UPDATE (Nov 19, 2025):
Evidently, PetFinder is rolling out a new website on December 2, so it seems that the reason that the API is being shut down is because it is not compatible with the new system and they did not want to put the effort into updating the API. In light of this information, I have to reconsider my prediction that they won’t really shut down the API as early as 12/2, because larger forces are at work. It also explains why their new solution won’t be available until after the 12/2 cutover.
PetFinder has abruptly canceled their public API, notifying PetFinder users today via email. According to the email, their API will cease to function in 25 days. To continue to show animals on your site, you will need to use a new WordPress widget they are building. Amazingly, they ask that you do not implement the widget until December 3rd, after the API stops working.
Note that PetPress uses this API, so PetPress users that use PetFinder as a data feed will be affected. If PetFinder does indeed shut down their API on 12/2, PetPress will also cease to function for lack of data.
My expectation is that PetFinder won’t really shut down their API on 12/2. For one thing, that’s less than four weeks away, and their users can’t possibly all change their sites by then (particularly if PetFinder won’t have their widget ready until 12/3.). Additionally, the Thanksgiving holiday will probably cause some delays. Realistically, I don’t think they can drop the API until perhaps February, but who knows? It’s absolutely crazy to tell users the old system is going away in just a couple of weeks away but please don’t switch until afterward (!)
As it happens, I have been working on a new project, called PetPress Data Manager, which will be rolled out in November. With PetPress Data Manager, you will be able to manage your pet listings on your website without any external data source. If you are a PetFinder user who wants to prioritize the listings on your own site, it is something to consider.