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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 Happy Howie

Happy Howie

Labrador Retriever Husky

Male, Puppy
Gardner, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Happy Howie!This little guy is super cute! He has 1 blue eye! He weighs in at about 20 pounds! He SHOULDN'T be over 30-40 lbs when grown, don't come at me if he exceeds this though!He's about 6 months old, up to date on vaccines, on preventatives, microchipped and neutered!Put your application in for Happy Howie here:https://form.jotform.com/232936870456163Happy Howie is available for adoption through:Loveless Dog and Horse Rescue MA license #0391Are 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 Gypsy

Gypsy

Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 6 mos
Gardner, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Through absolutely NO fault of her own, Gypsy has been returned to rescue after being adopted for less than 3 hours. The vet made a mistake on her paperwork and accidentally put her down as a Great Pyrenees. She's CLEARLY not but her new "family" decided to think she is one. If you know anything about the breed, you can tell by looking at her that she's NOT one! I've posted a picture of her with an actual Great Pyrenees for reference!Anyhow, here she is looking for her family. We dont know what breeds she actually is. She could be hound, could be lab, could be pittie, could be border collie and maybe none of those breeds! What we do know is she's PHENOMENAL with kids! Have a couple of them? Even better! She plays with cats!She plays with dogs!She loves everyone!She's about 6 months old, up to date on vaccines, on preventatives, microchipped and spayed!Put your application in for Gypsy here:https://form.jotform.com/232936870456163Gypsy is available for adoption through:Loveless Dog and Horse Rescue MA license #0391Are 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 Brenda from Accounting

Brenda from Accounting

American Bulldog

Female, 7 yrs
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. June 11, 2026, 7:38 am
Photo of BamBam

BamBam

American Bulldog

Male, 10 yrs
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. June 11, 2026, 7:38 am
Photo of Mr. Wonderful

Mr. Wonderful

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 11 yrs 3 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).June 11, 2026, 7:38 am
Photo of Penny

Penny

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 13 yrs
Westminster, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Penny! This 13-years young sweet-as-honey senior pitizen came to us after her owner passed away and has clearly been through a LOT! When we met her, she hadn’t been vetted in years and had a massive skin infection that made her hind end completely bald, and untreated chronic dry eye that had left her eyes mucus filled and crusty. Our vet quickly got her started with senior bloodwork (thanks to a generous grant from Grey Muzzle Association), treatment for her skin and eyes, and a huge dose of love. We are thrilled to report she has gained 8 much-needed pounds, her skin and eye treatments were successful, and she is looking and feeling like a brand-new woman!  Penny was demure and shy upon first meeting but quickly came around to showing a quirky personality. She has more pep in her step than we thought possible at her golden age and is animated and affectionate with people and dogs. Penny loves to be near the resident pups in her foster home and would thrive with a compatible doggie sibling (cats unknown). She loves to snuggle up in bed under the covers and easily sleeps through the night.  Penny is a shiny and spunky girl, a really lovely pup, who will make someone very, very happy. Seniors are usually wonderfully easy, and our vintage gal is no exception. She just needs a soft place to land for her golden years. Penny will require prescription eye drops on an ongoing basis, and she takes them once a day like a champ. We can’t wait for her to find her very own happy ending, filled with care and love! Because of a lack of history with kids, and the aches and pains of being a mature pup, older or no kids would be best. Penny’s top 3 priorities: 1. A family who will let Penny feel safe and live out all of her days being cherished. 2. A family who loves to snuggle and will let this sweet girl on the furniture…sleeping in bed under the covers with her humans is a top priority! 3. A family who will continue with Penny’s medical care to make sure she stays comfortable and healthy.March 8, 2026, 12:27 pm

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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:

Shelter

Gardner Animal Control Facility

Plant Road, Gardner, MA 01440

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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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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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 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