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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 Doc McGee NS's adoption status with email updates.
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Doc McGee NS

Weimaraner/Hound (Unknown Type)

Male, 5 mos
Clive, IA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
Doc McGee is the name.... and FUN is the game!! Let's face it, my very short life was almost over a couple of weeks ago.... alone in a rural pound with no hope of getting out alive ;( But my luck changed in that little shelter.... I was SAVED!! I AM UP-TO-DATE ON ALL VACCINES AND HAVE BEEN NEUTERED AND MICROCHIPPED. I AM FOR SURE A MIXTURE OF SOME HUNTING DOGS…I LIKE TO RAISE UP MY PAW WHEN I SEE SOMETHING IN THE BACKYARD AND I HAVE SOME HERDING QUALITIES. I LIKE TO TRY TO CORRAL MY MOM’S PERSONAL DOGS AROUND THE YARD.  I AM THE SWEETEST BOY AT NIGHTTIME AND I LOVE TO SNUGGLE WITH MY FOSTER MOMMY IN HER BED AT NIGHT…I LOVE TO BE SKIN-ON-SKIN! I DO NOT LIKE MY KENNEL TO SLEEP IN. I BARK IF I CANNOT BE LAYING WITH YOU.  I AM ATHLETIC AND ENERGETIC AND LOVE TO WRESTLE WITH MY DOGGY SIBLINGS AT MY FOSTER MOM’S HOUSE. I REALLY WANT A FUN FURRY FRIEND TO PLAY WITH AT MY NEW HOME.  I ALSO LIKE TO PLAY WITH THE 2 LEGGED HUMANS THAT LIKE TO TALK “BABY TALK” TO ME.  I AM STILL WORKING ON POTTY TRAINING. I ALWAYS PEE-PEE LIKE A BIG BOY OUT IN THE GRASS, BUT I SOMETIMES HAVE SOME ACCIDENTS INSIDE. I NEED TO GO OUTSIDE RIGHT AWAY IN THE MORNING WHEN I WAKE UP AND I NEED TO GO OUTSIDE WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF EATING TO CONTINUE HAVING SUCCESS.  I AM A FUN BOY AND I LIKE TO PLAY WITH ANY AND ALL SQUEAKY TOYS, AND I LIKE TO CHEW ON ANYTHING THAT MY TOOFERS FIT ON….FIREWOOD, BALLS, TOYS, BLANKIES, OLD SHOES ETC. I AM VERY GOOD AT FETCHING WHEN MY HUMAN THROWS TOYS. DO I SOUND LIKE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU? I CANNOT WAIT TO GO TO MY FUREVER HOME!! 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 Ruby AB's adoption status with email updates.
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Ruby AB

Chihuahua/Miniature Pinscher

Female, 1 yr 2 mos
Clive, IA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Meet Ruby! This sweet young lady is everything wrapped up in one adorable little package. Ruby was rescued from a hoarding situation where she lived with many dogs in a small apartment with very little human interaction. Because of that, the world is still new to her — but she’s learning every day that it can be a safe and happy place. Ruby bonds easily with other dogs and truly thrives with canine companionship. She looks to other dogs for comfort and guidance, and meeting new dog friends is her absolute favorite thing! A confident, friendly dog in her forever home would help her continue to blossom. If you’re looking for a dog who instantly bonds with people, Ruby may not be your girl just yet. She needs a patient, loving, and understanding home that will give her the time and space to build trust at her own pace. Once she feels safe, you’ll see her sweet and silly personality shine. Ruby may be slow to trust, but she’s incredibly observant and learns quickly. From chasing her own shadow to hopping up on her hind legs to catch a moth, her goofy curiosity and innocent spirit will absolutely melt your heart. With patience, love, and a cozy spot to curl up at night, Ruby will grow into the most loyal and devoted companion. Local adoption only $200 (in TX)
We'll also keep you updated on Ellie's adoption status with email updates.
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Ellie

Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, Puppy
Des Moines, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
HOW TO ADOPT: This puppy is available for adoption by appointment. To schedule a time to meet her, please email meetme@arl-iowa.org.---- A certified cuddlebug who LOVES making new friends and is a wiggly welcome committee when new people visit her foster home - Favorite toys are all of them, but she especially loves squeaky toys - Enjoys sunny days and baking in the sun; also obsessed with snow - she loves doing zoomies, rolling in it, eating it and making it her personal playground - Has done well on car rides and recently discovered the joy of sticking her head out the window - Knows sit and is working on come and leave it; highly motivated by treats, so she'll be fun to train - Has been working on potty training in her foster home and still has a few small accidents here and there - Used to being kenneled when her foster family is not home; typically plays with her toys for a short time, but can be vocal and a little dramatic until her family comes home - Does OK on a leash, but typically tries to be helpful and carry the leash in her mouth, so she could use a little work on that - Working hard on learning to be gentle when she plays; sometimes her excitement level is set to "party mode," but she has been working on improving her soft, polite play skills- ADORES her foster family's kids; loves to run fast with them and also cuddle - Has not been living with dogs in her foster home, but has met some on walks and was very interested in making friends and becoming besties immediately; however, when bigger dogs bark at her, she will listen to them and sit politely - Has been living with a cat in her foster home that was not interested in being friends and she has respected that cat's personal space - Overall, a cuddly, silly, playful, occasionally dramatic Good Girl who is happy to be everyone's friend; her foster family calls her Good Girl so much, she responds to that as well as her name! 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: Black Secondary Color: White Weight: 16.6 Age: 0yrs 0mths 10wks
We'll also keep you updated on Goldie's adoption status with email updates.
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Goldie

Labrador Retriever

Female, Puppy
Des Moines, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
HOW TO ADOPT: This animal is available for adoption by appointment. To schedule a time to meet this animal, please email meetme@arl-iowa.org.---- Very sweet pup who spent some time in a foster home and loved being right beside her family - Got a great start on potty training in her foster home; still had a few accidents but was getting the hang of going to the door when she needed to go out - Did very well with the dog in her foster home and did not seem too phased by the family's 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: Yellow Weight: 18.5 Age: 0yrs 4mths 0wks
We'll also keep you updated on Dandy's adoption status with email updates.
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Dandy

Miniature Schnauzer

Male, Adult
Des Moines, IA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
HOW TO ADOPT: This dog is available for adoption by appointment. To schedule a time to meet him, please email meetme@arl-iowa.org.---- Loves to follow and be near his people, and will cuddle up close - Will play in small bursts and likes to bounce on soft toys that squeak - Will let you know about all the activities he hears and doesn't witness himself - Has been potty trained in his foster home; just remember that any dog may need time to get used to a new routine - Loves walks and does well on a leash; also likes car rides - May enjoy a fenced yard so he can explore and sniff all the sniffs - Lived with teenagers and pre-teens previously and did well with them - Has been doing well with the dog in his foster home and respects her cues; may like a dog friend in his new home or could be happy as only dog - We don't know his 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: Grey Weight: 9.91 Age: 6yrs 0mths 3wks
We'll also keep you updated on Rue's adoption status with email updates.
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Rue

Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, Puppy
Des Moines, IA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
HOW TO ADOPT: This puppy is available for adoption by appointment. To schedule a time to meet her, please email meetme@arl-iowa.org.---- Bouncy, happy girl who loves being around people, playing with stuffed toys, chasing balls or running around outside- Loves a cozy dog bed to relax in - Generally confident and curious, and when she's unsure, she tends to sit and observe - Learns quickly with positive reinforcement and is already very good at sit - Has done well with crate training for naptimes, sleeping at night, and when her foster family needs to leave the house; has been doing fine on her own in her crate for about 4 hours in her foster home - Has been doing great with housetraining in her foster home; isn't fully there yet, but she will do her business outside and is learning to alert her family when she needs to go out - Has the most perfect pink paws 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: Black Secondary Color: White Weight: 13.4 Age: 0yrs 0mths 12wks

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

Cedar Bend Humane Society

1166 W. Airline Highway, Waterloo, IA 50703

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Waverly Pet Rescue

PO Box 291, Waverly, IA 50677

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Wire Fox Terrier Rescue Midwest

Dumont, IA 50625

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Better Together Animal Rescue, Inc.

211 West 4th Street, Vinton, IA 52349

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Hardin Eldora Animal Rescue Team

Eldora, IA 50627

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

ANIMAL RESCUE ALLIANCE

1814 11Tth ave #86, ELDORA, IA 50627

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

PAWS Humane Society

303 Shaw Avenue, Charles City, IA 50616

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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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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Rescue

New Rattitude - Iowa

Arlington, IA 50606

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