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Puppies and dogs in Connecticut

Looking for a puppy or dog in Connecticut? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Connecticut

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Connecticut. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
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Photo of Luna JR

Luna JR

Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd Dog

Female, 1 yr 8 mos
Hartford, CT
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Story
Hi, I'm Luna! My rescuer found me outside a Walmart parking lot, hungry, injured, and confused. I pulled back my ears, gave him my "puppy eyes" look, and asked him to scratch my belly. It worked! I was rescued and soon was getting fed, watered, and loved. I'm mostly Belgian Malinois with probably a dash of German Shepherd. My attitude is mostly Malinois, but I'm able to relax a bit more than a pure Mal. My foster dad says this is a good thing because I can rest while he works. When I'm let out, I show my real energy! I love to run around in the yard and chase the squirrels back into the trees. I won't let those squirrels come anywhere near the ground! Back and forth from tree to tree like a jet plane! I'm a quick study for obedience, agility, and nose work. I've learned to find gloves anywhere in the backyard and little bags of spices anywhere in the house. I've learned sit, stay, down, touching a target stick. The more puzzling the challenge, the better! My injury has healed and now I'm learning an agility jump, too. I love to play tug of war and fetch, but my Malinois drive sometimes makes me lunge and I have a hard time giving up the balls and ropes. My foster dad is teaching me and I'm slowly learning, but my family will need patience, understanding, and consistency. I want to learn and am eager to please! I like to hike and walk, and I do well with my harness. I would be an ideal dog for anyone who wants to get into canine activities like scenting, agility, obedience, or anything else! I would be great for a hiking enthusiast, too. But I can also be a family dog as long as I get lots of training, walks, and backyard play. I am a Malinois at heart, so I need a main human willing to spend lots of time with me. To that human, I will give so much attention and devotion! I will always be ready for activities, but my foster dad is also teaching me an off switch so I will be able to live in a family home. If I sound like the perfect addition to your family and home, please click the adoption application and let's get going! Local adoption fee is $300 (in TX) Out of state adoption fee is $550 (includes transport to your area)
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Photo of Butch

Butch

Border Terrier

Male, Puppy
Newington, CT
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
~ I would like to live with dog-savvy kids who can be gentle and respectful of pets.<br/>~ I havent had much experience with cats, but I would be open to sharing my home with a feline friend. <br/>~ I may consider sharing my home with another dog, but I require a meet and greet first. <br/>~ I need a family with previous experience owning dogs who is comfortable with my training needs.*<br/>~ All puppies require Mandatory Training upon adoption for obedience and socialization.<br/><br/>This puppy sure is cute! But puppies are a lot of work - many are not housebroken and require positive training, exercise and socialization. Please ensure that you have the time and patience to dedicate to this youngster. Our adoption counselors are here to guide you through the process and find the best puppy for you and your family!
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Photo of Casey

Casey

Border Collie

Female, Adult
Waterford, CT
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
For the well-being of our dogs, our kennels are closed to the public for general viewing. If you are interested in one of our dogs, please call 1-800-452-0114 for more information or stop by our shelters 12:00pm- 4:30pm, 7 days a week and speak to one of our adoption counselors.<br/><br/>~ I can live in a single family home.<br/>~ I want to live with kids over 10 years of age who are familiar with large, rambunctious dogs.<br/>~ I have not had much experience living with dogs. I may be willing to share my home with a likeminded canine.<br/>~ I have not had much experience with cats. I may be willing to share my home with a feline pending a slow introduction.<br/>~ I am a high energy kind of dog and am looking for a home where I can get lots of exercise every day.<br/>~ I am a great dog with lots of potential. I would do best with a family who has owned large, active dogs before.<br/><br/>Meet Casey! <br/>Casey is a beautiful 3andamp;frac12; year old, 70 pound Border Collie mix with a big heart, lots of energy, and tons of potential! This spayed girl is looking for an active family who will enjoy keeping her busy, continuing her training, and helping her thrive. Casey loves hiking in the woods, playing in the water, riding in the car, and romping with her favorite rope toys. Shes also a fan of treats, enjoys being brushed, and is social, house trained, and relatively quiet in the home. Shes currently working on her leash manners, basic obedience, and agility. Casey would do best with an experienced family who has owned large, active dogs and can provide plenty of daily exercise, structure, and continued training. Casey can live in a single family home and would do best with kids over 10 years of age who are comfortable with large, rambunctious dogs. She has limited experience living with dogs and cats but may be willing to share her home with the right companion following appropriate, slow introductions. Casey was surrendered when her family no longer had the time to care for her. Now shes ready for a fresh start with a family who can give her the activity, attention, and love she deserves. If youre looking for an energetic adventure buddy who loves to learn and has plenty of personality, Casey could be your girl!
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Photo of Leonard

Leonard

English Bulldog

Male, 4 yrs
East Hartford, CT
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Meet Leonard, a handsome 4-year-old, 93-pound English Bulldog with a lovable face and an even bigger heart! Leonard is a big sweetheart who becomes incredibly affectionate once he gets to know and trust you. He may bark when first meeting someone new, but give him a little time and you’ll soon discover a loyal companion who loves being close to his people. Leonard enjoys playing with a ball, taking walks, and running around the yard. He has plenty of energy and thrives on attention and interaction with his family. Around the house, Leonard likes to follow his people from room to room and will happily settle down and sleep nearby. He loves affection and being part of whatever his family is doing. Leonard gets along well with other dogs and would enjoy having a canine companion. Cats, however, are another story—Leonard likes to chase them, so a cat-free home would be best. Because Leonard is a big, energetic boy who may accidentally knock someone over, he would do best in a home without small children or elderly family members who could be unsteady on their feet. His ideal family will have the time and energy to give him the exercise, attention, and companionship he needs. Leonard is potty trained, loves bath time, and is a great car rider. He was originally found abandoned on the side of the road, frightened and shaking, but quickly learned how wonderful life in a loving home can be. Leonard is neutered, microchipped, fully vetted, heartworm negative, and on preventatives. He is currently being fostered in Hillsboro, Oregon, and is ready to find a forever family of his own! To see more pictures and videos of Leonard, copy and paste this link. To apply directly click the "Apply for Adoption" button. https://www.shelterluv.com/embed/animal/FODS-A-429
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Photo of Jack & Jill

Jack & Jill

Australian Shepherd/Border Collie

Male, Young
Simsbury, CT
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Not good with cats,
Story
Introducing adorable, sweet, friendly and affectionate pups Jack & Jill. While they are both on the petite side, our best guess on breed mix is possible Australian shepherd mix for Jack and possible border collie mix for Jill (the black and white one). Both tend to be on the quiet side - not big barkers. Jack weighs 24 lbs; Jill = 19 lbs with estimated birthdays for both of October 2024. We're looking to keep them together as they are bonded so please only inquiries that are looking to provide a loving home for them BOTH. Both dogs are playful and like human attention and both would like to be in your lap at the same time giving you kisses. They would do great in a home with an enclosed yard so that they can enjoy free run time off leash playing either together or leisurely lounging with their human. Leashed daily walks and outdoor exploration would be fantastic for them to keep them properly exercised and physically and mentally stimulated. If interested in these two petite love bugs, please email us at smilingdogfarms.org for an application. Please note, if you’re not ready to adopt but would consider fostering Jack & Jill, we would love to share with you what that means and how much of a positive difference you’d be making in a life of a dog that needs you.
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Photo of Cleo

Cleo

Goldendoodle/Standard Poodle

Female, 1 yr 1 mo
Southport, CT
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Get to know me... I’m Cleo, a pretty white 1-year-old, 46-pound Goldendoodle born to a Standard Poodle mom and an F2 Goldendoodle dad on 8/11/25. I was adopted from a breeder as a gift for friends who had just lost their 5-year-old child. Such a sad situation, but I was loved and well cared for while my family grieved. Fast forward one year, and their lives are back on track, back to school and work, busy as ever, but sadly, no more time for me. These days I am living in a foster home while getting ready for adoption: spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, up to date on preventatives, healthy and happy, with my veterinary records packed to go, so I am ready to leave Texas behind and find a new future! I am a very sweet and friendly girl, not shy at all, and I have gobs of youthful energy for playtime and running zoomies to my heart's content. I love being outdoors on a pretty day playing in the sprinklers, and taking long naps during movies at home. I’m very affectionate, giving out kisses and snuggles, and I can't think of anything better than spending time with my family! I am friendly and a bit submissive with other dogs, great with kids and adults, and I haven't met a kitty cat. I am obedient, not destructive, housebroken, crate-trained, and I LOVE going for leash walks. I know some basic commands like sit, stay, give me your paw, and I am always eager to learn something new! Inquire about me today. Adoption Fee: $1,250 * 4 Little Paws is based in CT. We adopt in many different states along the East Coast. Transport costs are included in the adoption fee. If you are located outside the states we typically adopt to, we have options to get the dog of your dreams to your location.

Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Connecticut.

Puppies and dogs in Connecticut cities

Shelters & rescues in Connecticut

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in Connecticut. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Saint Bernard Rescue #5

Danbury, CT 06810

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Plumtrees Animal Hospital

65 Newtown Road, Danbury, CT 06810

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

SOS Rescue - CT

Danbury, CT 06810

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Schnauzer Savers Rescue - Northeast

P. O. Box 38024, Danbury, CT 06810

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Hambrick Animals- Danbury, CT

Danbury, CT 06810

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Save All Dogs Rescue (Danbury)

38 lake ave ext., Danbury, CT 06811

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Downtown Dogs Group CT

Danbury, CT 06811

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Happily Furever After Rescue

Bethel, CT 06801

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Second Chance Animal Rescue of CT

BETHEL, CT 06801

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

For a comprehensive list of all shelters and rescues, try our search page. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

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Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Connecticut

Popular dog breeds

Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Cocker Spaniel American Eskimo Dog American Hairless Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Anatolian Shepherd Aussiedoodle Australian Cattle Dog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Bearded Collie Beauceron Bedlington Terrier Belgian Laekenois Belgian Malinois Belgian Shepherd Belgian Tervuren Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Black Mouth Cur Black and Tan Coonhound Bloodhound Blue Lacy/Texas Lacy Bluetick Coonhound Bolognese Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flandres Boxer Boykin Spaniel Briard Brittany Brussels Griffon Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Canaan Dog Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Carolina Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cavachon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavapoo Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua Chinese Crested Chinook Chiweenie Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cockapoo Cocker Spaniel Collie Coonhound Corgi Coton de Tulear Curly-Coated Retriever Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Doberman Pinscher Dogo Argentino Dogue de Bordeaux Dutch Shepherd English (Redtick) Coonhound English Bulldog English Cocker Spaniel English Setter English Shepherd English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Entlebucher Feist Field Spaniel Fila Brasileiro Finnish Lapphund Finnish Spitz Flat-Coated Retriever Fox Terrier (Smooth) Fox Terrier (Toy) Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) Foxhound French Bulldog German Pinscher German Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer German Spitz German Wirehaired Pointer Glen of Imaal Terrier Goberian Golden Retriever Goldendoodle Gordon Setter Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greyhound Halden Hound (Haldenstrover) Harrier Havanese Horgi Hovawart Husky Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin Jindo Kai Dog Karelian Bear Dog Keeshond Kerry Blue Terrier Kishu Komondor Kuvasz Kyi Leo Labradoodle Labrador Retriever Lakeland Terrier Lancashire Heeler Leonberger Lhasa Apso Löwchen Maltese Maltipoo Manchester Terrier Maremma Sheepdog Mastiff Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Pinscher Morkie Mountain Cur Munsterlander Mutt Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Lundehund Norwich Terrier Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Olde English Bulldogge Otterhound Papillon Parson Russell Terrier Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) Pekingese Pembroke Welsh Corgi Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Pharaoh Hound Pitsky Plott Hound Podengo Portugueso Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pomeranian Pomsky Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy or Tea Cup) Portuguese Water Dog Presa Canario Pug Puggle Puli Pumi Rat Terrier Redbone Coonhound Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schiller Hound Schipperke Schnauzer (Giant) Schnauzer (Miniature) Schnauzer (Standard) Schnoodle Scottie, Scottish Terrier Scottish Deerhound Sealyham Terrier Shar Pei Sheepadoodle Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog Sheppit Shepsky Shiba Inu Shih Poo Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Skye Terrier Sloughi St. Bernard Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel Swedish Vallhund Texas Heeler Thai Ridgeback Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier Tosa Inu Treeing Walker Coonhound Vizsla Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Terrier Westie, West Highland White Terrier Wheaten Terrier Whippet Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless Yorkie Poo Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier