RescueGroups

About RescueGroups

RescueGroups.org provides two APIs for accessing adoptable pet data: an HTTP/JSON API and a REST API (deprecated). The HTTP/JSON API uses POST/JSON and supports live queries from websites or services, allowing searches for animals and organizations by fields such as postal code, distance, size, age, and breed. It can access both public and private data and can also update private data. The REST API is a GET/XML based service that uses URL parameters for animal and organization searches, intended for bulk retrieval of pet data to store in a local database, with a method for retrieving changes since the last update for periodic syncing.

Data fields available include animal attributes such as color, pattern, and animal-specific location, as well as organization details such as adoption process, areas served, website URL, and Facebook URL. The organization states the API has been in use since 2006, has no logos or advertisements, no requirement for attribution, no limitations on total requests, records per request, or results, and does not use token-based or third-party authentication protocols. It is supported directly by in-house staff rather than contractors.

The service is offered as a non-profit, community-focused resource. An API key can be requested via a form on the site. An iFrame service is also mentioned as an alternative for users who find the API too technical, and a complete adoptable pet data download via FTP is available as well.

Key features

• HTTP/JSON API for live queries of adoptable pet and organization data
• Search animals by postal code, distance, size, age, breed, and more
• Read and update private organization data via the HTTP/JSON API
• REST API (deprecated) for bulk pet data downloads with incremental change updates
• Complete adoptable pet data download available via FTP
• No limits on total requests, records per request, or results returned

Frequently asked questions