When looking for a new pet, the best place to start searching might be online.

Paws of Hope, of Buchanan, has joined other animal welfare organizations in the area in listing homeless pets on Petfinder.com, one of the oldest and largest databases of adoptable animals on the internet.

Paws of Hope volunteer Robyn Fedor said the move should bring more exposure for the organization’s approximately 30 adoptable pets.

“You never know when a picture is going to start that love connection between a possible adopter and a pet that needs a home,” Fedor said. “(Petfinder.com) will take us much farther than just southwest Michigan.”

Nearly 14,000 animal welfare organizations in the U.S., Canada and other countries post their pets on the site. Paws of Hope pets may be viewed at petfinder.com/shelters/MI880.html.

Fedor said Paws of Hope was created in April by a group of volunteers hoping to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals in Berrien County.

Although it is based in Buchanan, Paws of Hope does not have a physical address. All homeless animals are placed in the private homes of volunteer foster families. Fedor said Paws of Hope has about 30 volunteers.

Paws of Hope takes in stray animals, abandoned animals and animals from overcrowded kill shelters.

Those interested in adopting a pet or volunteering with Paws of Hope, can call (269) 340-0272 or visit the organization’s website paws-of-hope.org. Fedor said the website is under construction.