Summer may be all about sunshine and smiles, but nothing compares to the joy of pets finding their forever homes.
And this June, countless cats, dogs, and other furry friends finally joined loving families ready to give them the cozy beds, treats, and affection they deserve.
So, if you’re in the mood for some contagious “awws,” keep scrolling; these happy faces are sure to brighten your day.
#1 My New Kitty
#2 Adopted Caspian About 2 Months Ago. He Spends More Time With Our Bulldog Than The Other Cats
#3 This Cat Adopted 2 Hours Ago And I’m Already The Side Character In My Own House Hahaha
Is there anything more wholesome than adopting a pet? When you adopt, you’re quite literally saving a life.
According to Best Friends data, more than 1,000 dogs and cats die every day simply because they don’t have a safe place to call home.
“This is solvable if just 6% more people who are looking to add a pet to their family would choose to adopt rather than purchase a pet from a breeder or pet store,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society.
#4 Milly The Rescue Baby..show Her Some Love!
#5 Just Adopted This 20 Year Old Cat. Shelter Vets Recommended Both Eyes Be Removed Which I Won’t Be Doing. Please Help Me Give Him The Best Life Possible
#6 Adopted Dog From Shelter. Don’t Know What Breed
While every pet deserves a loving home, the reality is that the older they get, the less likely they are to be adopted. Senior dogs, for example, have an adoption rate of just 25%, compared to 60% for younger dogs and puppies.
#7 Just Adopted This Pretty Orange Lady From The Animal Shelter! Her Name Is Winnie 🧡
#8 I Adopted Mine From An Animal Shelter
#9 Sweet Dee Coming To Terms With Being Adopted Into A Home With 3 Cats
It’s understandable why many people prefer a kitten or puppy—they’re tiny, likely to be with you longer, and you get to build a bond from their early days.
But older pets are just as ready to be your loyal companion, and there are plenty of reasons why adopting one can be an amazing experience, according to the Animal Humane Society.
#10 Just Adopted This Beautiful Cat 😻
#11 Just Adopted These Two
#12 Helicopter Pilot Adopts (12 Year Old) Cat She Rescued After Fatal Bryce Canyon National Park Fall
For starters, senior pets often have lower energy levels than their younger counterparts. While this might sound like a downside, it can actually be a benefit for many owners. Puppies and kittens come with a fair share of mischief as they grow and learn how to live in a home, while many older pets are calmer and easier to care for.
#13 Meet Thor! 🖤💛
#14 I Got My Cat A Little Kitten So That He Wouldn’t Be Alone And It Fixed His Litter Issues!
#15 Struggle Was Real…until I Found My Furever Parents
That doesn’t mean older animals lack energy altogether. In fact, they often offer the perfect mix of calm and playfulness. Many senior cats and dogs still love to play and engage with you, while also enjoying a relaxed lifestyle that fits seamlessly into your routine.
#16 I’m Doing It Y’all
#17 I Got Adopted!
#18 Mei Has A Home Because Of Reddit!!!!
Another benefit of adopting an older pet is that their size and personality are already developed. You can see exactly what you’re getting, making it easier to know if they’ll be a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
However, it’s important to remember that every pet, no matter their age, needs time to adjust to a new environment. It may take weeks or even months for them to fully open up and show their true personality once they feel safe in your home.
And while senior pets have personalities of their own, don’t forget: You can still teach an old dog new tricks.
#19 I’d Say The Senior Cat Adopted The Kitten, But It’s The Other Way Around
#20 Our Shepherd Mix River
#21 My Foster Pitty Has Become BFF With My Beagle… It’s The Sweetest Thing
You might wonder how to tell when an animal is considered a senior. It can vary depending on the breed and size of the pet.
Generally, smaller dogs live longer than larger ones, and cats tend to have longer lifespans than most dogs. While aging looks different for every pet, senior animals often need more frequent vet checkups to monitor age-related health concerns.
Here’s a general guide:
Small breed dogs: 10 yearsLarge breed dogs: 8 yearsExtra-large breed dogs: 6 yearsCats: 10-12 years #22 At 30 Years Old, I Finally Got My Own Place And Adopted A Cat! Meet Stevie Licks! (Oc)
#23 My New Guy From The Local Shelter
#24 Meet Benito♥️
All animals need love. Older pets may not have as many years ahead, but adopting them means giving them the chance to spend that time surrounded by care, comfort, and joy.
They thrive on walks, playtime, cozy naps, and all the cuddles they can get. So if you’re thinking about adopting, consider welcoming a senior pet into your life—you might just find the sweetest best friend.
#25 I Couldn’t Resist!
#26 New Family Member After Tragedy
#27 Stella Adopted
#28 My Perfect Alice Applesauce
#29 We Did It
#30 We Adopted An Aspin Mom And Her Puppies—only The Mom Survived, But She’s Now Thriving
#31 After Waiting 2 Months, They Are Home
#32 Adopted A Puppy Today
#33 Adopted A Single Kitten And Feel Like A Bad Cat Owner
#34 New Livestock Guardian Dog Owner
#35 Rescued Gordon! 😭❤️
#36 Just Wanted To Say Hi And Share My Boy!
#37 First Time Cat Owner
#38 My Brown Alley Cat
#39 Percy
#40 Recently Adopted This Sweet Boy. Please Tell Me It Gets Better 😬
#41 Super Sweet, Never In Possession Of The Brain Cell
#42 Adopting This Classy Lady, What Should We Name Her?
#43 I Won The Husky Lottery
#44 Meet Little
#45 New Rescue!
#46 This Is Mouse
#47 Say Hi To Muchi!!!!
#48 The Cat I Adopted Today!! 🙂
#49 Adopted Kitten
#50 Our First Cat!
#51 Just Adopted This Beautiful Tabby Cat And People Keep Saying She Could Have Some Maine Coon/Norwegian In Her – What Do You Think?
#52 Recently Adopted My Dream Cat
#53 This Is Buzz
#54 My Mom Adopted A Stray Cat
#55 Adopted This Good Boi Yesterday. Finally Got The Courage To Sit Next To Me. First Golden Ever
#56 Adopted My First Cat Ever! Found On The Streets Of Memphis. This Cool Cat’s Name Is Elvis!
#57 Baby Beans
#58 Did I Get A Dog?
#59 Adopted My Buddy
#60 I Already Picked Up The New Kitten!
#61 Bean, My Recently Adopted Kitty After Divorce
#62 I Recently Adopted A Dog From South Korea
#63 New Kitten Mommy
#64 My Cat Adopted This Little Baby I Took In Last Year. They Still Love Each Other Just The Same As They Did When They Met
#65 New Addition 💙🐶
#66 Mishka!
#67 Welcome To The Family, Butters!!
#68 Hi There. I’m Ohana
#69 I Got This Guy His Forever Home Today!
#70 Stray Cat I Adopted
#71 Please Say Hello To Our Newest Family Member, Allie
#72 Meet Reggie, The (Apparently???) Full-Breed Oes I Adopted!
#73 Had Absolutely No Idea That Amstaffs Were The Perfect Family Dog Until We Got One
#74 My Handsome Fella
#75 Introducing Teddy
#76 Adopted A Cat Yesterday, I Think He Likes Me
#77 Officially My Cat Now
#78 Just Wanted To Share
#79 Frida 🏵
#80 My Newly Adopted Cat (Boy)
#81 Just Rescued Bucky (He’s 3 Years Old)
#82 I Am Adopting This Cat Later This Week From A Neighbor
#83 I Waited My Whole Life For This
#84 My Sweet New Rescue, Thanks To Care
#85 Meet Bubbles!🫧🐩
#86 New Addition To The Family
#87 My First Cat Ever
#88 My New Baby
#89 First Time Owner!
#90 Meet Grey!
#91 Benjamin
#92 New Puppy
#93 Blep! The Cat I Adopted Today
#94 Not Super Surprised But Very Interesting!
#95 Newly Adopted Golden!
#96 Went To Adopt A Puppy And Got More
#97 Adopted A New Dog From The Shelter!
#98 I Adopted A New Cat Do You Guys Think It Is A Authentic Sic?
#99 I Adopted The Neighborhood Cat.. Named Him Peter LOL
#100 I Adopted Over The Memorial Weekend 🐈⬛ This Is Gigi!!
#101 We Got A Delivery Of Cat Food We Can’t Open Because This Beautiful Doofus Adopted The Box As His Favorite Bed
#102 Three Weeks With Our First Cat!
#103 Meet Zoe!
#104 So I Just Adopted My First Corso From A Nearby Shelter
#105 Adopted An Orange Cat Today!
#106 My Sweet Boy Bug!!!
#107 This Is My New Girl, Peia!
#108 Adopted My First Cat (Boy) And Struggling To Decide On A Name
#109 It Seems This Cat Has Adopted Us!
#110 Adopted My First Cat
#111 Adopted My First Bsh (And First Cat)
#112 Adopted This 10-Month Old Boy Three Days Ago
#113 First Cat, Need Some Reassurance
#114 My Newly Adopted Guy, “Crybaby”
#115 Our Unplanned Addition
#116 One Week With My First Sphynx
#117 I Am Once Again The Owner Of A Boxer!
#118 Just Adopted My Sister’s Dog Yesterday. Her Kids Are Terribly Allergic And Now She Has A Home With Me
#119 Showing Off My New Baby
#120 Just Adopted
#121 My Boy Boo
#122 My Terrier Mix Rescue Boys Wanted To Say Hello!
#123 First Time Posting Happy To Be Here!
#124 Meet Fred…
#125 New Member And Introducing My Raptor (New To Puppy Parenting)
#126 My 2 Adopted Boys!!
