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About 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, roughly 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. The good news is that these numbers are a result of a steady decline—according to ASPCA estimates, there were approximately 7.2 million dogs and cats entering U.S. shelters annually around 2011. And while 710 thousand animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners, 3.2 million are adopted.
To help the latter figure grow even more, the subreddit r/BeforeNAfterAdoption urges people to share the amazing difference a loving family can make on an abandoned or mistreated animal. It has 360K members posting pictures that reveal the spectacular physical and mental transformations their adorable pets have gone through after leaving the shelter, and Bored Panda is ending this difficult year with some of the posts that went viral on the subreddit this December.
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#1
Frankie Was Born With Four Ears And An Eye Deformity But He’s Still Purrfect
Ani Archeron 3 years ago
This cat is a magic cat from a magic land, his other eye sees the other realm
Remember, after you are done scrolling through the list, you can overload yourself with cuteness, firing up our earlier rescue pet photos from November, October, and September.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected lots of American animal shelters. "Since it began, COVID-19 has put an immense amount of strain on animal shelters across the country. Because this is an ever-changing situation, each shelter is facing unique challenges specific to its community,” Adoptions Promotions Manager at the ASPCA, Kelly DiCicco, told Bored Panda in an earlier interview.
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#2
These Two Were Adopted 3 Years Apart From Different Cities. A DNA Test Revealed That They Are Long Lost Siblings!
Emptying cages in 2020 had been especially important because many shelters have reduced staffing due to social distancing requirements—which has meant reductions or limits to the number and types of services offered to the public. "Additionally, shelters have felt the financial impacts of the pandemic, with reduced donations and an inability to host in-person fundraising events, which often play a key role in annual fundraising efforts," DiCicco said.
#3
The Day After My Cat Died, I Went To The Shelter And Told The Employee That I’d Adopt The Cat That Had Been There The Longest. She Said, “It’s An Older Black Cat... Are You Sure?” I Was Never So Sure Of Anything In My Life. Meet Dita Von Panzer
Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago
In the second photo she is confident that whatever she's staring at is gonna meet its end very woon.
By adopting an animal in need – no matter the species, breed, or size – people are saving that animal's life as well as freeing up valuable shelter space and resources for other animals in need.
Also, a huge benefit of adopting animals from a shelter is that shelter staff know the animals well and can provide detailed information about an animal's history, medical needs, behavior, and temperament. They also consider a potential adopter's lifestyle, home environment, and the animal's potential compatibility with children and other animals in the home, helping the person to bring home the best match they can find.
To find out more about pet adoption, visit this helpful guide by the ASPCA.
#4
As A Single Dad, I Had To Put My Foot Down And Tell My Seven Year Old Daughter That There Was No Way She Was Getting A Dog For Chanukah, No Matter How Much She Asked. Anyway, Meet Waffle
#5
He Was A Rescue. A Runt. Probably Blind, Deaf, Won't Make It Very Long, They Told Me. Well, Happy 10th Birthday, Buddy
#6
Old Man Ed's "I'm Getting Adopted!" Smile Is Both Handsome And Proud!
#7
We Just Adopted The Most Snuggly, Beautiful, Chonk Of A Cat. Welcome Home, Bill
#8
I Just Adopted Atticus This Weekend. He Was A Stray And They Told Me He's A Very Fearful Cat. I Slowly Introduced Him To My Closet With Some Food, A Bed I Warmed Up In The Dryer, And Some Pets When He Allowed. Just This Morning He Sat In My Lap And Purred
#9
Within 2 Seconds Of Meeting The Cat I Was Adopting, She Climbed Onto My Shoulders
#10
Dandy Had Part Of Her Face Shot Off (Before I Adopted Her). I Love Her Two Derpy Top Teeth
Francis 3 years ago
i wish people who hurt animals all the bad things in the world! may their pants always pinch, may their sleeves always slide down into the water while they do the dishes and may they always have tiny stones in their shoes! may their glasses always be dirty right after they tried to clean them. may they never feel happy again!
Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago
What you wish on them is magnitudes nicer than what I wish on them.
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Rannveig Ess 3 years ago
True Fact: Every serial killer, ever, had a history as a youngster of abusing animals, whether it was bugs, cats, cows or birds. People who do this are seriously ill and it manifests when they are young. I've seen so many kids be abusive to a pet or wild animals and adults think it's a phase or "just mean he'll grow out of it" or think it's just the kid blowing off steam in some Kid Way. it's not. Never, ever think it's "nothing" if you know someone who did or does this. I wish the animals people/societies would make animal abuse a very public issue. I'm so glad this little guy found a wonderful Hooman.
Mae Mosse 3 years ago
Aileen Wornos didn’t hurt animals in her youth or at any time, she just killed 7 men. There are other serial killers who also have not harmed animals, they just went from either harming themselves to harming others or just straight to harming others and escalating the harm to killing, etc. Animal abusers should get criminal records, jail sentences and never allowed near animals again
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BabaBizzle 3 years ago
I hope whomever did this gets their face shot off and no one helps them. Scum of the earth!
Sara Lopez 3 years ago
Some people are so evil! how can you hurt an animal? They are innocent and their lives are just as important as ours. SMH
Violet Grey 3 years ago (edited)
1. F.UCK the person who SHOT a CAT and 2. What a good toofer cat
deanna woods 3 years ago
Who in the world would be shooting at this cat or any other cat or dog?
Sharon Frank 2 years ago
We ALL love you Dandy - you will be loved and cherished for many years (and NEVER shot again)
Rauen Lockhurst 3 years ago
She still looks beautiful, and I can see the happiness in her eyes. Good job on adopting her.
dido74 3 years ago
Shot Off ... What kind of A-Hole did that? I believe there is a special place in hell for those people. Thank you for giving this baby a wonderful home with the care and love she deserves 🥰
Arenite 3 years ago
There needs to be a special place on Earth for them too. A place where the abuse they dished out to the animal is returned on them. Again and again and again...
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Skippy Flink 3 years ago
Why do people have to shoot cats, are they so unsociabley insecure that they have to kill somethihg to make them feel better. Bless you for taking her in.
Sue Clasen 3 years ago
The best part of them is that with love they easily close the book of their past.
Mary Dellenbusch 3 years ago
I firmly believe that all animal abuse should be an automatic death sentence! No matter age or gender! Fines and jail never work! Once an asshole always ana asshole! Death is justic and it culls these f***s that are not going to be missed from our society. Thank you for adopting this sweet beautiful soul.
Trevor Bell 3 years ago
So coming from an area with a lot of wild animals. People that do this on purpose are POS. However with cats I wonder if she was mistaken for something that mite attack? Like a fox or coyote?. Mean it’s a stretch but I’ve seen some bad mixups before. ( keep mine inside because of this ).
Rob Janssen 3 years ago
I would name him King Stitt after the reggae artist who looks a lot like him.
#11
They We're Meant For Each Other
#12
We Adopted A Kitten Last Month... We Now Have Nightly Ritual Of Checking The Fridge And Other Small Spaces To Make Sure He's Not Trapped Anywhere Before We Go To Bed
#13
Adopted A Void Yesterday. Shelter Said She Didn't Like Laps. It's Been An Hour. Send Snacks
Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago
I doubt a cat's behavior at a shelter very closely resembles how they'll behave in a forever home.
#14
Went To The Shelter To Look At Dogs, They Didn’t Have Any There But Once This Lil Girl Saw Me She Started Pawing At Her Cage. Now I Have A New Forever Friend
#15
I Just Adopted The Sweetest Kitten...her Name Is Olive And We’re In Love And We’re Gonna Run Away And Be Pirates Together
#16
Just Look At This Little Tripod I Adopted
#17
My Sister Adopted A Senior Dog - Meet Zombie
#18
Society Says Black Cats Are Considered Less “Adoptable”. Society Is Wrong
#19
I Adopted This Baby From The Dominican Republic 1 Month Ago- My Mom Didn't Believe Me That It Was The Same Dog. I Named Him Remi And He Suffered From Mange And Malnutrition, Not Anymore!
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
Poor pup had almost given up. You basically brought Remi back to life!
#20
I Adopted 12 Year Old Brutus A Few Months Ago. He Is Sluggish, Stubborn, Gassy, Hogs The Bed And Drools So Much I Have Actually Slipped On My Kitchen Floor. And I'm Head Over Heels In Love With Him
FoxxySucks 3 years ago
Old English bulldogs are just the best . I adopted one 2 years ago and she is just the biggest snuggle monster ever
#21
This Is Bella. First Dog I Have Had In 20 Years
#22
My Wife And I Just Adopted This Sweet Old Dude
Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago
He'll be happy and content in his senior years. All animals deserve this.
#23
Adopted A 16 Year Old Bird Named Banana Last Week And She Finally Trusts Me Enough To Perch On My Shoulder
Roxy Eastland 3 years ago
Much underappreciated are budgies, I had one for ten years and they have such great personalities.
#24
She Was Rescued From A Colony Of 30 Feral Cats In NE Ontario. She Follows Me Around For Snuggles, And Will Snuggle Me For Hours. I Think This One's Gonna Be A Foster Fail...
#25
Four Days Since Adoption And New Kitten Charlie Is Loving His Big Brother Tipsy
#26
This Is Bonnie. She Is Happier To See The Food Aisle Than Just Recently Being Adopted
#27
Jenny - My Parents’ New Rescue. Saved From A Life Of Being A Breeding Bitch. 5 Years Old, Doesn’t Know How To Play. Adopt, Dont Shop!
Lisa Yario 3 years ago
I have a breeding bitch that was shot in the head because the gang bangers didn't like her puppies. Luckily for her a wonderful police officer got her to a vet and she survived. Now she's my princess. Never found out what happened to the puppies.
#28
After 3 Long Months Of Trying To Get Her Trust. This Cutie Has Finally Adopted Me!!
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
This makes me cry. I socialize ferals that I tend in our local colony, and when one decides it is time to "come in out of the cold"... It's magical.
#29
Rescued A Couple Brothers This Weekend
#30
Adopted Two "Undesirable Cats" At The Animal Shelter- A Very Scared Feral Kitten (Still Trying To Get A Good Face Pic) And The Fattest Cat In The Building- I Already Love Them So Much!
#31
Our New Rescue Dog Patches. He Is Deaf And Would Have Been Put Down If We Didn't Adopt Him. He Is Now The Best Part Of Our Lives! I Have Cuter Photos If People Want To See!!!
#32
Recently Adopted A Kitten, This Was A Pic Of Her First Night Home!
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
Hi! Is this for real? Do I get to stay here forever and ever? Really? Wow! Awesome!
#33
Our Recently Adopted Old Pup Is Enjoying His New Rocket Jammies
#34
We Adopted A Retired Racing Greyhound That Was Too Afraid To Interact With Our Other Dog. A Few Months Later And They’re Over Here Smoochin
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
I understand retired racers become total couch potatoes once adopted. Incredibly sweet and goofy couch potatoes. I love that.
#35
Adopted This Guy Last Month. He's Settled In Nicely
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
Yeah. I don’t know why, but I think he’s pretty happy to be living with you.
#36
Dog's Reaction After Being Adopted
#37
Exactly A Month Ago He Was A ‘Feral’ Cat Suffering From Multiple Infections. Today He’s My Little Old Gentleman In A Christmas Bow Tie. Merry Christmas And Happy Adoption, Gizmo!
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
Gizmo looks very dapper in his bow tie. And very happy to be spending his first Christmas with you!
#38
Adopted These Two Little Beauties From The Animal Shelter. Say Hi To Loki And Thor
#39
I Did Not Adopt This Dog. I Started Fostering Her And She Decided She Lives Here Now So I Guess She Does. Welcome To Your Forever Home Bellanova
#40
Adopted Him From The Streets Today ... Welcome Buddy
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
Thank you for giving this fur baby a home. Best. Christmas. Gift. Ever.
#41
Adopted Teddy For Christmas, Safe To Say She’s Pretty Happy About It
#42
“Uncontrollable Tippy-Taps Right Before Adoption
#43
His Previous Owner Put Him Up For Adoption Because He Is So "Rude". This Is Him On His Second Day With Me
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
Some people—-make that idiots instead—-need to consult the dictionary for the actual definition of rude, instead of making up their own. Then again, this cat is luckier to be with her than still with that other jerk.
#44
My Friend Asked Me If I Would Adopt A Puppy. Of Course I Said No. This Is My New Puppy
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago (edited)
Let me guess. You met the puppy and were immediately smitten. In. Deep. Smit.
#45
My Newly Adopted, 11 Year Old Daisee Enjoying... Life
Lisa Yario 3 years ago
Pitties have such a bad rep. They are wonderful pets. They fight because they are forced into fighting. The methods of "training" are horribly cruel.
#46
The Day I Adopted Lulu. She Was Slated To Be Euthanized The Following Week, But Through A Local Shelter I Was Able To Adopt Her In Time. I Love Her So Much
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
I believe the feeling is mutual. She knows you saved her life, and she will always love you for it. You are her hero.
#47
My GF Is A Vet Nurse And Often Brings Home Strays Handed In. She Said "It's Only Until She's Big Enough To Give Away"...
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago (edited)
Our most recent rescue, Tabby, was dumped in our yard this past May. She was about 5-6 weeks old, weighed barely 1 lb, and was left there all by herself. And had the loudest meow. We heard her the night before we adopted her, but couldn’t find her. Next day, she started howling again, and we located her hiding behind a thick bush next to the chimney. Terrified. She clung to me for the first week, on my shoulder, hiding in my hair, sleeping on my neck every night. After that, she started wanting to explore the house, the other cats, and the dog (all of whom were also interested in meeting her and playing). She’d still stick close, but was curious and becoming more independent. She’s eight months old now, and fearless, feisty, playful, and still very sweet. She gives you kisses on your face if you hold her close. She blended with our other four-legged kids right away, and they all love each other very much.
#48
I Decided To Adopt Gus After Fostering Him Through His Heartworm Treatment. He Is Perfect
#49
Found W/ No Tags, No Microchip & Adopted After Waiting Period At The Pound; He Is Now My Everything
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
Rescued my dog straight off the street. Some kids playing nearby told me he was pushed out of a car not long before I came along. Between 3 and 5 years old (vet’s best guess), starving, no collar or chip, hair mats over an inch thick all down his back, toenails so long they were crossing over each other, and not neutered. That was almost 10 years ago. Scruffy is now fat, happy, fixed, and totally in love with us and his pack of 4 cats.
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What do you think ?
Caroline Nagel 3 years ago
Thank you to all the people who adopt, especially older animals. They deserve a warm and loving last years.
Claire Harper 3 years ago
About a year ago, we adopted my rabbit, Misty. She's two years old now, and she's the best and most bizzare creature I could have asked for, and I know that we have many happy years together ahead of us. I legitimately remember the day she went to get spayed. I had school that day, and I couldn't stay in the vet's office anyways, so we were separated for awhile. I was so nervous and afraid for her. My friend remembers this too. I was crying a little at recess and I remember my friend coming to comfort me. When Mom picked me up later that day, I remember learning that Misty would come home to us a bit late because another animal had come in with a much more urgent case. When we finally got her back, Misty was groggy and in slight pain (you'd be too, if you had to get that kind of surgery) but was otherwise fine. She's now happy and healthy and just generally her normal, spunky self. I wouldn't trade her for anything.
Jovy Jergens 3 years ago
A wonderful heartwarming end to 2020! Reminds me how many good and decent people are in this world!
Eulalie Grace 3 years ago
Everyone here has done the best thing ever - given a senior or not-perfect (?) animal a forever home and love. Animal Lovers are the Best People Ever.
Kim Lorton 3 years ago
Rescues are the best! We adopted our boy in 2012. Has close to three years of behavior of food guarding, night terrors, abandonment issues and not a big fan of catch. His only owner dumped him at the shelter said she was going away for two weeks and didn’t want him. He was devastated. The shelter saved him and sent him to a rescue. We saw him and met him and went to get him! He is now happy, confident and a smuggler and still active at almost 9 years old! He is a joy! No more night terrors, just happy boy and grumpy at night!
Bri Nicole 3 years ago
Unless you adopt an older pet or one with disabilities, I'm not impressed. Animal babies get adopted in a blink. The others take weeks to months to adopt out. Choose the animals that need you. You won't regret it.
Bakken Mikes 3 years ago
"kill-shelters" are NOT full of monsters who HATE all animals. The humans who work there, they work really hard to save all animals with little support from anyone else. A lot of animals dont really have any other option (other than euthanasia) because of all their health-issues and abuse they met BEFORE they got to the shelter. "kill-shelters" exist only because stupid humans never should get animals at all. Also: shelters often get animals who need so much psychological / medical care, it actually might be better for animals to be let go. Shelters are obligated to take ALL dogs they get, redgardless of how many other dogs they already have there. Even if the shelter is over-full, they have to take in ALL dogs they get. Private shelters, on the other hand, can pick and choose when and what dog to accept in their shelter. Private shelters are not "obligated" to exceed their max-amount of animals. People who BOAST about how they could never support a shelter would never actually donate
Ozacoter 3 years ago
I agree. Some old kill shelters have terrible policies, like killing the dog’s if they stay more than x days. But non kill shelters are also not the solution. Some dogs are too ill or too aggressive to be adopted. They deserve to live in dignity, not to be in pain or solitude for the rest of their life. In those cases euthanasia is the best option.
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Caroline Nagel 3 years ago
Thank you to all the people who adopt, especially older animals. They deserve a warm and loving last years.
Claire Harper 3 years ago
About a year ago, we adopted my rabbit, Misty. She's two years old now, and she's the best and most bizzare creature I could have asked for, and I know that we have many happy years together ahead of us. I legitimately remember the day she went to get spayed. I had school that day, and I couldn't stay in the vet's office anyways, so we were separated for awhile. I was so nervous and afraid for her. My friend remembers this too. I was crying a little at recess and I remember my friend coming to comfort me. When Mom picked me up later that day, I remember learning that Misty would come home to us a bit late because another animal had come in with a much more urgent case. When we finally got her back, Misty was groggy and in slight pain (you'd be too, if you had to get that kind of surgery) but was otherwise fine. She's now happy and healthy and just generally her normal, spunky self. I wouldn't trade her for anything.
Jovy Jergens 3 years ago
A wonderful heartwarming end to 2020! Reminds me how many good and decent people are in this world!
Eulalie Grace 3 years ago
Everyone here has done the best thing ever - given a senior or not-perfect (?) animal a forever home and love. Animal Lovers are the Best People Ever.
Kim Lorton 3 years ago
Rescues are the best! We adopted our boy in 2012. Has close to three years of behavior of food guarding, night terrors, abandonment issues and not a big fan of catch. His only owner dumped him at the shelter said she was going away for two weeks and didn’t want him. He was devastated. The shelter saved him and sent him to a rescue. We saw him and met him and went to get him! He is now happy, confident and a smuggler and still active at almost 9 years old! He is a joy! No more night terrors, just happy boy and grumpy at night!
Bri Nicole 3 years ago
Unless you adopt an older pet or one with disabilities, I'm not impressed. Animal babies get adopted in a blink. The others take weeks to months to adopt out. Choose the animals that need you. You won't regret it.
Bakken Mikes 3 years ago
"kill-shelters" are NOT full of monsters who HATE all animals. The humans who work there, they work really hard to save all animals with little support from anyone else. A lot of animals dont really have any other option (other than euthanasia) because of all their health-issues and abuse they met BEFORE they got to the shelter. "kill-shelters" exist only because stupid humans never should get animals at all. Also: shelters often get animals who need so much psychological / medical care, it actually might be better for animals to be let go. Shelters are obligated to take ALL dogs they get, redgardless of how many other dogs they already have there. Even if the shelter is over-full, they have to take in ALL dogs they get. Private shelters, on the other hand, can pick and choose when and what dog to accept in their shelter. Private shelters are not "obligated" to exceed their max-amount of animals. People who BOAST about how they could never support a shelter would never actually donate
Ozacoter 3 years ago
I agree. Some old kill shelters have terrible policies, like killing the dog’s if they stay more than x days. But non kill shelters are also not the solution. Some dogs are too ill or too aggressive to be adopted. They deserve to live in dignity, not to be in pain or solitude for the rest of their life. In those cases euthanasia is the best option.
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