The fragmented and overburdened U.S. pet adoption system is about to meet its match. Today marks the launch of GetBuddy, the first-ever free, AI-powered pet adoption platform, available now on iOS and Android. By prioritizing lifestyle-based matching and offering continuous, personalized AI-driven support, GetBuddy aims to fundamentally reduce the staggering number of pets returned to shelters and increase successful, lifelong adoptions.
GetBuddy immediately steps up as a major player in the space, intelligently connecting prospective pet parents with their dream companion from the largest rescue pet listing database in the U.S., comprising over 250,000 adoptable animals across more than 15,000 rescues and shelters nationwide.
The Crisis in U.S. Shelters
The need for a revolutionary approach is urgent. Shelters and rescues are more overcrowded and under-resourced than ever. In 2024, a devastating 6.5 million cats and dogs. While 4.8 million pets found homes, nearly 15% were returned to the shelter system. These returns, driven by mismatched expectations, behavioral challenges, or a lack of ongoing support, contribute to the 920,000 cats and dogs were euthanized last year.
GetBuddy aims to combat these statistics by equipping adopters with the tools needed for their pet to thrive from day one.
“The rescue and shelter system is over capacity, massively underfunded, and operating on outdated infrastructure,” said Ryan Howard, founder of GetBuddy and a three-time health tech entrepreneur. Howard was inspired to create GetBuddy after rescuing a German Shepherd and experiencing the convoluted, fragmented adoption process firsthand.
“Too often, people adopt based on emotion or appearance alone, without a clear understanding of the commitment involved or whether the match truly aligns with their lifestyle. The result is that nearly a half million dogs are returned to shelters each year. GetBuddy was built to be the unified support system this industry desperately needs.”
The Power of Lifestyle Matching
Howard’s personal adoption journey, which required him to fill out nearly a dozen applications with close to a thousand questions in total, revealed the critical gaps in the current system. He found that the leading software tools used by most shelters were over 20 years old making a disjointed experience for adopters and rescues alike.
GetBuddy’s core innovation goes far beyond AI-powered matching. It modernizes the entire adoption experience, using AI to streamline every step, from discovering pets that truly fit an adopter’s lifestyle to simplifying the process of applying. The advanced algorithm connects adopters with pets that seamlessly fit their routine, energy level, and home environment.
And once adopters complete their first application, they can use that to apply to additional pets with just a quick review and confirmation, eliminating the repetitive, time-consuming forms that define today’s process.
Lifelong Support Beyond Adoption
The issues don’t end when the pet goes home. As Howard experienced, rescues are often overwhelmed and lack the resources to provide ongoing support for new pet parents. This lack of guidance on everything from nutrition to behavioral issues is a primary driver of returns.
“Once I got home with my new pets, I realized rescues and shelters were overwhelmed and had no ability to give me any support,” he said. “What food was best for each dog, based on breed, age, and my budget? If the animal had a health or behavioral issue, the rescue did not have the resources to guide me.”
GetBuddy addresses this with a groundbreaking feature: AI-Driven Pet Parenting Support. The platform offers the world’s first 24/7 AI Veterinarian and AI Trainer, providing instant, personalized guidance throughout the pet’s life.
“The same AI, using the data collected through the process, can help owners when health concerns arise,” Howard noted. Buddy along with animal welfare experts advise to consult your veterinarian for serious issues, but for immediate needs, AI’s vet can come in handy. For example, if a dog develops a GI issue, the AI is available 24/7 to guide owners in real time. “In many cases, over 90 percent of these issues can be resolved without excessive costs or disruption to their life.”
This support system is vital, especially given that veterinary care costs have risen by more than 60 percent in the last decade, becoming the number one reason why dogs and cats are surrendered by their owners.
A Beacon of Hope for Rescues
GetBuddy’s rescue-centric approach is dedicated to remaining free forever for both adopters and rescues.
“GetBuddy’s approach gives shelters real hope for more successful adoptions and more animals finding the homes they deserve,” shared Yen Shing, founder of Rain or Shine Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue based in New York City and an early adopter of the platform.
By creating smarter, more sustainable matches and providing a constant companion of support, GetBuddy promises to reshape the future of rescue adoption in the U.S. It provides the unified support system that the industry desperately needs to lower return rates and save more animals from euthanasia.
Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a News Columnist at Grit Daily. A multi-faceted NYC-based journalist, her work on topics from travel to finance have been featured in the New York Times, WSJ Magazine, TODAY, Conde Nast Traveler, and she has appeared on TODAY and MSNBC for her expertise. Jordi has also traveled to more than 30 countries on all 7 continents and is a certified coach teaching people how to leave the 9-to-5 behind.
