Puppy Finder vs Save A Rescue for September 2024

Item: Puppy Finder vs Save A Rescue
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Wednesday, September 18th

2024 Pet Adoption Site Reviews

Puppy Finder

Adoption fees are listed up front
Includes dogs from breeders and shelters
Breed Selector tool to help match dogs to owners' lifestyles
Allows for personal ads to find dogs meeting specific criteria
Contact form built into the page for easy communication with pet owners and rescues
Site is functional and straightforward to use
Offers a paid Premium plan with additional features

Puppy Finder is a search engine for finding adoptable dogs, from puppies to adults. One unique feature is that you can see the adoption fee upfront, saving you time in your search. They list dogs from both breeders and shelters, and even provide a quiz to help you find your perfect breed match. You can also place personal ads if you want to be notified right away when matches are listed. While the site design could use some decluttering, it's still functional. We rate Puppy Finder as a solid choice for your canine adoption needs.

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Save A Rescue

70,000 listings of adoptable dogs and cats
Provides standard filtering and sorting capabilities for easy pet search
Displays detailed information about each pet including activity level, energy level, obedience, and social behavior
Maintains a directory of pet services including emergency vet care, animal control, boarding kennels, pet transportation, and pet-friendly hotels
Actively works towards their mission to end pet abandonment and dumping
Strong belief that every pet's life matters
Contact information readily available for each listed pet

Save a Rescue is a pet adoption platform specializing in dogs and cats. You'll appreciate their standard search features, where you can find pets by breed, age, and distance, and learn about each pet's personality and needs. They've even set up a "911-like" hotline for pets in need, but it's currently on hold due to lack of funding. Unfortunately, their website can be a bit tricky to navigate and has a few typos. While it's possible your perfect pet is listed on Save a Rescue, we recommend checking other, more user-friendly platforms first.

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See Pets

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The 10 Best Pet Adoption Sites

PetFinder

Adopt A Pet

Chewy

American Kennel Club

Rescue Me

Puppy Finder

Pet Place

Save A Rescue

ASPCA

PetSmart

What Are the Best Pet Adoption Sites?

Whether you're a parent looking for a gentle family dog who's good with kids, a single college grad looking for a cat to cozy up to while working remote, or a rare reptile enthusiast, online pet adoption sites can help you find the perfect pet for you without having to leave your home.

These sites provide a vast selection of animals from various shelters, rescues, and private owners, all in one place. That means you won't have to visit multiple shelters, which can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing. Also, these sites typically provide detailed information about each animal's background, health, and behavior, which is important for making an informed adoption decision.

Continue reading below

Pet Adoption Site FAQ

What should I look for in a pet adoption site?

Choose a pet adoption site that offers the selection of animals relevant to you, whether that's dogs, cats, birds, or possibly more exotic pets like reptiles, amphibians, or farm animals. Be sure the site provides detailed information about each animal's background, health, and behavior to help you make an informed decision.

How can I make sure the pet I'm interested in is healthy?

While online adoption sites provide health details and the pet's history, remember that they usually rely on shelters, rescues, or private owners for these details and aren't directly responsible for their accuracy. It's a good idea to contact the current caretaker directly for the most recent health updates and possibly request a vet's certification.

What happens if the pet isn't a good fit?

The potential for a trial period or the ability to return a pet if the adoption doesn't go as planned is typically determined by the individual shelter or owner listing the pet, not the adoption site itself. That means you'll need to understand the specific policies of the person or place you're adopting from, since these policies are not standard across the board and the pet adoption website can't vouch for a pet's suitability.

What are the typical costs involved when adopting a pet online?

Costs may include an adoption fee, which often covers veterinary checks like vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and sometimes microchipping. Additional costs can include transportation if the pet is not local. Always confirm all fees before finalizing the adoption.

How does the adoption process typically work on these sites?

The process generally starts with you browsing available pets and selecting one that meets your criteria. You'll likely need to fill out an application, undergo a vetting process, and possibly meet the pet in person before you can finalize the adoption.

Is it safe to adopt a pet without meeting it first?

While adoptions can be successful without a prior physical meeting, it's a good idea to meet the pet if possible, or at least have a virtual interaction. If you already have other pets, find out if you can bring them along to see if they get along with their proposed new sibling.

What preparations are necessary when adopting from an online site?

Prepare your home with all necessary supplies such as a bed, food, toys, and grooming tools. You'll also need to plan for an adjustment period to help the pet get comfortable in its new environment. Many pet adoption websites publish articles about this process.

How can I verify the legitimacy of a pet adoption site?

Do your homework on the site to check its reputation and read reviews from other users. Sites that are associated with established animal welfare organizations or that provide transparent information and support throughout the adoption process are generally more reliable.

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However, not all pet adoption sites are the same. Some specialize in specific types of animals, often dogs and cats, while others might focus on rescues or purebreds. Some of them include birds, rodents, amphibians, reptiles, and even farm animals.

There are also differences in the services they offer. For instance, a couple of sites offer support throughout the adoption process, including tips for first-time owners and post-adoption care, while others simply act as a listing service. Pet adoption websites typically can't be held responsible if you have a negative interaction with someone using their platform to list a pet, so be sure to do your own research on who you're adopting from.

When looking for the right pet adoption site, consider the following:

Type of pets available. Are you looking for a dog, cat, bird, or maybe a more exotic pet? Most sites focus on cats and dogs, and the ones that offer atypical pets may not have many listed at all times. Find out if you can sign up for notifications when pets meeting your criteria are listed.
Adoption support and resources. Does the site walk you through the adoption process? Some websites offer articles and resources to help you before, during, and after adoption.
User interface and search functionality. Is the site easy to navigate? Can you easily expand the area of your search and filter pets according to your criteria?

Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best Pet Adoption Sites available. We hope this review helps you find the best service for you, ensuring that you and your new pet start off on the right paw!