Every animal deserves to have a home. And every person deserves to have aloyal furry companion. In the U.S. alone,66%of households own a pet. Having a pet can have a positive effect on one’s health as well. Pet owners have more opportunities to exercise, spend time outside, and socialize.And what’s a better endorsement of adopting a rescue pet than seeing how their fellow ex-rescues are currently doing in their forever homes? Because it’s once again that time of the month when we’re presenting you with the most adorable and heartwarming pictures of pets who recentlyfound a new home.Bored Pandareached out to Tricia Montgomery, a pet industry expert and one part of the Pets Are Family podcast duo. We spoke to her about why it might be better to adopt than to get a pet from a breeder, what future owners should know before adopting, and how to ensure that your new best friend feels at home in their new forever home.More info:Pets Are Family|Pets Are Family Podcast|YouTube|Instagram|FacebookThis post may includeaffiliate links.

Every animal deserves to have a home. And every person deserves to have aloyal furry companion. In the U.S. alone,66%of households own a pet. Having a pet can have a positive effect on one’s health as well. Pet owners have more opportunities to exercise, spend time outside, and socialize.

And what’s a better endorsement of adopting a rescue pet than seeing how their fellow ex-rescues are currently doing in their forever homes? Because it’s once again that time of the month when we’re presenting you with the most adorable and heartwarming pictures of pets who recentlyfound a new home.

Bored Pandareached out to Tricia Montgomery, a pet industry expert and one part of the Pets Are Family podcast duo. We spoke to her about why it might be better to adopt than to get a pet from a breeder, what future owners should know before adopting, and how to ensure that your new best friend feels at home in their new forever home.

More info:Pets Are Family|Pets Are Family Podcast|YouTube|Instagram|Facebook

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Adopted A Cat Today (Always Been Scared Of Cats) And I’m Absolutely In Love

Having Adopted Them Was The Best Decision 🥰

Saw A Post About How Hard It Is For Blacks Cats To Get Adopted. We Are One Week In And I Couldn’t Be Happier. Hope Judge Feels The Same

We’re in luck because pet expert Tricia Montgomeryrecently adoptedher new four-legged best friend: a one-year-old Labrador and Catahoula hound mix from Raskal Rescues in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Tricia is a proponent of the ‘Adopt, Not Shop’ philosophy, and she likens pet adoption to a ‘hero’s journey.’ “[It’s] challenging but oh-so-rewarding, without the constant glow of rainbows and unicorns,” she says.Why does she personally opt toadopt and not shop? “It’s like a rescue mission!” Tricia says. “Adopting a pet is like being part of your own adventure story where you get to be the hero. Sure, buying a pet might seem like the easy route, but adopting? That’s where you make a big impact.”

We’re in luck because pet expert Tricia Montgomeryrecently adoptedher new four-legged best friend: a one-year-old Labrador and Catahoula hound mix from Raskal Rescues in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Tricia is a proponent of the ‘Adopt, Not Shop’ philosophy, and she likens pet adoption to a ‘hero’s journey.’ “[It’s] challenging but oh-so-rewarding, without the constant glow of rainbows and unicorns,” she says.

Why does she personally opt toadopt and not shop? “It’s like a rescue mission!” Tricia says. “Adopting a pet is like being part of your own adventure story where you get to be the hero. Sure, buying a pet might seem like the easy route, but adopting? That’s where you make a big impact.”

I Think Our Cat Was Meant To Be With Us

Our New Adopted Six-Year Old Freeloader. This Is Princess, And She Loves Everyone

I Adopted A Great Dog That Was On Death Row

Tricia points out that it’s also not about the owner and the adopted pet directly. “Every pet adoptedfrom a shelterfrees up space for another animal in need, directly saving lives and fighting against the crisis animal welfare is facing and overcrowded shelters.” And let’s not forget the self-esteem boost adopting can give the owner. “It’s your chance to show off your superhero cape!” Tricia gushes.While Tricia encourages more people to adopt, she says that folks should do so with caution. After all, it’s a living breathing being you’re taking into your home. Let’s continue thinking about adopting as an adventure. “Imagine you’re preparing for a quest,” Tricia begins. “First, you’d check your gear, right? Well, preparing to adopt a pet is similar.”

Tricia points out that it’s also not about the owner and the adopted pet directly. “Every pet adoptedfrom a shelterfrees up space for another animal in need, directly saving lives and fighting against the crisis animal welfare is facing and overcrowded shelters.” And let’s not forget the self-esteem boost adopting can give the owner. “It’s your chance to show off your superhero cape!” Tricia gushes.

While Tricia encourages more people to adopt, she says that folks should do so with caution. After all, it’s a living breathing being you’re taking into your home. Let’s continue thinking about adopting as an adventure. “Imagine you’re preparing for a quest,” Tricia begins. “First, you’d check your gear, right? Well, preparing to adopt a pet is similar.”

What Did I Actually Adopt?

Adopted A 14 Year Old Cutie!

Please Meet Ashford, The Silliest Guy In Town

“Do a lifestyle check. Do you have enough space? Enough time? Can you handle the extra expenses for your companion’s food, health, and toys? It’s not just about having a heart full of love; it’s about making sure you’re ready to provide a forever home. Prep your home like you would a fortress—safe and welcoming,” Tricia explains.With owning a new pet comes new challenges. In some cases, the newcomer might be a new addition to the already-established pet family. In my family, two of our shelter dogs had to get used to living with two cats, who considered themselves the kings of the house. In other cases,a rescuemight be the first pet for the household, and that comes with its own challenges as well.

“Do a lifestyle check. Do you have enough space? Enough time? Can you handle the extra expenses for your companion’s food, health, and toys? It’s not just about having a heart full of love; it’s about making sure you’re ready to provide a forever home. Prep your home like you would a fortress—safe and welcoming,” Tricia explains.

With owning a new pet comes new challenges. In some cases, the newcomer might be a new addition to the already-established pet family. In my family, two of our shelter dogs had to get used to living with two cats, who considered themselves the kings of the house. In other cases,a rescuemight be the first pet for the household, and that comes with its own challenges as well.

June Lost Her Owner Of 10 Years, And Now She’s My Baby

Adopted This Little Lady A Couple Days Ago

Gustav And Theodore

“Maybe it’s potty training, or perhaps it’s adjusting your new pal to their new abode. Your new furry friend might have some trust issues or hidden fears,” Tricia points out. “The trick? Patience, young grasshopper. Patience and maybe some training and treats.““Consistency is your best tool; regular training, health check-ups, and lots of love will help you both level up. If you hit a snag, don’t go [at] it alone—seek out a trainer or a vet like a wise old guide,” Tricia recommends.

“Maybe it’s potty training, or perhaps it’s adjusting your new pal to their new abode. Your new furry friend might have some trust issues or hidden fears,” Tricia points out. “The trick? Patience, young grasshopper. Patience and maybe some training and treats.”

“Consistency is your best tool; regular training, health check-ups, and lots of love will help you both level up. If you hit a snag, don’t go [at] it alone—seek out a trainer or a vet like a wise old guide,” Tricia recommends.

I Got Lucky. A Female Orange Tabby. Meet Legend!

Rescued A Pregnant Cat!!

Saw Her On Petfinder

But don’t let the warnings put you off adopting a new furry friend. Tricia has a reminder for those who are looking to become new pet parents. “Remember, while the path of adoption might not always be lined with rainbows and unicorns, the rewards—unconditional love, countless snuggles, and the pride of making a huge difference—are epic!”

We Thought We Were Adopting A Dog; Instead, He Looks Like A Goat Monkey

We Adopted A 10 Month Old Berner!

This Is Bebel, My Newly Adopted Void (Also My First Cat)

My Newest Kitty, I Adopted Her Off The Street And She’s The Most Lovey Cat I’ve Had!

Meet Dobby!

So Proud Of My Rescue Gal

Adopted This Guy Today, The Sweetest Cat I’ve Ever Met

Today Is Hazel’s Second Gotcha Day!!

I Guess The Kitten Can Stay💜💜

Yet animal advocates point out that it’s also rising pet care costs and housing insecurity that drive this crisis. Kim Alboum of the Bissell Pet Foundation toldPBSthat economic factors also come into play. “With the housing crisis, people are losing their homes and are having to downsize or move in with others. And this is a recipe for disaster for people [who] have larger dogs.”

This Sweet Boy Is Settling Into His Forever Home

Meet Franny!

Dogs Always Look So Happy After Adoption

Experts also say that the overcrowding at shelters is more of a dog problem than a cat problem. Executive Director of Shelters Animals Count Stephanie Filer toldTIMEthat many shelters started turning dogs away simply because they don’t have more space.“Shelters are quite literally at crisis and some of them are making the decision to close their doors or reduce hours of operation or reduce the kind of animals that they bring in.”

Experts also say that the overcrowding at shelters is more of a dog problem than a cat problem. Executive Director of Shelters Animals Count Stephanie Filer toldTIMEthat many shelters started turning dogs away simply because they don’t have more space.

“Shelters are quite literally at crisis and some of them are making the decision to close their doors or reduce hours of operation or reduce the kind of animals that they bring in.”

I Adopted My First-Ever Pet Three Weeks Ago. He Sleeps Like A Baby Kangaroo

Meet Thor, My New 7.5 Yr Old Best Friend

See Also on Bored Panda

Adopted Husky!

So, the words of our expert Tricia Montgomery ring true here: consider your circumstances before committing to adoption. However tempting the cute noses and little paws are, keep in mind that every animal deserves the best care and a truly forever home!

Help Me Name My Tabby Boy! Just Recently Adopted Him From The Animal Shelter And I’m Having A Hard Time Finding A Suiting Name For Him

My Rescue Dog Hershey

My Sweet Boy

Adoption Is Official! I Think Edna Might Like It Here!

Meet Barbie! 💖

Reesecup Has Chosen Her New Bed

Adopted My First Cat :) Meet Rosie 💓

Adopted Cat

Adopted An Acd Mix, Turns Out Her Sister From The Same Litter Goes To The Same Dog Park. They Have, Uh, An Interesting Style Of Playing Together

So We Just Adopted These Two Brothers! We’ve Named One Prawn Cocktail (The One With The Heart Marking) And We’re Stuck On A Name For The Other One Please Help!we Like Silly Names, Our Other Cats Have Been Captain Sir Pantaloon, Chicken Caesar Salad, Paint Thinner, Dishwasher And Microwave

Hello! I Just Adopted These Siblings And I Cannot Settle On A Name. They’re Boy And Girl 😊 I Prefer Disney Names As My Dogs Name Is Meeko!

New Besties!

I Adopted Him Yesterday! He Loves My Bed!

Meet Trigger (Seeking Advice From Experienced Gsd Owners)

Name For Our New Baby?

Modal closeAdd New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Modal close

Add New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Modal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Add Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.

Add Your Photo To This List

Please use high-res photos without watermarks

Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.

Not your original work?Add source

Modal closeModal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image

Modal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image

Upload

UploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark

Error occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.

TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermark

InstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermark

FacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark

ChangeSourceTitle

Inga Korolkovaite

Eligijus Sinkunas

Animals