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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 Garth's adoption status with email updates.
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No photo available for Garth

Garth

Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 1 mo
Council Bluffs, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Garth is a very sweet pit mix puppy born November 2025.  He is currently recovering from gastroenteritis but Garth is still up for adoption and we encourage you to apply to adopt him now so that we can start the adoption process..  More information will be posted as it becomes available.   The suggested adoption donation for Garth is $465, 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.   Before applying to adopt Garth, you need to be familiar with your local breed-specific legislation regarding Pit Bulls.  Applicants must live within 50 miles of the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. 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 Last Chance Rescue or donate to our animals, please visit our website at MuddyPawsSecondChanceRescue.com or our Facebook Page Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue Inc. Alter Agreement: If the dog or cat you adopt is older than 6 months of age and not spayed or neutered, you will receive a voucher to alter the pet at Val Verde Animal Hospital or Omaha Animal Medical Group in Omaha, at no cost to you. Or you can alter the pet at your own vet and be reimbursed $100 for dogs, and $50 for cats, of total cost. If the dog or cat is younger than 6 months of age, the adopter will be responsible for the cost of altering the pet at the vet of their choice. If proof of alter is received by Muddy Paws prior to the pet turning 6 months of age, a reimbursement of $100 for dogs, and $50 for cats, will be sent to you to help cover expenses. All puppies and kittens MUST be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. All dogs and cats MUST be spayed or neutered no later than one month after adoption is finalized.   ##2615478##
We'll also keep you updated on Achilles's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Achilles

Achilles

Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 4 yrs 1 mo
Fort Madison, IA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
-
Story
If you have ANY QUESTIONS or are truly interested in adopting any animal from PAW Animal Shelter Please, fillout an adoption application FIRST!   WE are a high intake No Kill Shelter ran by a staff of 4 and do not always have time to answer every question asked by so many. If you are a good fit for the animal you are interested in -we will call to speak with you, If we feel you are not a good fit , we will contact you about other pets that may be a good fit for your home. Many people are losing the opportunity to adopt the animal they want because they fail to put in an application and the pet was adopted before we could answer your email. .If you have applied for an animal in our facility and have not received a response within 7 days, PLEASE call or contact us again. Though we do our best in trying to answer all emails in a timely manner, sometimes things get away from us, get lost or misplaced. It is never our intention to ignore a request about an adoptable animal in our facility. Sandy Brown, Director, PAW Animal Shelter 319-372-2274 ##2590712##
We'll also keep you updated on Hema's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Hema

Hema

Australian Shepherd

Female, 2 mos
Fort Madison, IA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
-
Story
If you have ANY QUESTIONS or are truly interested in adopting any animal from PAW Animal Shelter Please, fillout an adoption application FIRST!   WE are a high intake No Kill Shelter ran by a staff of 4 and do not always have time to answer every question asked by so many. If you are a good fit for the animal you are interested in -we will call to speak with you, If we feel you are not a good fit , we will contact you about other pets that may be a good fit for your home. Many people are losing the opportunity to adopt the animal they want because they fail to put in an application and the pet was adopted before we could answer your email. .If you have applied for an animal in our facility and have not received a response within 7 days, PLEASE call or contact us again. Though we do our best in trying to answer all emails in a timely manner, sometimes things get away from us, get lost or misplaced. It is never our intention to ignore a request about an adoptable animal in our facility. Sandy Brown, Director, PAW Animal Shelter 319-372-2274 ##2602604##
We'll also keep you updated on Bear's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Bear

Bear

Australian Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog

Male, Young
Knoxville, IA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Very high energy just needs to be able to run a lot!! Very loving dog never has been aggressive!
We'll also keep you updated on Quince's adoption status with email updates.
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No photo available for Quince

Quince

Labrador Retriever/Great Pyrenees

Male, 7 mos
Clive, IA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
We are the Autumn Leaves Litter. Elder, Linden and Quince. We are Labraneese, sometimes also called Pyradors. Our mom was a labrador retreiver and our dad was a great pyrenees. We will have a great mix of our mom's joyful spirit and eager-to-please nature, mixed with our dad's gentle guardian's heart and majestic build. We may just be the perfect blend of brains, brawn and beauty. Whether you are looking for a hiking buddy, a couch companion or a gentle protector, our litter has a leaf for every lifestyle! If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. Some pets are in foster homes or may already have an appointment scheduled, so the appointment is important to make sure I will be available to meet you when you come. Polk County Humane Society is located in Bolivar, Missouri, but also makes transports to the Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA and St. Louis areas twice monthly. For potential adopters in those areas, we can do a virtual visit using FaceTime or another app. Just request an appointment using the same link, but note that you want the visit to be virtual. We will call you at the time of the visit once it is confirmed. For long distance transports to Colorado and Iowa, there is an additional $100 fee to cover the cost of the transport ($65) and a health certificate from a veterinarian ($35). For transports to St. Louis, the additional fee is $50 to help cover gas. Going that last mile home for our sweet pets! All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention, dewormed and dogs are also microchipped. #adoptdontshop ##2615140##
We'll also keep you updated on Elder's adoption status with email updates.
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No photo available for Elder

Elder

Labrador Retriever/Great Pyrenees

Male, 7 mos
Clive, IA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
We are the Autumn Leaves Litter. Elder, Linden and Quince. We are Labraneese, sometimes also called Pyradors. Our mom was a labrador retreiver and our dad was a great pyrenees. We will have a great mix of our mom's joyful spirit and eager-to-please nature, mixed with our dad's gentle guardian's heart and majestic build. We may just be the perfect blend of brains, brawn and beauty. Whether you are looking for a hiking buddy, a couch companion or a gentle protector, our litter has a leaf for every lifestyle! If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. Some pets are in foster homes or may already have an appointment scheduled, so the appointment is important to make sure I will be available to meet you when you come. Polk County Humane Society is located in Bolivar, Missouri, but also makes transports to the Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA and St. Louis areas twice monthly. For potential adopters in those areas, we can do a virtual visit using FaceTime or another app. Just request an appointment using the same link, but note that you want the visit to be virtual. We will call you at the time of the visit once it is confirmed. For long distance transports to Colorado and Iowa, there is an additional $100 fee to cover the cost of the transport ($65) and a health certificate from a veterinarian ($35). For transports to St. Louis, the additional fee is $50 to help cover gas. Going that last mile home for our sweet pets! All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention, dewormed and dogs are also microchipped. #adoptdontshop ##2615138##

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

Emmet County Animal Shelter

1703 7th Avenue South, Estherville, IA 51334

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

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Shelter

Humane Society of Northwest Iowa

607 28th Street, Milford, IA 51351

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

People for Pets

2312 Hwy Blvd, Spencer, IA 51301

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Kossuth Animal Rescue

Algona, IA 50511

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

TLC Canine Center

602 East Chaney St, Box 373, Newell, IA 50568

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Humboldt County Animal Shelter DBA Moffitt Animal Shelter

1308 19th St N, Humboldt, IA 50548

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Peace Creek Animal Sanctuary and Rescue

2628 Penn Ave, HUMBOLDT, IA 50548

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

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Shelter

Almost Home Humane Society of North Central Iowa

725 S. 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Calhoun County Canine Shelter

501 Court Street, Rockwell City, IA 50579

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Patriots for Pets Rescue and Shelter Inc.

805 N. 40th Street, Clear Lake, IA 50428

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 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