What is Petfinder?

With pets, overcrowding is a prevalent issue. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), three to four million animals die in American shelters each year, most of which are due to a shortage of adoption homes. At least 25% of dogs in shelters each year are purebred [source: HSUS]. However, many people seeking a new pet buy one because they can't find what they want at their local shelter or don't want to go for fear of being offended.

Petfinder, the world's largest pet Website, is attempting to solve the problem by matching homeless animals with individuals who wish to adopt them. Petfinder is similar to an online dating service. It allows potential adopters to browse a database of available dogs based on breed, age, size, and gender parameters.

Petfinder connects adopters from all over the country with animal shelters and rescue groups. Large and small animal organizations may present their animal inventories user-friendly, making it easy for potential adopters to locate what they're looking for. Petfinder provides a wide range of animals for adoption, from mice to horses, to Yorkshire terriers.

What is Petfinder?

Getting a Pet

As you begin your search for a pet, remember that each organization has its adoption regulations, and it's critical for potential adopters to understand the organization's policies with which they're working. Adoptions to families with small children may be prohibited by some organizations, which may require adopters to have a fence.

Others could be unconcerned about either of these issues. Some organizations accept adoptions from beyond the area, while others do not. Some organizations may do comprehensive reference checks on all candidates, while others may operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Adoption fees vary greatly across shelters and rescue organizations. Some county shelters charge cheap adoption costs but don't provide veterinarian treatment or evaluations. Others provide properly vetted animals. Some rescue organizations handle all veterinarian requirements before adoption, while others may ask adopters to sign a contract or pay a deposit to handle the job themselves. According to a simple search on Petfinder, adoption prices range from $15 to $350.

                                         Petfinder

Typically, these costs reflect the amount of veterinary care to the animal. Still, if the shelter gets outside funds, county shelters and humane societies may have cheaper adoption fees than rescue groups with the same amount of veterinary treatment. Most little, independent rescues rely on adoption fees to pay their medical expenses, so they must charge appropriately.

County shelters normally have the cheapest fees, while breed-specific rescues, especially those with smaller breeds, usually have the most expensive. Medical expenses for serious tooth decay and heartworms can cost hundreds. The adoption fee for an animal may represent the animal's specific medical needs or reflect the group's average cost, with healthy animals financing the care of animals with more issues. The cost of adoption varies by location and breed.

Petfinder does not charge members anything and does not keep any of the adoption costs. It defers its members' decisions on medical treatment, adoption costs, adoption criteria, and animal care, under the condition that they treat animals properly and do not sell them for profit.

Even though Petfinder personnel attempt to screen and get to know its members, they cannot visit or supervise all rescues in person. As a result, both potential adopters and rescue organizations should be cautious when utilizing Petfinder.