About Us
Reimagining pet adoption: one pet at a time.
Over one million family pets are surrendered to animal shelters every year. These families often have no alternative. They’re facing illness, homelessness, financial distress, and various other hardships that are unfair to everyone involved. But the shelter is meant to be a place where lost pets are found, and strays are cared for.
Despite generous donors and resolute volunteers, most shelters are forced to euthanize when they can’t keep up with the demand of their communities. When pets go into the shelter, they’re entering a world they’ve never imagined. It’s crowded, cold, and scary. They become fearful, anxious, and traumatized.
What if we could keep family pets out of shelters?
If we could reduce the number of animals in US shelters by one million, our shelters would have enough resources to care for the remaining animals without euthanasia. They could serve their true purpose, rescuing strays and sheltering lost pets until their parents can be found.Our Story
As a lifelong animal lover, Joyful Pets’ founder Lauren McCarron always knew that she had to do something to help animals who were suffering from abuse and neglect. She began by volunteering at local shelters, working with animals who were getting ready for adoption. She learned how to care for them and how to help them get adopted.
After several years of volunteering, Lauren decided that she wanted to start her own organization where she could reach more pets in need of help. In 2016, Lauren founded Joyful Pets Rescue in Western Massachusetts.
That’s when she discovered the harrowing reality that the broken animal shelter system creates for animals, pet parents and those seeking to adopt. She knew there had to be a better way. So, she created one.
We connect people who need to rehome their pets with pet parents who are looking to adopt pets. We’re changing the future of pet adoption and rehoming. We are on a mission to end owner surrenders to animal shelters by offering a loving alternative. Years of rescue experience taught us that this is how we can do better for our beloved pets.
Are you ready to meet your new best friend?
When you add a pet to your family through Joyful Pets, you’re supporting an initiative that saves the lives of more pets in the long run. You’re driving a change that keeps healthy, adoptable pets out of the shelter and allows the shelter to serve its purpose more effectively.
These adorable pets are not locked in cages. Their history isn’t mysterious and worrisome. Browse through our adoptable pets and see who catches your eye and captures your heart.
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