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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 Ealy GM's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Ealy GM

Ealy GM

Chihuahua/Mixed Breed (Small)

Female, 5 mos
Clive, IA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
Ealy is the sweetest little girl you could ever meet, with a heart full of love and affection. She is happiest when she’s cuddled up close to her people and truly needs that connection. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch, playing with her toys, or following you around the house, Ealy just wants to be part of the family. She adores everyone she meets—adults, kids, and strangers alike—and does wonderfully with other dogs. Toys are one of her favorite things, and she can happily entertain herself or invite her dog friends to play. When the leash comes out, Ealy lights up with excitement because she knows it’s time for a walk and more time spent with her favorite humans. Ealy is doing great with potty training and uses a doggy door to go outside. She prefers being near her people and can feel anxious when crated, but because she loves her family so deeply. She would thrive in a home where her people enjoy a dog that wants to be close, cuddly, and involved in everyday life. More than anything, Ealy is looking for a loving family who wants a true companion—one who will give kisses freely, cuddle endlessly, and love with her whole heart. She has so much love to give and will make an incredibly loyal, affectionate addition to the right home. Ealy is truly the best little girl and is ready to find her forever family to cuddle for a lifetime. Local adoption fee is $250(in TX) Out of state adoption fee is $550 (includes transport to your area)
We'll also keep you updated on Chunk Norris's adoption status with email updates.
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Chunk Norris

Westie, West Highland White Terrier

Male, 4 yrs
Clive, IA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained,
Story
I'm a cutie. Guessed about 4 years old and 24 lbs. I'm just the right size, just the right age, just right all around. I'm looking for a new forever family and hoping you'll be the one! 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 ##2615940##
We'll also keep you updated on Reindeer Litter II: Comet's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Reindeer Litter II: Comet

Reindeer Litter II: Comet

Spaniel (Unknown Type)/Retriever (Unknown Type)

Male, 2 mos
Council Bluffs, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
The Reindeer Litter just arrived to Omaha, Nebraska from the North Pole and they are ready to find their furever homes.  They were born 10/3/25.  This is COMET!  We will share more information after they settle in at their foster home and their personalities come out.  Apply to adopt one of these cuties today! The suggested adoption donation for each pup in the Reindeer Litter 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. 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.   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 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, 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.  [Muddy Paws can also suggest a vet with a reduced cost for alters.]  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.  Thank you in advance for your compliance. ##2616027##
We'll also keep you updated on Reindeer Litter II: Cupid's adoption status with email updates.
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No photo available for Reindeer Litter II: Cupid

Reindeer Litter II: Cupid

Spaniel (Unknown Type)

Female 2 mos
Council Bluffs, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
The Reindeer Litter just arrived to Omaha, Nebraska from the North Pole and they are ready to find their furever homes.  They were born 10/3/25.  This is COMET!  We will share more information after they settle in at their foster home and their personalities come out.  Apply to adopt one of these cuties today! The suggested adoption donation for each pup in the Reindeer Litter 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. 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.   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 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, 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.  [Muddy Paws can also suggest a vet with a reduced cost for alters.]  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.  Thank you in advance for your compliance. ##2616031##
We'll also keep you updated on Reindeer Litter II: Donner's adoption status with email updates.
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No photo available for Reindeer Litter II: Donner

Reindeer Litter II: Donner

Spaniel (Unknown Type)

Female 2 mos
Council Bluffs, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
The Reindeer Litter just arrived to Omaha, Nebraska from the North Pole and they are ready to find their furever homes.  They were born 10/3/25.  This is COMET!  We will share more information after they settle in at their foster home and their personalities come out.  Apply to adopt one of these cuties today! The suggested adoption donation for each pup in the Reindeer Litter 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. 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.   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 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, 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.  [Muddy Paws can also suggest a vet with a reduced cost for alters.]  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.  Thank you in advance for your compliance. ##2616029##
We'll also keep you updated on Reindeer Litter II: Vixen's adoption status with email updates.
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No photo available for Reindeer Litter II: Vixen

Reindeer Litter II: Vixen

Spaniel (Unknown Type)

Female 2 mos
Council Bluffs, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
The Reindeer Litter just arrived to Omaha, Nebraska from the North Pole and they are ready to find their furever homes.  They were born 10/3/25.  This is COMET!  We will share more information after they settle in at their foster home and their personalities come out.  Apply to adopt one of these cuties today! The suggested adoption donation for each pup in the Reindeer Litter 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. 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.   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 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, 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.  [Muddy Paws can also suggest a vet with a reduced cost for alters.]  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.  Thank you in advance for your compliance. ##2616030##

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

City of Des Moines Animal Control and Shelter

1615 SE 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50320

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Animal Lifeline of Iowa, Inc

4521 SE 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50320

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Heartland Weimaraner Rescue - IA

Des Moines, IA 50315

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Charming Pet Rescue - IA Transport Stop

Des Moines, IA 50309

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

ARTRA Corp./National Rat Terrier Rescue

Des Moines, IA 50309

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Safe Home Rescue

PO Box 57448, Des Moines, IA 50317

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

Russell Rescue, Inc. - Iowa Area

Des Moines, IA 50301

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Unbreakabull Bullies Rehabilitation and Rescue

Des Moines, IA 50314

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Iowa Pet Adoptions

Des Moines, IA 50312

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