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It’s that blessed time of the month again when Bored Panda makes you smile with heartwarming photos of rescue pets, as they're being welcomed with open arms by their loving new owners leading them to their forever homes. We’ve collected some of the fluffiest and cutest pics of pets getting adopted and we hope they’ll keep you warm as August gives way to Fall.

Remember to upvote your fave animal photos and post your own rescue pet pics in the comment section! In case you need some extra wholesomeness and warmth today, we invite you to look through our previous animal rescue posts from July, June, May, April, March, February, and January. 2020 might be a difficult year, but it’s been great for pets in shelters, don’t you think?

Scroll down for Bored Panda’s interview with the Arizona Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals about adopting pets and making them feel right at home.

#1

Ntbd But This Tiny Doom Came Home With Me From The Shelter Today

Ntbd But This Tiny Doom Came Home With Me From The Shelter Today

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#2

I Rescued The Cat Off The Street. Photos Before And After. One Year Difference

I Rescued The Cat Off The Street. Photos Before And After. One Year Difference

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#3

Charlie! He Was My Sober Gift To Myself. 130 Days Alcohol Free Today

Charlie! He Was My Sober Gift To Myself. 130 Days Alcohol Free Today

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Kelsey Dickerson, AHS’ Media Relations Specialist, told us that when welcoming a new pet into our homes, it’s essential to realize that each and every animal is different and will go at their own pace.

“Although we may be ready to welcome our pets with open arms and lots of cuddles, our pets may not be on that level yet so it is important to give them time and space to acclimate to their new surroundings, becoming comfortable in the home and have time to decompress and de-stress if needed,” she pointed out that we have to be very patient and understanding of our rescue pets.

#4

Lolita’s First Night At Home!

Lolita’s First Night At Home!

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#5

Colby = Biggest Love Muffin Ever. All He Wants Is Pets. ...but People Are Usually Afraid Of Him. So, He'll Just Stare At You In Adoration Until You Pet Him. Rescue Doggo

Colby = Biggest Love Muffin Ever. All He Wants Is Pets. ...but People Are Usually Afraid Of Him. So, He'll Just Stare At You In Adoration Until You Pet Him. Rescue Doggo

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#6

This Little Cutie Climbed Up On Me While I Applied To Adopt Her

This Little Cutie Climbed Up On Me While I Applied To Adopt Her

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Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help this process along. “Make sure your pet has a comfortable, safe, and quiet space they know they can go if they need time away or time to themselves. If there are young children in the house, it also is important to ensure that they understand the do’s and don’ts of interacting with pets (i.e. letting pets come up to you for pets/cuddles, don’t get too close to their face, don’t interfere with feeding times, etc.).”

Welcoming new pets into their new forever homes means taking care of their physical and mental needs, too. So have lots of fresh food, water, and proper shelter prepared in advance. Also try to have a safe space for your new pet, some toys, treats, and (most importantly)—plenty of love and care.

#7

Sugar The Kitten Loved Spca Staff Member Glenn So Much And She Would Always Cry For His Attention. So, He Had To Take Her Home!

Sugar The Kitten Loved Spca Staff Member Glenn So Much And She Would Always Cry For His Attention. So, He Had To Take Her Home!

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#8

Albert’s Reaction To Being Broken Out Of The Shelter..... He Could Not Stop Smiling

Albert’s Reaction To Being Broken Out Of The Shelter..... He Could Not Stop Smiling

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#9

Charlie Before And After His Adoption

Charlie Before And After His Adoption

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Kelsey from the Arizona Humane Society said that adoption doesn’t just add a furry friend to your family; it also supports your local animal shelters in their mission to save lives.

“When looking to adopt a pet, it is extremely important to do your research about not only the type of pet you’d like but also the care and needs of that particular pet. Many shelters and rescues are very open and transparent about a pet’s medical and behavioral background, so it is important to fully understand what a pet will need to ensure it has the best quality of life with your family. If you have questions about a pet’s history or the care it will need moving forward, do not be shy to ask the adoption’s counselors or employees helping you with the adoption process,” she explained.

#10

My Friend Adopted This Cutie

My Friend Adopted This Cutie

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#11

We've Adopted An Idiot. A Dramatic Idiot

We've Adopted An Idiot. A Dramatic Idiot

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#12

This Is My First Ever Pet That’s All Mine! Not My Brothers. Not My Parents. Not My Kids. Now My (Now Ex) Husband. All Mine! Y’all Meet Cordelia Rose. A Rescue That’s Stolen My Heart!

This Is My First Ever Pet That’s All Mine! Not My Brothers. Not My Parents. Not My Kids. Now My (Now Ex) Husband. All Mine! Y’all Meet Cordelia Rose. A Rescue That’s Stolen My Heart!

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Kelsey added that it’s vital to be realistic about what you can provide your future best buddy “in terms of resources, space, time, and any ongoing medical or behavioral care it may need.” So a husky puppy will need completely different care from a fully-grown cat. And a rabbit will have different needs from a guinea pig.

“At the end of the day, it is OK if you decide you are not ready to commit to adopting. There are many different ways you can still support your local rescues and shelters and help save the lives of pets that don’t directly involve adopting including volunteering, fostering, becoming a donor, and advocating for strong animal protection laws.”

#13

One Day After We Rescued Her On The Verge Of Dying Versus One Month Later I Love Her So Much

One Day After We Rescued Her On The Verge Of Dying Versus One Month Later I Love Her So Much

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#14

1 Month Of Being Adopted, Already My Best Bud!

1 Month Of Being Adopted, Already My Best Bud!

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#15

Everyone Meet Lily. She’s A Stray That Adopted My Husband And I Today. He’s Not A Cat Person But She Won Him Over With That Adorable Look Of Love

Everyone Meet Lily. She’s A Stray That Adopted My Husband And I Today. He’s Not A Cat Person But She Won Him Over With That Adorable Look Of Love

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Meanwhile, ASPCA Adoptions Promotions Manager Kelly DiCicco told Bored Panda that sometimes matches between shelter pets and new owners don’t work out and that’s ok.

“We encourage any pet owner looking to rehome an animal to first reach out to their local animal shelter, who can often provide assistance to enable the pet to stay in a safe and loving home,” DiCicco said.

“Even as they adapt their policies in response to COVID-19, animal welfare organizations are still following effective protocols to ensure pets match their adopters’ lifestyles and can stay with their owners, even when those owners return to a post-pandemic schedule.”

#16

‘I Just Couldn’t Resist’: Actor Dennis Quaid Is Adopting A Lynchburg Shelter Cat Named Dennis Quaid

‘I Just Couldn’t Resist’: Actor Dennis Quaid Is Adopting A Lynchburg Shelter Cat Named Dennis Quaid

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#17

The Cat I Adopted While Thru Hiking The Appalachian Trail In 2017, "Odie". He Rode On My Pack Like This All Day And Napped, Or When He Wanted Down To Hike Or Use The Bathroom He'd Get Up And Meow In My Ear

The Cat I Adopted While Thru Hiking The Appalachian Trail In 2017, "Odie". He Rode On My Pack Like This All Day And Napped, Or When He Wanted Down To Hike Or Use The Bathroom He'd Get Up And Meow In My Ear

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#18

Always Wanted A Cat Growing Up But Wasn’t Allowed. Today At 30 I Adopted This 4 Year Old Kitty Named Draco!

Always Wanted A Cat Growing Up But Wasn’t Allowed. Today At 30 I Adopted This 4 Year Old Kitty Named Draco!

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She revealed that the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City hasn’t seen an increase in owner surrenders or stray intakes when compared to the same time period a year ago, in 2019. The same seems to be true for the rest of the country.

“However, during any disaster situation, there’s always a risk that pet owners will not be able to provide adequate care for their pets, so it's important for people, shelters, and communities to prepare for any animal welfare consequences that may result from this crisis.”

#19

This Was My Endgame When I Decided To Adopt A Pair Of Kittens

This Was My Endgame When I Decided To Adopt A Pair Of Kittens

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#20

Became A Dog Dad Recently! Meet Ember!

Became A Dog Dad Recently! Meet Ember!

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#21

This Is Shadow. My Parents Adopted Her Last Week. Her Tail Has Not Stopped Wagging Since (Evident By The Blur Right Behind Her)

This Is Shadow. My Parents Adopted Her Last Week. Her Tail Has Not Stopped Wagging Since (Evident By The Blur Right Behind Her)

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#22

An Adopted 14-Year-Old Girl Is Helping Senior Dogs Find A Forever Home Just Like She Did

An Adopted 14-Year-Old Girl Is Helping Senior Dogs Find A Forever Home Just Like She Did

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#23

She Was Somehow The Last Of Her Litter To Be Adopted

She Was Somehow The Last Of Her Litter To Be Adopted

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#24

We Adopted This Sweet Old Man Last Week - Meet Woody!

We Adopted This Sweet Old Man Last Week - Meet Woody!

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#25

This Is Johnny, We Adopted Him From A Dog Shelter After Being With An Abusive Family For 12 Months. He Doesn't Trust Anyone, And Today Was The First Time He Agreed To Come To Work With Me

This Is Johnny, We Adopted Him From A Dog Shelter After Being With An Abusive Family For 12 Months. He Doesn't Trust Anyone, And Today Was The First Time He Agreed To Come To Work With Me

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#26

Rescued Dove Learns To Eat By Watching Others. No More Force Feeding!

Rescued Dove Learns To Eat By Watching Others. No More Force Feeding!

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#27

Three Weeks Since My Daughter Rescued Her....

Three Weeks Since My Daughter Rescued Her....

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#28

We Were Concerned That Our Corgi Wouldn’t Like The Stray Kitten We Rescued His Head Is Soaked From Our Corgi Grooming Him

We Were Concerned That Our Corgi Wouldn’t Like The Stray Kitten We Rescued His Head Is Soaked From Our Corgi Grooming Him

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#29

Rescue Dogs Always Appreciate Their Humans

Rescue Dogs Always Appreciate Their Humans

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#30

I Keep Posting My New Baby Everywhere Cause I Am Just Too Proud Of Him! Here Is My Rescue Baby!

I Keep Posting My New Baby Everywhere Cause I Am Just Too Proud Of Him! Here Is My Rescue Baby!

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#31

Stray Dog Who Visited Car Dealership Every Day Gets Adopted And Lands Dream Job As A Greeter At The Dealership

Stray Dog Who Visited Car Dealership Every Day Gets Adopted And Lands Dream Job As A Greeter At The Dealership

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#32

We Just Adopted This Baby From A Pet Hoarding Situation With 300 Cats. She Is Only Two And Has Had 4 Litters. She Will Never Be Neglected Again. Meet Scarlet

We Just Adopted This Baby From A Pet Hoarding Situation With 300 Cats. She Is Only Two And Has Had 4 Litters. She Will Never Be Neglected Again. Meet Scarlet

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#33

The Only Thing My GF Cared About When Moving To A New Appartment Was That She Could Finally Get A Cat. Say Hi To Iroh!

The Only Thing My GF Cared About When Moving To A New Appartment Was That She Could Finally Get A Cat. Say Hi To Iroh!

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#34

Shortly After We Rescued Paul, Loving Cuddles Ensued

Shortly After We Rescued Paul, Loving Cuddles Ensued

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#35

I’ve Finally Become A Cat Owner! This Lovely Lady Is 12 Years Old And I Adopted Her Friday!

I’ve Finally Become A Cat Owner! This Lovely Lady Is 12 Years Old And I Adopted Her Friday!

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#36

My GF And I Rescued This Little Guy Today.... Meet Max Everyone

My GF And I Rescued This Little Guy Today.... Meet Max Everyone

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#37

So, My Wife Adopted A Bunny. Turns Out The Bunny Was Pregnant

So, My Wife Adopted A Bunny. Turns Out The Bunny Was Pregnant

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#38

The Day We Brought Out New Puppy Home From The Spca

The Day We Brought Out New Puppy Home From The Spca

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#39

My Best Friend Passed Away A Couple Of Days Ago Due To Lupus. She Loved Cats And Wanted Me To Adopt One. So Here's Max

My Best Friend Passed Away A Couple Of Days Ago Due To Lupus. She Loved Cats And Wanted Me To Adopt One. So Here's Max

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#40

Rescued This 15yo, Toothless, Derpy Little Nugget Two Days Ago

Rescued This 15yo, Toothless, Derpy Little Nugget Two Days Ago

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#41

My Dog Adopted A Lost Kitten On Our Walk Today. Welcome To The Family Lil Man.

My Dog Adopted A Lost Kitten On Our Walk Today. Welcome To The Family Lil Man.

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#42

Meet The New Dog I Adopted About An Hour Ago,his Name Is Odin

Meet The New Dog I Adopted About An Hour Ago,his Name Is Odin

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#43

I Adopted This One Eyed Cat I Named Loki

I Adopted This One Eyed Cat I Named Loki

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#44

Say Hello To Enzo. Our Snuggly New Rescue And First Rare Pup

Say Hello To Enzo. Our Snuggly New Rescue And First Rare Pup

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#45

Coming Home From Dog Shelter With This Girl!

Coming Home From Dog Shelter With This Girl!

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#46

Our Toothless Rescue Dog Who Never Retracts Her Tongue

Our Toothless Rescue Dog Who Never Retracts Her Tongue

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#47

Went To A Cat Rescue/Cafe Yesterday. This Lil Dude Fell Sound Asleep Like This.

Went To A Cat Rescue/Cafe Yesterday. This Lil Dude Fell Sound Asleep Like This.

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#48

I Just Moved Into A New Apartment, And They Allow Cats, So I Was Just Sorta Kicking Around The Idea Of Owning My Own Feline Friend. The Next Day I Got An Email. I Went To The Shelter To Meet Smokey

I Just Moved Into A New Apartment, And They Allow Cats, So I Was Just Sorta Kicking Around The Idea Of Owning My Own Feline Friend. The Next Day I Got An Email. I Went To The Shelter To Meet Smokey

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#49

Everyone Meet Gigabyte! Just Picked Her Up From The Shelter Today!

Everyone Meet Gigabyte! Just Picked Her Up From The Shelter Today!

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#50

Nicola (Top) Was A Bit Worried When We Adopted Him And His Brother... Wolverine Could Not Be Reached For An Opinion.

Nicola (Top) Was A Bit Worried When We Adopted Him And His Brother... Wolverine Could Not Be Reached For An Opinion.

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Note: this post originally had 68 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.