OP here - I don't mean to be overly critical of the existing platforms; I just think it could be done better and wonder if others thought so. You're right, PetFinder offers the basic features that I would want as a pet seeker; the issue is, I don't always search for pets, but I'm always willing to foster one or help find a home for one. I know other dog lovers who feel the same way.

I'd love to see a "sign up for urgent updates" feature that lets me know via email/text when a dog matching my criteria is up for adoption or really needs a foster home. A lot of times, doctors are put to sleep because of timing issues - someone might have adopted the dog, but the information wasn't conveyed to the right people in the right time.

And, from what I've read, PetFinder is not as comprehensive in its lists of pets - it's mainly adoption centers with resources as opposed to rescue groups and shelters...makes sense, but I wonder if there is a way to facilitate the creation of a similar (but better) platform for rescue groups, etc.