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Puppies and dogs in Frederick, Maryland

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Frederick, Maryland

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Frederick, Maryland. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
Photo of Daisy -- Courtesy Post

Daisy -- Courtesy Post

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 7 yrs
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sweet Daisy is a truly top-of-the-line expert-level snuggle bug whose current mom describes her as “smart, sweet, and intuitive.” She loves going for a walk or getting a good belly rub about equally. She is fun outside and chill and relaxed inside – the perfect combination! This very good girl is friendly with everyone she meets, including a friend’s young children. She may bark at visitors to the home but will then greet them nicely. When our volunteer met her, Daisy was instantly friendly – approaching in a loose, wiggly way and leaning in for petting. Daisy sometimes gets a little excited when she sees other dogs, but her body language appears friendly and playful. But when given the chance to meet and play with another dog recently, Daisy did fantastic! She has a moderately rough housing/chasing play style and is great at taking turns. She is tolerant of some rudeness – when the other dog tried to hump her, she just sat down. So although Daisy’s current mom feels she would love to be the center of her person’s world, a home with another friendly dog may work for Daisy. Though she has not been around cats, Daisy has sometimes shown fairly strong interest in prey animals, such as squirrels, seen outside. So we recommend a home without cats or other small pets for Daisy. Daisy is not comfortable in a crate. But that’s ok because she can be safely left uncrated when her family is away from home for 6–8 hours. She can be a bit nervous about thunder and fireworks but does fine if music drowns out the sounds. This sweetie is about 7 years old and weighs around 70 lbs. She is completely housetrained, spayed, and up to date on all immunizations. Her teeth have been cleaned and though she has allergies, they are well managed with apoquel. Why is such a great dog in need of a new home? Daisy was saved by her current family from a miserable living situation with a former neighbor who neglected and eventually abandoned her. She has been well-loved during her time with her current family. Sadly, the family’s other two dogs have been consistently aggressive toward Daisy, and it is just not working out. The family notes that Daisy has not ever been the aggressor, and in fact when she first met the family dogs, she wagged her tail happily at them, even adjusting her behavior and showing submission after their initial negative response. When finally attacked by the other dogs, Daisy did defend herself, but she was nevertheless still ready to try again to make friends with them and later did have a nice meetup with another dog. She’s been so resilient in the face of so much difficulty! We (FFOCAS) are helping her current family safely rehome her. Interested? Please reach out via email (ffocas4pets@gmail.com) or via Adoptapet. We’ll ask you to fill out a rehoming application to keep this process as safe as possible for all involved – especially Daisy!
Photo of Dewey -- Courtesy Post

Dewey -- Courtesy Post

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 6 yrs
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Dewey! This friendly and playful guy is very snuggly. He’s at his happiest when he’s surrounded by people. He also loves playing with other dogs, sniffing, eating, and napping. Dewey’s current owners say he “has a *very* waggy tail and butt, especially when he sees his favorite people or dog buddies.” And, importantly, when everyone else in the home is chilling, Dewey will happily go right to sleep on his bed or in a sun beam on the floor. When new people arrive at the home, Dewey may bark a bit, like most dogs, but quickly warms up. When he met our volunteer in a park, he was immediately friendly, social, and just plain adorable. This very portably sized pittie can be reactive toward some other dogs while on leash—mainly if the other dog “starts it.” However, he is perfectly capable of making friends with other dogs and absolutely loves to play with his dog friends. He may growl or nip at another dog who tries to simply take a toy from him (totally understandably) but is happy to play tug of war with another dog. He has been around cats a bit and has tried to chase them. Therefore, we suspect that Dewey would do well in a home with another dog but would not be a good fit for a home with kitties. Alone time is Dewey’s kryptonite. He has some degree of separation anxiety that is aided a bit by medication and by some strategies his current family has honed over the years. But he is going to do best in a home where someone is home most of the time. His family has not had an opportunity to determine whether the presence of another dog in the home would eliminate or reduce Dewey’s separation anxiety. This sweetie is also worried about thunderstorms and fireworks. Dewey is 5–6 years old and weighs about 50 lbs. He is neutered and up to date on vaccinations with no known health issues other than seasonal allergies. He is housetrained and, though he does currently use a crate, he would prefer not to have to be in a crate. This very good boy is losing his home due to his family’s career and lifestyle changes. Much as they love Dewey, they know that an upcoming move and altered work hours will not work well for Dewey. Interested? Please get in touch via email (ffocas4pets@gmail.com) or through PetFinder. We’ll ask you to fill out a rehoming application to keep this process as safe as possible for all involved—especially Dewey!
Photo of Peyton Jake

Peyton Jake

American Pit Bull Terrier Boxer

Male, 12 yrs 1 mo
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Peyton Jake, a 12-year-old, 60-pound male boxer/pit/whippet mix (best guess). Peyton is losing the family he has lived with for his entire life due to serious changes in the family dynamic and through no fault of his own. This sweet boy is energetic and playful, he loves cuddles and attention, and he enjoys socializing with other dogs. The ideal home for Peyton would be with a family that enjoys walks and outings. Although he has lived with and done beautifully with their now 2.5-year-old child and with other children, he may do best in a family with no small children simply because he is a senior and, as we all know, toddlers and other young kids can be hard on dogs. In the words of Peyton Jake’s mom: “Peyton is highly snuggly and likes to hang on the couch with his family. He currently has a fenced yard and loves to be outside and go on hikes.” However, he previously lived in an apartment for several years and did great. (He is not a big barker.) In general, Peyton’s recall is great and he walks well on leash. However, if he is not fresh on training, he will try to pull during his walks. Positive reinforcement resolves this temporary issue. Typically, when he meets unfamiliar people, Peyton either ignores them or greets them in a friendly manner. When our volunteer met Peyton, he was immediately friendly, happily leaning on her and soliciting pets and attention. Although Peyton has never lived with another dog, he has met and befriended many dogs throughout his life. Recently, Peyton has boarded with a neighbor who has a young German shepherd. Peyton and the shepherd get along beautifully and are best buds. He has also stayed for long stints with a family friend who has cats, and he gets along just fine with them, hanging out and sleeping on the same couch. Overall, Peyton appears to be one of those dogs who can slide right into a new home and get along with everyone as if he’s always been there. Peyton’s favorite things are playing fetch or tug-of-war, gnawing on chew toys, hiking, swimming, playing with other dogs, and getting belly rubs. His dislikes include having his nails trimmed (though he does tolerate it!), having his teeth brushed, and being left home alone. Although Peyton is crate-trained, he is not a fan of going into the crate. This good boy is fully house trained and up to date on his vaccinations and heartworm testing. He was recently evaluated by the vet, who found no serious health concerns. He will have a dental cleaning prior to adoption. Peyton’s mom is heartbroken to lose the dog she describes as “the bestest boy and an awesome companion.” We (FFOCAS) are helping her safely rehome him. Interested? Please get in touch via email (ffocas4pets@gmail.com) or through adoptapet. We’ll ask you to fill out a rehoming application to help keep this process as safe as possible for all involved—especially Peyton Jake!
Photo of Cali -- Courtesy Post

Cali -- Courtesy Post

Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Female, 5 yrs 3 mos
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Cali! This cuddly cutie is super smart, loves to learn new skills and tricks, and is eager to please. More than anything, Cali wants to spend time with her people, whether out on a walk, playing fetch, or hanging out and snuggling inside. She can be left home alone, but would much prefer to stick by your side. When meeting new people, Cali is very friendly and social. When our volunteer met her in her home, Cali was immediately cheerful and ready to interact. When it comes to other dogs, Cali appears to have mixed feelings. On walks, Cali is sometimes reactive toward other dogs—this is something her current family is working on. Cali’s current family often has extended family members and neighbors over to visit, and these visitors often bring their dogs. Although Cali sometimes enjoys interacting and playing with some of these other dogs, they tend to make her quite nervous about her stuff (food and sometimes toys), which she does not want to share. For this reason, we would prefer to find her a home without other dogs. In one incident when Cali was new to her current family, she got into a scuffle with a visiting dog over food. When mom intervened, Cali, in the heat of the moment, redirected a bite onto mom’s thumb. The bite resulted in minor abrasions and bruising. Once her family understood Cali’s motivations, they were able to prevent any further nips. But she cannot be adopted by a family with kids younger than teenagers. Cali is currently living with a cat and she overall does well with him. She does like to play with him and they will sometimes lie on their sides on the floor playfully batting each other’s paws. But the kitty would probably prefer a little less playfulness from Cali. So a home with a cat could work for Cali, but it would have to be a cat who truly likes dogs, not a cat who just tolerates them. Cali is 5 years old and weighs about 15 lbs. She is a miniature American shepherd aka mini Aussie. (Adoptapet does not list this breed as an option, which is why "Australian shepherd" is selected.) She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and has no known health issues. She is housetrained and does not currently use or need a crate. Cali was recently adopted by her current family, but they have determined that their lifestyle simply is not the best fit for her. They’ve been patient with her, have given her time to settle in, and have worked with a professional trainer, but this is one of those square peg/round hole situations in which rehoming truly is best for the dog. We (FFOCAS) are helping Cali’s family find her forever home. Interested? Please get in touch via email (ffocas4pets@gmail.com) or through adoptapet. We’ll ask you to fill out a rehoming application to keep this process as safe as possible for all involved—especially Cali!
Photo of Luci Noodles

Luci Noodles

American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, 8 yrs 8 mos
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Luci Noodles is a gorgeous, 8.5 year, 60-pound pitbull mix who is losing her home because of her loving mom’s serious illness. In the home, Luci is a low-key couch potato and snuggle bug who loves cuddling and blanket time. Outside in a fenced yard, this silly girl will make you laugh over her zoomies. She can walk without pulling on the leash, responds to both verbal and hand commands, is very much focused on her people, and is very trainable. She does well in a crate when staying with her pet sitter, though at home she tells her mom she would prefer not to be crated. Her favorite activities include playing fetch and tug-of-war, gnawing on chew toys, receiving a good belly rub or butt scritch, and swimming or splashing in a pool, creek, or lake. Luci will bark and visitors and, in some cases (especially unfamiliar men), may need a moment to warm up. Once she’s gotten to know a particular visitor, she greets them enthusiastically. When our volunteer met Luci, she was immediately friendly and ready for affection or play. Luci has not lived with children, but she is around toddlers at her pet sitter’s home and does beautifully with them. She has done great interacting with older kids and teens. When walked on a leash, Luci is reactive toward other dogs; this may be due to prior experiences being rushed by off-leash dogs. So she might do best as an only dog. However, Luci is a thoughtful dog (she thinks before acting) and, with an experienced adopter and a slow introduction, she could do fine with a mellow canine companion. Luci currently lives with two cats and is generally indifferent to them, though she does not appreciate it when the kitties approach her food. Luci’s mom says “I just want to impress that Luci is a wonderful dog. I must rehome her. My condition is degenerative and I’m reaching beyond my capacity to care for anyone. She truly is a delight and deserves the best.” We (FFOCAS) are helping Luci’s mom safely rehome her. Interested? Please reach out via email (ffocas4pets@gmail.com) or through AdoptaPet. We’ll ask you to fill out a rehoming application to keep this process as safe as possible for all involved – especially Luci!
Photo of Rain -- Courtesy Post

Rain -- Courtesy Post

Australian Cattle Dog

Female, 1 yr
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Rain is a sweet, affectionate cattle dog mix who is just a few months shy of her first birthday. She has all the intelligence, loyalty, and personality that make cattle dogs such incredible companions, wrapped up in a loving package that wants nothing more than to be near her people. One of Rain’s favorite hobbies is being a shadow. If you’re moving around the house, she’s right behind you. When it’s time to relax, you’ll often find her splooted across the floor or sleeping upside down with her paws in the air, completely content and making everyone laugh. She loves wrestling and playing with canine friends, then settling down for a good cuddle session. Like most herding dogs, Rain is eager to learn, highly trainable, and enjoys having a job to do. She will do best with a family that can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and continued training to keep her busy mind engaged. If you’re looking for a loyal companion who loves kids, adores other dogs, enjoys snuggling, and will happily follow you from room to room, Rain may be the perfect addition to your family. Rain does have a luxating patella in her back right knee and will need corrective surgery. Her veterinary records will be provided to her new family, and her current family is committed to helping her succeed by reimbursing up to $2,000 toward the surgery. Rain is about 1 year old and weighs around 35 lbs. She is fully housebroken, spayed, and gets along wonderfully with children. She would thrive in a home with another playful dog to help burn off energy and continue teaching her the finer points of dog life. Why does this awesome pup need a new home? Making the decision to rehome Rain has been incredibly difficult. She is deeply loved, and her family recognizes that they simply can no longer provide the long-term home she deserves. They are committed to finding a family that will cherish her, continue her training, and give her the active, loving life she needs. We (FFOCAS) are helping Rain’s family safely rehome her. Interested? Please reach out via email (ffocas4pets@gmail.com) or via Adoptapet. We’ll ask you to fill out a rehoming application to keep this process as safe as possible for all involved – especially Rain!

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Dog shelters and rescues in Frederick, Maryland

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

FVAR MD Transport Stop

Fredrick, MD 21701

Pet Types: dogs

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Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelter - Project Hope

Frederick, MD 21701

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

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Brave Babes Animal Rescue

New Market, MD 21774

Pet Types: dogs

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Precious Petz Rescue MD

Frederick, MD 21705

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits

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Shelter

German Shepherd Rescue of Maryland

P. O. Box 3872, Frederick, MD 21705

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Wags to Riches Rescue & Rehab

4121 Tottenham St., Frederick, MD 21704

Pet Types: dogs

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Double Dog Dare Rescue

Walkersville, MD 21793

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Blackdogs Rescue - Bluemont Foster Group

Bluemont, VA 21770

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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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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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