Petszel Achieves One Million Pet Adoptions with Enhanced Post-Adoption Support

Since its inception, Petszel has collaborated with animal welfare organizations to improve the adoption experience, focusing on the transition from the shelter to the critical adjustment period that follows. Partners using Petszel's post-adoption support tools have reported average reductions in pet return rates of about 20%, as families receive timely and personalized guidance during the initial adjustment period.

Matt Russell, Co-founder and CEO of Petszel, stated, "We tend to celebrate adoption day as the happy ending. But anyone who has brought a new pet home knows it's really the beginning. Reaching one million pets is meaningful because behind that number are one million individual beginnings and shelter and rescue partners working to give pets and their families the support they need to build a life together."

The milestone adoption occurred at the Animal Protective Association of Missouri, where Vinny, an 8-week-old kitten, was adopted by Eden. After being in a caring foster environment, Vinny was neutered and ready for adoption, making his adoption a fitting representative of this achievement.

Sarah Javier, CEO of the Animal Protective Association of Missouri, noted, "Every adoption is a new beginning, but our commitment to that pet and family doesn't end when they walk out of our doors. Having resources and support available after adoption helps families navigate those important first days and weeks together."

Petszel’s platform is utilized by over 500 shelters and rescues nationwide, offering adopters resources from experts on pet health, behavior, training, and adjustment. A peer-reviewed study featuring nearly 40,000 Petszel surveys revealed that while adopters generally report high satisfaction, many face typical challenges during the initial days at home. This insight presents an opportunity for Petszel and its partners to provide necessary support.

Russell emphasized that the one-million milestone reflects a shared belief that successful adoption is measured not just by the day a pet goes home, but by what occurs afterward. The aim is to assist the next million pets in their journey.

Founded in 2023, Petszel offers a no-cost program that provides shelters with branded support for adopters throughout their post-adoption journey, reinforcing the bond between pets and their owners while supporting the animal welfare community.

The Animal Protective Association of Missouri, established in 1922, focuses on connecting people and pets in St. Louis and provided care for nearly 13,000 pets in 2025 through adoption and community support services.