50 Times People Adopted Pets From A Shelter And It Was Their Best Decision Ever (January Edition)

If there’s one thing young people are doing right, it’s pet ownership. BecauseGen Zis delaying parenthood, more become pet parents instead. In fact, seven in 10 Gen Z adultssaythey’d rather have a pet than a child. They’re also almost twice as likely as other generationsto adoptinstead of shop.Loads of different pets get adopted each month, and we here atBored Pandahave a tradition of sharing the cutest animals that found theirforever homeevery month. This January, we’ve got a collection from proud pet owners who rescued, adopted from a shelter, or inherited a pet that’s now their best friend for life.This post may includeaffiliate links.

Loads of different pets get adopted each month, and we here atBored Pandahave a tradition of sharing the cutest animals that found theirforever homeevery month. This January, we’ve got a collection from proud pet owners who rescued, adopted from a shelter, or inherited a pet that’s now their best friend for life.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Black cat exploring a carpeted room, showcasing the delight of adopted pets in January.

A happy, newly adopted cat sits proudly on a wooden table in a cozy, sunlit room.

A newly adopted pet dog resting on an orange mat, while being gently petted.

Those who adopt theirpets from sheltersare really doing great work. It might seem that rescue animals have never been so popular, but animal shelters are still overcrowded and the rescue dog and cat populations, unfortunately, have never been higher.According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), somewhere around 6.5 millionenter shelterseach year. Out of those, only 4.1 million get adopted (around 2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats). Those who don’t find their forever home either are euthanized, pass away from illnesses or old age, or keep waiting their turn for years to come.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), somewhere around 6.5 millionenter shelterseach year. Out of those, only 4.1 million get adopted (around 2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats). Those who don’t find their forever home either are euthanized, pass away from illnesses or old age, or keep waiting their turn for years to come.

Black cat resting on a soft blanket, a delight for proud pet owners.

Black cat with green eyes laying on a couch, proudly adopted by pet owners.

Fluffy cat lounging on a wooden chair, proudly adopted by a pet owner.

But wait, aren’t there shelters that don’t euthanize their animals and let them live out their lives until old age even if they don’t get adopted? Of course, there are, and two states, Delaware and New Hampshire,have lawsstating that all their shelters have to save the animals that enter them.However, if we look at the broader picture, many animals still meet their end even in shelters. In 2023, for example, shelters all over the U.S. euthanized around 690,000 dogs and cats. In 2024, a part-timer from the Mendocino Coast Humane Society shelterwrotethat sometimes, owners request euthanasia. Other times, it’s inevitable due to behavioral problems or sickness and injury.

However, if we look at the broader picture, many animals still meet their end even in shelters. In 2023, for example, shelters all over the U.S. euthanized around 690,000 dogs and cats. In 2024, a part-timer from the Mendocino Coast Humane Society shelterwrotethat sometimes, owners request euthanasia. Other times, it’s inevitable due to behavioral problems or sickness and injury.

Sleeping dog on wooden floor, captured by proud pet owner.

Bengal cat lounging on a grey couch, showcasing the delightful pet adopted by a proud owner.

A proud pet owner cuddling their newly adopted dog, sharing a moment of joy together.

Nearly one in five Americansadopteda pet during the pandemic, and, for quite a while, there was a myth floating around that many of those pets were returned to shelters after the lockdown was over. In a 2021 study, researchersexplainedthat more dogs and cats returned to shelters than during economically stable times. It’s important to note they concluded that “petswere not being rehomed in massive numbers.”

Brown dog with a white snout standing on hind legs, looking curious; adopted pet in January.

A delightful adopted pet, a small black dog, looking at the camera while resting on a patterned bedspread.

Fluffy calico kitten on a blue blanket, recently adopted and looking back towards the camera.

Some people were no longer able to take good care of the pets they picked up from the shelter duringthe pandemic. Many lost their jobs and faced other financial difficulties, and some pet ownersmay be hesitantto say why they’re relinquishing their pet out of shame or fear of being judged.

Happy Rottweiler on a leash, recently adopted by a proud pet owner.

A delightful adopted black cat on a patterned blanket, showcasing proud pet owners' joy.

A cat peeks out from a pile of stuffed animals, blending in playfully with its surroundings.

SE Smith from the Mendocino Coast Humane Societyliststhe complex reasons why more people are giving up their pets. “It’s gotten harder to access and afford vet care, while emergency extensions of the social safety net, including increased Snap benefits, expansions to Medicaid, childcare assistance, the student loan pause, the child tax credit and generous unemployment insurance benefits have come to an end, leaving people in financial precarity that hurts pets too.”

Two adorable kittens lounging on a white bed, showcasing proud pet owners' delightful January adoptions.

Fluffy cat with blue eyes sitting outside a wooden house, proudly adopted by pet owners.

Two adopted cats peacefully napping together on a beige cat tree.

Two adorable cats relaxing on a gray cat tree, recently adopted by proud pet owners.

Adopted pet cat wearing a festive sweater, lying on a patterned cloth.

A proud pet owner gently strokes the head of a content gray cat.

According to theKansas Humane Society, spaying and neutering was an elective procedure during the pandemic. Its CEO Cemily Hurst said, “While we’re already living on the brink of overpopulation, nothing was getting spayed and neutered for a little over a year and a half I think, so now we’re seeing the results of that.” This resulted in a 30%-40% increase in domestic animals.

Close-up of a proud pet owner’s newly adopted cat with striking blue eyes.

Black and white cat with bright blue eyes standing on a tiled floor, newly adopted by a proud pet owner in January.

Adopted pet dog resting in a cozy crate with a blanket and toy.

Sleepy adopted cat resting on a green chair, showcasing the joy of proud pet owners.

Fluffy white kitten with blue eyes, lying on a purple patterned blanket, looking up at the camera, adopted by proud pet owners.

Adopted pet: a smiling dog with a red collar and blue tag, sitting outside on a wicker table.

If you already have a pet,committo them for life. Ideally, plan the finances and the logistics of owning a pet before you get one. Then, be sure they will be taken care of if something happens to you, the owner. A new home for a pet should mean a forever home, so, make sure that your new pet is your life companion!

Two newly adopted cats snuggling together in a cozy space.