Find Pets With This App: Learn How to Download and Use

Pet overpopulation is a big issue. According to estimates from the Humane Society of the United States, three to four million animals face death in shelters each year due to a lack of available homes.

About 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred. Despite this, many opt to buy pets because they either can’t locate the pet they desire at a shelter or fear the shelter experience might be distressing.

This article will show you how Petfinder became a rapidly expanding website. You’ll also learn how to get and start using their app.

What is Petfinder

Petfinder is a digital platform connecting animals needing homes with potential pet parents. It features a vast database of nearly 11,000 animal shelters across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, making it simple for people to find, adopt, and foster pets in their area.

For over two decades, Petfinder has facilitated the adoption of over 25 million dogs, cats, birds, small animals, horses, and barnyard animals.

If you’re interested in using Petfinder, here’s what you need to know:

The motivations behind the creation of Petfinder
The methods Petfinder uses to uphold its reputation
The ways Petfinder actively supports pet adoptions

Why Petfinder Started

Betsy and Jared Saul began Petfinder in 1995. They wanted to increase pet adoptions. Their idea was to use the internet to connect shelter pets with people looking to adopt.

At first, shelters sent pet information via fax. The Sauls then shared this on their website. The site grew, adding Canadian groups in 2000.

How Petfinder Helps

Petfinder isn’t an adoption agency. It’s a platform connecting adopters with shelters. You can search for pets online, see their profiles, and contact shelters directly.

Petfinder makes adoption easier by providing a searchable database. This is useful for those with disabilities, limited time, or no easy transport.

Adoption Process

Interested in a pet? Click their profile and then “Ask About” to contact the shelter. You’ll fill out a form and start the adoption process.

While Petfinder is free, shelters may charge adoption fees. These fees vary and cover medical care.

Petfinder Foundation

The Petfinder Foundation supports pets in need. It provides grants for:

Quality of Life
Disaster Response
Sponsor a Pet

You can donate to a pet’s care through the “Sponsor” button on their profile. Additionally, consider pet insurance to avoid giving up a pet due to financial issues.

Note: Pet insurance is recommended to cover medical costs and avoid economic abandonment.

Steps on How to Install Petfinder

Installing the Petfinder app is easy and free, like any other app. Follow these steps on how to install the Petfinder app:

Open App Store or Google Play: Depending on your device, open the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
Search for Petfinder: In the search bar, type “Petfinder” and press enter or the search icon.
Select the App: Look for the official Petfinder app in the search results and tap on it to open the app’s page.
Install the App: Tap the “Install” button (Android) or “Get” button (iOS) to begin downloading the app. If you’re using an iOS device, you may need to confirm the download with your Apple ID or Touch ID.
Open the App: Once installed, tap “Open” to launch it, or find the Petfinder icon on your home screen and tap it to open the app.
Sign In or Create an Account: If you already have a Petfinder account, sign in with your credentials. If not, you can create a new account directly in the app.
Start Searching: Use the app’s features to find pets near you, save favorites, and more.

Now, to get started on using Petfinder, simply follow these steps:

Open Petfinder: Go to the Petfinder homepage and enter your location.
Select Pet Type: Choose the type of pet you’re interested in to see a list of available pets in nearby shelters.
Explore Options: If you’re looking for specific dog or cat breeds, use the breed search tool to filter results based on size, energy level, and other criteria.
Save Favorites: To save favorites for later, click the heart icon on a pet’s profile picture or the “Favorite” button on their profile.
Create an Account: To save favorites, you must create an account. You can sign up using a Facebook or Google account or an email address and password.

Also read: Discover an App for Caring for Plants in Apartments

What Makes Petfinder Worth Installing: Key Features Explained

Petfinder has been used by thousands worldwide, mainly because it has great features that users benefit from.

Here are some of them:

Comprehensive Pet Database

Petfinder boasts an extensive database of pets available for adoption, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and more.

This diverse selection allows prospective pet owners to find a pet that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.

While the variety is a plus, it can also be overwhelming. Search your search according to your specific needs and preferences to find the best match.

Detailed Pet Profiles

Each pet on Petfinder has a detailed profile that includes information about their:

breed,
age,
size,
personality, and
care requirements.

This helps adopters understand what to expect and how to best care for their new pet.

Always read the profiles thoroughly. Some pets may have special needs or specific care requirements you should be aware of before adopting.

Search Filters

Petfinder’s advanced search filters allow users to narrow their search based on various criteria such as location, breed, size, age, and more.

This feature simplifies the search process, making it easier to locate pets that fit specific criteria.

Don’t be too restrictive with filters. Being open to various options can sometimes help you discover a pet you may not have initially considered, but that could be the ideal match for you.

Favorites Feature

The app allows users to save their favorite pets for easy access later.

This is particularly useful for tracking potential matches or sharing them with family members before making a decision.

Remember that pets can be adopted quickly. If you come across a pet that interests you, be sure to reach out to the shelter or rescue organization without delay.

Direct Contact with Shelters

Petfinder provides direct contact information for the shelters and rescue organizations that list pets on the platform. This makes it easy for potential adopters to inquire about pets and start the adoption process.

When contacting shelters, be prepared with questions about the pet’s health, behavior, and any other concerns you might have. It’s important to ensure a good match for you and the pet.

Regular Updates

The app is regularly updated with new pets and features, ensuring users can access the latest information and the best user experience.

To ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date information, update your app and check regularly for new listings.

User-Friendly Interface

Petfinder is designed to be user-friendly. Its user-friendly interface simplifies navigation and makes it easy to find the information you need.

Spend some time exploring the app and getting to know its features to enhance your search experience.

Final Thoughts

Petfinder is a valuable tool in the fight against pet overpopulation, offering a user-friendly platform to connect adoptable animals with potential owners.

Its comprehensive database, detailed profiles, and search functionalities streamline the adoption process, making it easier for individuals to find their perfect pet.

By installing the Petfinder app, users can access a wide range of pets needing homes, contributing positively to animal welfare.