Pet & Click: Find Furry Friends Online

 Adopting a pet has gone high-tech, thanks, to the Internet, with many shelters and organizations letting you browse through photos and “personals” of available dogs and cats before you come to visit. Atlanta INtown this month has put together a list of some of the adoption agencies you can find online as you search for the perfect pet to become a devoted Valentine.

Furkids (www.furkids.org): This Atlanta-based nonprofit operates daily adoptions at three of the local PetSmart locations: Perimeter Center, Midtown on Ponce de Leon Avenue and Cumberland Boulevard near Cumberland Mall. Created in 2002 by Samantha Shelton, Furkids has blossomed quickly. You can find information about writing your pet into your will, buying apparel and making donations to the Phoenix Fund, which helps Furkids pay for medical expenses of needy cats.

Pet Orphans (www.petorphans.com): A clearinghouse site for all the pet adoption centers in Atlanta and beyond, including a schedule of adoption events. Works in conjunction with the Fulton County Animal Services, which also has plenty of pets needing a home (www.fultonanimalservices.com).

Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption (www.atlantapetrescue.org): You might recognize this nonprofit’s name from the pages of Atlanta INtown as we partner with them each month to bring you the INtown Pet Pick. The brick-and-mortar shelter is located 720 14th St. in Midtown, but you can view all the adoptable pets online. The Web site also has information about spaying and neutering, how to make donations and become a foster parent and a section for memorials to remember a beloved pet that has passed away.

Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (www.aarfatlanta.org): Another nonprofit that offers cat and dog adoptions. The organization is raising funds to build a large facility near Stone Mountain. The site offers a comprehensive list of local vets, groomers and pet supply stores it works with. You can also buy merchandise, like the annual calendar, that also benefits the animals.

The Dog House (www.atlantadoghouse.com): It might have dog in its name, but this organization loves cats, too. The Dog House Rescue started in 1998 as a private foster program for sick, injured and abused dogs and cats in Atlanta. The nonprofit works solely through private donations. Visit the site to view adoptable pets, make a donation or buy treats and gear from its online store. All proceeds benefit the animals.

Atlanta Humane Society (www.atlantahumane.org): The AHS is the city’s oldest charitable organization, founded in 1873 and the shelter it runs has been at 981 Howell Mill Rd. since the 1930s. While the organization has a long history, it’s also joined the Internet revolution by showcasing its adoptable pets online. You can also find out how to make donations and about the many events, including the spring Flea Fair and the annual Pet Parade in Candler Park on April 14.

PAWS Atlanta (www.dekalbhumane.org): The group is the adoption wing of the DeKalb Humane Society, founded in 1966. The Web site offers a look at pets available for adoption, has started its on online auction fundraiser called “Fleabay” and has a section for tips on everything from litter box training to separation anxiety.