What is Petfinder Pro Used For?
Petfinder Pro is a management platform used by animal shelters and rescue organizations to list adoptable pets on Petfinder’s public database. Organizations use the Pro Dashboard to upload pet profiles, manage listings, track adoption inquiries, and share animals on social media to increase adoption rates.
Core Functions of the Petfinder Pro Dashboard
The platform centers on a web-based dashboard that gives shelters and rescues direct control over their pet listings. Organizations can add new animals by filling out detailed profiles that include photos, behavioral notes, medical history, and adoption requirements. The system allows staff to update information in real-time as pets receive medical care, behavioral training, or status changes.
Pet listings remain active until staff manually changes the status to “adopted” or removes the animal. This differs from automated systems that may remove listings prematurely. Organizations maintain full editorial control over what information appears publicly, which helps ensure accuracy and reduces confusion for potential adopters.
The dashboard tracks metrics for each listed pet. Shelters can see how many people viewed a specific dog or cat’s profile and how many inquiries they received through the platform. This data helps organizations understand which animals generate interest and which may need additional promotion or different presentation strategies.
Managing Photos and Media
Visual content drives adoption interest, so Petfinder Pro emphasizes photo management tools. Staff can upload multiple images per pet, reorder them to feature the most appealing shots first, and remove outdated photos. The system accepts both photos and videos, though video uploads require additional processing time.
Photos appear immediately on the public Petfinder site after upload, making the process efficient for busy shelters. The platform doesn’t enforce strict image size requirements, but it recommends clear, well-lit photos that show the animal’s face and overall appearance. Organizations that consistently upload high-quality images report better engagement from potential adopters.
Social Media Integration
Petfinder Pro connects directly to Facebook and Twitter, allowing organizations to share pet listings on their social accounts without leaving the dashboard. This feature saves time compared to manually copying information between platforms.
When sharing a pet, the system generates a post that includes the animal’s photo, basic details, and a link back to the full Petfinder profile. Organizations can customize the message before posting. Shelters report that social sharing significantly increases profile views, particularly for special needs animals or those who have been in care for extended periods.
The sharing feature works best for organizations that post regularly and engage with their social media followers. Some rescue groups schedule specific days for promoting certain animals, using Petfinder Pro’s sharing tools to maintain consistency across platforms.
Automated Import from Shelter Management Software
Many organizations don’t manually enter each pet into Petfinder Pro. Instead, they connect their existing shelter management software to automatically sync pet data. This integration works with systems like Petstablished, PetPoint, ShelterLuv, and others.
Automated import runs continuously, updating Petfinder listings whenever changes occur in the organization’s primary database. If a shelter spays a dog and updates that information in their management system, the Petfinder listing updates automatically within hours. This keeps public-facing information current without requiring duplicate data entry.
The integration reduces errors that occur when staff manually copy information between systems. It also ensures that adopted pets disappear from public listings quickly, preventing disappointed adopters from inquiring about animals that already found homes.
Organizations interested in automated import contact Petfinder’s technical support team to set up the connection. The process requires administrative access to both systems and typically takes 1-2 business days to configure.
Inquiry Management and Adoption Tracking
When potential adopters see a pet they’re interested in, they can submit an inquiry through the Petfinder website. These inquiries route directly to the shelter or rescue group, not through Petfinder as an intermediary. Petfinder Pro displays these inquiries in the dashboard and sends email notifications to designated staff members.
Organizations respond to inquiries using their own communication systems. Petfinder doesn’t facilitate the actual adoption process or manage application forms. Instead, it connects interested adopters with the organizations that have custody of the animals.
The dashboard shows cumulative inquiry counts for each pet, helping shelters identify which animals generate the most interest. Some organizations use this data to inform their photography and description strategies, studying what works for high-inquiry pets and applying those lessons to other animals.
Once an adoption completes, staff update the pet’s status in Petfinder Pro. The platform offers an “adopted” status that removes the listing from search results but keeps it visible in the organization’s “Happy Tails” section. This creates a positive record of successful placements and can encourage other people to adopt.
Organization Profile Management
Beyond individual pet listings, Petfinder Pro lets organizations manage their public profile page. This includes basic information like the shelter’s physical address, contact methods, operating hours, and adoption policies.
Organizations can write a mission statement explaining their approach to animal welfare and describe any special programs they offer. Some shelters highlight their volunteer opportunities, foster programs, or donation needs on their profile page. This information helps potential adopters understand the organization’s values before initiating contact.
The profile page also displays aggregate statistics showing how many pets the organization has available and how many adoptions they’ve completed through Petfinder. These numbers update automatically based on the organization’s pet listings and status changes.
Eligibility Requirements for Membership
Petfinder Pro isn’t open to everyone. The platform maintains strict eligibility criteria to protect its reputation and ensure listed animals come from legitimate sources. Only nonprofit animal welfare organizations can register, including municipal shelters, private shelters, registered rescue groups, and veterinary clinics that facilitate adoptions.
Applicants must submit a veterinary verification form signed by a licensed veterinarian who can confirm the organization maintains appropriate animal care standards. U.S.-based nonprofits need their 501(c)(3) EIN or documentation proving their nonprofit status. Canadian and Mexican organizations provide equivalent charitable registration numbers.
The application process typically takes 3-5 business days for review. Petfinder rejects applications from for-profit pet placement services, hobby breeders, pet stores, and individuals selling animals. Organizations outside the United States, Canada, and Mexico aren’t eligible for membership.
Petfinder reserves the right to terminate memberships if organizations violate the code of conduct or fail to maintain active listings. The code of conduct requires humane animal treatment, honest representation of pets’ health and behavior, and responsible adoption practices including screening potential adopters.
Cost and Free Access
Petfinder Pro membership is free for eligible organizations. There are no monthly fees, listing charges, or costs for using any dashboard features. This differs significantly from some classified ad sites that charge per listing or subscription fees for premium placement.
The free model exists because Purina, Petfinder’s parent company, views the service as part of its corporate social responsibility rather than a profit center. Revenue comes from corporate sponsors who advertise on the public Petfinder website, not from shelter memberships.
However, some shelter management software companies charge fees to enable automatic syncing with Petfinder. PetPoint, for example, charges an annual fee for organizations that want automatic import functionality. Organizations should check with their software provider about any costs associated with Petfinder integration.
Mobile Access and Field Usage
The Petfinder Pro Dashboard functions fully on smartphones and tablets, not just desktop computers. Staff can photograph a new animal, create a listing, and publish it to Petfinder while standing in the kennel. This mobile capability matters for rescue groups that don’t maintain traditional office spaces.
Field workers who transport animals or attend off-site adoption events can update pet status, respond to inquiries, and share listings on social media using their mobile devices. The mobile interface includes the same features as the desktop version, though the layout adjusts for smaller screens.
Some organizations issue tablets to foster caregivers, allowing them to update their foster pet’s listing with new photos or behavioral observations without coordinating with office staff. This distributed access keeps listings current across an organization’s entire network of volunteers and staff.
Draft Functionality
Petfinder Pro saves incomplete listings as drafts. If a staff member starts entering a new pet but doesn’t finish the profile, the system automatically stores their work. Drafts remain accessible in a designated section of the dashboard until staff either complete and publish them or delete them.
This feature prevents data loss when staff members get interrupted or need to gather additional information before publishing. It’s particularly useful for intake processes where one person collects initial information and another person completes medical notes after veterinary examination.
Organizations can accumulate multiple drafts when processing large intakes, such as hoarding cases or natural disaster rescues. The dashboard displays a count of pending drafts on the main screen, reminding staff to complete or review unfinished listings.
Integration with Petfinder Foundation
Organizations using Petfinder Pro gain access to grant opportunities through the Petfinder Foundation, though membership alone doesn’t guarantee funding. The foundation provides grants for emergency medical care, disaster response, senior pet adoption programs, and other initiatives that support animal welfare.
Grant applications require organizations to be “in good standing” with Petfinder, meaning they actively maintain current pet listings and follow platform guidelines. Organizations that rarely update their profiles or repeatedly post inaccurate information may become ineligible for grants.
The foundation distributes both cash grants and product grants. Product grants typically include items like pet beds, toys, enrichment supplies, and sometimes food through partnerships with Purina. Cash grants range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the program and the organization’s need.
Feeding Partners Program
Petfinder Pro members who complete at least 24 adoptions annually and operate in the contiguous United States can apply to become Feeding Partners. This program provides discounts of up to 50% on select Purina Pro Plan products for animals in the organization’s care.
The program helps reduce operating costs for shelters and rescues, particularly those serving dozens or hundreds of animals simultaneously. It represents a significant benefit for qualifying organizations, as food costs typically comprise a substantial portion of shelter budgets.
Organizations apply through a separate application process after establishing their Petfinder Pro membership. Approval typically takes 3 business days. Once approved, organizations order discounted products through a dedicated portal and receive shipments directly to their facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can individual foster caregivers create Petfinder Pro accounts?
No, only registered organizations can create accounts. However, organizations can grant access to multiple users under one organizational account. Organizations typically add foster coordinators and active volunteers as users who can manage specific listings.
Does Petfinder Pro handle adoption applications?
No, Petfinder routes inquiries to organizations, but it doesn’t process applications or manage the adoption workflow. Organizations handle all application review, interviews, home checks, and adoption contract signing through their own systems.
Can organizations list animals other than dogs and cats?
Yes, Petfinder Pro supports listings for rabbits, birds, horses, livestock, reptiles, and small animals like guinea pigs and hamsters. The platform was designed primarily for dogs and cats but accommodates all companion animals and some farm animals.
How long does it take for a new listing to appear on the public Petfinder site?
Listings typically appear within minutes of publishing. Automated imports from shelter software may take 1-2 hours to process, but manual listings through the dashboard go live almost immediately after staff click the publish button.
The platform has connected millions of shelter animals with adopters since its creation by making shelter inventories searchable nationwide. Organizations that maintain active, well-photographed listings with detailed descriptions generally report better adoption outcomes than those that use minimal information or outdated photos. The combination of broad public reach through Petfinder.com and streamlined management tools through Petfinder Pro creates an efficient system for moving animals from shelters into homes.
Recommended Internal Links:
- How to write effective pet adoption descriptions
- Guide to photographing shelter animals
- Comparing pet adoption platforms
- Best practices for shelter social media management
- Understanding animal shelter software integration