Many of those who scroll through such pictures eventually want to join the contributors themselves. According to some estimates, approximately 7 million Americans planned to get a pet in 2024, and if just 6 percent more chose to adopt rather than purchase, the nation could have ended the killing of dogs and cats in shelters.

However, those considering such a decision need to examine it from every angle—bringing a pet into one's life is a long-term commitment that requires careful thought and preparation.

So we got in touch with PAWS — an animal welfare nonprofit based in Lynnwood, Washington, dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action — to learn more about the process.

"A big misconception about pet adoption is that it will be easy to integrate a new animal into your home. It takes work and patience for everyone to adjust and get to know each other," Rachel Bird, the Shelter Manager at the organization, told Bored Panda.

Bird said, "It usually takes a minimum of a couple weeks for an animal to really settle into their new environment, often longer."

Another common misconception, according to her, is that by getting an older cat or dog, you won't be able to form the same kind of bond as you would by getting a puppy or kitten. "That's simply not true, and you can form amazing relationships with an older animal!" the shelter manager added.

However, "Adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue means that the agency you adopted from now has room to save another homeless animal," Bird said. "By adopting one animal, you are really helping two!"

Plus, "The adoption process and fee you pay continue to support that agency so they can continue doing good work." So, if you're determined to take this step, you’ll not only be giving a loving home to a pet in need but also supporting the vital efforts of the organization to save even more animals.

From 1996 to 2024, the dog population in the U.S. has steadily increased, rising from 52.9 million to a new peak of 89.7 million, despite a slight dip to 80.1 million in 2023 from 88.3 million in 2022.

Meanwhile, the cat population has grown from 59.8 million in 1996 to 73.8 million in 2024.

The number of pet-owning families logically follows the same trend, with dog-owning households increasing at a faster rate—from 31.3 million in 1996 to 59.8 million in 2024—than cat-owning households, which went up from 27 million to 42.1 million in the same timeframe.

That means, on average, dogs can now be found in nearly half (45.5%) of all U.S. households, while cats comprise nearly a third (32.1%).

If you want to join these ranks, you also need to consider the money: last year, the average total amount spent on pets, excluding adoption or purchase costs, was $1,516. Dog owners spent the more, coming in just above $1,700, and owners spent slightly below $1,350.

"As you start thinking about your next pet, do a lot of research, talk to people who own different types of pets, and consider becoming a foster volunteer at a local shelter first," Rachel Bird of PAWS said.

"You can even try pet sitting to get some experience with different types of animals and see how it goes without the lifetime commitment."