[1][2] The web site promotes spaying and neutering of pets and pet adoption through conventional and social media presence, public service announcements, and interactions with local governments.
[3] Adopt a Pet was founded in 2000 by David Meyer, Steve Abbey, Luke Montgomery, Amy Luwis, and Doug McKee as 1-800-Save-a-Pet.com.
Initially, 1-800-Save-a-Pet.com was a program designed to end the overpopulation of companion animals in shelters in Los Angeles, California.
[13] In April 2009, Adopt a Pet expanded its search to include, in addition to cats and dogs, rabbits, birds, and small animals (such as hamsters and guinea pigs), farm-type animals, horses, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
[15] In 2011, White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle and his wife Jamie partnered with Adopt a Pet to create a public service billboard campaign to promote pet adoption.