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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.
Photo of Mama Fitz

Mama Fitz

Labrador Retriever

Female, 4 yrs
Gardner, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Through absolutely NO FAULT of her own, this super sweet girl is, once again, searching for her family. This gentle girl is 3-4 years old and weighs in around 60 lbs. She is great with other dogs! She's great with cats! She ADORES kids! She'll be ready for her home on Monday, 10/5! She is housebroken. Mama Fitz is non destructive but will chew up a dog bed and any soft toys. This phenomenal girl is up to date on vaccines, on preventatives and spayed! Put your application in for Mama Fitz here: https://form.jotform.com/232936870456163 To apply to foster one of our adorable pups, please go here: https://form.jotform.com/242568085163158 Mama Fitz is available for adoption through: Loveless Dog and Horse Rescue MA license #0391 Are you just not ready to open your home but still want to help? See our Amazon wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1R7GFNAJXFCF7?ref_=wl_share
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 4, 2026, 6:26 pm
Photo of Mr. Wonderful

Mr. Wonderful

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 11 yrs 5 mos
Westminster, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Make your pitch! Meet Mr. Wonderful! This 11-years young lowridin’ bully came to us from a local family who could no longer care for him after his owner died. Heartbreakingly, Mr. Wonderful’s owner passed away 8 years ago in a jet-ski accident while on vacation and this sweet man has been passed around since then. It is beyond time he found a boardroom all his own and a family to love him forever-and-ever!  Mr. Wonderful, like his namesake, is one-of-kind, exciting, unique, and unforgettable. He has personality to spare but is really just a super easy dog who loves to be close and nap in the softest spot in the house.  He is a shrewd investor (of love!), a multi-millionaire (of snores!), and a terrific fund manager (of snacks!). He is a mature and no-nonsense man who knows what he wants (love, naps and food) and isn’t afraid to ask for it. In fact, he is a connoisseur of fine foods and always appreciates a great meal. Mr. Wonderful has uncanny charisma, and like any entrepreneur, is just looking for the American dream…a comfortable and safe home to call his own, and a family to love him for all his days. While this sweet bully previously lived with a dog, and was reported to be dog-friendly, we think he would be happiest as the center of attention, due to the fact he is completely deaf and has limited vision, likely from a previous injury to one of his eyes. Other dogs coming up to him quickly had made him nervous in his foster home and we can’t blame him.  The bottom line? Mr. Wonderful is being fully vetted, including a dental, to set him up for success in his new home. Thank you to The Grey Muzzle Organization for funding his initial bloodwork, clearing him for neuter and dental surgery. It has definitely helped to increase his net worth! We love this spectacular senior and know you will, too! Due to his age, lack of history, and limitations, older or no kids would be best for this mature gentleman. Let’s find him a Shark Tank all his own! Mr. Wonderful’s top 3 priorities: 1. A couch! Seriously…this sweet soul needs a couch or human bed to snuggle up in to snooze the day and night away! 2. A low-key family who wants an easy companion. 3. An only dog home would be ideal because of Mr. Wonderful’s limitations (fully deaf and vision impaired).October 4, 2026, 6:26 pm
Photo of Foxy Brown

Foxy Brown

American Pit Bull Terrier Plott Hound

Female, 3 yrs 5 mos
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 Foxy Brown! This 3-year old long and lanky beauty is the sweetest bite of brown sugar and spice and 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 Foxy is no exception. And while she was a perfect guest at animal control, she was starting to get antsy and was definitely ready to leave kennel life behind.  What we have discovered…Foxy has been all about family and can’t wait to find her very own tribe (dogs…welcome! Cats…no thanks!). With her 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 is a whole lot of woman (in the best way possible!)! She has an elegantly long neck, pure cinematic swagger, and a soft brindle coat that has undertones of caramel, toffee, and milk chocolate wrapped into one swirl of foxy goodness. And those amber eyes! A window to her wise, old soul that is on display for all to see. She is a really affectionate dog who loves to be close and has an obvious vintage glamour that is irresistible.  Foxy has been enjoying the safety and predictability of her foster home, and above all else, she loves to be part of the action. Is anyone really a stranger? Foxy greets new people with friendly wags and a feminine fearlessness. She is eager to settle into her forever home and will make a welcome addition to a lucky adopter! Because of a lack of history, older or no kids would be best for this femme fatale.  Foxy Brown’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.  3. A family ready to show Foxy that she will never be alone again!October 4, 2026, 6:26 pm
Photo of Charlotte York

Charlotte York

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 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
Meet Charlotte York! This 11-years young wide-eyed, timeless beauty came to us when her owner could no longer care for her and is the ultimate curator of love. Like her namesake, Charlotte is a hopeless romantic. She unabashedly believes in soulmates and fairy-tale endings despite how humans have failed her. At 38 lbs, Char is an itty-bitty pocket pittie and is sweetly pretty. But just like an E True Hollywood Story on Elizabeth Taylor, it’s the grit under the aesthetics that really counts. This sweet gal is preppy and peppy at the same time and would be a star in any city.  Though 11 in chronological years, Char acts like a much younger dog but with all the advantages of an older pup…she is a sensible and conservative rule-follower with impeccable etiquette. Nondestructive, housetrained, crate trained, and happy to snuggle up on a rainy day. Charlotte loves people and finding an emotional connection is kind of her thing. All righty!  Charlotte is a really easy dog. She lives with multiple dogs and completely ignores the cats in her foster home, is a total foodie, and is perfection on leash. We know Charlotte has had multiple homes over the years, through no fault of her own. Essentially, she has been dating since she was young and is now exhausted! Where is her family? Though living with multiple dogs, we suspect Char would be content being the shining star as a singleton since she could soak up every ounce of attention. Based on her prior neglect, we realized Charlotte hadn’t had the privileged lifestyle she deserved. And just like that, this sweet girl got caught up on vetting and is ready for her next chapter! She has a mast cell tumor on her paw and is not a surgical candidate at this time. After an oncology consult, we have shrunk the tumor’s size and kept it in check with prednisone, and she will stay on a lower dose forever. Because of the tumor’s location, a leg amputation could be used as a last resort if management was unsuccessful in the future, but this is not a route the doctors want to take at this point in time. Char is in search of her "knight in shining armor" and has soooo much love to give. Because of a lack of history, older or no kids would be best for this traditional beauty. Charlotte York’s top 3 priorities: 1. A family who is committed to loving her forever and ever. After multiple homes, her next stop should be her last stop…we keep telling her it will be worth the wait! 2. A family who will make sure she stays on top of vetting for her mast cell tumor.  3. A family of who loves to be close, and who wants a nightly snuggle buddy. Charlotte’s favorite spot is being the little spoon and settling in under the covers. She can’t get close enough and deserves to have a family who wants the same!October 4, 2026, 6:26 pm
Photo of BamBam

BamBam

English Bulldog

Male, 10 yrs 1 mo
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. 

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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

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Rescue

Red Barn Farm

Westminster, MA 01473

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Crops and Flops Rescue

Westminster, MA 01473

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Ashburnham Animal Control

32 Main Street, Ashburnham, MA 01430

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

North Star German Shepherd Dog Rescue Inc.

PO Box 291, Winchendon, MA 01475

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Fitchburg Animal Shelter

939 High Rock Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420

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

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Rescue

New Life Boxer Rescue - MA

Fitchburg, MA 01420

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

American Maltese Assoc. Rescue--Massachusetts

818 Carpenter Rd, Athol, MA 01331

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

North Quabbin Regional Animal Control

450 Thrower Rd., Athol, MA 01331

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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

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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