If you’ve ever adopted a pet, you’ve probably visited your local animal shelter. The amount of animals who are without homes or have been surrendered is absolutely heartbreaking. According to the ASPCA, 6.5 million animals each year enter the United States’ animal shelters with 3.3 million of these pets being dogs, and 3.2 million being cats. Even sadder, 1.5 million animals are euthanized each year due to the overcrowding of shelters.
However, approximately 3.2 million animals each year are adopted from local animal shelters. There is truly nothing more heartwarming as when these homeless animals finally find their forever home.
Check out our best 75 before and after photos that show just amazing these pet’s transformations really are.
1. Sweetie Pittie
This adorable pittie when from sad to glad. We’re so happy this owner captured her transformation for the world to see.
2. Happy to be home
This ecstatic pupper looks so happy to finally have a bed to call his own.
3. Big Smile!
This happy little dog looks like he’s smiling from ear to ear, and is especially excited to be in that little basket.
4. From the Streets to the Lap of Luxury
This little kitten looks like he went from living a rough life on the streets to enjoying catnaps with his owners.
5. Nom Nom Nom
This good boy is busy chomping away on his latest bone, courtesy of his new family. Just look at that sad little face, begging to be taken home.
6. Did I do that?
Even the best dog has his occasional slip ups, like tearing apart your feather pillows. At least this pup looks a little guilty for his bad behavior.
7. Scruffy to Sleepy
This kitty went from what looks like a rough life, judging by that boo-boo on his nose, to living a high life of luxury. We’re so happy that this poor kitty finally found a safe loving home.
8. A Beta Life
It’s not often that you read about a fish being rescued and given a better life – but it’s definitely a refreshing and new story. Thankfully this beta got a chance at a new life with a beautiful aquarium all to himself.
9. The Perky Puppy
This puppy looked like he really perked up thanks to his new owners and his new life.
10. From Zero to Hero
This before photo is absolutely heartbreaking – this dog looked so miserable. Thankfully, he found his fur-ever home and looks like one happy dog!
11. Home for Christmas
Is there a better gift than finally being home (or in this case, just having a home) for Christmas?
12. A Brutal Battle with Mange
This poor dog had a dangerous case of mange that thankfully his new owner’s were able to get under control. This dog’s transformation is completely shocking.
13. A soft place to rest your head
After what looks like a tough life, this dog seems so grateful just to have a safe place to rest her head.
14. Adopted with Style
This pitbull looks like he’s really living it up and also living his life of style. We are loving those shades!
15. Stunning Transformation
Amazingly, this dog looks years younger in his after photo. It’s amazing how transformative a new life can be for these pups.
16. New Toys
The best thing with adopting a new pet is seeing their reaction to finally getting to play. We love this cute and playful dog with his favorite toy!
17. Two Year Transformation
This owner documented the changes in their adopted dog over the course of two years – it almost doesn’t even look like the same dog!
18. Nap-time with his favorite teddybear
We can’t believe how tiny this little kitten was! Also, this after photo is too cute – excuse me while I go cry.
19. Trading Up
It looks like this dog really traded up thanks to his new life. We also love his leather collar.
20. Sweet Shepard
This puppy went from being sad to so so excited, and we love it. German Shepards are one of the cutest dogs out there.
21. Dashing Gentleman
It’s amazing how this cat turned into a totally dapper kitty!
22. All Grown Up!
This dog went from being a skinny little puppy into a big (and very good) boy.
23. So Small & Sickly
It’s amazing how some love and care can completely transform animals into bright and happy pets. We’re so happy that this little sick kitten got the help she needed in the nick of time.
24. Astounding After
This little pup looked like he had a really rough go of it and was rescued right when he needed it most. Thankfully he found a happy home and a safe place to heal.
25. You’d have to see it to believe it
This transformation is so shocking that it would be hard to believe that this is the same dog. What an amazing recovery!
26. Oh So Soft
This sweet kitty looks so beautiful in her new shirt and we love how soft and fuzzy she looks.
27. Beautiful New Life
Somehow, this husky went from looking like a big head stuck on a skinny body to a full healthy husky. Just look at that full fluffy coat!
28. From Frightened to Super Friendly
We love how this cat went from looking totally spooked to looking like a friendly and sweet cat, ready to be petted.
29. Older can be better!
Many animals in shelters are older, and due to their age, struggle to find a home. We’re glad this mature pup got a new lease on life!
30. Ms. Sweet Smiles
This sad girl went from looking compltely miserable to a smiling sweet pooch.
31. Young at Heart
Thankfully this puppy got adopted into a family where he’s just one of the kids.
32. Learning to Love
Rescued animals can sometimes be slow to trust, but with time and patience they can become the perfect family pet.
33. Wrinkles!
This sleepy wrinkled dog is too cute – we love his little smooshed face.
34. Home At Last
It’s common for animals to come to their local shelters in bad conditions and in need of serious medical help. It’s a good thing that this pup got the help he needed and a loving home.
35. Rescued from the streets
Although slightly less common, many pets are found just wandering the streets when they get rescued before the local shelters have a chance to pick them up.
36. Home Sweet Home
37. Mr. Mustache
This cat went from being a scared dirty kitten to a sweet cat with what looks like half a mustache on his face.
38. Little Ragamuffin into Princess
Cats are too often overlooked at shelters and make up a staggering 3.2 million of the shelter animals.
39. Just Skin & Bones
It’s heartbreaking to see how thin and starved this young dog was at such an early point in his life. However, he looks much healthier and happy now.
40. Those Sad Eyes!
I mean, come on. How could you possibly say no to those adorable sad eyes?
41. Three Legged Wonder
Missing one leg won’t stop this kitty from enjoying his new life the fullest (and rolling on the rug apparently.)
42. Happy Hamster
There aren’t many rescue stories about hamsters, but this one is definitely one for the books. This hamster just looked like skin and bones before his rescue.
43. Beautiful Blue Eyes
This blue-eyed beauty went from sleeping on dirty concerte floors to living his best live, and we are totally here for it.
44. 99 Problems But an Ear Ain’t One
Losing an ear won’t keep this rabbit from loving his new life. It’s much harder for animals with disabilities to get adopted – if you’re considering adopting, please be sure to consider some of these special furry friends.
We love Mila’s mis-matched blue and brown eyes, and we’re sure that her new family loves them too.
48. So Sauve
This kitten really grew up to be quite the suave cat. We love his style!
49. Guardian Angel Fosters
Unfortunately, kittens are abandoned in boxes all too often. Thankfully, these guardian angels were there to nurse these kitten back to health.
50. Better Life for a Beagle
I have such a soft-spot for beagles and I just love their big floppy ears. It’s so good to see this sweet pup finally in a safe, happy home.
51. Lucky Lab
Labs are such a kind breed of dogs – they’re typically big, gentle giants.
52. Kisses
Is there anything better than kisses from your best furry friend?
53. Dramatic Transformation
This dog went from looking like a shriveled little thing to a bright and happy dog. It’s so good to see this pup made a full recovery.
54. Little Floof!
What a cute little floof-ball! This puppy turned that frown upside-down and looks like he would be just a little ball of sunshine now.
55. Never too old to find a new home
This sweet dog proves that no dog is ever too old to find their happily-ever-after.
56. A Little Soap & Water = Magic
It’s amazing what a thorough bath can do for a dog. This pup looks totally different and much much healthier thanks to his new family and a serious deep clean.
57. So Elegant, Very Cat
This little kitten became undoubtedly the queen of her new house and rules the roost.
58. Fresh New Digs
We are absolutely digging this dog’s glow-up and her fresh style.
59. Excited to finally be home!
Have you ever notices that some dogs look like they’re about to start talking? We bet this dog would say thanks to his loving and generous owners.
60. Luxurious Lassie
Rough collies are another dog breed that has a special place in my heart. It’s so great to see this dog living her best life after going through such hardhsip.
61. That Sweater!
Normally, I’m not a fan of dogs in clothes, but that little sweater so so cute.
62. Man’s Best Friend
Did you know that dog’s actually feel happy when they see their owners? Not sure we can say that same about cats…
63. Someone’s Well-Fed
This poor pet went from a skinny injured kitty to a very plump and very happy cat.
64. A New Future
Did you know there are nearly 400 million stray dogs in the world? It’s such a heart-breakingly high number, but it’s so wonderful for even one dog find a new home.
65. Marvelously Healed Mouse
Apparently this little mouse lost his ear after battling a bad illness that almost took his life. We’re glad to see him happy and much healthier.
66. Look at that smile!
This spaniel is one happy camper after finding her forever home. No more cardboard boxes!
67. Never Too Late
All too often adult dogs are passed over at shelters for younger puppies – but it’s neveer too late to give a pet a stable and loving home.
68. Beach Day
This dog now lives with the sand between her toes and never has to be kept in a cramped cage ever again.
69. Rescued from Local Shelter
No more begging for scraps – this sweet-face pooch gets to bask in the light of a new home.
70. Bullseye for this Bull Terrier
Bull terriers are some of the kindest dogs. This pup went from behind bars to all blissed out.
71. Into the Wild
No more lonely car rides – this rescued pup has a whole new pack.
72. Klee Kai Cutey
This little dog is not a mini husky but rather an Alaskan Klee Kai. This breed is renowned for its energetic spirit and intelligence.
73. Welcome Home!
This little diva just needed some TLC and cuddles on the couch with her new sibling.
74. Yay for this Yorkie!
This amazing transformation couldn’t have happened without this little pup’s fierce determination.
75. Last but certinaly not least
Even while missing one leg, this kitty was still able to leap into his owner’s heart. We’re so happy to see this kitty recovered and feeling better.
Adopting a pet is always a big responsibility, but if you think that you might be able to provide a safe loving home to an animal, please visit your local shelter. There are countless animals, either who have been strays or been abandoned, who need stable fur-ever homes.
We hope this brightened your day, and please don’t forget to share your favorite transformations!
75 animal shelter pets before & after finding loving home get new lease on life
Emma Smizer
10.30.19
If you’ve ever adopted a pet, you’ve probably visited your local animal shelter. The amount of animals who are without homes or have been surrendered is absolutely heartbreaking. According to the ASPCA, 6.5 million animals each year enter the United States’ animal shelters with 3.3 million of these pets being dogs, and 3.2 million being cats. Even sadder, 1.5 million animals are euthanized each year due to the overcrowding of shelters.
However, approximately 3.2 million animals each year are adopted from local animal shelters. There is truly nothing more heartwarming as when these homeless animals finally find their forever home.
Check out our best 75 before and after photos that show just amazing these pet’s transformations really are.