Best Pet Adoption Apps You Should Know About

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Finding the right furry friend used to mean heading to your local shelter and falling in love with the first dog that gave you the side-eye through a kennel gate. While that’s still a classic approach, tech has added a new player to the game: pet adoption apps.

Whether you're looking for a scruffy terrier in your area or just want to doomscroll through adorable rescue kittens, these apps are here to help. Let’s walk through the best pet adoption apps that make finding your future pet as easy as swiping right (but with less awkward first dates).

1. Petfinder

Petfinder is the OG of pet adoption platforms. With over 11,000 shelters and rescues in its network, the app gives you access to thousands of adoptable pets across the US and beyond. Filter by breed, size, age, and even temperament. Plus, the photos? Top tier.

Best for: Broad search with powerful filters

Standout feature: “My Match” quiz for personalised recommendations

2. Adopt A Pet

Adopt A Pet is clean, easy to use, and has a huge database of animals from shelters and rescue organisations. Their partnership with Petco Foundation means listings are regularly updated and verified. You can also sign up for email alerts when a new animal matches your preferences.

Best for: First-time adopters and people who love options

Standout feature: New pet alerts straight to your inbox

3. Rescue Me!

This one's a bit more old-school, but it’s a powerful tool if you’re searching for a specific breed or type of animal. Rescue Me! supports international listings and is especially helpful for rare or harder-to-find breeds.

Best for: Breed-specific searches

Standout feature: Global listings and direct rescue contact

4. Pawrade

Pawrade bridges the gap between responsible breeders and adoptive pet parents. While it’s not strictly a rescue app, they vet breeders and ensure pets come with a health guarantee. Great for people who want a purebred dog but still care about animal welfare.

Best for: Ethical breed adoption

Standout feature: Health checks and breeder transparency

5. BarkBuddy

Think Tinder for dogs. BarkBuddy shows you nearby adoptable pups and lets you swipe right if you’re interested. It’s fun, modern, and surprisingly informative. It’s also great for those who don’t know exactly what they want and need help browsing.

Best for: Casual searchers and dog lovers

Standout feature: Swipe-to-match interface

6. Rehome by Adopt a Pet

This app helps individuals safely rehome their pets, offering an alternative to shelters. It’s like Craigslist but with background checks, support, and less chaos. You can browse available pets or even list your own if you're in a tough situation.

Best for: Safe peer-to-peer adoptions

Standout feature: Owner profiles and pet history details

Final Thoughts

Pet adoption is one of the most meaningful things you can do—and thanks to tech, it’s never been easier to connect with your new best friend. Whether you want a quirky rescue mutt, a kitten who thinks it’s a lion, or a gentle senior dog ready for retirement, these apps bring the shelter to your screen.

Just remember: no matter which app you use, the right pet isn’t just about breed or size. It’s about connection, patience, and maybe a little drool.

— Dallas Hughes Pet tech reviewer, fitness geek, and softie for underdogs