Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
261submissions
Finished
50 Before & After Pics Show The Difference A Day Of Adoption Can Make To A Shelter Pet
Adopting a pet is a big responsibility, and it will often change the life of the person adopting the pet. It will also, however, absolutely change the life of the pet being adopted as well. These pictures will show you how much difference a single day can make in the life of a pet that has finally been adopted.
It may take a while for some of these pets to get back to proper nutrition, but the change in many of them is psychological, not physical. The look that appears on their face once they've realized that they're going to live in a new forever home is one that probably hasn't crossed their face in a very long time.
Needless to say, if you're thinking about getting a pet, please consider the pros and cons of adoption, too! But if you've already got a cute before-and-after adoptee, we'd love to see their shining face in this post!
(h/t: buzzfeed)
This post may include affiliate links.
#2
Bumble Bee
Final score:
404points
#4
Pillow
#5
Sandy
#6
Ned On The Ride Home From The Shelter
#8
Amelia
#10
Bandit
AnnaMcHugh 9 years ago
That is a beautiful shepherd. They're cute when they're pups, but that is going to be a really (big) beautiful dog. Happy family!
#11
Little Guy
AnnaMcHugh 9 years ago
Lucky little guy! And lucky owner! Such beautiful white teeth, too. Wish I could have got my dog's teeth that white.
#12
Val
#13
A Lucky Golden Retrievier
#15
Chex
#16
Dumbo Plakat Betta Fish
KarenWilson 9 years ago
What a amazing change his colour has totally changed ☺️ that's a happy fish xx
#17
Mira - Found With Severe Mange - Before And After :)
Final score:
203points
#18
Lucy Loo
Final score:
152points
#19
Carozo Was Abandoned After Being Used By Hunters. Now In A Loving Home.
Final score:
132points
#21
Nora Budulis
Final score:
129points
#22
Bodza
Final score:
128points
AnnaMcHugh 9 years ago
God, look at the hope in those eyes! And so much happier in the photo on the right :)
#23
Mazdak(means Wise Little Guy In Persian)lost His Leg In A Car Accident In The Streets Of Tehran
Final score:
124points
#25
Mochi, Months After Rescued From A Backyard Breeder
Final score:
113points
AnnaMcHugh 9 years ago
That's terrible! How could anyone be so cruel - the poor thing's skeletal! Looks much better now :)
#27
Mokka
Final score:
109points
KartonFarkas (Submission author) 9 years ago
I've cheated a bit. It's not after a day, but some weeks. She was very ill, and it lasted a very long time to get better.
#29
Tyron, Found Terrorised And With Pneumonia Crying Under A Car.
Final score:
102points
#30
Brillo, Rescued One Year Ago. Don't Buy A Life... Adopt!
Final score:
100points
TarynWallace 9 years ago
It makes me smile to see people take the time to figure out how to help their fuzzy kids instead of just giving up. You're an awesome person
#31
#dana 1 Year Later!
Final score:
95points
#32
Lea - When I Found Her On The Street She Was Starving And Couldn't Walk
Final score:
93points
#34
1.death Camp Shelter In Romania With Newborn Pups 2.in A Loving Family In Belgium With Her Son
Final score:
80points
#36
Nana After 5 Years Adoption
Final score:
77points
#37
My Name Is Oz ... And I'm A Little Wizard :)
Final score:
75points
#38
Didi, At 2 Weeks Old ( Found In A Bush )and Now,after 3 Years In My Home With Her Teddy Bear.
Final score:
72points
#39
Theo. Before: Scared And Lonely - Now: The Sweetest Cat Ever.
Final score:
68points
#40
Zeus - Adopted At Age 14, And Even Younger Now One Year On :)
Final score:
67points
#41
Ponto
Final score:
65points
#42
My Alanek, Difference Only 12 Weeks
Final score:
64points
TarynWallace 9 years ago
I think it was probably a prop and I'm sure she is grateful to be in a home where jewelry is the only thing she needs to worry about now.
#43
Jake :)
Final score:
64points
#44
Drako
Final score:
64points
#45
Bella Moose
Final score:
63points
#46
Holly Before And After Adoption
Final score:
60points
#48
Masni
Final score:
56points
Add New Image
What do you think ?
karlalee 9 years ago
They are all sweet. It is clear they are finally being loved. I bet the owners' pictures would show a happier change too :)
TomMiller 9 years ago
I can bet the same thing :D I do think to give shelter to one dog as well http://bit.ly/1FzaH3S
Load More Replies...
PetraSchönack 9 years ago
True story... We adopted a rescue dog few months ago and after few days her face changed from "not interested in anything" to happy :-)
BarbaraHigginsBrown 9 years ago
This makes me very happy, and makes us a better society reflected here, as how we treat our most vulnerable and those without a voice.
CarolynLombardi 9 years ago
Dogs will always make your life better in every way!
Load More Replies...
DanielaVCortés 9 years ago
Just because the past didn´t turn out like you wanted it to, doesn´t mean your future can´t be better than you´ve ever imagine!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
monicamichaels 9 years ago
Being loved is vital.... I have had 14 cats in the past 20 years all adopted many as adults. Every one special.
FishFeather 9 years ago
Who would be happy to live in a cage? All these friends need is love and a home. Of course they are happier now :D
Miss S 4 years ago
Looking at each and every one of those pictures brought up such intense emotions - anger, sadness, horror. . .and then sheer joy, hope and satisfaction from the 'after' pics. I think it's CRUCIAL that we raise awareness about the plight of animals in children and adolescents. We cannot depend on the parents to teach it because half of them aren't aware or don't care. There needs to be programs in schools, cartoons/kids' shows/cartoons about rescuing animals etc. That's the only way we will see change in the future.
Cindy Julius 6 years ago
I am sad that these poor animals saw such misery! Adpt don’t shop! Save a life adopt and make a difference!
Alberto Jiménez 8 years ago
Beautiful site, my warmest congratulations. And beautiful human beings, as well. Animals are beautiful per se, so nothing to say about them. The pics are a strong, irrebuttable argument on adoption. My two pets (a cat and a dog, in a span of almost forty years) were bought; the cat of which I'm a bit corresponsible now was found almost newly born and almost dead, in the street, by the love of my life who, kind soul as she is, wasn't very prone to pets then. Well, two years have passed and her life has changed to better, to much better. I'm so happy for both of them. And for me, Connor -that's the name of the sweet and clever and beautiful black cat-, is rekindling so many happy and cherised memories every time I see it. Keep up this good work! Sincerely, AJR, Madrid, Spain
SuzSwanson 9 years ago
This TRULY shows how animals can be effected psychologically from being in a shelter. The look on their faces AFTER adoption are PRICELESS.
Blake Hayes 9 years ago
I did time so I understand exactly how they feel. I am moving soon and can finally have a dog again!
RicoShelter 9 years ago
Many people around the world make millions of pictures day by day. Only a few manage to tell a story in just one single shot. Amazing work
SineadWoods 9 years ago
Glad it's not just dogs and cats. There are small animals that need adopting too.
DavidShockley 9 years ago
They are all great. I would adopt all of them if I could. Pets improve and in some save your life.
AvrilShalen 9 years ago
I'm happy for ALL these critters, but it hurts me to see only '2' Cats--without names--while '13' Dogs--& 1 Fish--were named :( SPECIEIST
heidilaura 9 years ago
Ahhhhhhh- it's so heartbreaking to think there are people out there who do not want their pets and they end up in shelter, but I am sooooo
PepperBrown 9 years ago
I think all animals need, deserve & appreciate our helping hands, after all, 'we' 'us'!!..are the problem!
Cathy Kinney 9 years ago
rescuing and adoption is the only way to go=-the absolute love and gratitude is priceless
Emma Thomas 9 years ago
I suffer from chronic depression, looking at kitty, puppy, etc pics or videos makes me smile and laugh
CrystalMoyes 9 years ago
Great to see! You can actually see the sadness disappear from their eyes and they look like they are smiling!
AimeeJohnson 9 years ago
What great pictures that really depict misery followed by belonging and happiness xx
Jeanne Deaux 9 years ago
They all share this thing: before their eyes are dead, not even worried, just resigned and dead. And after? They are sparkling and some even
Jeanne Deaux 9 years ago
seem to smile, they have this happy face, they are radiant, it's amazing. My problem when I go in these shelters: I can't adopt all of them,
Load More Replies...
Clark Lindsey 9 years ago
I wonder if any of these before pictures are pre shelter pics or if they all are owners talking pictures right before picking them up.
Despoina T 9 years ago
They are all so beautiful & happy, I had to vote for each and every one of them! My double vote goes to all the people that adopted them.
DilyanaAbdo 9 years ago
Why there is not an article like this about adopted children. I thing the people who adopt a child are worthy of our admiration.
ValetteRenoux 9 years ago
http://www.adoptmeforever.org/ become a foster parent or adopt one of our kiddos! We specialize in rehabilitating fearful dogs.
Taryn Wallace 9 years ago
,after vet bills and a little patience she's not sleeping out in the cold,she happily sleeps on my pillow. Adoption is the best feeling ever
Iwe Muiser 9 years ago
Pretty great how all the fear and uncertainty seems to have disappeared from their eyes
Taryn Wallace 9 years ago
I adopted Simba 10 years ago when he was about 1 and I have never been happier. Recently Jasmine showed up hurt in my yard and she's now
Terri Gold 9 years ago
I voted for every one of them. They all deserve their new loving homes. This was wonderfully heartwarming.
PenkoPenkov 9 years ago
Hahahaaaaaaaaa, I was thinking about the same :)))
Load More Replies... 
karlalee 9 years ago
They are all sweet. It is clear they are finally being loved. I bet the owners' pictures would show a happier change too :)
TomMiller 9 years ago
I can bet the same thing :D I do think to give shelter to one dog as well http://bit.ly/1FzaH3S
Load More Replies... PetraSchönack 9 years ago
True story... We adopted a rescue dog few months ago and after few days her face changed from "not interested in anything" to happy :-)
BarbaraHigginsBrown 9 years ago
This makes me very happy, and makes us a better society reflected here, as how we treat our most vulnerable and those without a voice.
CarolynLombardi 9 years ago
Dogs will always make your life better in every way!
Load More Replies... DanielaVCortés 9 years ago
Just because the past didn´t turn out like you wanted it to, doesn´t mean your future can´t be better than you´ve ever imagine!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
monicamichaels 9 years ago
Being loved is vital.... I have had 14 cats in the past 20 years all adopted many as adults. Every one special.
FishFeather 9 years ago
Who would be happy to live in a cage? All these friends need is love and a home. Of course they are happier now :D
Miss S 4 years ago
Looking at each and every one of those pictures brought up such intense emotions - anger, sadness, horror. . .and then sheer joy, hope and satisfaction from the 'after' pics. I think it's CRUCIAL that we raise awareness about the plight of animals in children and adolescents. We cannot depend on the parents to teach it because half of them aren't aware or don't care. There needs to be programs in schools, cartoons/kids' shows/cartoons about rescuing animals etc. That's the only way we will see change in the future.
Cindy Julius 6 years ago
I am sad that these poor animals saw such misery! Adpt don’t shop! Save a life adopt and make a difference!
Alberto Jiménez 8 years ago
Beautiful site, my warmest congratulations. And beautiful human beings, as well. Animals are beautiful per se, so nothing to say about them. The pics are a strong, irrebuttable argument on adoption. My two pets (a cat and a dog, in a span of almost forty years) were bought; the cat of which I'm a bit corresponsible now was found almost newly born and almost dead, in the street, by the love of my life who, kind soul as she is, wasn't very prone to pets then. Well, two years have passed and her life has changed to better, to much better. I'm so happy for both of them. And for me, Connor -that's the name of the sweet and clever and beautiful black cat-, is rekindling so many happy and cherised memories every time I see it. Keep up this good work! Sincerely, AJR, Madrid, Spain
SuzSwanson 9 years ago
This TRULY shows how animals can be effected psychologically from being in a shelter. The look on their faces AFTER adoption are PRICELESS.
Blake Hayes 9 years ago
I did time so I understand exactly how they feel. I am moving soon and can finally have a dog again!
RicoShelter 9 years ago
Many people around the world make millions of pictures day by day. Only a few manage to tell a story in just one single shot. Amazing work
SineadWoods 9 years ago
Glad it's not just dogs and cats. There are small animals that need adopting too.
DavidShockley 9 years ago
They are all great. I would adopt all of them if I could. Pets improve and in some save your life.
AvrilShalen 9 years ago
I'm happy for ALL these critters, but it hurts me to see only '2' Cats--without names--while '13' Dogs--& 1 Fish--were named :( SPECIEIST
heidilaura 9 years ago
Ahhhhhhh- it's so heartbreaking to think there are people out there who do not want their pets and they end up in shelter, but I am sooooo
PepperBrown 9 years ago
I think all animals need, deserve & appreciate our helping hands, after all, 'we' 'us'!!..are the problem!
Cathy Kinney 9 years ago
rescuing and adoption is the only way to go=-the absolute love and gratitude is priceless
Emma Thomas 9 years ago
I suffer from chronic depression, looking at kitty, puppy, etc pics or videos makes me smile and laugh
CrystalMoyes 9 years ago
Great to see! You can actually see the sadness disappear from their eyes and they look like they are smiling!
AimeeJohnson 9 years ago
What great pictures that really depict misery followed by belonging and happiness xx
Jeanne Deaux 9 years ago
They all share this thing: before their eyes are dead, not even worried, just resigned and dead. And after? They are sparkling and some even
Jeanne Deaux 9 years ago
seem to smile, they have this happy face, they are radiant, it's amazing. My problem when I go in these shelters: I can't adopt all of them,
Load More Replies... Clark Lindsey 9 years ago
I wonder if any of these before pictures are pre shelter pics or if they all are owners talking pictures right before picking them up.
Despoina T 9 years ago
They are all so beautiful & happy, I had to vote for each and every one of them! My double vote goes to all the people that adopted them.
DilyanaAbdo 9 years ago
Why there is not an article like this about adopted children. I thing the people who adopt a child are worthy of our admiration.
ValetteRenoux 9 years ago
http://www.adoptmeforever.org/ become a foster parent or adopt one of our kiddos! We specialize in rehabilitating fearful dogs.
Taryn Wallace 9 years ago
,after vet bills and a little patience she's not sleeping out in the cold,she happily sleeps on my pillow. Adoption is the best feeling ever
Iwe Muiser 9 years ago
Pretty great how all the fear and uncertainty seems to have disappeared from their eyes
Taryn Wallace 9 years ago
I adopted Simba 10 years ago when he was about 1 and I have never been happier. Recently Jasmine showed up hurt in my yard and she's now
Terri Gold 9 years ago
I voted for every one of them. They all deserve their new loving homes. This was wonderfully heartwarming.
PenkoPenkov 9 years ago
Hahahaaaaaaaaa, I was thinking about the same :)))
Load More Replies... You May Like “What’s Wrong With Your Dog?”: 50 Hilariously Derpy Dogs That May Make Your Day (New Pics) 50 Adorable Pet Adoption Pictures To Make Your Day A Little Brighter (October Edition) 50 Hilarious Pics That Prove Why Dogs Are Man’s Best Friend
Greta Jaruševičiūtė
Evelina Šiukšterytė
Indrė Lukošiūtė
Related on Bored Panda
