Adopt

Puppies and dogs in Gardner, Massachusetts

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Gardner, Massachusetts

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Gardner, Massachusetts. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
new badge
Photo of PJ

PJ

Mutt Husky

Male, Adult
Templeton, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
My stepdad died in June and we're looking for a new home for his dog PJ now that my mom's finally been accepted into senior housing. He's the sweetest boy and very smart. He's a jumper and a chewer and loves to play fetch. He does fine with cats. He's kind of rude with other dogs but not aggressive. He doesnt quite know his size so I'd recommend no small kids. Finding him a home is the last piece of the puzzle before my family can truly start to move on after my stepdad's passing. Thank you for your interest.
Photo of PJ

PJ

Border Collie Husky

Male, Adult
Templeton, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
PJ is a good boy. His dog dad died four months ago and he's in need of a loving home. He knows basic obedience commands, like sit, down, paw, loves, and out. He is food driven! For the right treat he'd do just about anything! While he's grown up around cats he has learned not to mess with them! He's playful and loves to chase tennis balls.
Photo of BamBam

BamBam

American Bulldog

Male, Senior
Westminster, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Yabba Dabba Doo…Meet Bam Bam! This 10-years young itty-bitty (yet beefy!) bulldog came to us from local animal control after being picked up as a stray and he could seriously be a prehistoric couch potato! We are in love! His #1 priority? He needs his next stop to be his last stop after being failed by humans time and time (and time and time and time and time) again. This amazing dog has had over 6 homes in the last 2 years through no fault of his own. We’ll repeat that…through no fault of his own. Yikes! A huge thank you to animal control for all the sleuthing with his microchip to find out as much as possible about this little bean. We are shaking our heads about the lack of responsibility and empathy in our society, but…onwards and upwards for this brave and resilient lovebug! We promised him…the best is yet to come and there is absolutely NO reason so many irresponsible humans should have given him away. He is spectacular! The name Bam Bam is ironic for such a little and docile guy. He is a petite bulldog at 40 lbs in a compact body.  He takes the stairs one at a time (and allows for the executive service of being carried if he doesn’t feel like climbing). He is SOOOOO squishy with soft and floppy neck skin and a nub for a tail! And we love his tan freckles! He allows everything…baths, nail trims, ear cleanings, teeth brushings, cleaning his folds. He may have selective hearing due to his breed, but when he hears the treat jar open, he instantly drops into a “sit” with a pathetic look of expectation. This makes us think he had a loving owner most of his life and was part of a family as a valuable and loved member and that makes us happy. He loves a schedule, his naps, couch snuggles, and (obviously) treats! He is quiet and easy-going but is a total character! He tap dances for food and hot rods in the dirt every time he pees. And now he just needs a forever home and a Bedrock all his own. Have a resident Dino or Baby Puss at home? Bam Bam has been great with all creatures and is living with multiple cats and dogs in his foster home. Bam Bam is just looking for a Barney and Betty all his own. Someone to love him forever and ever after all he has been through. Due to his age and lack of history, older or no kids would be best for this amazing little Rubble. Adopters will need to understand the breed and what owning a bulldog entails. The extreme features that make Bam Bam ridiculously handsome require some extra attention. Adorable wrinkles require some additional cleaning and care. That squishy and ginormous face can mean breathing difficulty with exercise or quickly overheating in the sun. And his stocky frame means he could sink like a bowling ball in water.  Bam Bam’s top 3 priorities: 1. A family will never give up on him! Seriously, 6+ homes in the last 2 years through no fault of his own is madness and he desperately needs his next stop to be his last stop! 2. A loving family who will give this sweet senior a soft place to land.  3. A family who is aware of the potential medical costs associated with bulldogs of any type and is willing to care for Bam Bam for all of his days. October 25, 2026, 12:05 pm
Photo of Miss Foxy

Miss Foxy

Hound (Unknown Type) American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Adult
Westminster, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Miss Foxy! This 3-year old toffee-colored brindle beauty came to us from local animal control after being found as a stray, having recently had puppies. We are scratching our heads as to how this unapologetically awesome mama pup was wandering alone because she is freaking amazing! Mamas are known to be nurturers, and Miss Foxy is no exception. And while she was a perfect guest at animal control, she was starting to get antsy and was ready to leave kennel life behind.  Fast forward to now…we busted her out of the clink on Valentine’s Day, so she has been in our rescue at her foster home for months without a single inquiry and we can’t figure out why. She is uber dog-friendly (though says “no thanks” to cats), playful and communicative, incredibly loyal and loving, and gorgeous! Miss Foxy’s foster mom boards dogs in her home, so she has been exposed to dozens of canine friends, big and small in her time with us. She has been terrific with her frequently changing houseguests after a proper introduction, even sharing her toys and bones without incident. So, we can say with confidence…her dog friendliness is super solid! Foxy Brown is such a character, that even without another dog, can entertain herself for hours. She will throw her toys up in the air, then pounce on them. She loves to steal your seat if you get up to go to the bathroom. She lets you know when it is mealtime, or when she needs to go out, and has never had a single accident in the house. And she is THE BEST CO-PILOT we have ever met…patiently sitting and watching the world go by without even a peep. Seriously, you will constantly be checking to make sure she is still in the car.   Sweet Foxy was recently out on a walk, and her human had a medical event and collapsed. She woke up to Foxy standing over her with concern, even though there were bunnies and squirrels that were oh-so-interesting to her just moments before. She curls up like a cat by your head in bed and is a super affectionate dog who loves to be close. And Foxy is a foxy lady! She is absolutely stunning and pictures don’t do her justice! She has the softest amber eyes, and a velvety brindle coat that has undertones of caramel, toffee, and milk chocolate wrapped into one swirl of foxy goodness. With her lanky build, gangly legs, and unreal sense of smell, we assume this beauty is part hound. Plott hound? Treeing Tennesse Brindle? Your guess is as good as ours! Foxy has been enjoying the safety and predictability of her foster home, and above all else, she loves to be part of the action. She loves, loves, loves raspberries and now is a constant pool of drool every time her human picks them. Though she will gladly accept blueberries, celery, or carrots, or, well, just about anything edible. She is quirky and goofy and fun-loving, and is eager to settle into her forever home, where she will make a welcome addition to a lucky adopter! Because of a lack of history, older or no kids would be best for this lovey dovey.  Miss Foxy’s top 3 priorities: 1. A family who wants a wonderful companion dog and is looking to add a valuable member of the family. 2. A family who is ready to show love and wants a pup to be part of their daily life, including car rides, walks, and sooo many snuggles.  3. A family ready to show Foxy that she will never be alone again!October 25, 2026, 12:05 pm
Photo of BamBam

BamBam

English Bulldog

Male, 10 yrs 2 mos
Westminster, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Yabba Dabba Doo…Meet Bam Bam! This 10-years young itty-bitty (yet beefy!) bulldog came to us from local animal control after being picked up as a stray and he could seriously be a prehistoric couch potato! We are in love! His #1 priority? He needs his next stop to be his last stop after being failed by humans time and time (and time and time and time and time) again. This amazing dog has had over 6 homes in the last 2 years through no fault of his own. We’ll repeat that…through no fault of his own. Yikes! A huge thank you to animal control for all the sleuthing with his microchip to find out as much as possible about this little bean. We are shaking our heads about the lack of responsibility and empathy in our society, but…onwards and upwards for this brave and resilient lovebug! We promised him…the best is yet to come and there is absolutely NO reason so many irresponsible humans should have given him away. He is spectacular! The name Bam Bam is ironic for such a little and docile guy. He is a petite bulldog at 40 lbs in a compact body.  He takes the stairs one at a time (and allows for the executive service of being carried if he doesn’t feel like climbing). He is SOOOOO squishy with soft and floppy neck skin and a nub for a tail! And we love his tan freckles! He allows everything…baths, nail trims, ear cleanings, teeth brushings, cleaning his folds. He may have selective hearing due to his breed, but when he hears the treat jar open, he instantly drops into a “sit” with a pathetic look of expectation. This makes us think he had a loving owner most of his life and was part of a family as a valuable and loved member and that makes us happy. He loves a schedule, his naps, couch snuggles, and (obviously) treats! He is quiet and easy-going but is a total character! He tap dances for food and hot rods in the dirt every time he pees. And now he just needs a forever home and a Bedrock all his own. Have a resident Dino or Baby Puss at home? Bam Bam has been great with all creatures and is living with multiple cats and dogs in his foster home. Bam Bam is just looking for a Barney and Betty all his own. Someone to love him forever and ever after all he has been through. Due to his age and lack of history, older or no kids would be best for this amazing little Rubble. Adopters will need to understand the breed and what owning a bulldog entails. The extreme features that make Bam Bam ridiculously handsome require some extra attention. Adorable wrinkles require some additional cleaning and care. That squishy and ginormous face can mean breathing difficulty with exercise or quickly overheating in the sun. And his stocky frame means he could sink like a bowling ball in water.  Bam Bam’s top 3 priorities: 1. A family will never give up on him! Seriously, 6+ homes in the last 2 years through no fault of his own is madness and he desperately needs his next stop to be his last stop! 2. A loving family who will give this sweet senior a soft place to land.  3. A family who is aware of the potential medical costs associated with bulldogs of any type and is willing to care for BamBam for all of his days. 
Photo of Brenda

Brenda

Bulldog

Female, 7 yrs 2 mos
Westminster, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Brenda from Accounting! This 7-years young beautiful, bean-counting bulldog mix came to us from a good Samaritan who took her in after her owner could no longer care for her and she’s kind of a one-sided balance sheet - alllll assets and no liabilities. Like an account receivable, she is totally outstanding (and then some!). Upon first meet, Brenda is a stereotypical, by-the-book mature pup. Well mannered, low key, friendly, non-destructive, housebroken, and easy-going. But strip back that outer layer and you will see some amazing bully personality shine through! Like “Brenda has a secret life on the weekends” kind of amazing. In fact, she can read right through your BS (balance sheet).  Activity level? Hit and miss. Brenda keeps up with the pack if she is walking with her 3 foster siblings. But on her own she is as slow (and sweet!) as molasses. She doesn’t mind working late nights but will always take a lunch break. She loves any and all treats and is always calculating where her next morsel will come from.  That stocky body? A perfect figure! And those stand up ears with their own zip code? They are intaxicating! Brenda is great in the car and happily watches out the window with wide-eyed wonder. Count her in for most adventures! She loves stuffed toys, gives the best gentle love nibbles, and will nonchalantly manhandle your arm to make sure it is enveloping her in a cocoon of snuggle perfection. She loves being with people and part of the action and will follow you anywhere – even the photocopier. Her BFF is a cat, and she excels at napping with him close by. She is just a really well adjusted and terrific dog and is always excited to meet friends – old and new. You think she’s cool now? Wait until you see her spreadsheets! Because of her size and lack of history, older or no kids will be best for this adorable bully-like bookkeeper. Brenda from Accounting’s top 3 priorities: 1. A family who is home and ready to snuggle! Brenda loves to be close, and with her accounting skills, would make an excellent work-from-home companion! 2. A family with a resident animal (or two!). She lives with 3 dogs and 4 cats and loves being in the mix. 3. A family ready to show her that it’s not accrual world after all and one who will commit to her for all of her days. 

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Gardner, Massachusetts

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Loveless Dog and Horse Rescue

Gardner, MA 01440

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Crops and Flops Rescue

Westminster, MA 01473

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Red Barn Farm

Westminster, MA 01473

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Ashburnham Animal Control

32 Main Street, Ashburnham, MA 01430

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Fitchburg Animal Shelter

939 High Rock Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420

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

More an arrow icon

Rescue

New Life Boxer Rescue - MA

Fitchburg, MA 01420

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

American Maltese Assoc. Rescue--Massachusetts

818 Carpenter Rd, Athol, MA 01331

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

North Quabbin Regional Animal Control

450 Thrower Rd., Athol, MA 01331

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Animal Shelter Inc of Sterling

17 Laurelwood Rd, Sterling, MA 01564

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

More an arrow icon

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!

Image of dog

Looking for a specific breed?

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

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