Meet the Family:

Divinity has been around animals her entire life; she grew up with Great Danes and, at one point, lived with four of them at once! She is also drawn to exotics and wants to take this opportunity to explore non-traditional pets. Greg, on the other hand, is searching for a pet to bring out the life in Nesta, his beloved 12-year-old mutt.

*Teacher's Pets:

On Camera:
Dolly (12-week-old Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig): selected because Divinity had requested a unique pet.

Jack (five-year-old Harlequin Great Dane): selected because, throughout the course of her life, Divinity has lived with six Great Danes. Jack came from San Gabriel Valley Great Dane Rescue.

Kookaburra (nine-month-old Jack Russell Terrier): an extremely hyperactive dog, characteristic of Jack Russell Terriers. The dog was chosen to be a playmate with Greg and Divinity’s current dog, Nesta.

Off Camera:
Herbert (adult Pot-bellied Pig): selected to show just how big the cute tiny pig will get! Herbert came from Foxtail Flats.

Meet the Family:

The Bissell family home already is full of pets. They have a Golden Retriever named Champ; a Bearded Dragon Lizard named Dash; a turtle named Juliet; a pond fish; and two American dog ticks named Dracula and Fred. Their pet motto is “the more the merrier,” especially when they know they will be adopting an animal in need. The problem is they can’t agree on the species of their next pet. Mom (Martha) wants a goat because she used to have one as a child. Nine-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, wants a pony. Dad (Jim) wants another dog to be Champ’s playmate. Ten-year-old son, Alexander (“Xander”), loves all things reptile; he’s even a card-carrying member of the Herpetological Society.

*Teacher's Pets:

On Camera:
Hatcher (four-month old goat): selected for Bissell Mother, Martha. Martha wanted a goat to provide Chèvre cheese and mow the lawn.

Bella (one-and-a-half-year-old Boxer): was selected as a playmate for The Bissells’ current dog Champ. Bella came from Boxer Orange County Animal Rescue.

Off Camera:
Lieutenant (the six-foot-long Monitor Lizard): was selected for Xander Bissell, an honorary member of the herpetological society. Lieutenant lives with a Reptile rescue group in Central California.

Episode Information:

Beachside hijinks ensue as Dina and Jarod search for a pet that will make high-strung Steve and his new-age girlfriend, Tamara, happy. The couple’s human habitat makes this one of the toughest Petfinder assignments ever!

Meet the Family:

Jarod and Dina head to sunny Venice Beach, Calif., to help beachside couple, Steve and Tamara, find the ultimate pet for their home. They already have a cute six-month-old Maltese named Jimmy Chew. Tamara is yearning for another rabbit to mend her broken heart since her beloved pet bunny passed away. On the other hand, Steve is interested in bringing back something from his childhood: a Golden Retriever. Clearly, their pet tastes are worlds apart.

*Teacher's Pets:

On Camera:
Owie (nine-month-old Golden Retriever): Owie was selected for Steve, who grew up with Golden Retrievers.

Stormy (a litter-box-trained rabbit): Stormy was selected to appease Tamara, who had previously owned a rabbit. Stormy came from Sweetpea Foundation.

Off Camera:
Leonardo (the Ferret): Leonardo is nocturnal, hydrophilic, and a cousin of the skunk.

Special thanks to Mutt Scouts for their great clean-up job in Steve and Tamara’s house!

Episode Information:

Three generations of Gees--parents, grandparents and three kids--living under one roof make for a tricky Petfinder mission. Luckily our hosts are up to the task, and ultimately, the final adopted pet is something that the Gees could never have imagined.

Meet the Family:

The Gee household consists of Steve and Jenny (the parents), Jenny’s parents (the grandparents) and three adorable young children--for a total of seven people in the household. And they all have different ideas regarding the perfect family pet. Steve desperately wants a dog, but Jenny isn’t sure they are ready for one. As for the rest of the family: nine-year-old Ben wants a hamster; three-year old Rebekah wants a bunny rabbit; six-year-old Lydia only wants an animal that fits in the palm of her hand, and Grandpa has a unique fondness for turtles.

*Teacher's Pets:

On Camera:
Phoebe (four-month-old Shepherd mix): is a young active puppy. She was chosen for the father, Steve, a dog-lover. Phoebe came from Bark Avenue.

Lightning (Sulcata Turtle): may live up to 100 years old and grow to be over 100 lbs.

Off Camera:
Dixie (Mini Rex Rabbit), chosen at the children's request, illustrates that a rabbit is not the best fit for this boisterous family. Dixie came from Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter.

Episode Information:

Steve and Brenda Hopwood are newlyweds who want to adopt a pet together before they take on the responsibilities of parenthood. The Petfinder team helps the Hopwoods discover that the best addition to their family is something neither of them expected.

Meet the Family:

Brenda and Steve Hopwood have two adopted cats and are planning to have children in the very near future. The problem is that Brenda and Steve have very different ideas about their perfect pet. Steve wants an exotic pet similar to what he's encountered in his travels to the Amazon, and Brenda has her heart set on a Yorkie. She's even bought a stroller in preparation for dog-mommy duties. And then, of course, they need a pet that will get along with their adorable cats.

*Teacher's Pets:

On Camera:
Sugar Glider: A sugar glider is an exotic and nocturnal animal brought in to fill Steve’s request for an exotic animal.

Dolly (twelve-week-old Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig): Dolly showed the Hopwoods what it would be like to live with an animal that shows baby-like qualities and is exotic.

Rufus (three-year-old Papillon): Brenda had her heart set on a small dog she could take everywhere, and Rufus brought that desire to fruition.

Episode Information:

The members of the Smith family have different opinions about what their new pet should be, but the diva of the household--their Yorkie--has her own ideas. Jarod flies solo with the task of figuring out what adopted pet best suits the family.

Meet the Family:

The Smith Family wants a new pet. As their two teenage daughters, Lauren and Danielle, go away to college, Mom (Nikki) wants a pet to soothe her empty-nest syndrome. Ten-year-old son, Dorian, wants a big dog, and Dad (Darnell) wants a talking bird. More importantly, the Smith's biggest challenge is to find a pet that’s compatible with Wednesday--their ferocious, two-pound teacup Yorkie.

*Teacher's Pets:

On Camera:
Ranger (blue and gold Macaw): Can live to be 100 years old; Smith Family patriarch and musician, Darnell, requested a bird for singing purposes.

Sylvester (Cocker Spaniel and Portuguese Water Dog mix): a low-shedding Poodle relative. Sylvester came from Animal Rescue Volunteers.

Off Camera:
Cleopatra (Sphinx Cat): a rare breed of hairless cat; Cleopatra was chosen for Mother, Nikki, because this breed does not shed. Cleopatra came from Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue.

Episode Information:

Troy and Peggy Barring need a pet which can double as a mascot for their son’s lacrosse team. Jarod and Dina tackle the challenge, and in the process, the Barrings learn that sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for.

Meet the Family:

The Barring Family wants to adopt a family pet that will serve two dramatically different functions: 1) a loving family pet and 2) one to serve as a mascot for 13-year-old Grant’s lacrosse team, the Pioneers. The family’s two Pomeranians, Precious and Mac, tried out for the position, but they were more like pom-pons than the animal the team requires to intimidate their opponents. And while most of the family is leaning toward another dog, ten-year-old Sara thinks a cold-blooded animal might do the trick.

*Teacher's Pets:

On Camera:
Crackers (Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo): 18 years old and low maintenance. Crackers is well socialized and can say “I love you” and “water.”

Apache (Green Iguana): The 20-lb Apache is 10 years old and intimidating, perfect for the Pioneer lacrosse team. Apache likes to swim and bask in the sun.

Off Camera:
Gilbert (one-year-old hamster) & Guinness (one-and-a-half-year-old Dumbo Rat): Gilbert and Guinness are both full of personality and came from Furry Friends Orphanage.

Episode Information:

Star is a little girl with a rare disability, and horseback riding is the perfect therapy. But her mom, Julie, can only afford riding lessons once in a great while. Jarod and Dina help Star realize her dream in the most heartwarming Petfinder episode yet.

Meet the Family:

Fullerton, Calif., is home to single mom Julie Carless and her two daughters, 11-year-old Allysa and eight-year-old Star. Star has a rare disability called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which is causing her bones and joints to deteriorate. It’s painful for her to run and play like other little girls, and the disability has caused other complications, such as slight autism, sensory integration disorder and ligament laxity. One of the best activities she can do to help her body is ride horses. Riding forces her to use all her muscles yet spares her fragile joints the stress of impact. The more Star rides, the healthier she becomes. If Star had her own horse, she could ride anytime. Star has been saving recyclable cans in hopes of redeeming them for a horse, but she needs about 120,000 more cans! Petfinder will help Star get and care for the horse she so desperately needs.

*Teacher's Pets:

Dancer (white Horse): Dancer demonstrated to Star that white horses are very difficult to keep clean.

Mack (Belgian Horse), Cinnamon Candy (Miniature Horse) and Sweet Sue (Missouri Fox Trotter): These three horses helped Star to determine what size horse is the best fit for her riding level.

Snowflake (German Palomino): Snowflake is a member of Ponies of America. She is used in the RIDE YOUR HORSE! Therapeutic Riding Program.

Episode Information:

Heath and Darlene Finn have struggled to move forward since their beloved 17-year-old cat, Moose, passed away. The Petfinder team is called in to help them sort out their emotions. The Finns’ final choice surprises even them.

Meet the Family:

Heath and Darlene Finn are as different as a couple can be. Heath is goofy and lovable and he desperately wants a dog, maybe even two. Darlene is blunt and doesn't mince words. She is set on adopting a black cat to replace Moose, a beloved kitty who recently passed away. Moose helped Darlene through some emotionally traumatic changes in her life, including the passing of her mother. Even several months later, Darlene still is heavily mourning Moose’s passing.

*Teacher's Pets:

On Camera:
Bear (Maine Coon mix): Mild-tempered 8-month-old cat chosen due to Darlene’s request to adopt an exact match to her past cat. Bear was adopted from Jackie’s PURRfect Match.

Jax (Labrador Retriever mix): Full of energy and always ready to go, formerly homeless Jax was brought in to appeal to Heath’s athletic side.

Off Camera:
Leo (Ridgeback/Collie mix): Five years old and well trained, Leo shows just how great living with a dog can be. Leo was rescued from a cardboard box in front of a store in California.

Episode Information:

Crystal Hoffman wants an exotic pet—like a tiger—and her seven-year-old son, Justin, is game, but Jon Hoffman hasn’t opened his heart to getting a new pet at all. Good thing Petfinder is here to help the Hoffman family come to a reasonable consensus.

Meet the Family:

The Hoffmans are a rare bunch. Within their Malibu Canyon home, there's Jon, the father, and Crystal, the mother. Jon never had pets growing up and only recently adopted his first pet, thanks to Crystal. Growing up on a farm, Crystal has been surrounded by animals her entire life and is studying to be an exotic animal handler similar to Jarod. Justin, the seven-year-old son, agrees with Mom and wants to adopt one more animal. Crystal's mission is for Jon to accept and open his heart to the idea of adopting a new pet.

*Teacher's Pets:

Pee-Wee (Miniature Horse): Five years old. Can only handle 30 lb. riders. Pee-Wee demonstrates that non-traditional pets aren’t the best fit for everyone.

Rusty (Ferret): Chosen to fill Crystal’s exotic request and to interact with Justin.

Binky Ramone (Mexican Hairless Dog): Binky combines the canine and exotic request with his unusual good looks. Binky came from The Milo Foundation.

Episode Information:

Hardworking, single mom, Laura James, and her son, Brandon, finally have a house big enough to adopt a pet. But while she wants something small and manageable, he wants a pet that’s big and playful. Sounds like the perfect case for Petfinder.

Meet the Family:

Laura James and her 15-year-old son, Brandon, are looking to the Petfinder team to help them adopt a pet. For years, Brandon has been begging his mom for a dog. However, Laura (a busy single mom with a demanding career) always has been concerned about the amount of work a dog requires and the amount of mess a dog makes. After years of apartment living, the family recently bought their own house with a great big yard, and they are ready to take the plunge.

*Teacher's Pets:

Frenchie (Chinchilla): Laura had a positive past experience watching a friend’s chinchilla, so Petfinder brought in Frenchie to visit.

Buffy (Yorkshire Terrier): Buffy is the ultimate purse dog and loves to be taken everywhere – just what Laura asked for! Buffy came from Small Time Rescue.

Leo (Ridgeback/Collie mix): Five years old and well trained, Leo shows just how great living with a dog can be. Leo was rescued from a cardboard box in front of a store in California.

Episode Information:

Vanessa and Alex Morris want to surprise their daughter, Kamilah, a recent law school graduate, with a family pet. Jarod and Dina help the family face their fears as they figure out what suits them best. In the end, the Morris family may adopt twice the pet for the punch!

Meet the Family:

The Morris Family of Los Angeles wants to surprise their 22-year-old daughter, Kamilah, with a pet when she returns home from her European vacation. Trouble is… agreeing on the perfect pet. Making things more complicated is their seven-year-old grandson, Alex III, who is begging for an Anaconda--even though Mom (Vanessa) is terrified of snakes. The only thing Alex Sr. really cares about is finding a pet that won’t poop a lot because he’s afraid of becoming the family pooper scooper.

*Teacher's Pets:

Rosie (Python): Rosie was rescued and now helps with reptile education. She is about 70 lbs. and 30 feet in length

Big Blue (rabbit): Can grow to 20 lbs. Loves vegetables; confirmed couch potato. Big Blue came from Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter.

Piper (Long-Haired Chihuahua): Fully grown, but only two pounds and loves to dance for treats. Piper came from Chihuahua Haven Rescue and was adopted by the Morris family!

Episode Information:

The Kirchner family needs to adopt a pet which will appeal to a diverse household AND Mr. Kirchner’s high school science class. The Petfinder team is called in to deduce which pet will fill the bill… but when you’re appealing to that many people, will one pet really do the job?

Meet the Family:

The Kirchners are a family of animal lovers. Dad (Mike) is a biology teacher at a private high school and wants to adopt a pet (preferably a reptile) to bring to his classroom on occasion to help teach his students more about animals. Nine-year-old daughter, Jennifer, loves all animals and is fearless when it comes to handling snakes and iguanas, but she really wants a small rodent as her own. The 20-year-old twins, Kate and Beth, attend Pepperdine University but are at home most weekends. The only one standing in the way is Mom (Caroline). She has always been tolerant of her family having pets, but she is strongly against adding another one because she believes Jennifer is not ready to handle a pet of her own.

*Teacher's Pets:

Casper (Cockatoo): Nine years old – and can live up to 50! One of the most endangered species of birds in the world.

Guinness (One-and-a-half-year-old Dumbo Rat): Guinness is featured in several episodes, thanks to his great personality! Guinness came from Furry Friends Orphanage.

Rusty (Corn Snake): Corn snakes make some of the best pet snakes in the world and like to bathe when shedding.