10 inspiring pet adoption stories from 2024

As the year draws to a close, there’s hope on the horizon for America’s homeless pets. The latest data from 2024 shows a promising shift: Shelters nationwide saw a 3.4% decrease in the number of pets killed compared with the previous year, alongside a 4% uptick in adoptions for both dogs and cats.

It’s proof that communities across the country are stepping up for animals in need. But the work to bring the nation to no-kill in 2025 and beyond isn’t finished. With thousands of homeless pets still in shelters, the message is clear: Now is the time to adopt.

To inspire more families to open their hearts, Best Friends Animal Society is shining a spotlight on some of the most heartwarming adoption stories of the year from our sanctuary and lifesaving centers across the country.

In February 2024, Job and Sarah learned that their youngest daughter, Lindley, had a congenital foot disorder that would turn their lives upside down. Following seven months of surgeries and rehabilitation, Lindley was no longer feeling like the active, soccer-loving girl she once was, and that’s when puppy Riley from the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Northwest Arkansas entered the picture.

Within just a few days of bringing Riley home, Lindley’s family noticed a positive change: She was once again excited to go to school and to get back on the soccer field, and, most of all, eager to spend time with and care for Riley. Lindley’s family will be forever grateful for the day Riley came into their lives and brought a spark back in their little girl.

No, you’re not seeing double. This pair of nearly identical sister cats, Mary-Kate and Ashley, came to the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City by way of a shelter partner in Maryland. And, as it turned out, these two were just the right fit for a pair of sibling roommates. Once home, this duo quickly warmed up to their new people and now get to spend their days as one big, happy family.

Some things are worth the wait. Just ask Vito. After a few years in a shelter and a decade at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Vito finally met an adopter who just seemed to get him — a senior dog who was set in his ways. Casey, who used to work with wolves and understood a sensitive animal’s needs, was just the person Vito needed. Casey came to the Sanctuary several times to build his relationship with Vito, and that sealed the deal. Now Vito spends his time cruising around the United States and Canada with Casey, a fun and fitting way to enjoy his golden years.

Though he came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary with more than 200 other rabbits, Harold only had eyes for one: his bunny buddy Dottie. Sadly, Dottie passed away unexpectedly. But thankfully for Harold, a pair of bunny-experienced volunteers with a 6-year-old rabbit named Norbert thought he could be a great fit for their family. After a few weeks of introductions, Norbert and Harold became the best of friends.

When Doug first arrived at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Northwest Arkansas, he quickly earned the nickname the “Prince of Play” due to his sunny disposition and boundless energy. However, his foster family noticed that Doug didn’t see very well, and a vet visit revealed a condition that causes his pupils to remain dilated.

While there’s no cure, Doug was given a snazzy pair of dog sunglasses to help him see better in bright light. In the meantime, Doug had started exploring the world with his mouth to make up for his vision loss, and this behavior made it difficult to find him the right adopter. Luckily, Doug’s big break was right around the corner. Ralph, a former sheriff’s department K-9 handler, and his family had recently lost their dog and were ready to open their home and hearts again. Ralph had enough experience with dogs to know he could continue working with Doug to help him become his best self. Today, Doug is loving life with his new family.

Diamond Ring came to Best Friends’ New York lifesaving center from Animal Care Centers of NYC and became an instant hit with staff and volunteers thanks to her sweet and loving nature. She went to numerous media and public events and even flashed her big smile for the popular @dogwithsign Instagram account.

An adoring foster family welcomed Diamond Ring into their home and helped promote her on social media. And the rest is history. Her adopters, who had recently lost their senior dog, saw Diamond Ring and instantly knew she was their next gem.

Bug was a young, orphaned horse who came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary after being injured by other animals in her previous home. She recovered from her wounds with a sweet, loving spirit and charmed everyone she met. A couple from Canada fell in love with Bug while volunteering at the Sanctuary and knew they wanted to bring her home. It just so happened that a Best Friends staff person was already heading out that way and had an open spot in their horse trailer. Everything fell seamlessly into place, and Bug is now thriving in her new home and meeting new friends.

When the Best Friends team in Salt Lake City first met Goober, she was struggling with respiratory issues. They quickly started her on treatment, but weeks went by with little improvement. Then, a staff veterinarian discovered a polyp in her upper respiratory tract. The polyp needed to be removed, but first Goober needed additional tests at an external vet. Turns out, that visit would be the first day of the rest of Goober’s life. The vet team fell in love with Goober and adopted her as their office cat.

When Best Friends’ team in Houston met Tanner, she was a very shy dog who was extremely cautious of new people and surroundings. Off she went to a foster home, where she met her foster caregiver’s own dog, Coco, who helped Tanner gain confidence. Tanner slowly came out of her shell and caught the eye of a patient, kind family who adopted her. They gave her space to open up on her own terms, and today she’s thriving in her new home.

At the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles, Franklin and Nigel stole the hearts of everyone they met. That included Cass, the owner of vintage shop Catnip Coalition. She adopted the duo, and today Franklin and Nigel spend their days comfortably roaming around Cass' shop, where many patrons come by just to visit the pair of feline friends.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.