dogs and cats euthanized in American shelters annually has declined from roughly 2.6 million in 2011 but I think we agree it should be even lower. Way, way lower.

Each month, we at Bored Panda accentuate the difference a loving family makes for an abandoned or mistreated animal by celebrating the ones that opened their doors and hearts to those who needed love and care the most. Continue scrolling to check out September's edition and catch up on the series if you've fallen behind: August, July, June.

#1

This Old Boy Thinks We Adopted The New Kitten Just For Him

This Old Boy Thinks We Adopted The New Kitten Just For Him

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    #2

    I Just Adopted This Senior Lady! She's The First Cat I've Ever Had And She's Also The Sweetest One I've Ever Known. Senior Cat Appreciation!

    I Just Adopted This Senior Lady! She's The First Cat I've Ever Had And She's Also The Sweetest One I've Ever Known. Senior Cat Appreciation!

    Soup_God_ Report

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    EP
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s amazing. Senior cats need homes. You did a great thing!

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    It's important to understand that not only animals but their rescuers are facing tough times as well. Earlier this month, National Geographic ran an article called 'Why animal shelters are facing a new crisis'. Among many things, it said that "many shelters helping dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets in need have been hurt by staffing shortages—resulting in reduced operations." To find out more about it, we reached out to Animal Humane Society (AHS), an organization that provides direct care and services to help nearly 100,000 animals in need across Minnesota.

    "Staffing shortages have been a challenge for [us] as well," Sarah Bhimani, Internal Communications and Content Producer at Animal Humane Society, told Bored Panda. "We're still able to provide care and services for animals and our community; our staffing challenges have placed additional stress on our existing teams."

    #3

    My Teenager Lost Her Beloved 13-Year Old Ginger Rescue Kitty Last Year To Cancer. We Recently Adopted A 3-Year Old Creamsicle. I Think They’re Both Gonna Be Just Fine

    My Teenager Lost Her Beloved 13-Year Old Ginger Rescue Kitty Last Year To Cancer. We Recently Adopted A 3-Year Old Creamsicle. I Think They’re Both Gonna Be Just Fine

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    #4

    Today We Adopted This Gorgeous Little Hedgehog

    Today We Adopted This Gorgeous Little Hedgehog

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    To account for fewer staff, Bhimani said they've "had to decrease the number of veterinary appointments and surrender appointments we can offer the community each day, and we've had to decrease the number of animals we're transporting from partners in other parts of the country to our shelters in Minnesota. We're prioritizing the needs of local animals first. Right now, the current wait time for non-emergency surrender appointments may be as long as eight weeks."

    Human resources aside, shelters and other animal protection organizations are experiencing other problems, too. "Another issue is the lack of low-cost vet care options for our communities. Animal Humane Society vet centers are currently booking out three to four weeks in advance and when released, available appointments are booked within minutes."

    #5

    Left Was From 5 Days Ago Before I Adopted Him. Right Was Earlier Today. I Am So Lucky I Adopted Him, He’s The Sweetest Most Caring Cat And I’m Thankful To Have Him

    Left Was From 5 Days Ago Before I Adopted Him. Right Was Earlier Today. I Am So Lucky I Adopted Him, He’s The Sweetest Most Caring Cat And I’m Thankful To Have Him

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    Sergy Yeltsen
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That look of sadness and misery turning into one of love and deep affection... congratulations on rescuing this gorgeous gentleman.

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    #6

    Originally Was Going To Adopt 2 Of These Guys. Turns Out Three Times The Charm. We Got All The Siblings Together! They’re Super Close And We Didn’t Want To Leave The Sister Out

    Originally Was Going To Adopt 2 Of These Guys. Turns Out Three Times The Charm. We Got All The Siblings Together! They’re Super Close And We Didn’t Want To Leave The Sister Out

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    Alexandra Davis
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We were going to get another a kitten to join our other 4 cats. Speaking to rescues and getting the ball rolling when my mum turned up to work on a Monday morning and finds two 7-8 week old kittens in a box in the drive way (it's a school?!) They are feral and we're having to handle them lots everyday, but in 12 days they've stopped growling and biting/ scratching and have started to purr! Looks like the universe wanted 6 cats not 5!

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    #7

    Katara - Purebred Mutt, Rescued And Adopted In Montreal. Of Course, We’re The Lucky Ones

    Katara - Purebred Mutt, Rescued And Adopted In Montreal. Of Course, We’re The Lucky Ones

    Saint_Bond Report

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    Shona
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Katara has astounding eyes! you are indeed lucky to have such an amazing blessing!

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    As you probably already understood, animal sheltering isn't an individual task — it's a network. And the better the community runs, the more they can do together.

    "Another issue is a lack of foster families willing to take large dogs," Bhimani added. "At AHS, we have lots of families who regularly foster cats, small dogs, and critters (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc), but it's a lot harder to find people who are able to open their homes to a large dog foster that's recovering from surgery, requires medication, etc."

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    #9

    Adopted My First Void This Week, Isn’t She A Beaut?

    Adopted My First Void This Week, Isn’t She A Beaut?

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    #10

    My New Cat’s Reaction To Her Forever Home

    My New Cat’s Reaction To Her Forever Home

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    Julia Atkinson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I'm not a fan of the wallpaper, that sofa is hideous, and there's a distinct whiff of dog in the air. But I can live with it"

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    Remember that you don't have to adopt a pet to help the cause. "Help your local animal shelter promote their open positions, whether that's by sharing employment opportunities with your friends and family, or using your social media to amplify posts from your local shelter," Bhimani encouraged everyone who want to contribute.

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    "Animal shelters are also always in need of donations, whether they're financial or in supplies. If you have a pet, be sure to plan ahead for preventative vet care and schedule your appointment months in advance. And always be kind to veterinary and animal shelter staff — their work is physically and emotionally difficult! Being patient and saying thank you goes a long way."

    #11

    Myself (Middle) My Brother (Left) And My Best Friend (Right) With Our Puppy Siblings We Just Adopted

    Myself (Middle) My Brother (Left) And My Best Friend (Right) With Our Puppy Siblings We Just Adopted

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    #12

    This Is Hank. He A Stray I’m Caring For. He Slept Where My Husky Used To Sleep And Gave Me The Same Look My Husky Had, And I Think He’s Gonna Be Mine Now

    This Is Hank. He A Stray I’m Caring For. He Slept Where My Husky Used To Sleep And Gave Me The Same Look My Husky Had, And I Think He’s Gonna Be Mine Now

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    #14

    Are Blind, 9 Year Old, Recently Adopted Boys Cute? I Sure Think So

    Are Blind, 9 Year Old, Recently Adopted Boys Cute? I Sure Think So

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    #15

    Just Adopted These Two Sweet Brothers. Our 2.5 Year Old Son Chose The Names... Meet T-Rex And Cardboard

    Just Adopted These Two Sweet Brothers. Our 2.5 Year Old Son Chose The Names... Meet T-Rex And Cardboard

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    #16

    Just Adopted A 13 Week Old Kitten, And His Big Brother (3 Year Old Golden) Is Taking His New Role Very Seriously

    Just Adopted A 13 Week Old Kitten, And His Big Brother (3 Year Old Golden) Is Taking His New Role Very Seriously

    SteRaeSal Report

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    yeciye
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “I will help; but I strongly disapprove, the small one should play fetch or tug and not claw at this strange contraption.”

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    #17

    Adopted These Two, Meeting Them On Thursday For The First Time

    Adopted These Two, Meeting Them On Thursday For The First Time

    nattarbox Report

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    tw 72
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "WE have not yet decided if you are worthy of OUR cuteness. We'll see."

    theswallowii
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We solemnly swear we are up to no good... All that pending mischief in those eyes! <3

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    #18

    My Newly Adopted Boy Angus Looking Quite Dapper!

    My Newly Adopted Boy Angus Looking Quite Dapper!

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    #19

    Friend Asked If I Could Adopt A Stray, But My Dog Ended Up Doing The Adopting

    Friend Asked If I Could Adopt A Stray, But My Dog Ended Up Doing The Adopting

    Wambo_Jambo Report

    #20

    I Still Can't Believe I Was Lucky Enough To Be The One To Adopt Her

    I Still Can't Believe I Was Lucky Enough To Be The One To Adopt Her

    DonSmo Report

    #21

    Drove Five Hours To Adopt This Sweet Girl, Mocha. She Was Saved From Being Thrown Out Of A Moving Car. She Is The Most Gentle And Affectionate Little Girl And Will Be So Loved!

    Drove Five Hours To Adopt This Sweet Girl, Mocha. She Was Saved From Being Thrown Out Of A Moving Car. She Is The Most Gentle And Affectionate Little Girl And Will Be So Loved!

    somebodyimpressme Report

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    Alexandra Davis
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How can humans be so cruel to chuck a defensiveless animal out of a moving vehicle?! I'm glad she has found her safe forever home

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    #22

    Poe & Kylo First Day Of Kylo’s Adoption vs. One Week After Adoption

    Poe & Kylo First Day Of Kylo’s Adoption vs. One Week After Adoption

    peanutbuttervraptor Report

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    #24

    Adopted My Boy And My Cat Finally Accepted Him. Can You Tell That He’s Happy?

    Adopted My Boy And My Cat Finally Accepted Him. Can You Tell That He’s Happy?

    SewerWolf666 Report

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    Elli Rahim
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cat: All right then, let's NOT get too enthusiastic...I said you can share the space. But stay on your side, understand?

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    #25

    In A Span Of Two Days We Adopted This Baby And Got Engaged

    In A Span Of Two Days We Adopted This Baby And Got Engaged

    42069Nicebro Report

    #27

    Look At This Perfect Little Bean I Just Adopted

    Look At This Perfect Little Bean I Just Adopted

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    #28

    Adopted A Kitten Today! Her Name Is Loki, She Is Super Scared, But Too Cute

    Adopted A Kitten Today! Her Name Is Loki, She Is Super Scared, But Too Cute

    Wauwaiiiiiii Report

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    Alexandra Davis
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Give her lots of space and she'll come round, you'll find she starts exploring at night to get her head around where she is and when she feels confident she'll come out in the day. She'll come round in a day or two!

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    #29

    Just Adopted. Her Name Is Minette

    Just Adopted. Her Name Is Minette

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    #30

    When We First Adopted Our Dog A Few Weeks Ago vs. Today. He A Thick Boy Now!

    When We First Adopted Our Dog A Few Weeks Ago vs. Today. He A Thick Boy Now!

    CommercialImmediate3 Report

    #31

    This Is Henry, The Newest Member Of Our Family

    This Is Henry, The Newest Member Of Our Family

    DisasterScoutMaster Report

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    #32

    Went To Adopt One Cat, Came Out With Bonded Sisters

    Went To Adopt One Cat, Came Out With Bonded Sisters

    Lifeofsage Report

    #33

    Found This Little Girl On The Street And We Are Adopting Her. Her Hair Is All Matted And She Has Some Skin Issues And I Look Forward To Posting Her Transformation Pictures. Does She Look Like A Jenny Or Millie?

    Found This Little Girl On The Street And We Are Adopting Her. Her Hair Is All Matted And She Has Some Skin Issues And I Look Forward To Posting Her Transformation Pictures. Does She Look Like A Jenny Or Millie?

    blakey1414 Report

    #34

    My Feral Baby I Adopted From My Backyard

    My Feral Baby I Adopted From My Backyard

    SnooaLipa Report

    #35

    This Is The Fourth Stray Kitten I Find Near My House. They Keep Coming And I Keep Adopting Them. Am I Cursed?

    This Is The Fourth Stray Kitten I Find Near My House. They Keep Coming And I Keep Adopting Them. Am I Cursed?

    microdipodops Report

    #36

    Illegaly Smol Cat That Adopted Us Yesterday

    Illegaly Smol Cat That Adopted Us Yesterday

    chrumocka Report

    #37

    Doctor Doom Enjoying Her First Nap In Her Forever Home After Her Stint At The Shelter

    Doctor Doom Enjoying Her First Nap In Her Forever Home After Her Stint At The Shelter

    Pliosaurs Report

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    Dorothy Parker
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whoever said cats are aloof should see this. So peaceful and happy. Gorgeous markings too.

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    #38

    Adopted This Little Guy The Other Day, He’s A Complete Sweetheart

    Adopted This Little Guy The Other Day, He’s A Complete Sweetheart

    Lucybeatrice Report

    #39

    Just Adopted This Big Baby, My Very First Standard Issue Cat. He Even Came Pre-Derpped!

    Just Adopted This Big Baby, My Very First Standard Issue Cat. He Even Came Pre-Derpped!

    ferretherapy Report

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    #40

    Just Adopted Her And I Think She’s Fitting Right In

    Just Adopted Her And I Think She’s Fitting Right In

    platypuspenile Report

    #41

    Just Got Her, Need Help Finding A Name. I Like Mushroom, But My Mom Doesn't

    Just Got Her, Need Help Finding A Name. I Like Mushroom, But My Mom Doesn't

    KattMann00 Report

    #42

    I’m So Glad We Adopted Them Together

    I’m So Glad We Adopted Them Together

    growup_andblowaway Report

    #43

    My Cousin Just Adopted This Little Pup. Meet Lulu!

    My Cousin Just Adopted This Little Pup. Meet Lulu!

    dibbiluncan Report

    #44

    We Adopted Nala!

    We Adopted Nala!

    Lestessa Report

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    Chaotic-Pansexual (she/they)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha that’s the same goofy, excited face my pups give when I take a photo “puppy, look!” Pup: *derp*

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    #45

    We Adopted This Lil Guy Yesterday & He Gives Me The Warmest Fuzzies. Home At Last!

    We Adopted This Lil Guy Yesterday & He Gives Me The Warmest Fuzzies. Home At Last!

    freezings Report

    #46

    Adopted Her On Sunday From A Hectic Household. This Is Us After An Hour In Her Forever Home

    Adopted Her On Sunday From A Hectic Household. This Is Us After An Hour In Her Forever Home

    Leilavdm Report

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    Elli Rahim
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doggo can finally feel relaxed enough to nap quietly without the hurly burly!

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    #47

    Adopted Him Today, He Loves Cuddling

    Adopted Him Today, He Loves Cuddling

    justBreathing__ Report

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    #48

    This Is Beowulf. Turns Out Beowulf Is Actually A Girl And Now Needs A New Name. Any Ideas?

    This Is Beowulf. Turns Out Beowulf Is Actually A Girl And Now Needs A New Name. Any Ideas?

    wcollins260 Report

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    Loretta
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Keep the name :) My adopted kitty is a girl, too, but we still call her Zorro :)

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    #49

    Recently Adopted These Two Dingleberries. They’re Not Related But Get Along Quite Well

    Recently Adopted These Two Dingleberries. They’re Not Related But Get Along Quite Well

    yuribotcake Report

    #50

    Meet Aspen. Just Adopted Her And She’s An Absolute Sweetheart

    Meet Aspen. Just Adopted Her And She’s An Absolute Sweetheart

    AlanaAraya Report

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    #51

    Newly Adopted Kittens. Tom And Jerry

    Newly Adopted Kittens. Tom And Jerry

    Candid_Arm1065 Report

    #52

    Cute Girl We Adopted... She Is Being A Little Sunshine In Our Lives

    Cute Girl We Adopted... She Is Being A Little Sunshine In Our Lives

    incelXD Report

    #53

    Adopted These Babies Yesterday, They Are Really Scared And Are Hiding In Their Cozy

    Adopted These Babies Yesterday, They Are Really Scared And Are Hiding In Their Cozy

    TheGamingBaba Report

    #54

    Just Adopted This Little Buddy, Got Returned 2 Times, 3rd And Final Home Now! He Still Needs A Name!

    Just Adopted This Little Buddy, Got Returned 2 Times, 3rd And Final Home Now! He Still Needs A Name!

    kitt_katt_99 Report

    #55

    We Have Adopted Our First Daughter Yesterday

    We Have Adopted Our First Daughter Yesterday

    WyidealizowanyIdeal Report

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    Elli Rahim
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She may look shy now, but she's show off her stripes on a Zoom call soon.

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    #56

    Name Suggestions For Our Newly Adopted Pup? As Well As Breed Guesses? He’s About 5 Months

    Name Suggestions For Our Newly Adopted Pup? As Well As Breed Guesses? He’s About 5 Months

    Ralliart69 Report

    #57

    Meet My New 13 Day Old Pup. I Haven't Named Him Though. Suggestions Are Welcome. He's A Stray And I Adopt Strays

    Meet My New 13 Day Old Pup. I Haven't Named Him Though. Suggestions Are Welcome. He's A Stray And I Adopt Strays

    thelonelyone215 Report

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    Alexandra Davis
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    13 days is too young to be away from mum, unless he's an orphan or mum rejected him?

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    #58

    Adopted A Cat Today

    Adopted A Cat Today

    StomachJazz Report

    #59

    Just Adopted This Precious Girl From A Family That Don't Want To Take Care Of Her. She's Supposedly 6 Months, But Shes Soooo Huge

    Just Adopted This Precious Girl From A Family That Don't Want To Take Care Of Her. She's Supposedly 6 Months, But Shes Soooo Huge

    robertpoebukowski Report