
Photo: Elke Vogelsang
Combining their love of pets with their compassion for creatures in need, many mindful animal photographers employ rescues as their subjects. Created to both highlight each animals' unique beauty and promote adoption, each photographer's series offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of shelter animals.
Predominantly starring shelter dogs and cats, these projects range from poignant to playful. Some simply present raw portraits of overlooked animals, while others incorporate silly props and clever muses. Regardless of style or artistic approach, however, each evocative series successfully exhibits the touching stories and distinctive personalities of these potential pets.
Many photo series starring rescue animals focus on the beauty of shelter dogs and cats with poignant portraits.
Flower Power by Sophie Gamand

Photo: Sophie Gamand

Photo: Sophie Gamand

Photo: Sophie Gamand
Rescue Me by Richard Phibbs

Photo: Richard Phibbs

Photo: Richard Phibbs

Photo: Richard Phibbs
Overlooked Black Dogs by Shaina Fishman

Photo: Shaina Fishman

Photo: Shaina Fishman

Photo: Shaina Fishman
Finding Home by Traer Scott

Photo: Traer Scott

Photo: Traer Scott

Photo: Traer Scott
Why We Rescue by Theron Humphrey

Photo: Theron Humphrey

Photo: Theron Humphrey

Photo: Theron Humphrey
Landfill Dogs by Shannon Johnstone

Photo: Shannon Johnstone

Photo: Shannon Johnstone

Photo: Shannon Johnstone
Shelter Cats by Michael Kloth

Photo: Michael Kloth

Photo: Michael Kloth

Photo: Michael Kloth
Shelter Puppies by Michael Kloth

Photo: Michael Kloth

Photo: Michael Kloth

Photo: Michael Kloth