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Puppies and dogs in Indianapolis, Indiana

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Indianapolis, Indiana

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Oliva's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Oliva

Oliva

Dogo Argentino

Female, Adult
Indianapolis, IN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Apply to adopt: dcdogos.org/adopt Location: Indianapolis, IN
We'll also keep you updated on Lily's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Lily

Lily

Airedale Terrier

Female, Young
Indianapolis, IN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Avery's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Avery

Avery

Boxer Mastiff

Female, 7 yrs 10 mos
Indianapolis, IN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet A! AKA Avery. A has been with us far too long. when her original rescue gave up on her due to basic behavior and energy. We decided to give her a chance and she has not disappointed. Avery is believed to be a 4-year-old boxer mastiff beagle blend. Only upon arriving with us was Avery able to experience what a good home is… and although she lacked experience she has been amazing since day 1. Avery is proud, well-mannered, and quite the lady. Structured, disciplined, and routine along with basic obedience training have transformed this beautiful girl into nothing short of amazing. Avery is still a bit shy at first with new people, timid some, but easily warms up. Avery has the potential to be dog friendly as she is here, but this will REQUIRE time and work until adjusted to her new people and home. However, she does just well all on her own. Sadly She can be sensitive and selective with energy. This is why we say she is best as an only pet, to begin with, and slowly introduce her to a friend, eventually in the future if desired. However, do understand that this may not be feasible and at best she can be happy as an only pet. Avery never learned how to properly interact with other dogs but since with us, she is learning every day. Avery loves the outdoors. Enjoys playing with toys, and makes the perfect Netflix cuddle pup. Avery is simple and easy to please and keep happy. Avery is awesome with the kids she has met and loves their joyful happy energy. Avery dreams of happiness forever to find her and we are hoping it’s sooner than later. She has been homeless her whole life. Avery would make a great apartment or condo living pup with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, is easy to keep her happy. Basic activity and daily exercise have done wonders for Avery. She is active, but not hyper. She’s playful and learning to play on her own with her toys without destroying them. She is crate trained and housebroken. I feel Avery would do just fine with older children who are dog friendly and well-mannered. Have I mentioned Avery makes the best Bing-watching TV buddy?! She snuggles and cuddles and has no complaints about doing so as we binge-watch our favorite series. Avery knows all her basic commands: sit, stay, leave it, wait, come, go to place/bed, and won’t touch her food unless given the okay (release). She is muzzle trained and we are done great with leash training her off-leash recall is immaculate. Avery needs a committed owner who will continue to build her confidence continues to shape her into the dog she is meant to be. Molded to perfection which she's there already. She is easy! She needs a fully secure 5ft fenced yard and an active hands-on pet parent with endless nurturing and love. Avery enjoys family outdoor activities. She loves swimming, running, power walks, and chill walks too. She has no set mode, she enjoys it ALL! She will follow your lead. She loves car rides and fast food drive-thru☺️ For pup cups. She needs an active outdoor-loving family that will include her in all the fun family adventures, that’s a must! Avery is a goof and at times a dork. She is inquisitive and always happy. Full of joy and seeking to nurture forever love. Avery has become a toy hog too. She completely avoids everyone and fully concentrated on playing with her toys. Avery loves to snuggle as her people enjoy watching tv or just reading a book. Avery needs a person in charge who she can trust and love and feel safe and confident and who will not fail her and only set her up for success. Who can lead her daily and keep her intertwined? Sadly Avery has been homeless her whole life. She has been bounced from rescue to rescue because no one wants a smart active bouncy mutt, who has easily outsmarted most. How is this Avery’s fault? From her medical foster when Avery received ACL double patella surgery (update as of 7/30/2020) Avery did well while crated for the most part. She spent 8 hours alone in a house while crated 8 hr per day. She is capable of breaking out of the crate-recommend reinforcing with locks. She will willingly go back into the crate with verbal commands. Avery will not react aggressively if approached while eating. Avery did well with more active playing in a clean and open garage during the winter months as I am disabled. Avery will remain off the furniture if commanded. Avery can become upset if you are in a different part of the house where she cannot see you until she is unjust and settles in. During the early days, she would bark and drool to anxiety. This has not happened in years. That easily stopped shortly after adjustment. Avery does not want to run in the house she will need to work on this with future owners. She enjoys her small space and comfort from her humans. Avery poops 2 times a day. Once in the morning after eating and once in the evening after eating. She can go up to three times a day. Avery was friendly towards house guests but can be overly excited. She responds negatively (hard barking) towards people walking down the sidewalk while she sits on the front porch asking to greet but is easily redirected. She did not act aggressively while walking in places. She did well In nicely spaced public spaces like open public parks and college campuses and trails. Avery does not like small animals. She sees them outside squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, cats, etc. Avery does not like large stuffed animals. They scare her. Avery becomes agitated in cars when at a standstill but happy when on the go. This has improved tremendously. Avery does not react to fireworks, sirens, or other loud noises in urban areas and big city noises. Avery did well getting bathed outdoors and indoors. Nail trimming was surprisingly easy (she is amazing). Avery is house and crate trained, up to date on all appropriate core vaccines including lepto, and corona, as well as rabies shot, dewormed, fecal tested negative, microchipped, neutered, and on monthly heartworm flea/tick prevention. Updated: 4/11/2023 www.animalhousesanctuary.org We believe training is an ongoing process that needs to be worked on daily. New issues that arise, need to be addressed and/or rewarded. Understanding that continued training is a lifetime commitment, is very important. Out-of-state adopters are welcome at the adopter's expense. Meet & Greets are required before proceeding with an adoption. We DO NOT ship any of our pets.
We'll also keep you updated on Roxanne's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Roxanne

Roxanne

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 6 yrs 10 mos
Indianapolis, IN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Roxanne! She is a 3 year old German Shepherd. Roxanne loves to go on walks, trails and hiking. She enjoys car rides and the occasional mini adventures to the local farm stores, hardware store or park. Roxanne is a typical GSD whose owners failed horribly when it came to keeping her safe social, and balanced. She is crate trained and house broken. She is a very sweet loving girl who was dealt a bad hand in life, well no more! Roxanne has been nothing but amazing since day 1. I actually never experienced any behaviors when meeting her. She took to us like she knew us always. Roxanne enjoys running and cycling, she also loves playing with toys. She is very food motivated and eager to learn as you can see, she could loose a few pounds. We have worked on socializing her, modifying her fearful behavior, exposing her to people and dogs of all sizes, and she's doing great. Roxanne is dog friendly and does not mind birds, ducks, roosters, hens, pigs, However no small dogs with personality/attitude problems. So that means taking no chance ever! ABSOLUTELY NO LITTLE DOGS UNDER 30 POUNDS EVER. We prefer a home with NO CHILDREN due to her fearful history. Although she did live in a home with teenagers at one point. She arrived at the sanctuary because her family could no longer keep her. She is a Hurricane Harvey survivor. She was adopted, but then re-homed. And re-homed 2 other times. Her last owner did not have the experience she needed and wanted to euthanize after she and their other dog who happened to be little got into a scuffle. They admit their little dog always bullied Roxanne and she finally had it. We were also informed Roxanne had trust issues with strangers and would hard bark. Well... She did just that when I met her, within 5 minutes i was walking with her on leash. Roxanne will need continued training, her new person must be breed experienced, active, and willing to pick up her training where we leave off, so she can be the great dog she was meant to be. She is great with dogs but no little dogs at all or dogs with attitude issues, no cats due to prey drive, however, a nice fence in yard is preferred. Children over the age of 12 is a possibility, if matured, best who have been around GSD. Roxanne is house and crate trained, up to date on all appropriate core vaccines including lepto, rabies, de-wormed, fecal tested negative, micro chipped, neutered, and on monthly heart-worm/flea/tick prevention. FREE TRAINING FRESHERS and a life time support from us. Updated: 2/1/2023 www.animalhousesanctuary.org We believe training is an ongoing process that needs to be worked on daily. New issues that arise, need to be addressed and/or rewarded. Understanding that continued training is a lifetime commitment, is very important. Out-of-state adopters are welcome at the adopter's expense. Meet & Greets are a required before proceeding with an adoption. We DO NOT ship any of our pets.
We'll also keep you updated on Violet's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Violet

Violet

Boxer Husky

Female, 5 yrs 2 mos
Indianapolis, IN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Violet!! Updated: 2/1/2023 www.animalhousesanctuary.org We believe training is an ongoing process that needs to be worked on daily. New issues that arise, need to be addressed and/or rewarded. Understanding that continued training is a lifetime commitment, is very important. Out-of-state adopters are welcome at the adopter's expense. Meet & Greets are a required before proceeding with an adoption. We DO NOT ship any of our pets.
We'll also keep you updated on Squirrel's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Squirrel

Squirrel

Corgi Jack Russell Terrier

Male, 6 yrs 2 mos
Indianapolis, IN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Squirrel!! He is believed to be 3.5 years of age Corgi JRT mix. Who has overcome so much already including parvo and distemper. Oh boy has he been a very slow progress project dog.He came to us spring of 2016 after his receiving rescue who pulled him from TEXAS refuse to take owner ship of the 5 dogs due to fearful behaviors presented upon intake. Since, his whole family of 5 dogs all adopted except him. He is still making steady continue process. Squirrel is extremely sweet but lacks confidence and social skills, when it come to moving forward with change. He can easily become unsure and any confidence plummets when his fear is trigger causing anxiety and unwillingness to try. He freezes in fear but that has becoming a thing from the past. We keep pushing him until he realizes there is no need to fear anything, anyone, or place. Squirrel is amazing with dogs and fact is they are crucial for his continued progress. Squirrel thrives in a pack. He continues to learn from them. Squirrel is cat friendly too and would do just fine with older mature kids who will nurture him and push him a bit more out of his comfort zone. A fenced in yard is a must, experience with dogs like him preferred, a balance pack needed. Squirrel is very food, praise, affection motivated and requires persistence paired with nurturing without pity. He needs a calm, assertive, compassionate, nurturer leader. Squirrel is house and crate trained, up to date on all appropriate core vaccines including lepto, rabies, de-wormed, fecal tested negative, micro-chipped, neutered, and on monthly heart-worm flea/tick prevention. Updated: 2/1/2023 www.animalhousesanctuary.org We believe training is an ongoing process that needs to be worked on daily. New issues that arise, need to be addressed and/or rewarded. Understanding that continued training is a lifetime commitment, is very important. Out-of-state adopters are welcome at the adopter's expense. Meet & Greets are a required before proceeding with an adoption. We DO NOT ship any of our pets.

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Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Indianapolis, Indiana

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

DC Dogos Inc- IN

Indianapolis, IN 46201

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Scooby North America HQ

Indianapolis, IN 46201

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

FACE/IndyFeral

1505 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46201

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

FuzzpuppE's Friends

Indianapolis, IN 46201

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Scooby North America - Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN 46201

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Donna's chihuahua rescue

2343 Golfview drive, Indianapolis, IN 46203

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Indiana American Eskimo Rescue

All Cities, IN 46204

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Wisconsin Boston Terrier Rescue

WI, Upper IL, IN 46204

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Sheltie Rescue Of Central Indiana Inc.

All of Indiana, IN 46204

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Animal House Sanctuary

185 W 416 S, Indianapolis, IN 46204

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

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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 Indianapolis, Indiana 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