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

Yogi

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Male, Puppy
Gardner, MA
Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
Yogi came from Texas. He’s a great loving dog very playful. Loves to give hugs great around children also likes to play with the cats.
We'll also keep you updated on June Cleaver's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of June Cleaver

June Cleaver

American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, 7 yrs 3 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 June Cleaver! This 7-years young bubbly and beautiful bully is a DOLL and came to us from our friends at local animal control after being found as a stray with another dog. Let’s get something out of the way…June has had a loooooot of litters and is subsequently the head of the mom squad. In fact, we’ve never met a mama pup who looked quite like June, and it made us love her even more (TMI – we now know why mommy makeovers are a thing). Junebug is more of a beached body than a beach body and is spending the summer getting her revenge bod back. This low-rider could stand to lose 5 lbs (couldn’t we all?!) but still sparkles like a character from Dynasty.  June would love to be an elegant, refined, fashionable, and ladylike housewife, but…she’s not. But she IS warm, wise, gracious, loving, and gentle…and that is what matters! She came to us with ear and eye infections and a UTI and takes her medications like a champ. And we think Juniper may be part boxer with her endearing wide-set and googly eyes. We’re guessing from her uber, uber sense of crate training, that maybe that is where she has lived for years. As if she doesn’t realize that life exists beyond the bars. But we are thrilled to show her what a real life looks like! One filled with love, affection, respect, treats, and letting her body be hers alone. To see this sweet soul be so used and then discarded is still breaking our hearts. #backyardbreederssuck  Juju is a free spirit and is cordial and respectful when meeting canine and feline friends but quickly loses interest and searches for human interaction. She is an easy dog to care for, is so, so easy to love, and is thirsty for a real family to make all her dreams come true. Because of her size and lack of history, older kids would be best for this stocky gal. June Cleaver’s top 3 priorities: 1. A family who loves to snuggle! June is sweetness personified and loves to be close! 2. A family who will honor and respect this sweet soul to make her forget every second of every day of being used by a greedy backyard breeder.  3. A family who can confidently be a breed ambassador for those who need it the mostDecember 7, 2025, 12:09 am
We'll also keep you updated on Milkshake's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Milkshake

Milkshake

American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier

Male, 1 yr 3 mos
Westminster, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Milkshake! This 1-year old cookies and cream delight came to us from local animal control after coming out of a realllly bad situation. But don’t worry, Milkshake doesn’t hold a grudge – he simply lives in the moment with SOOOO much love to give and reminds us of the resilience of dogs and their ability to thrive despite surviving the horrors of humans. Milkshake has been seen multiple times by a neurologist during his time with us, and they have pinpointed that he suffers from disease affecting the cerebellum. After multiple tests ruling out treatable conditions, the possibility still remains that Milkshake suffers from a condition that would make him a hospice pup…looking for a home to live out whatever time he has left. Right now, it doesn’t stop him from living a totally normal life (and, for the record, his best life ever). He is a goofy gent who is a bit wobbly on his feet and would appreciate carpet for extra traction. We call it extra swagger, and he wears it well! In fact, he may be more of a boozy s’mores milkshake with his slightly unsteady gait but that just adds to his charm. Milkshake is a brand-new soul! He can’t just walk anywhere – he simply must gallop with delight and wonder with his thick thighs, eager to soak up all that life has to offer. He is the snuggliest of love bugs, adores being close, and is the best cuddle buddy, ever. Milkshake is house trained, and crate trained, takes treats with soft lips, and is the BEST calorie-free sweet treat. And freckle lovers rejoice! Milkshake’s chocolate chip freckles are everywhere and so, so adorable. His black eyeliner, velvety coat, and freckled nose are absolute perfection. And those ears! There are no words! Despite his obvious good looks, Milkshake’s biggest gift is love…equally giving and receiving like an extra absorbent sponge. He wears his heart on his sleeve and truly wants everyone and everything to love him back (humans, dogs, and even grumpy cats). Our vanilla bean man is a classic and the perfect blend of savory and sweet…he just might be mixed with crispy, sweet applewood-smoked bacon chopped and mixed for a salty crunch. Quirky, but resoundingly loveable, and then some! Milkshake is sugar, spice, and everything nice, and is ready to pour love into his forever family. Due to his size, and lack of history and body awareness, older or no kids would be best for this big guy. Milkshake’s top 3 priorities: 1. A family who lives in a quiet neighborhood, with a fenced-in yard would be perfect for Milkshake. 2. A family who is looking for an innocent being and will shower him with love and affection, so he never remembers his past. Milkshake with also potentially need ongoing medical care to keep him comfortable, as well as carpet or carpet runners for extra traction while walking inside. 3. A family dedicated to lots of snuggle time and one who allows dogs on the furniture and in bed for extra closeness! Not being close is seriously not an option for this loving gent!
We'll also keep you updated on Meatball's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Meatball

Meatball

American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier

Male, Adult
Westminster, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Meatball! This 3-year old bully is an XL boy with an XXL heart and is the perfect mixture of juicy and tender! He came to us as a local owner surrender by a soldier being deployed internationally, and we were ecstatic to find a wonderful foster home for this sweet meathead, allowing his dad to defend our country without worry. His dad was a loving owner who originally saved Meatball from euthanasia in a high kill shelter and has done everything right (and it shows in Meatball’s fantastic temperament!).  This classic and delicious gentleman is full of great flavor and totally versatile. He is upbeat, needy, snuggly, and friendly. He can be a bit lazy but never says “no” to a play sesh, and his bursts of laziness and playfulness throughout the day are hilarious. He is great in the car, totally housebroken, super food motivated and eager to learn, and can be redirected to do just about anything with a tasty treat (and the drool to prove it!). Meatball loves napping on the couch and sleeping in the middle of the bed as close as possible. He always wants to be near his people (non-cuddlers need not apply), loves a good scritch session, and isn’t afraid to kiss on the first date. He doesn’t exactly realize his size and is content to plop in your lap for a nap.  Vegetarian, Italian, or turkey…this man is the perfect recipe of sweetness and richness.  Meatball is bouncy, a talkative player, a lover of allll treats, and a professional de-fluffer of soft toys. He has a slight cross-eye, which is innocently adorable, and is well behaved with almost impeccable manners. Meatball’s superpower is reading the room. He is a goofy guy who is happy to do literally whatever you are doing…hike, binge watch HGTV, play, take a nap, the sky’s the limit. Anything goes as long as he’s close! Pair this guy with your favorite marinara or Swedish cream sauce and enjoy his scrumptious nature.  Because of his size and lack of history, older or no kids would be best for this gentle giant. Meatball’s Top 4 Priorities: 1. A family that will allow him to sleep in the bed, be on the couch, etc. He needs to be close to his people, and this isn’t negotiable. He doesn’t ALWAYS need to be touching, but he wants to be up on the furniture WITH you. Along these lines, a family that doesn’t mind a bed hog, and is willing to give him all the attention. He LOVES a good back rub! 2. A family that has a fenced-in yard (probably with high fences or something to contain him), so he can roam and sniff freely. OR someone that can handle his weight and size on a leash. He has made significant progress with pulling, but he can pull a lot at night when the wildlife start to roam, and he is a big boy. 3. A family that doesn’t mind a slobbery wet floor or is willing to clean it up. He is a messy drinker, and drools when he eats. But, hey, aren’t we all?! 4. A family that will be patient and allow him to consent to what he does (with treats to entice him), so he feels safe. He has shown nervousness with new situations, like jumping on the couch or bed for the first time or getting into the bath. Picking him up to help get onto the bed or bath made him nervous and avoiding. BUT using food and patience, he got into the bed/bath all on his own and learned that it wasn’t scary at all.October 26, 2025, 5:37 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Mr. Wonderful's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Mr. Wonderful

Mr. Wonderful

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, Senior
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).November 4, 2025, 2:54 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Dallas's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Dallas

Dallas

American Bulldog

Male, Adult
Westminster, MA
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 Dallas! They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and Dallas’ love is no exception! He delivers BIG LOVE alllll the time! He loves to tuck into the tiniest ball to sleep like a baby deer and rolls around on his back making velociraptor sounds of alien joy at every possible opportunity. He has a hilarious curly-Q tail and a next level smile that perfectly frames his adorable underbite! But Dallas hasn’t always been so carefree and this 7-year old affectionate and distinguished gentleman has a story that has broken our hearts a thousand times over. Grab a cup of tea… Dallas started his life in 2018 in a relatively normal fashion…vet care and seemingly normal family living. Fast forward to a few years back when his human mom passed away. Once she was gone, things changed. He was kept by his human dad in a crate or outdoor kennel, and shocked with an e-collar, developing significant trauma and fear. His dad had a stroke at the beginning of the year, and Dallas went to live with a friend of a friend…a couple who took him in to try to find him a home. This couple reached out to us early in the summer and we had scheduled a time to meet Dallas, but he never made it to that meeting. He got loose and Missing Dogs Massachusetts was involved in quickly getting him home safely. Then, he was put in the impossible situation of getting loose…again, only 10 days later. This time, he ran far and wide for 42 days, from Waltham to Watertown to Cambridge. We committed to taking him, sight unseen, while he was still on the run, because we knew he was worth it. And after holding our breath for weeks, we were thrilled to get the call that he was safe! It was an honor to finally meet this sweet, sweet man, and we are in LOVE with his gentle nature. Dallas is as loveable as they come! He lost over 33 pounds while missing and is still on a medically supervised refeeding schedule to help him safely gain back weight. He has steadily gained and is looking terrific! He required an echocardiogram based on his initial veterinary consultation and bloodwork, which showed mild to moderate heart disease. The cardiologist hopes it is due to the grain free nutrition he was fed earlier in life, as noted on his previous vet records (public service announcement…DON’T feed grain-free foods to dogs unless instructed by a vet). If this is the case, with meds, his condition should stabilize or even get better over time. He has started heart meds and supplements and has no outward signs of distress. With repeat bloodwork, we determined all of his values have stabilized and are normal! He recently had surgery to remove 3 mast cell tumors and two tumors of an unknown origin, and we are thrilled that the mast cell tumors were low grade with clear margins and were excised completely and the unknown tumors were benign! Woo hoo! This cleared him for adoption and starting his life, and he deserves it! We always root for the underdog, and this special boy deserves everything life can offer him after his terrifying ordeal. He has been repeatedly failed by humans and needs a safe and loving place to land. Dallas is learning to trust and is gaining confidence every single day with the help of his canine (and feline) foster siblings. We have kept his world small to make him feel as safe as possible, and his tail is now wagging freely on a daily basis, especially in the company of other 4-legged friends. In a quiet home, Dallas is a good-natured and affectionate dog…a regular dog. But when venturing outside of what is consistent and predictable, the fear can be quite debilitating to him. Any adopter should know that it will take multiple meets to gain his trust but believe us…it is worth it!!!! Big D is house trained, crate trained, and a super easy man to care for. Due to his size, and lack of history, older or no kids would be best for this deserving soul. Dallas’ top 3 priorities: 1. A patient family who will go SLOW! Dallas was on the run in the greater Boston area for 42 days and trapped by Missing Dogs Massachusetts before entering our rescue. He needs time to take in new situations and will thrive with a small and consistent world. 2. A family who will love and cherish this sweet soul after all that he has been through to make him feel safe. A spot on the bed is a must! And a calm canine sibling would sweeten the pot.  3. A family dedicated to Dallas’ ongoing vet appointments as he catches up from years of neglect.October 28, 2025, 8:26 am

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:

Shelter

Gardner Animal Control Facility

Plant Road, Gardner, MA 01440

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Red Barn Farm

Westminster, MA 01473

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Crops and Flops Rescue

Westminster, MA 01473

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Ashburnham Animal Control

32 Main Street, Ashburnham, MA 01430

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

North Star German Shepherd Dog Rescue Inc.

PO Box 291, Winchendon, MA 01475

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

New Life Boxer Rescue - MA

Fitchburg, MA 01420

Pet Types: 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

Shelter

Athol Animal Control

584 Main St., Athol, MA 01331

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

American Maltese Assoc. Rescue--Massachusetts

818 Carpenter Rd, Athol, MA 01331

Pet Types: dogs

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