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Puppies and dogs in Iowa

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Iowa

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Iowa. 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 Tater (Courtesy Post)'s adoption status with email updates.
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Tater (Courtesy Post)

French Bulldog

Male, 1 yr 11 mos
Council Bluffs, IA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained,
Story
Tater is a French Bulldog who is almost 2 years old, born in 2024.  Tater will thrive as an only pet in a calm and quiet household.  He would love an older active person or couple without grandkids that come for a visit.  Tater prefers women.  He loves to go on walks, snuggle or sit on your lap at nap time and sleep with you every night. Tater is scared and nervous around kids and other animals.  He needs to be the only animal in the home - that way he doesn't have to share your attention or his toys!  He will need his own personal spot for meal times so he feels safe while eating.  Tater is house trained, leash trained and knows some commands.  He is active and has a calm side as well.  He needs a fenced yard to explore and play. Tater spent his early months as a foster dog in a multi dog household and that's probably where he developed resource guarding tendencies.  He reacts towards anything or anyone he sees as a threat to the relationship with his bonded person.  Tater will benefit from some training in his new home and Muddy Paws can help you get that set up. Tater has some gastro issues, so he eats Hill's Prescription food and takes probiotics nightly with his dinner. He also takes Prozac at times for anxiety.  Depending on his new living environment, he might not need to continue with the medication. The suggested adoption donation for Tater is $400, which includes a lifetime of free relationship-based training for any behavioral problems (not obedience training).  Muddy Paws is a 501c3 non-profit organization meaning that part of your donation MAY be TAX DEDUCTIBLE. We are a 100% volunteer rescue committed to giving animals a second chance at life. All donations go toward that mission. Adoption fees are the primary source of funding for the cost of veterinary care for our animals. In 2022 alone, we provided animal Healthcare totaling over $399,000 covered mainly through adoption fees. Please Note:  A Courtesy Post designates that an animal is still in the home of its owner and not in a Muddy Paws foster. This means that our exposure to the animal is limited since we are only assisting the owner in finding a new home for their pet. From time to time, owners find a new furever home for their pets outside of Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue and there is a delay in removing them from our site. We apologize if the Courtesy Post you apply to adopt is unavailable for adoption. Adoptions for Tater are limited to the area within 50 miles of Omaha so that s/he can continue to take advantage of free training from our certified positive reinforcement trainers.       Information about the adoption process:  All adoptions require a completed ADOPTION APPLICATION. Once your application has completed our prescreen steps, we will put you in touch with the animal’s foster to see if you and the pet are a good match. If so, we will arrange a meeting for you and the animal. The adoptions for all of our animals will take place in the Omaha, NE area and must be done by the adoptive family in person. We do not ship or deliver. Please Note:  We are a RESCUE, which is different from a shelter. We conduct veterinary and personal reference checks, and a Home Visit (Virtual in some cases) during the application approval process. We always select the right applicant for each animal, based on the animal’s needs. If you and the animal are not a good match, we will help you select another animal, or we will keep your approved application on file for 6 months. To learn about Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue or donate to our animals, please visit our website at MuddyPawsSecondChanceRescue.com or our Facebook Page Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue Inc. ##2664925##
We'll also keep you updated on Dean *Courtesy Listing*'s adoption status with email updates.
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Dean *Courtesy Listing*

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 1 yr 9 mos
Cedar Rapids, IA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with cats,
Story
🐾 Meet Dean 🐾 *Courtesy Listing - GSDRI is not involved with this dog other than a courtesy listing, please contact Lorin about Dean* Located in Dallas Center (Des Moines area) Dean is a handsome 90 lb black and tan boy with a big heart and an even bigger love for adventure. At just over a year and a half old, he’s the perfect mix of youthful energy and sweet, easygoing charm. He’s great with other dogs, good with kids, and always ready to make a new friend. This smart guy is kennel trained and potty trained, and he knows his basics—sit, stay, kennel, and even waits politely for the “okay” before eating. He’s food‑motivated, puzzle‑toy obsessed, and incredibly clever. He also has a custom insulated dog house fit for a king, though he’d happily trade it for a comfy couch someday. He currently lives on a farm but due to his propensity to chase and bite cows, he is in need of a new home. Dean’s energy level sits right in the middle: he loves to run, chase, and explore, but he can also entertain himself outside with toys—especially big balls like basketballs. His play style can get enthusiastic when another dog joins in, but it’s all in good fun. He’s not big on chew toys; he prefers things that move, squeak, or can be chased. Out and about, Dean is curious and observant. He’ll sit and watch the world go by, occasionally barking if something gets a little too close or loud. Kids running around make him excited in the best way—he wants to join the fun. He walks fast, stops to sniff everything, and loves every second of being outside. He’s a total water dog. Pools, sprinklers, puddles… if it splashes, he’s in it. Toss a few toys into a kiddie pool and he’ll entertain himself for ages. He rides wonderfully in the car—maybe too wonderfully, because he’ll try to hop in any chance he gets. Just be prepared for a little window slobber. Dean is sweet, smart, playful, and full of personality. If you’re looking for a dog who will make you laugh, keep you active, and love you with his whole heart, this boy is ready to be your new best friend. Contact Lorin @ (641) 629-9636 or martlorin@gmail.com if you are interested in Dean!
We'll also keep you updated on Willow's adoption status with email updates.
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Willow

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Adult
Des Moines, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
- Confident girl who loves people; she spent some time in a foster home and responded well to the family's friends that came over- Her previous family said she loved to cuddle and lie in the sun and also loved rubbing on their legs like a cat - Loves any and all kinds of treats, including Kongs, lick pads and bones - Didn't have a strong interest in toys while in her foster home, but she would play tug sometimes; her previous family said she liked squeaky toys and destuffing plush toys - Loves to follow her people around, but after short bursts of energy or walks, she tends to be very chill and enjoys napping throughout the day - Loves her kennel - it's her safe space and she likes to nap or enjoy a bone in there, too - Knows sit, down, shake and kennel, and takes treats nicely - May pull a bit on a leash, so a harness might be best for walks - Did well with potty training in her foster home and would wait by the door or whine a little when she needed to go out; just remember that any dog may need time to get used to a new schedule - Did great overnight in her kennel and typically settled in quickly, was quiet and would hold it all night in her foster home - Not a fan of fireworks or other loud noises - Did well with older children in a previous home, but was not super comfortable around infants - Had a dog friend in a previous home and the dogs would groom each other and nap together; overall has done really well with dogs, but may not always want to share her bones or other favorite things with her dog pals, so please plan on managing that in her new home if necessary (dog intro required)- We don't know her history with cats All adoptable dogs and puppies are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations (rabies and DA2PPV as appropriate for their age)The ARL's shelter software requires that we choose a primary breed for our dogs. Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most dogs we are only guessing at primary breed. We get to know each dog as an individual and do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not breed label. Primary Color: Tan Secondary Color: White Weight: 61 Age: 4yrs 4mths 1wks
We'll also keep you updated on Buddy's adoption status with email updates.
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Buddy

Australian Cattle Dog

Male, Senior
Sioux City, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Hey there! Meet Buddy, he is housetrained and crate trained, lets you know when he has so go outside by jumping up and gives a low bark or just goes to the door. He is good with kids and other dogs. His favorite pass time is napping and likes to carry on a conversations. He also enjoys walks and cart rides! Stop in and take a look, maybe he is just the right little old man for you!$95.00 Fee includes initial vaccines, worming, microchip with registration, and free vet health exam. Primary Color: Red Secondary Color: White Weight: 55 Age: 12yrs 4mths 1wks
We'll also keep you updated on Gunner's adoption status with email updates.
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Gunner

Labrador Retriever

Male, Adult
Des Moines, IA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
This pet qualifies for our 7-day Foster-to-Adopt program. If you're interested in fostering to adopt, please reach out to meetme@arl-iowa.org. Primary Color: Black Weight: 68 Age: 6yrs 2mths 3wks
We'll also keep you updated on Gooey's adoption status with email updates.
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Gooey

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Male, Adult
Des Moines, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
This pet qualifies for our 7-day Foster-to-Adopt program. If you're interested in fostering to adopt, please reach out to meetme@arl-iowa.org. Primary Color: Brown Secondary Color: Black Weight: 57 Age: 2yrs 2mths 3wks

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in Iowa cities

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Shelters & rescues in Iowa

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

Poweshiek Animal League Shelter

4167 20th St, Grinnell, IA 50112

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Jasper County Animal Rescue League & Humane Society

5411 Liberty Ave, Newton, IA 50208

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

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Shelter

Tama County Humane Society

1406 E. 5th St, tama, IA 52339

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown

1921 Taylor Avenue, Marshalltown, IA 50158

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs

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Shelter

Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter

1716 Pella Ave, Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Marion County Humane Society

1701 E Pleasant, Knoxville, IA 50138

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

UNleashed

Po Box 56, South English, IA 52335

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits

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Shelter

Story County Animal Control & Shelter

975 West Lincoln Highway, Nevada, IA 50201

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

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Rescue

Golden Retriever Rescue of Iowa

Nevada, IA 50201

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 Iowa

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