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Puppies and dogs in Elsmere, Delaware

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Elsmere, Delaware

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

Turner

American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, Adult
Newport, DE
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Turner is a 3-year-old pitty who is GREAT with people. She lives with 2 kids ages 13 and 17 years old and she is great with them. Turner is house broken and knows basic commands as we have been to training. She is very smart and probably would enjoy advance training. Turner loves her walks but also loves to cuddle with her human. She is not crate trained and really does not need to be as she is done with her chewing phase and no accidents in the house. Turner does not get along with our dog and cat which they have lived together, but the problem is becoming that she is unpredictable with them and it is creating a safety issue. She is also on Prozac to help her. I am hopeful that there is a family out there for her where she can receive all of the love from her perfect family. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please call me if you have any questions. I would be more then happy to make a donation fee to any shelter that can help her!!
Photo of Travis

Travis

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 10 mos
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT TRAVIS Looking for a playful pup with a softer, more sensitive side? Meet Travis! This sweet 8-month-old boy has plenty of puppy energy, along with a gentle, slightly shy personality that makes him extra endearing. He often looks to his people for reassurance as he builds confidence. While new experiences can make him a little timid at first, Travis is very people-oriented and forms strong bonds with those he trusts. With patience, encouragement, and a loving home to help him feel safe, he’s sure to grow into a more confident, playful companion who will stay by your side every step of the way! If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
Photo of Zeus

Zeus

Boxer Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, 7 yrs 11 mos
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT ZEUS Zeus came to HAP after his owner passed away. At 7 years old, adjusting to shelter life after living in a loving home has been challenging for him. However, once he realized we all think he’s the cutest guy, he started to warm up to the place! Zeus has become a bit of a celebrity around HAP. Our animal caretakers often take him on walks through the building, where he happily stops to greet all his human friends. In true bully breed fashion, he can be a little stubborn, he now insists on visiting his friends after his outdoor walks. What can we say? The love has become an essential part of his routine! When he’s not soaking up attention, Zeus is a laid-back, easygoing senior pup who enjoys chewing on bones and going for short, leisurely walks. He is friendly with new people, easily won over by treats, and very affectionate. He enjoys long car rides, showing off his tricks, and melting into his friends for love! Given his age and size, Zeus is a low-maintenance companion who spends most of his day lounging or napping! If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
Photo of Prince (fka Ward)

Prince (fka Ward)

Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, 4 yrs 9 mos
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT PRINCE Prince is a 4-year-old Lab mix with a big head and an even bigger heart. He came to HAP from a high-intake shelter in Louisiana when they no longer had space for him. Now, he is ready for a fresh start! He loves greeting people with a stuffed toy in his mouth, proudly showing it off. He enjoys chasing tennis balls, zooming around our fenced fields, and is very eager to learn new things. Prince would thrive in a home that can provide structure, training, and plenty of outlets for his energy! Since Prince is food-motivated, it makes training a fun experience for him, all while keeping his mind busy. Prince is still working on his leash manners when he sees another dog, as he can be reactive. However, he has proven to do better off-leash, in fenced fields. While he isn't aggressive with other dogs, he is a little awkward at times and would likely do best with a more relaxed or laid-back doggy friend. With the right guidance and a safe place to call home, Prince is sure to blossom into a loyal and well-balanced companion! If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
Photo of Stewie (fka Marmaduke)

Stewie (fka Marmaduke)

Mastiff

Male, 3 yrs 9 mos
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
This friend has just arrived because their owner could no longer keep them. While owners can provide some history on their pets, our medical and behavioral teams will still evaluate them. Dogs that have lived in homes previously typically have some training established, but we cannot guarantee that those behaviors will remain consistent in a new home environment. They are pending interactions with other animals at the shelter until they have been cleared by our vet. Our staff will spend some time getting to know them and we will update their bio with more information as we learn. If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
Photo of Bear

Bear

Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier

Male, 7 yrs 1 mo
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT BEAR Bear is a 6-year-old Yorkie boy hoping for a fresh start. He came to HAP when his owners were no longer able to care for him, and sadly, he arrived in rough shape. Bear was suffering from severe dermatitis, eye and ear infections, and significant obesity. While he is now on a weight-management plan and his skin is slowly but surely clearing up, his eyes were damaged beyond repair, and he required the enucleation of both eyes. Now, Bear is a sweet, resilient boy who’s navigating the world with fresh eyes, just not in the way he once did. Bear is learning to explore life through his other senses. Each day brings progress, as he’s steadily figuring out his surroundings, bumping into fewer things as his confidence grows. Since everything in the world is still so new, Bear will thrive in a patient, understanding home that’s committed to keeping his environment safe and predictable. While he was in constant pain before surgery, his discomfort sometimes caused him to act out. Now that he is all healed up, Bear has been well mannered and sweet with our team! Since he's blind, it's important that an adopter is willing to take things slow with him. For example, if someone suddenly grabs him unexpectedly, he may snap out of fear. However, talking to him and letting him know you are there helps reassure him everything is okay! Despite all he’s been through, Bear’s gentle spirit shines. He loves treats, and will happily sniff them out from across the room, and he’s been enjoying enrichment activities like snuffle mats that let him use his sharp nose. He also adores being talked to; he’ll tilt his head sweetly as he listens, taking in every word. While belly rubs aren’t really his style, he’ll gladly relax beside you and soak in some soft, reassuring pets. Bear is brave, loving, and doing his best to adjust. With patience, kindness, and a calm environment, he’ll continue to blossom into the wonderful companion he’s meant to be! If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Elsmere, Delaware

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

American Eskimo Rescue of Delaware

Wilmington, DE 19804

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Rescue for the Misunderstood

Wilmington, DE 19808

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Humane Animal Partners - Wilmington

701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Senior Dog Haven & Hospice, Inc.

P.O. Box 1441, Wilmington, DE 19899

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Keeshond Rescue NorthEast

47 Notre Dame Ave., New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Brandywine Valley SPCA - New Castle

290 Churchmans Rd, New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

A Buddy For Life Inc.

New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Faithful Friends Animal Society

165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

LnF Dog Rescue

New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

All Mutts Matter Foundation

PO Box 13133, Wilmington, DE 19850

Pet Types: 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 Elsmere, Delaware and nearby cities.

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