Thinking about getting a pet? Millions of companion animals in shelters across America are just waiting for a special home like yours. Navigating the adoption process isn't as hard as you think. We can help you find the perfect pet and discover how amazing adopting a pet can be.
When you're looking to add a pet to your life, consider adopting a homeless animal from your local shelter or rescue group.
Whether you want a puppy or a more mature dog, a purebred or a one-of-a-kind mixed breed, even a rabbit or hamster, your shelter has the best selection of animals anywhere—all screened for good health and behavior. Most shelters will even help you with spaying and neutering.
The animal shelter is your top source for a new pet, and our pet-care experts have compiled all the information you'll need to find your nearest shelter, select a pet who matches your lifestyle, and more.
Find your local shelter and pets available for adoption at the The Shelter Pet Project.
Behind the Scenes on a Shelter Pet Project Video
The "Today Show" takes a sneak peak at the shooting of Natalie Morales's Shelter Pet Project PSA.
Enjoy the videoNews & Events
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April 30, 2013
Animal Welfare Organizations Converge on Nashville for Animal Care Expo 2013
Presented by The Humane Society of the United States, Animal Care Expo is celebrating its 22nd year as the world's largest international education and trade show in the fields of animal care, sheltering and rescue. Animal Care Expo 2013 will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., May 8-11.
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April 22, 2013
World Spay Day 2013 Pet Pageant Winners Announced
A panel of celebrity judges chose Eddie, a dog from Front Royal, Va. who just loves to play fetch no matter what time of day, or night, to win the Judged prize in the World Spay Day 2013 Pet Pageant. With more than 5,000 votes, Titus, a rescued dog from Islip, N.Y. who loves to give kisses, took the Mister World Spay Day 2013 Popular Pet prize.
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April 19, 2013
Arkansas Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Arkansas State Legislature passed a number of animal protection bills that were signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe this legislative session, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
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April 18, 2013
Humane Lobby Day Kicks Off in Colorado
Coloradans concerned about animal welfare converged on the state capitol for Humane Lobby Day in Denver on Wednesday to lobby for better laws to protect pets.
Our Victories
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April 19, 2013
Arkansas Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Arkansas State Legislature passed a number of animal protection bills that were signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe this legislative session, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
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April 5, 2013
The HSUS Honors Indiana Prosecutor with Award For Animal Cruelty and Fighting Case
The Humane Society of the United States honored Delaware County Deputy Prosecutor Joe E. Orick, of Muncie, Ind., with the Prosecutor Recognition Award, for successfully prosecuting Rahsaan A. Johnson for dogfighting-related charges.
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March 22, 2013
Maryland Votes For Animals and The HSUS Celebrate Landmark Spay/Neuter Program
Maryland Votes for Animals and The Humane Society of the United States applauded the Maryland Senate and House for passing the spay/neuter bill, introduced by Sen. Joanne Benson, D-Prince George’s County, and Del. Barbara Frush, D-Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, to establish a statewide fund to support spay/neuter services through targeted community grants.
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January 31, 2013
Federal Court Refuses to Block New Texas Puppy Mill Law
A federal court in Austin Texas heard arguments and then rejected a motion by certain disgruntled commercial dog breeders to block the state’s new puppy mill law from going into effect.
