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    Massachusetts

Puppies and dogs in Massachusetts

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

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Adopt a dog in Massachusetts

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Massachusetts. 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 Sunflower 8 months Ava 2/25's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Sunflower 8 months Ava 2/25

Sunflower 8 months Ava 2/25

Golden Retriever

Female, Young
Sterling, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
-
Story
Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 Adoption Costs and other important information. Adoption fees and what is included in your adoption fee: https://www.sterlingshelter.org/pet-finder/animal-rescue-fee/   &#226&#128&#139 Current Hours and VIP Donor (Effective 07/30/2024) Tuesday through Friday are open hours 11am to 5pm. Saturday open hours 10am to 4pm. We are closed on Sunday and Monday. All surrenders are still by prior approval and appointment only. Even if you are only coming in to look during our open hours, you can still fill out our application prior to visiting. This will save time if you do decide to adopt. Preference on adopting a pet is given to our Shelter Supporters and VIP Donors   .  When animals arrive at the shelter, VIP donors will be emailed and given the first option to set up an appointment to view an animal of their choice. Click on the link above for full details. Due to limited staff, we may not be able to answer the phones. All information is available on this website, or can be answered by email to  staff@sterlingshelter.org  . Please be patient, we are doing the best we can to handle the volume. If you don't See any pets on our PETS for ADOPTION PAGE - it simply means that all of the animals were adopted.  We have several areas in/around the shelter to view and interact with the pet/s that you are potentially going to adopt. This includes outdoor, fully fenced yards. We encourage you to bring currently owned dogs so you can introduce them to any dogs that you are interested in adopting. Planning YOUR Visit to Adopt: please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time,  please make sure you have any/all necessary paperwork required for adoption  and help us stick to our schedule/s - so others do NOT have to wait. You should plan  * For cats/kittens plan for 30 to 45 minutes. * For dogs/puppies plan for 45 to 60 minutes.   If you have another dog/s at home - make sure to   bring him/her - we have plenty of space/areas to do a meet and greet with a new dog and your dog/s. If you need to cancel your appointment - please email us ASAP at  staff@sterlingshelter.org Adoption Costs and other important information. Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 February 21, 2026, 11:35 am

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We'll also keep you updated on Brownie 7 months Ava 2/25's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Brownie 7 months Ava 2/25

Brownie 7 months Ava 2/25

Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Male, Young
Sterling, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
-
Story
Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 Adoption Costs and other important information. Adoption fees and what is included in your adoption fee: https://www.sterlingshelter.org/pet-finder/animal-rescue-fee/   &#226&#128&#139 Current Hours and VIP Donor (Effective 07/30/2024) Tuesday through Friday are open hours 11am to 5pm. Saturday open hours 10am to 4pm. We are closed on Sunday and Monday. All surrenders are still by prior approval and appointment only. Even if you are only coming in to look during our open hours, you can still fill out our application prior to visiting. This will save time if you do decide to adopt. Preference on adopting a pet is given to our Shelter Supporters and VIP Donors   .  When animals arrive at the shelter, VIP donors will be emailed and given the first option to set up an appointment to view an animal of their choice. Click on the link above for full details. Due to limited staff, we may not be able to answer the phones. All information is available on this website, or can be answered by email to  staff@sterlingshelter.org  . Please be patient, we are doing the best we can to handle the volume. If you don't See any pets on our PETS for ADOPTION PAGE - it simply means that all of the animals were adopted.  We have several areas in/around the shelter to view and interact with the pet/s that you are potentially going to adopt. This includes outdoor, fully fenced yards. We encourage you to bring currently owned dogs so you can introduce them to any dogs that you are interested in adopting. Planning YOUR Visit to Adopt: please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time,  please make sure you have any/all necessary paperwork required for adoption  and help us stick to our schedule/s - so others do NOT have to wait. You should plan  * For cats/kittens plan for 30 to 45 minutes. * For dogs/puppies plan for 45 to 60 minutes.   If you have another dog/s at home - make sure to   bring him/her - we have plenty of space/areas to do a meet and greet with a new dog and your dog/s. If you need to cancel your appointment - please email us ASAP at  staff@sterlingshelter.org Adoption Costs and other important information. Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 February 21, 2026, 11:35 am

Learn More

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We'll also keep you updated on Lyrah 9 months Ava 2/25's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Lyrah 9 months Ava 2/25

Lyrah 9 months Ava 2/25

Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Female, Young
Sterling, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
-
Story
Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 Adoption Costs and other important information. Adoption fees and what is included in your adoption fee: https://www.sterlingshelter.org/pet-finder/animal-rescue-fee/   &#226&#128&#139 Current Hours and VIP Donor (Effective 07/30/2024) Tuesday through Friday are open hours 11am to 5pm. Saturday open hours 10am to 4pm. We are closed on Sunday and Monday. All surrenders are still by prior approval and appointment only. Even if you are only coming in to look during our open hours, you can still fill out our application prior to visiting. This will save time if you do decide to adopt. Preference on adopting a pet is given to our Shelter Supporters and VIP Donors   .  When animals arrive at the shelter, VIP donors will be emailed and given the first option to set up an appointment to view an animal of their choice. Click on the link above for full details. Due to limited staff, we may not be able to answer the phones. All information is available on this website, or can be answered by email to  staff@sterlingshelter.org  . Please be patient, we are doing the best we can to handle the volume. If you don't See any pets on our PETS for ADOPTION PAGE - it simply means that all of the animals were adopted.  We have several areas in/around the shelter to view and interact with the pet/s that you are potentially going to adopt. This includes outdoor, fully fenced yards. We encourage you to bring currently owned dogs so you can introduce them to any dogs that you are interested in adopting. Planning YOUR Visit to Adopt: please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time,  please make sure you have any/all necessary paperwork required for adoption  and help us stick to our schedule/s - so others do NOT have to wait. You should plan  * For cats/kittens plan for 30 to 45 minutes. * For dogs/puppies plan for 45 to 60 minutes.   If you have another dog/s at home - make sure to   bring him/her - we have plenty of space/areas to do a meet and greet with a new dog and your dog/s. If you need to cancel your appointment - please email us ASAP at  staff@sterlingshelter.org Adoption Costs and other important information. Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 February 21, 2026, 11:35 am

Learn More

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We'll also keep you updated on CADY's adoption status with email updates.
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No photo available for CADY

CADY

Belgian Malinois

Female, 6 yrs
Methuen, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
-

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We'll also keep you updated on BAILEY's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of BAILEY

BAILEY

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 3 yrs 7 mos
Centerville, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Bailey!This handsome, sensitive guy has been through a few big transitions and is looking for a patient, dog-savvy home ready to help him settle in at his own pace. While he did well in his familiar bubble — including daily playtime with a neighbor’s dog — Bailey has shown us that new people and new places can feel overwhelming at first. He’s a slow burn who needs time, structure, and understanding as he adjusts.Bailey is a total foodie, which makes him a fun and eager training partner! He already knows cues like sit, paw, and down, and he loves a good game of catch. Once he’s comfortable, his playful and engaging personality really shines.Bailey’s first few weeks at home should be calm and predictable, with a small social circle and plenty of space to decompress. He’s looking for adopters who can read his body language, respect his need for space, and use positive reinforcement to help him build confidence. He would do best as an only dog while he settles in, though a dog-savvy cat may be possible with slow introductions.If you have patience, a sense of humor, and enjoy training and enrichment, Bailey could be an incredibly rewarding companion. Come chat with our team to see if he might be the right fit for you!

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We'll also keep you updated on ELLA's adoption status with email updates.
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No photo available for ELLA

ELLA

American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, 1 yr
Salem, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
-

Learn More

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Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Massachusetts.

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Puppies and dogs in Massachusetts cities

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Shelters & rescues in Massachusetts

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Westie Rescue Of New England

2 Brigham street, East Boston, MA 02128

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Save-A-Heartbeat Kitty Rescue

Revere, MA 02151

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Shelter

Animal Umbrella Inc.

320B Charger St., Revere, MA 02151

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Last Hope K9 Rescue

71 Commercial St, #184, Boston, MA 02113

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

New England English Springer Spaniel Rescue, Inc.

ME, VT, NH, CT, RI, NY, MA 02201

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Safe Harbor for Animals

2 Bradley Street, Somerville, MA 02145

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Happy Tails Pet Rescue

Bradley Street, Somerville, MA 02145

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The Massachusetts Progressive Animal Watchdog Society, Inc.

P.O. Box 520136, Winthrop, MA 02152

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

A PLACE FOR ACE

Boston, MA 02116

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Animal Rescue League of Boston

10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116

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

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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 Massachusetts

Popular dog breeds

Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier Chihuahua German Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier Boxer Beagle Dachshund Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Maltese Husky Jack Russell Terrier Poodle (Miniature) American Bulldog Border Collie Pomeranian St. Bernard Goldendoodle
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
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