PawFinder API Overview

Introduction

PawFinder is a REST API that connects potential pet adopters with animal shelters in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. This platform aggregates real-time data from hundreds of shelters, making it easier for people to find their perfect companion and for shelters to reach qualified adopters. This API enables developers to:

• Search available pets by species, breed, age, location and temperament
• Access detailed shelter profiles and contact information
• Track adoption status updates in real time
• Build custom adoption workflows and notification systems

Key concepts

Pets

Each pet in the PawFinder system has a unique identifier and includes standardized information such as species, breed, age, size, temperament traits, medical history, and current location. Pets transition through adoption statuses tracked by the API.

Shelters

Organizations register as shelters to list pets for adoption. Each shelter maintains a profile with contact information, operating hours, and adoption details. Shelters can update pet listings and adoption statuses through the API.

Adoption status

Pets progress through defined status states:

• available: ready for adoption inquiries
• pending: adoption applications under review
• adopted: successfully placed with a family

Search filters

PawFinder API supports multi-criteria searches including:

• Species and breed: cats and dogs only
• Characteristics: age range, gender, size, medical information
• Behavioral Traits: activity level, “good with kids,” “good with other pets”
• Shelter-specific: filter by specific shelter

Development use cases

For adopters

• Build mobile apps that send push notifications when pets matching user preferences become available.
• Create location-aware web apps that display nearby adoptable pets.
• Develop pet comparison tools that help users understand different characteristics.

For shelters

• Integrate PawFinder search into existing shelter websites to increase visibility.
• Automate adoption status updates across many listing platforms.
• Generate analytics reports on inquiry rates and adoption trends.

For communities

• Build aggregator sites that compare pets across many shelters.
• Create matching algorithms that pair adopters with compatible pets.
• Develop volunteer coordination tools that connect shelter needs with community support.

Next steps

• API Index
• Authentication Guide
• Quickstart
• Tutorial Requirements