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Puppies and dogs in Washington, District of Columbia

Looking for a puppy or dog in Washington, District of Columbia? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

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Adopt a dog in Washington, District of Columbia

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Washington, District of Columbia. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
We'll also keep you updated on Gus's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Gus

Gus

Beagle Bluetick Coonhound

Male, Senior
Arlington, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
I rescued this dog from being abandoned in the woods of West Virginia. But I have two dogs already. Looking for a new owner. He’s probably 11-12 years old. Sleeps must of the day.

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We'll also keep you updated on Ziggy's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Ziggy

Ziggy

Cockapoo

Male, Adult
Fairfax, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Ziggy is a wonderful active pet who is very loyal and protective of his owners. We purchased him as a purebred puppy (Cockapoo) from Dreamy Puppy Petstore in Chantilly, VA. We later learned in the news that the defunct Dream Puppy store was a puppy mill that can explain his socialization issues with people but not owners or other dogs growing up. We also learned that Ziggy had siblings at a few dog boarding places in Chantilly, VA. We once met Ziggy's brother (Scout) when we boarded Ziggy at a boarding place when we went on a family vacation. Ziggy has blended into our family of 4 adults. Ziggy enjoys having his haircut (averaging approximately every two months) by Wendy from Strut Your Mutt. Ziggy loves to play fetch/catch with his toys.

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We'll also keep you updated on Luna's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Luna

Luna

Labrador Retriever Catahoula Leopard Dog

Female, Adult
Arlington, VA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Luna is an incredibly sweet dog who loves to play and to cuddle. She is very food motivated and is a quick learner. She especially loves to play fetch, go on walks, and look out from windows. Luna loves attention and to give you hugs by leaning on your legs. She is always happy to see you and is house trained. My wife and I are expecting a baby and have made the incredibly difficult conclusion that, with a baby coming, we won't be able to provide her with the home that she needs. She is friendly and loves to be around humans. She has a lot of love and energy to give. That also means that sometimes her love and energy can be a little tough for smaller dogs or dogs that do not like to play as spiritedly. We love her and wish we could keep her in our home, but also know that with a baby and toddler coming that we can’t provide the home she deserves. We are sure that she will make a happy home even happier with her fun and loving personality!

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We'll also keep you updated on Sarah's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sarah

Sarah

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Adult
Fairfax, VA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sarah is a handsome 2 1/2 year old purebred American Pitbull Terrier, about 62 lbs. and pure love bug. We are forced to rehome her because she goes after our cat and, while we kept them separated our young children can't be relied on to always follow the rules. We decided for our cat's safety this was the only option. Sarah loves playing with dogs and is a marshmallow with small children. my kids love dressing her up and even though you could tell this was not her favorite activity she would be totally compliant while the kids tied a bonnet to her head. She is protective of her family, and therefore suspicious of strangers and will bark and growl when unfamiliar people approach but has never nipped or attempted to bite anyone. In fact she is the most soft mouthed dog I've ever experienced. She behaves wonderfully when left alone but would prefer to always be with her people. In short: a sweet guard dog whose reaction when the baby grabs her tail will be kisses and cuddles.

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We'll also keep you updated on Louie's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Louie

Louie

Blue Lacy/Texas Lacy

Male, Adult
Arlington, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
We're looking for a loving home for our Blue Lacy, Louie, who has been part of our family since he was just 8 weeks old. Now 10.5 years old, he is a sweet and affectionate dog who loves people and enjoys going on runs and walks. While he's been relatively healthy throughout his life, he does have some anxiety during thunderstorms and around other dogs. We care deeply for him, but unfortunately, he's not comfortable around our toddler, and we want to ensure he finds a home where he feels safe and happy.

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We'll also keep you updated on Tuuli's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Tuuli

Tuuli

Wheaten Terrier

Male, Adult
Fairfax, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Our dog, Tuuli, has been diagnosed as reactive, takes medications for it, is very strong but also very happy and loving when his anxieties are not triggered. My wife and I are both 77 and have health problems requiring surgery near term. We have only one acceptable place to board Tuuli which is often booked up. Tuuli's breeder is not an option because eighty-one dogs were recently seized from them for neglect. Our goal is to arrange for Tuuli to have a loving home with few events that trigger his anxieties (squirrels, dogs he doesn't know, delivery trucks, motorcycles, children, etc.). So long as we are able, we would foster Tuuli until he goes to his new home.

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Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Washington, District of Columbia.

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

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Dog shelters and rescues in Washington, District of Columbia

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in Washington, District of Columbia. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Appalachian SPCA - DC

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Omani Paws

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Perfectly Paired Pitties (P3)

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Recycled Dogs Rescue - DC

Waswhington DC, DC 20001

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Bright Hope Animal Rescue - D.C. Chapter

Washington DC, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

HFH - Washington D.C.

Washington, DC 20500

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Alliance for Stray Animals and People

P.O. Box 65438, Washington, DC 20035

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Critter Cavalry Rescue - DC

Washington, DC 20009

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Dogs in Harmony - Washington D.C.

Washington, DC 20009

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Dogs On Borrowed Time - Washington, DC

Washington, DC 20009

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 Washington, District of Columbia and nearby cities.

Popular dog breeds

Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever Chihuahua Beagle Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu German Shepherd Dog Dachshund Jack Russell Terrier Boxer Australian Shepherd Husky Poodle (Miniature) American Pit Bull Terrier Australian Cattle Dog Maltese Pomeranian Great Pyrenees Border Collie Boston Terrier
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
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