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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.
We'll also keep you updated on Nova -- Courtesy Post's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Nova -- Courtesy Post

Nova -- Courtesy Post

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 1 yr
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Nova is a scaredy cat in German shepherd form. At the age of 6 months, Nova was about to be tossed out on the street when a Good Samaritan scooped her up and brought her home, hoping to help Nova understand that she was safe and loved while providing her kids with a dog to play with. But Nova’s wounds are deep and an active home with several kids is just not conducive to her recovery. We don’t know if Nova experienced trauma in her previous home(s) or simply lived a sheltered life, never having the opportunity to experience anything beyond her crate, which is her safe space. We do know that Nova seems to love other dogs. She has a dog buddy in her current home. He boosts her confidence and helps her come out of her shell just a bit. She plays with him but does not play with the humans. In fact, she is barely brave enough to eat in front of the humans. Among the people in her current home, Nova seems to trust the littlest kids the most; the older kids and adults are scary. When approached by a person—sometimes even a family member—in the home, she tends to retreat. If her crate is available, she will go there. If she has a dog buddy with her, she will feel confident enough to bark prior to retreating to her crate. When approached by an unfamiliar person outside, she attempts to hide behind “mom.” If another dog is present, she may be able to overcome her fear and play with the other dog. When our volunteer met her, Nova was able to eat some treats the volunteer tossed to her. After several minutes hanging out and walking together, she ventured a little closer to the volunteer but was not ready to be approached or touched. Nova needs a quiet home with only one or two adults who are willing to work to build her confidence. At this point, at about 1 year of age, building Nova’s confidence is likely to be difficult; her adopters will need to understand this and be prepared to love her for who she is, even if she may always be the dog who needs to be in a “safe room” when guests come over. Nova is about 1 year old, spayed, and up to date on vaccinations. She has no known health issues. She is housetrained and feels safest in her crate. She may be a German shepherd or a shepherd mix. 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 Nova!
We'll also keep you updated on Jonah -- Courtesy Post's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Jonah -- Courtesy Post

Jonah -- Courtesy Post

American Pit Bull Terrier Boxer

Male, 1 yr
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Looking for your new BFF? Here y’go! Jonah’s best quality is his loving, playful nature. He’s looking for a family that will be down for lots of play (tug and fetch are high on the list) and any outside adventures. And when play time is over, he will happily snuggle with you, climb into your lap, or lie next to your feet. He is super smart and trainable and already knows sit, stay, give paw/shake, as well as turn (spin in a circle). He has been taught to “wait” until released before eating. Now he just needs a little help with his excited greetings of people and other dogs and his leash walking. One of our volunteers got to meet this happy guy and he was super excited – oh boy a new friend you will love me I’m sure! :-D – but was able to calm down. Right away, he was happy to get pets and scritches. Also: His coat is incredibly soft! Jonah currently lives with adults and teens and has also spent time with kids as young as 8. He has done great with everyone and enjoys sleeping in bed with the kids. He had a chance to play with another exuberant pit bull a few months ago and did great. Since then, he has had a lot of exposure to other dogs though he has not found another dog who is down for Jonah’s rough and tumble play style. Though we don’t know how Jonah might feel about kitty housemates, we do know that he gets pretty excited about prey animals seen outside, so a home without cats would probably be best. Jonah is about 1 year old and weighs around 45 lbs. He is neutered and up to date on vaccinations. He is mostly housetrained and will go into a crate … but doesn’t love it. So baby gates might be helpful for finalizing his housetraining. Jonah’s family loves him and is devoted to him, but they’ve been dealing with a housing/rental dispute and are being forced to give up their furry family member. :-( 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 Jonah!
We'll also keep you updated on Kip -- Courtesy Post's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kip -- Courtesy Post

Kip -- Courtesy Post

Shiba Inu

Male, 2 yrs 1 mo
Frederick, MD
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Needs experienced adopter,
Story
Ok, hold onto your hats, primitive breed lovers. Meet Kip! This handsome guy is looking for a new home through no fault of his own. Kip is a smart, loving, energetic, playful pup. He’s a cutie for sure but he is a true Shiba in his temperament. Therefore, we are looking for an adopter who has experience with Shibas or breeds with similar “attitude,” such as Akitas, malamutes, basenjis, chow chows, and other “primitive” or “natural” breeds. Kip is a quick learner and wants to make his person happy, but … he’s definitely not a Labrador. Training the quintessential Shiba is a bit like training a cat. Kip might not be all the way to the “cat end” of the Shiba spectrum, but he’s still not likely to respond well to several boring, repetitive training sessions in your living room. Shibas can be quite vocal, and Kip is no exception, so he should not live in an apartment or other home with shared walls or sound-sensitive human family members. He enjoys playing with his humans and does like toys, but he can be a little rough and nippy when playing, so we are looking for a home with adults only or adults and teens. When our volunteer met Kip, he watched her approach with mild suspicion but was happy to accept tossed treats. Our volunteer did not immediately attempt to pet Kip; instead, she gave him the choice of whether to make contact. In just about one minute he was approaching her and was happy to accept pets and scritches. Kip seems quite social and friendly but, like many Shibas, he is the kind of dog who does need just a minute to be sure an unfamiliar human is not a threat. On one occasion, we’ve been told that he did lunge toward a stranger who reached out to pet him without asking. Therefore, his adopter will need to be ready to advocate for Kip and his need for space. This may diminish with time in a stable home situation and a chance to trust that his humans have his back. Kip seems interested in interacting and playing with other dogs, though his past experience with other dogs is a bit of a mystery and he can be leash reactive. He has high prey drive and will need to be on a leash or in a securely fenced yard because he will want to chase critters. We recommend a home with no cats or small pets. A home with a very dog-friendly dog may work with a proper slow introduction, but Kip would likely also be happy as an only dog. Kip is about 2 years old and weighs around 20 lbs. He will be neutered and brought up to date on vaccinations prior to adoption. He has no known health issues. Kip is housetrained. He does not enjoy being crated but doesn’t need to be as he is not destructive when left alone. An adopter with another dog providing a slow dog-dog intro can use baby gates and/or exercise pens rather than a crate for this boy. Kip’s current owner recently adopted him from another family that did not have time for him. His current owner loves him very much and would love to keep him, but one of her resident dogs has made it very clear that he is not going to accept Kip. So with a heavy heart, Kip’s human is looking for the very best home for him with a Shiba-savvy adopter. We (FFOCAS) are helping her safely rehome Kip. Interested? Please get in touch via email ([ffocas4pets@gmail.com](mailto:ffocas4pets@gmail.com)). We’ll ask you to fill out a rehoming application to keep this process as safe as possible for all involved – especially Kip!
We'll also keep you updated on Cali -- Courtesy Post's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Cali -- Courtesy Post

Cali -- Courtesy Post

Australian Shepherd

Female, 5 yrs
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!
We'll also keep you updated on Chase's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Chase

Chase

American Staffordshire Terrier

Male, 3 yrs 5 mos
New Market, MD
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Did someone say "crabby?" Fooled ya! That's just my face. I'm a sweet, loving, and friendly boy. My foster sister calls me uncoordinated and goofy, but really, I just love the simple things- lounging on the couch, napping in the sun, and enjoying nice, easy walks. I also love playing with a ball or frisbee. I sometimes get too excited and I've been working on not being too jumpy, but I promise I'm learning! I get along well with other dogs and their humans. Other animals? I'm still figuring them out. I've already learned a few tricks too! Sit, down, wait, stay, and come- and my foster family says I have great table manners. My bathroom manners need some work but I'm nearly there. If you're looking for a chill, cuddly companion to share your couch with, I'm your guy!
We'll also keep you updated on Mabel's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Mabel

Mabel

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 3 yrs 5 mos
New Market, MD
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hi! I'm Mabel (sometimes my foster mom calls me Mabelina). I'm 3 years old and an 80 pound gentle soul with a sweet personality. I'm housebroken, crate trained, and know all the basics: sit, stay, come, and crate. At home I go right into my crate without a fuss, though in a brand new place I might whine for a few minutes while I settle in. I'm fantastic on leash and love to stop for the occasional sniff. I'm good with other dogs, not reactive, and if I get curious on a walk, I'm easily redirected. My favorite things? Gathering my toys into one area, chewing on my chew toys, or gnawing my Kong stuffed with peanut butter.... Yummmm! Add napping throughout the day to the list! Oh and most of all, being near my human.  I'm a low to moderate energy type of girl who's just looking for love, loyalty, and a forever spot by your side. If you're looking for  a sweet companion who will make your home feel cozy and loved, I'd be honored to be your girl. -Mabel

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

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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Rescue

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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Rescue

Brave Babes Animal Rescue

New Market, MD 21774

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

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

Toy Breeds In Need Rescue

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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Rescue

Double Dog Dare Rescue

Walkersville, MD 21793

Pet Types: 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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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