The uncertainty of finding the right pet, combined with busy schedules cause many people by pass their local animal shelter when searching for a new pet. Yet these are the animals that are most in need of a loving home.

If you would like to add a new furry, four legged friend to your family, you no longer have to find time to drive from shelter to shelter looking for the right pet or deal with the heartache of leaving other animals behind. At Petfinder.org you can visit shelters from the comfort of home, at any time day or night. During your virtual visit you can search through almost 200,000 pets available for adoption from animal shelters and rescue groups located through out the U.S and Canada.

To search for a pet, simply enter your zip code or city and state and a few details about what type of animal you would like to adopt and click the search button. You will be presented with a list of pets that meet your criteria. The list will begin with animals closest to your location and will include a picture and basic information such as the animal’s age, size, disposition and health details.

Over 9,000 organizations lists pets for adoption on Petfinder and each has their own regulations, fees and adoption requirements. You will have to click on the Organization’s Name to obtain contact information, shelter location and adoption costs for each animal.

After you’ve found the right pet, you can arrange to visit the shelter to meet your match and find out if your compatible. If you decide to adopt, as an additional bonus most animals adopted with the assistance of Petfinders come with a month of ShelterCare pet insurance.

Petfinders also offers free pet lost, found and wanted classified ads. The ads will run for 14 days and are categorized by state, so it’s always easy to search your local area.

If you have questions about animal care, adoption or just about anything relating to your pets you can post a message on the Petfinder message boards or visit the Petfinder library. These free resource can help you prepare for an adoption or provide answers to questions you have about your furry family members.