Petfinder

Petfinder is dedicated to helping pets find homes, another resource to get pets adopted

AnimalsAuth: API KeyHTTPS: YesCORS: yesStatus: dead

Last verified: April 1, 2026

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Getting Started

This API requires an API key for authentication. Here's how to get started:

Sign up — Visit the API's website and create a free account.
Get your key — After signing up, you'll receive a unique API key (usually found in your dashboard or account settings).
Include it in requests — Add your API key to each request, typically as a query parameter (?api_key=YOUR_KEY) or in the request header (Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY). Check the API's documentation for the exact format.

API keys are free for most public APIs. They're used to identify your application and enforce rate limits — not to charge you.

CORS Support

This API supports CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing), meaning you can call it directly from browser-based JavaScript applications without running into cross-origin errors.

Quick Example

// Using cURL
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" https://www.petfinder.com/developers/

// Using JavaScript fetch()
const response = await fetch(apiUrl, {
  headers: { 'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY' }
});
const data = await response.json();

About Petfinder

Petfinder is a free API in the Animals category. It requires a free API key, which you can obtain by signing up on their website. This API supports HTTPS for secure connections and supports CORS, making it suitable for direct browser-based requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What animal data does Petfinder provide?

Petfinder is an animal API that may provide species information, animal images, breed data, wildlife facts, or conservation status. Some animal APIs focus on specific types (dogs, cats, birds) while others cover the entire animal kingdom. Check the documentation for available data fields.

Can I get random animal images from Petfinder?

Many animal APIs offer random image endpoints that return photos of animals — popular for testing, placeholders, or fun apps. Petfinder may include image URLs in its responses. Check the API endpoints to see if image delivery is supported and what formats are available.

Does Petfinder include breed or species classification data?

Some animal APIs provide detailed taxonomic or breed information including physical characteristics, temperament, lifespan, and habitat. Whether Petfinder offers this depends on its scope. For more animal data sources, browse our Animals APIs.

Is Petfinder free to use?

Yes, Petfinder is listed as a free public API. You will need to create a free account to get an API key, but the key itself is free. Some APIs have rate limits on their free tier, so check the official documentation for current limits.

Is Petfinder still working in 2026?

Our most recent health check indicates Petfinder may be down or unreachable. It could be temporarily offline or permanently discontinued. Check the official website for status updates and consider browsing alternatives in the same category.