diff --git a/backend/init_db.py b/backend/init_db.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e26870a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/init_db.py
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+import sqlite3
+import random
+
+def create_database_tables(conn):
+    cursor = conn.cursor()
+    cursor.execute('''
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS animals (
+            id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
+            name TEXT NOT NULL,
+            species TEXT NOT NULL,
+            breed TEXT,
+            age INTEGER,
+            personality TEXT,
+            image_path TEXT,
+            adoption_status TEXT DEFAULT 'Available'
+        )
+    ''')
+    cursor.execute('''
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS adopters (
+            id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
+            username TEXT UNIQUE NOT NULL,
+            password TEXT NOT NULL,
+            email TEXT UNIQUE,
+            join_date TEXT DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
+        )
+    ''')
+    conn.commit()
+
+def populate_initial_data(conn):
+    cursor = conn.cursor()
+    
+    # Sample animals data
+    animals = [
+        ('Luna', 'Dog', 'Labrador Mix', 2, 'Playful and energetic', '/images/luna.jpg', 'Available'),
+        ('Oliver', 'Cat', 'Tabby', 4, 'Independent but affectionate', '/images/oliver.jpg', 'Available'),
+        ('Max', 'Dog', 'German Shepherd', 3, 'Loyal and intelligent', '/images/max.jpg', 'Available')
+    ]
+    
+    for animal in animals:
+        cursor.execute('''
+            INSERT INTO animals (name, species, breed, age, personality, image_path, adoption_status) 
+            VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
+        ''', animal)
+    
+    conn.commit()
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    print("Initializing pet adoption database...")
+    conn = sqlite3.connect('animal_shelter.db')
+    create_database_tables(conn)
+    populate_initial_data(conn)
+    print("Database setup complete!")
+    conn.close()
\ No newline at end of file