Furry friends have been stalwart companions to so many during the pandemic, providing company or encouraging long walks—not to mention all those couch snuggles. What's not to love? Whether you're a longtime dog owner, welcomed a pooch early pandemic, or are just now considering bringing a pet into your home, there are lots of online resources to help you find, care for, entertain, and even travel with your furry best friend.

SO, YOU’RE READY FOR A POOCH!

Petfinder. A word of caution before creating a profile on Petfinder to search for a pet to adopt: you may want to bring home every animal you see. The directory funnels the pets ready for adoption at nearly 11,000 shelter and adoption organziations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico into their database. You can make your profile as detailed as you would like for your potential pet, from hair type and breed, to friendliness level around other pets and children. You'll get an email when there's a match, and can follow the application instructions if you think the animal, whether a dog or cat, might be a good fit for you.

Dog Name Finder. Once you've found a pet to call your own, it's time for a big decision: what to name your furry friend. This comprehensive list from the American Kennel Club can help you with a wide array of selections to choose from, as well as some pointers and stats. Apparently human names account for 20 percent of dogs out there, while sports and pop culture figures are also in the mix (there might be a few Ted Lassos out there). The group recommends observing your pet's behavior for a few days before deciding on a moniker that fits best.

CARING FOR YOUR CANINE

American Veterinary Medial Association. Caring for a pet does require some time and attention—and they can't exactly tell you what's wrong. That's where this comprehensive resource guide from the American Veterinary Medical Association comes in. Find out about vaccine guidelines, foods to avoid, and what to do for your pooch on July 4, when the fireworks start.

Cesar's Way. Need help with your dog’s behavior, or just want to work on being a seamless team? Then famous dog trainer Cesar Millan's website is for you. There are articles and tutorials on getting your dog to listen and obey, the benefits of positive reinforcement, and starting off right with your puppy.

BarkHappy. Android. Apple. Lots of dogs love playdates—and yup, there's an app for that! BarkHappy allows you to search for and even schedule doggy meet ups—just set up a profile and let other dog owners know when you're nearby and interested in playing fetch.

Bring Fido. One reservation potential pet owners have can be: what will I do with my dog when I travel? Well, the internet has solved that dilemma for you! Check out dog owner reviews of pet-friendly hotels, dog-approved attractions at your chosen location, and even local vets if an emergency arises. The site boasts more than 250,000 locations to chose from, so that means when your dog gives you those sad puppy dog eyes when you're packing your suitcase, there's no reason not to bring them along.