Adoption & Fostering · Kinship

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adoption & fostering

New pet parent (or still thinking about fostering or adopting a pet)? Get all the advice you need: how to find the right pet for you, how to introduce them to other pets and kids, and how to bond with your new family member.

a man and a woman with tattoos huge a red and white dog

“You realise that they can’t do anything without you. They need you. But then you realise you need them just as much”

A couple sat with a red miniature poodle cross dog

A simple dog DNA test turned into a surprise discovery

a picture of a Fila Brasileiro

It’s not just the XL Bully that the government has banned

a woman with brown hair and an orange crouches down to stroke a large stray dog

Activists from Turkish rescue centres tell us how you can support them in their most desperate hour

two men with black hair stroke their cat who is sticking his tongue out

Cats are famous for turning up again weeks, months and even years after they disappear. But why? And how do they do it?

a large dog sits somberly on a bench in a town square

It’s been nearly a month since Turkey passed the ‘massacre’ law that many feared would lead to a mass culling of the country’s beloved street dogs – here’s what’s been happening since

Tabby cat

The charity’s latest figures reveal that cats are increasingly falling victim to deliberate weapon attacks

a woman holds up a dog with one eye they are both smiling

“I can rely on my cats to be there – no ghosting here – and, claws aside, they’ll  never intentionally hurt me”

two dogs in a park

As more people choose to adopt, rescue dog meet-ups are popping up all over the UK and the US. One writer took her former stray Lucy along to see what it’s all about…

a man with dreadlocks holds up a french bulldog puppy and they both look at the camera

”It’s the commodification of animals, it’s social currency – whether it’s to look hard or manly or to emulate a celebrity. We put pressure on that dog to play a role in our lives”

woman with tattoos strokes big grey dog

Beloved pets are often used by perpetrators of domestic abuse to manipulate their victims. That’s why Dogs Trust runs a specialist service to temporarily home dogs while their parents seek safety

person holding a dogs face in their hands

Animal rescue centres are full as costs to provide emergency shelter mount to approximately £500,000 a month

White cat on their back with paw in the air, lying on an Ikea blanket

No pets were asked to construct IKEA flat-pack furniture with their significant other in the making of these images

A woman with glasses holds out a whippet to a boy with pink hair and glasses

It should be a last resort, and there are plenty of options to explore first, but here’s how to surrender your pet safely if you have to

a picture of an Alaskan Malamute with its paws up on a cage door

They might be bigger, but that just means there’s more of them to love

A dog lying on a rug with a litter of puppies feeding from her.

It’s not quite the same as buying secondhand clothes…

a woman with curly hair smiles down at her daschund

We got our paws on a calculator and did the research so you don’t have to

a woman hugging her cat with blonde hair

Not sure if you can afford to bankroll a new cat for the rest of its life? Check out our comprehensive guide for all the costs involved

A man sitting at his kitchen table using a laptop with a black and white cat on his lap.

A report shows that man has a new best friend

Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry star in John Wick with two German Shepherd dogs.

Even if you do want to live that Elle Woods life...

 


Brown dog with white markings standing in leaves

The truth is breed labels are often wrong

girl in a yellow top and baseball cap hugs a big fluffy white dog on a beach

You’ve chosen to adopt a dog, congratulations! But with dogs in need both here and abroad, which route should you take?

A man with a face tattoo, a man with a beard and a woman with face tattoos hug black labrador puppies

People with distinctive features step forwards, you’re needed to train the next generation of seeing eye dogs. Here’s what’s involved...

Two men look lovingly into each others' eyes while cradling a white dog

So-called ‘milestones’ are shifting these days. Is getting a dog the new getting hitched?

Tabby cat trying to open with her head window in order to enter the house.

TikTok thinks the universe just provides you a cat – is that really a thing?


woman hugging dog

If you’re struggling with pet care costs, you are far from alone and there’s no shame seeking help. Here’s a few places to start

a white dog stares up at a pink dress and yellow dress waving outside in the wind on a clothing line

You’re in love, but is it irresponsible to add four paws to the mix?

a nervous dog sits on a sofa

At so many points in those first hours, weeks, months, I screamed, internally: what have we done? 

Man holds his fluffy white dog outside.

A new study scores dogs on behaviours such as how they responded when unfamiliar people visited or if they were jealous when their owner gave affection to another animal

Two senior cats laying on a couch

I adopted a couple of seniors because cats, like wine, only get better with age

two bonded kittens snuggling

Here’s why bonded kitties, senior cats and felines with FIV make just as amazing pets as any other

A woman sitting on a couch with three dogs.

How the author and founder of Pup Culture Rescue is fusing her experience in the entertainment industry with her passion for animal advocacy

Woman using a laptop in bed, looking at her cat

Here’s how to help your rescue kitty feel at home

dog and cat snuggling together

Without turning your home into a circus

Happy young female student playing with hairy dog at home

Boundaries, right? But if they end up sleeping in your bed, that’s cool

A kitten laying on a persons lap with their paws in the air.

Ready to make a difference in a kitten’s life?

Adult dog sitting on a bed

What to expect in the first three days, three weeks and three months

taylour paige and her dogs

“Having dogs, rescue dogs, is not always convenient or comfortable — you have to get used to being uncomfortable. But it’s so worth it. The love is immeasurable.”

Couple laying on the floor with their kitten during Christmas

Puppies and kittens are cute, but read this expert advice before attaching a bow to their collars and handing them to a pal

A larger cat holding a baby kitten.

Age isn’t always just a number

Big dog meets little brown puppy for the first time

Consider these tips before making the big decision

2 cats on a small chair

Feels high stakes because it kind of is

cute small terrier sitting in grass

Inspo for picking one that pops

"Puppy Bowl" referee Dan Schachner smiling at camera surrounded by puppies

We spoke to the longtime official on adoptable puppies, special needs MVPs and hosts Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg

Kitten sitting on a blanket

A vet breaks down everything you need to know when you bring home a new kitten

Two tabby cats cuddling each other with their eyes closed

Cat behaviourist Kristiina Wilson on the importance of socialising cats

Curly afro woman stroking her bonded cats on the couch in living room

Some besties are inseparable, and that’s not always a bad thing

Blonde woman with hand tattoo kissing her gray kitten

From where to begin looking to how to prepare your home for the new arrival

A dog running with a woman on a pier.

Find out which dog breed is right for your lifestyle

Sealyham Terrier and golden retriever playing in the grass

A few things to consider before expanding your fam by four more paws.

hannah shaw royal canin shelter project

The rescue advocate and pet nutrition brand are partnering with Greater Good Charities for a contest that will reward 20 shelters across the U.S. $1,000 grants. 


Cat sitting on a kitchen chair, looking at the camera

A cat behaviourist’s 10 steps for keeping your cat out of trouble

mom and daughter playing with puppy

They’ll always remember their first childhood pet – this intro is just the beginning

Big dog sniffs little dog in greeting

There’s a lot more to it than sniffing each other’s butts

Man holding a dog in front of a light gray background

Hundreds of dogs are rescued from hoarding situations every year. Here’s what their adopters should know, according to animal welfare experts

tripod dog / dog with three legs

Why you shouldn’t rule out senior dogs, special-needs pups, bully breeds or tripods

woman with new puppy

Sound advice from seasoned dog and cat parents who have been there

A woman with dark curly hair lifting a box with a plant in a pot balanced on top to another area in the home

7 tips for acing your inspection and bringing your new pup home

Old dog being pet by person

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Here are all the reasons you should welcome a senior pup into your family.

A dog and cat sitting next to eachother on a fur blanket on a couch

Double trouble or double the fun? Dog trainer Lindsay Hamrick weighs in

A dog looking up with a cute face

Five ways to warm a skittish dog to you

single puppy standing outside

One doesn’t have to be the loneliest number when it comes to your dog

Woman in a grey t-shirt and black overalls holding a sad looking ginger kitten

Why adopting two kittens may be easier (and better for them) than adopting one

A hand reaching towards a cat peaking out of a cage.

From medical history to adoption fees to litter preferences, heres everything you need to know

White dog laying on the couch looking guilty

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell on how to keep your dog from using your living room as a toilet

A woman staring at her computer while holding her dog close.

It’s a big decision, so tick these boxes before you sign on the dotted line

Puppy laying in torn up paper on the couch

The beginning of puppy parenthood can be rough, but it does get better – especially when you implement this advice

Two pet parents walking three dogs

Beyond more puppy love and snuggle time

Two cute kittens playing.

Is it double the trouble or double the fun?

Profile view of a man giving a cat food to eat

A veterinary nutritionist explains the causes, signs and treatment for how to increase their appetite

An angry looking cat hiding under a couch.

Puppy mills and animal traffickers are tricking Craigslist users into purchasing dangerously — sometimes terminally — sick dogs.

Girl sitting on couch hugging her playful dog with the window open to outside

For starters: no, they’re not all traumatized and yes, you can find purebred puppy.

Man wearing pink headphones playing with dog on sofa with plants and a painting in the background

Some animal rescues allow trial runs for interested adopters. Get the scoop on how foster-to-adopt programs work.

Dog standing in an animal shelter

Yes! Shelters are full of good, grown-up doggos. Here’s how to find the perfect match.

Big dog sniffs little dog in greeting

There’s a lot more to it than sniffing each other’s butts.

A man in a sweater holding two small dogs in his arms with a pensive look on his face

Change is hard, but that doesn’t mean you should feel bad.

Happy Labrador Retriever sitting on the floor

If your heart is set on a purebred pup, start your search at breed-specific rescue organizations.

A woman with tattoos hugging her white cat in a cluttered, art-filled room

A rundown of the most common cat expenses

the cast of Barbie with a small white cat and white Pit Bull dog

Here are the pinkest, sparkliest, wittiest Barbie movie-inspired names for your dog or cat.

cute mutt / mixed breed dog

July 31 is National Mutt Day. Here are nine reasons why a mixed-breed dog would make a great new addition to your family.

shelter kittens playing with a round blue plastic toy with balls

Seriously, you can donate to shelters just by shopping!

A hand holding a kitten with a cat tattooed at the hand.

Hannah Shaw, a.k.a. Kitten Lady, on how you can help with the springtime arrival of orphaned kittens.

Two Paravel x Rescue City pet carriers with a small Chihuahua dog sitting in one of them

Paravel’s collab with Rescue City means your dog can get a chic carrier — and you can help pups in need. A true win-win.

National Rescue Dog Show

Because mixed-breed dogs deserve applause, too.

Four beagles placed in a rescue cage.

It’s one paw in front of the other for some of these dogs, who are adjusting to what it means to finally be safe.

A woman kissing her dog on a couch.

A study found that millennials are choosing pets over kids. Here’s why.

A sad dog in a cage with its head and paws sticking out.

The state passed a bill that will end the inhumane breeding and transport process. 

Kinship's cover star Hannah Shaw smiling at the camera behind a cat tower with two kittens sitting on top of it

The lion-hearted animal advocate on rescuing her first kitten in a tree, designing an orphaned animal nursery, and becoming an Instagram sensation.

A dog at a shelter looking up at the camera.

From exercise needs to medical history to compatibility with kids, here is everything you need to know.

Young woman in online call sitting on couch in her living room on laptop

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s everything you need to know about applying to adopt a pet.

A veterinarian taking a look at a cat.

If you’re helping out a homeless pet, shouldn’t that be worth a freebie? The reality is, it costs a lot of money to care for shelter animals and to keep a shelter clean and safe.

A woman working at her desk with a dog sitting on her lap.

Which breed is the right fit for city living?

A dog posing with one eye.

Introducing the 2022 Puppy Bowl starting lineups and the rescue organizations they’re representing.

Young woman caressing Great Dane dog on floor at home

When you realize your home or lifestyle is not a good fit for your pet, you’re put in an unenviable position. But it doesn’t have to be a lose-lose. 

Black & Tan Coonhound

From a Tennessee farm to a Brooklyn apartment, our rescued Hound dog is going with the flow — mostly.

Dog sitting in a car wearing a harness.

People do this in many ways, and some are safer than others.

Young Woman With Tattoos Holds Cat In Home While Sitting In Chair.

How to christen your cat with an ingenious name (and IG handle).

Two guide dog puppies in training for Guide Dogs for the Blind

A volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind shares her experience.

Stray dog sleeping on the street

Four simple steps to follow after falling in love abroad.