Ames

Puppies and dogs in Ames, Iowa

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

Adopt a dog in Ames, Iowa

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Ames, Iowa. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.

NACHO

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 6 yrs 5 mos

Ames, IA

Size

(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)

Details

Spayed or Neutered,

Story

Nacho and Taco are siblings. We do not require (or recommend they should) be adopted together. But they do love to play together! If both sets of owners are interested, we are happy to share contact information between the families so you can make connections for play dates or other meet ups!My name is Nacho and I am a black & white pit bull/mix. I am a neutered male and I am 6 years and 5 months old. I am here because I was given up by my owner on 12/15/2025 because my owner could not take care of me anymore. I am potty trained. I am a high energy dog and I will need an owner with some prior pet owning experience. I am still learning to walk nicely on a leash. There are lots of things you can do to get me to walk comfortably and safely on a leash. The staff can tell you all about it! I would do well with simple obedience training to help us bond and for us to learn how to communicate with each other. I would like a standard height fence to help keep me inside the yard. I can be good with men and women. I seem nervous around children, so shelter staff will NOT place me in a home with children. I have not been tested with other dogs at the shelter besides my sister, Taco. The shelter staff have not tested me with cats, but recommend against me living with cats based on my lack of experience around cats.

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VEGETA

Australian Shepherd

Male, 1 yr 11 mos

Ames, IA

Size

(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less

Details

Spayed or Neutered,

Story

All dogs are tested for heartworms and given flea preventatives. They are also tested for intestinal parasites and receive routine dewormings. Dogs are vaccinated against distemper, rabies, and bordetella, spayed/neutered before adoption, and have a microchip. Adoption fees include the initial automated registration of the microchip at the time of adoption.

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TACO

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 6 yrs 5 mos

Ames, IA

Size

(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)

Details

Spayed or Neutered,

Story

Nacho and Taco are siblings. We do not require (or recommend they should) be adopted together. But they do love to play together! If both sets of owners are interested, we are happy to share contact information between the families so you can make connections for play dates or other meet ups!My name is Taco and I am a black & white pit bull/mix. I am a spayed female and I am 6 years and 5 months old. I am here because I was given up by my owner on 12/15/2025 because my owner could not take care of me anymore. I am potty trained. I am a high energy dog and I will need an owner with some prior pet owning experience. I am still learning to walk nicely on a leash. There are lots of things you can do to get me to walk comfortably and safely on a leash. The staff can tell you all about it! I would do well with simple obedience training to help us bond and for us to learn how to communicate with each other. I would like a standard height fence to help keep me inside the yard. I can be good with men, women, and children. I have not been tested with other dogs at the shelter besides my brother, Nacho. The shelter staff have not tested me with cats, but recommend against me living with cats based on my lack of experience around cats.

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Suki

English Bulldog

Female, Adult

Nevada, IA

Size

(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)

Details

Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,

Story

Suki is the SWEETEST girl ever! She is obsessed with love and cuddles. She is always happy, smiling, and ready to go on an adventure. All dogs and puppies come spayed and neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Adoption fees are $75.00 for adult dogs and $100.00 for puppies at the time of adoption. Our adoptions are done by approved applications, so you must apply and be approved before being able to meet any of our dogs or puppies. To be approved, you can apply online at: https://www.storycountyiowa.gov/1486/Adoption-Application or you can apply in person. Applications can take a few business days to be approved and you will be emailed with communications regarding your application.

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Sadie

Goldendoodle

Female, 6 yrs

Nevada, IA

Size

(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)

Details

Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,

Story

10/31/25-Available for Adoption: From Foster: Sadie is a 6-year-old female, 30# Mini Goldendoodle, who was surrendered to GRRoIOWA by a breeder. These former breeder dogs spend their lives living in kennels just having litters of puppies until they are around 6 years old. Usually, the breeder dogs come into rescue very scared of everything because they have never lived in a house or have never socialized with people. Sadie was afraid of the car ride to my house and was afraid of everything related to a house, but didn’t seem afraid of people. It took quite a while before she would go through the doorway on her own, but she let me touch her from the first day she was here. Sadie watches my dogs, but doesn’t play with them. She needs another dog in the home that she can learn from, but one that won’t challenge her when eating or chewing on toys, because she will just give in. Former breeder dogs really like a routine, so they know what is going to happen. She sits at the treat cupboard when she knows it is time for her dental chew. When I say we are going for a ride, my dogs run to the car. Sadie followed them, but didn’t know what was going to happen. She hasn’t mastered jumping into the car yet because it is high up off the ground, but she has learned to jump out when we get home. Sadie is a low-energy dog. When she first got here, she was afraid of going outside in the wide-open space, so she would run along the fence all around the yard, 2 or 3 times until she was tired. Now she willingly goes out and investigates all around the yard, but she doesn’t like being outside in the rain or wind. I found out that she can go for 12 hours without going potty, so most nights she doesn’t go out with my dogs before I go to bed. I am still working with her on walking on a leash. The first time it was attached to her, she did the alligator role; now she just won’t move. If I put a harness on her, she freezes in place. Sadie will need a home where she can feel secure. She wants to be by her people or know where they are. She does chew inappropriate things, so things will need to be picked up. She decided she likes the taste of cardboard. She chewed on the box that I had some toys in and ate the cardboard. She is always chewing on chew toys. Sadie is a very sweet dog that will always look like a puppy. If you think Sadie might be a good addition to your home, submit an application today! Forever Home Requirements: *Another calm, confident dog in the home *Cats Unknown *Kids over the age of 8 *Fence optional-need plan to keep her safe Sadie is being fostered in the Twin City, MN vincinity. https://grroiowa.org/adoption-information/

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Special Needs

Mama

Cane Corso

Female, 10 yrs 4 mos

Nevada, IA

Size

(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)

Details

Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,

Story

Okay, picture this: a 10-year-old dog with the energy of a toddler after juice, the coordination of a baby deer on roller skates, and the heart of a Hallmark movie grandma. That’s Mama✨✨ Mama is a certified ray of sunshine with some extra-special needs... and let’s be real, they only make her more lovable. Her walk is more “wobble-waddle” than “strut,” and she sometimes needs a little help navigating the world. But don’t you dare tell her she’s not the queen of it... she expects cuddles, snacks, and compliments in that exact order. Despite her slightly sideways gait (which, honestly, should be trademarked for cuteness), bottomless pit of a stomach, and smaller vision field, Mama is one of the happiest creatures on this planet. She’s part dog, part teddy bear, part unintentional comedian. Despite whatever challenges she’s faced in the past, what Mama really wants is a home with someone who sees past her quirks and sees her magic. She lives her life with resilience, grace, and the kind of gentle spirit that makes everyone believe in second chances. Special needs? Yes. Special heart? Absolutely. Apply to meet Mama... she might just be your soulmate in disguise.❤🐾 All dogs and puppies come spayed and neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Adoption fees are $75.00 for adult dogs and $100.00 for puppies at the time of adoption. Our adoptions are done by approved applications, so you must apply and be approved before being able to meet any of our dogs or puppies. To be approved, you can apply online at: https://www.storycountyiowa.gov/1486/Adoption-Application or you can apply in person. Applications can take a few business days to be approved and you will be emailed with communications regarding your application

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Search for a puppy or dog

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

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Dog shelters and rescues in Ames, Iowa

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

Ames Animal Shelter

325 Billy Sunday Road, Ames, IA 50010

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

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

Rescue

Golden Retriever Rescue of Iowa

Nevada, IA 50201

Pet Types: dogs

Shelter

Internet Miniature Pinscher Service Inc.

Box 357, Luther, IA 50152

Pet Types: dogs

Rescue

Animal Relief Coalition of Iowa

PO Box 38, Boone, IA 50036

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

Shelter

Boone Area Humane Society

228 W 16TH, Boone, IA 50036

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

Rescue

South Hamilton Animal Alliance and Jewell Animal Hospital

548 Main Street, PO Box 354, Jewell, IA 50130

Pet Types: cats, dogs

Shelter

Kitty City Rescue & Rehab

445 Parker Street, PO Box 53, Stanhope, IA 50246

Pet Types: cats, dogs

Rescue

Shiba Inu Rescue Association - Des Moines area

Des Moines, IA 50035

Pet Types: dogs

Rescue

Forever Home Dog Rescue

Johnston, IA 50131

Pet Types: dogs

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!

Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Ames, Iowa and nearby cities.

Popular dog breeds

Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier Chihuahua Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu German Shepherd Dog Beagle Boxer Husky Dachshund Australian Cattle Dog Maltese Poodle (Miniature) American Bulldog Rottweiler Border Collie Pomeranian Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever English Bulldog

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

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

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Ames

Puppies and dogs in Ames, Iowa

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Adopt a dog in Ames, Iowa

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Ames, Iowa. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.

Search for a puppy or dog

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Ames, Iowa

Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

Looking for a specific breed?

Popular dog breeds

Popular dog breeds