• PetFinder

PetFinder

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Overview

PetFinder has a rating of 1.38 stars from 342 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about PetFinder most frequently mention good home, local shelters, and loving homes problems. PetFinder ranks 12th among Lost Pet sites.

  • Service
    71
  • Value
    50
  • Shipping
    21
  • Returns
    21
  • Quality
    43
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 10%
Positive
4
Neutral
0
Negative
36
25
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What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

No positive highlights yet

Critical highlights

  • I've applied for several dogs that said AVAILABLE on Pet Finder with no response at all!
How would you rate PetFinder?
Top Positive Review

“Not their fault!”

Elvira Y.
11/26/23

PetFinder does serve a purpose. You need to understand that they are only the middle man between you and a shelter/rescue. I finally found a pet through them, but only was able to adopt once I send applications to the rescues direct. Even then my first attempt was horrible. Even MULTIPLE applications resulted zero responses. The pet is still available on the rescue site today. After over 2 weeks later we tried for another dog with another rescue, again thru PetFinder. I had a response within 24 hours. Vet check was already done, home visit took place a couple of days later, meet and greet the pet again after only a couple of days. We had the exact issue with a company called AdoptaPet. Some Rescues/Shelters are simply much better than others. Don't blame PetFinder.

Top Critical Review

“Hello? Is there anyone out there?”

Kathryn D.
2/23/24

I've applied for several dogs that said AVAILABLE on Pet Finder with no response at all! My husband and I own our home and have a nice big yard. We've owned pets for over 20 years and can easily get our Veterinary's recommendation. We are in our mid forties… not too old to own a dog so hopefully it's not that! We're also financially stable so it's not that. What is going on with pet finder? This website needs serious updating! I hope another site comes along for the benefit of all the pets that are looking for a good home!

Reviews (342)

Rating

Timeframe

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

pet finder (22)
Thumbnail of user kathrynd134
1 review
1 helpful vote
February 23rd, 2024

I've applied for several dogs that said AVAILABLE on Pet Finder with no response at all! My husband and I own our home and have a nice big yard. We've owned pets for over 20 years and can easily get our Veterinary's recommendation. We are in our mid forties… not too old to own a dog so hopefully it's not that! We're also financially stable so it's not that. What is going on with pet finder? This website needs serious updating! I hope another site comes along for the benefit of all the pets that are looking for a good home!

Products used:
None! No contact at all. Site is dead

Thumbnail of user djs64
4 reviews
2 helpful votes
March 5th, 2024

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

And Petfinder has proven again and again that they and the rescue groups sponsored there are in it for the money and money earned from advertisers.

I've sent inquiries in reference to several dogs and to several groups not a one ever replied

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user nathang70
1 review
7 helpful votes
July 16th, 2018

Looking to bring a dog into the family. We were guilted into the adoption of stray and rescue instead of buying from a breeder. Started to browse Petfinder. Problem is the search feature is lacking. Would be nice if it can filter out shelters/rescues that do not allow out of state adoptions. Also, there appears to be puppies mill masquerading as rescue. They have way too many puppies available and it seems every posting is a sob story. Does anyone know whether Petfinder screen these listers?

Thumbnail of user elviray6
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
November 26th, 2023

PetFinder does serve a purpose. You need to understand that they are only the middle man between you and a shelter/rescue. I finally found a pet through them, but only was able to adopt once I send applications to the rescues direct. Even then my first attempt was horrible. Even MULTIPLE applications resulted zero responses. The pet is still available on the rescue site today. After over 2 weeks later we tried for another dog with another rescue, again thru PetFinder. I had a response within 24 hours. Vet check was already done, home visit took place a couple of days later, meet and greet the pet again after only a couple of days. We had the exact issue with a company called AdoptaPet. Some Rescues/Shelters are simply much better than others. Don't blame PetFinder.

Thumbnail of user amandaw1998
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 29th, 2024

I couldnt enter the requested information into the website because it would not let me ex out of the cookie notice, very annoying and should've been fix d a long time ago with how long petfinder has been around

Quality
Thumbnail of user haroldm163
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
February 5th, 2024

I tried to adopt a Cat after my Cat passed away on January 12th and after 4 weeks I heard nothing so when I sent a message asking what is going on with adoption process a women messaged me back saying she was sorry but the volunteers run the process which I understood but that did not help me move forward with my adoption. I continued to complain why I haven't heard anything yet and finally someone emailed me back saying because I kept complaining they could not help me and that made me very angry because I had already picked the Cat I wanted and because of their broken process they denied my Cat and many others the possibility of getting adopted, that is why this place exist to get these precious animals adopted and denied me the opportunity to adopt. After looking at the the reviews here I see 339 people were not happen with Petfinder and something needs to be done...Ah try getting more volunteers to speed up the process so I gave up on these people and took another route to adopt but the fact is they are not successful at getting animals adopted and they should feel nothing but guilt and these reviews prove it

Thumbnail of user shondala.adams
1 review
2 helpful votes
November 15th, 2023

I tried to adopt a loving pet! They told me NO because I didn't live in the area! These pups need a home and they said "NO" Isn't this what adoption means… I've been a pup parent for years. Until recently I lost my baby…. The dog that they had reminded me of him… AND THEY SAID "NO"… broke my heart…and they sent me a email in the middle of the night to tell me "No"

Tip for consumers:
Look For Adoption Agency that doesn’t require you to literally live around the corner from the rescue! And please be aware that they only let you keep the dog for a week before they initially let the dog go!!!

Thumbnail of user cvisall42
1 review
14 helpful votes
August 18th, 2023

Twice my mother has submitted an application to pet finder to shelters trying to find a dog she could give a good home to and love as a companion. Both recommended shelters went through a lengthy process and then just arbitrarily said no. My mother has a stellar history with past dogs, pet insurance, documented vet visits, a 15 year history. You have broken an old women's heart. You people are not interested in placing neglected animals. You really stink.

Service
Quality
Thumbnail of user gloriaw327
1 review
20 helpful votes
February 2nd, 2022

In September I lost my Shih Tzu and desperately want another one. Put in applications for at least 7 dogs. Got glowing reviews from my vet and references too. Always the same response, dog was adopted. Starting to think this site is a scam. Even thought of age discrimination, as my mom would be home during the week with the dog, but after reading reviews, I think its Petfinder. Guess I'll try to save my money and BUY the dog I want, I'm done with these shelters.

Tip for consumers:
read review

Products used:
none

Thumbnail of user anela6
6 reviews
23 helpful votes
January 28th, 2023

Although I understand this is a go-between to adopt a pet through other agencies, Petfinder should vet who they allow to post pets on their site. Most of these agencies don't get back to you, even after applying directly through them.
I would rather be declined than ignored. It's extremely frustrating. If an agency on their site has way too many negative reviews/issues, they shouldn't be allowed to use thier site, because it makes Petfinder look bad.

Thumbnail of user salkammash
1 review
8 helpful votes
July 15th, 2023

After filling out the applications, submitted so many inquiries on pets and sent so many emails, I still receive no response. I have found matches on the website, send inquiries to try to adopt the dog(s) and never hear back from ANYONE! Petfinder is nothing but Scam. It's just a waste of time thinking anyone will reply to your inquiries. It is extremely frustrating. It's probably best to just go to a local shelter.

Service
Value
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Thumbnail of user kylev39
1 review
3 helpful votes
April 8th, 2020

I thought that I used this website and they stole over R10 000 from me, but it was for a website called Kittenfinder.com. The "owner" sent me a pic of her but it was stolen because the real person wasn't selling pets. They said we had to pay for a high altitude carrier and would be refunded. Please don't use kittenfinder.com. It is dangerous. As for petfinder, I'm not sure, never used it.

Thumbnail of user jamesandwhitney2
1 review
1 helpful vote
December 5th, 2023

Years ago got my first dog off Petfinder from a rescue. 2nd dog from animal control and now looking for a 3rd. I'm picky so when I find one that seems to be a good fit I reach out. I've only found 2 dogs on Petfinder and sent out inquires- both times nothing! Silence! Sent a follow up email- nothing! A special happy moment should NOT be ruined because rescues won't get back to you. I'm very frustrated!

Thumbnail of user keithk633
1 review
7 helpful votes
August 28th, 2022

First, I have filled out an application so many times I can't count. Applications just keep getting dumped. People don't respond to inquiries. I haven't gotten one response. This is a time consuming effort and very much a waste of time when you get nothing back from prospective pups you are interested. I don't think the lists are updated much at all. All this certainly a waste of time and effort.

Thumbnail of user pamelac1190
1 review
23 helpful votes
October 3rd, 2021

I had just lost two of my beloved dogs only three months apart! I originally was looking for companion for my surviving dog but when I suddenly lost him was trying to adopt a bonded pair of dogs. The different agencies required a donation before they would consider my application. I checked with my vet and not one had even bothered to check my references. Honestly! We adopted our son 24 years ago and it was a much easier process even with FBI checks. What a bunch of bunk! Do not recommend you waste your time because they don't reply!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user bonnia1
1 review
6 helpful votes
July 6th, 2023

After filling out the application, having a home visit and several matches, I still receive no response. I have found matches on the website, send inquiries to try to adopt the dog(s) and never hear back from ANYONE! Of course, I still receive daily emails showing "possible matches" to my filtered preferences but it's just a waste of time thinking anyone will reply to your inquiries. It's probably best to just go to a local shelter.

Thumbnail of user aleydar4
1 review
9 helpful votes
May 23rd, 2022

These People are extremely rude, they spoke to my 5 year old daughter in a rude way and they accused us of not being able to keep a little kitten for my daughter, they made my daughter cry for not letting her adopt her first Cat, they gave the cat to another person while my daughter cried knowing that my daughter had applied it first. And they were so rude that they didn't let any other cat be adopted, making a thousand excuses. They are obnoxious and completely rude.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
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Thumbnail of user twsweetpea
1 review
2 helpful votes
September 22nd, 2023

We have 4 adopted cats and 3 others over the last 20 years. My husband & I are both retired and want to give a dog a good home. There apoption fees are insane. They are not the best way to adopt. Go to your local shelter, these people are a step above a puppy mill!

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Thumbnail of user dorothyc531
1 review
35 helpful votes
May 5th, 2021

Their policy states not to fill out your application unless you can meet the next Saturday. No one responds. Dogs that are listed are not up for adoption. It takes forever to get a response, just to find out the dog is not available. 2 weeks later, the same pup Is still listed. How are these animals ever supposed to find a home with such poor management skills. How hard is it to respond and in a timely manner.

Tip for consumers:
Just go directly to the shelter. This site is no help

Products used:
Craigslist pets

Service
Thumbnail of user melissas2925
1 review
4 helpful votes
March 31st, 2023

I am leaving a one star review. The people running this have no idea what they are doing. We gave them all our information and they decided we can't adopt through them. What a horrible organization. Where did they even get the information from saying we only came in once to get a rabies shot. Are you kidding me. We took good care of our dogs. How else did we renew the licences for them. Sweetie, one of the first dogs we had lived to be ten. We always kept up to date one their shots when necessary.

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Thumbnail of user charlesy276
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
April 8th, 2023

Absolute the worse business on the internet. Trying to adopt a dog and give him a great forever home but absolutely no response. Every link just circles me back to an adoption application and another rescue with a link to the same adoption application. I can't even see where the dog is actually at to call and ask questions since no one responds...for weeks!. Do yourself a favor and search local rescues and find your pet there. These people are a waste of time and seems more and more like nothing but a scam. Just my opinion and experience..

Tip for consumers:
Seems like nothing but a scam. No one responds. Links just circle jerk ya around and around back to the same adoption app.. forcing to sign up to do anything then promise not to share your information... all the indications of SCAM! SEARCH YOUR RESCUES these people are a waste of time

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user norequesttoosmall
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 20th, 2023

I am a 501 c 3. I cannot get anybody to answer me and set up my account. Furthermore, it seems like I also cannot get any information about what their policies or procedures are for setting up 501 c 3. This is my third time applying still in the pending phase, and i'm not sure why. If I had to say anything about this company. This company and their customer service really sucks. There is terrible communication between the customers the clients and the pet owners. Also there were a few customers that contacted us that had clearly fake names. I'm sure when this was put together it was intended for something great. But clearly that has not been what it has been for me. It has been a horrible experience and I really wish there was another company I could go to replace them. We happen in nonprofit For over five years. In this place out of everybody idea with is the worst. Not to mention the fact that they do not check out any of the people who are looking for pets the way they check out the people who are not profits. They should at least at the bare minimum. Make sure these accounts that are being set up Are real people with real names not fake names..

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Thumbnail of user bills1496
3 reviews
3 helpful votes
September 15th, 2023

We are 70 years of age and have bee rejected 4 times in 13 months. Dispute owning and caring for 12 dogs between us 7 being pure bred bird dogs.

Products used:
None

Service
Quality
Thumbnail of user maryl4078
1 review
1 helpful vote
September 12th, 2023

Im so frustrated with this website
I spend hours looking for a dog /6 to be exact
Fill out the forms
I have NEVER heard back
Not on one of them
Not anymore Done!

Thumbnail of user evac65
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
February 19th, 2019

Thank you that I have new best friend in my life. Now I'm not alone because my cat is always with me :)

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About the business

Petfinder has helped more than 25 million pets find their families through adoption. Search our extensive list of dogs, cats and other pets available for adoption and rescue near you.

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1.4
342 reviews
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