Adopt

Puppies and dogs in Melrose, Massachusetts

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Melrose, Massachusetts

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Melrose, 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 Hachi

Hachi

Boxer

Male, Adult
Malden, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hachi is a sweet, intelligent, and energetic pup who loves to play just as much as he loves to relax. He’ll be turning 4 in November and is looking for an active, loving home where he can continue to thrive. Hachi is a very affectionate dog who loves scratches, cuddles, and attention of all kinds. He gets along well with people and especially enjoys spending time with his family. Hachi is always ready for a game! He loves tug-of-war and playing fetch, so he would do best with an active family who can keep up with his playful side and give him plenty of exercise and enrichment. Hachi is also happy to relax at home. He loves having his own space and enjoys sleeping in his kennel or lounging in his favorite spot by a window. He respects furniture and house rules, is potty trained, and learns new rules quickly. He is also a smart dog who knows many basic commands but an experienced dog owner would be a great fit if there are other animals present since he is used to a single pet household!
Photo of Ethel

Ethel

Australian Cattle Dog

Female, Young
Stoneham, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Ethel is full of energy and would thrive with a spacious area to run We adopted her at 18 months from a foster home in Maine We have had her 2 years She is very devoted to her “person” and may need some training to follow your commands She is very playful, loves toys and to play catch. She is food motivated She likes to ride in the car if the windows can open
Photo of Cooper

Cooper

Mountain Cur Retriever (Unknown Type)

Male, 10 mos
Saugus, 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
The many happy faces of Cooper Cooper is 66 pounds of young, happy, lovable boy wrapped up in one very handsome package.  He’s only @ 10 months old, so he’s still got that puppy personality and he is eagerly waiting to learn all about new things and he is also very eager to please his people!  He is incredibly smart, loving and ready to be somebody’s best buddy. He’s the kind of dog who would love a family that wants a sidekick for walks, adventures, playtime and whatever else the day brings. And Cooper isn’t just a pretty face. This smart boy already knows all his basics AND is housebroken! He’s been putting in the work and now he’s just missing the most important piece… his family. If your house could use a little more laughter, a lot more love and approximately 66 pounds of goofy best-friend energy, Cooper would like to submit his application. 10 months old //@ 66 + lbs (he’s still growing!) Housebroken & good on leash!  Knows his basics Smart + loving Active, young & FUN Loves kids  Looking for his forever family Cooper is ready. Who’s been waiting for him? Apply to adopt on our website @ galsbestpal.com *Please note: We're an all-volunteer organization, and incomplete applications cannot be processed.* If you're interested in adopting a GBP rescue PAL, please submit an application through the link below. A member of our team will reach out within 48 hours to begin the approval process. www.galsbestpal.com/adoption Not sure which dog is the best fit? No worries! We're matchmaking experts and can help you find the perfect PAL for your home. Interested in saving a life and becoming a FOSTER HERO? Fill out an application, and a member of our FOSTER HEROES TEAM will reach out to discuss our life-saving foster-based rescue program. https://galsbestpal.com/foster/ To learn more about our mission or to join our mailing list, visit us at https://galsbestpal.com/ Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos, updates, and videos of our available dogs. We're always sharing new content! Thank you for considering adopting a rescue PAL —there are so many amazing dogs in need right now! With love, The GBP Team PS: Our bios are based on feedback from each dog’s current foster home. We cannot guarantee how a transition will affect the dog, but GBP is here to support you. Time and patience are key when adopting a new PAL. Please note that breed mixes and ages are our best estimates and cannot be guaranteed. ##2813978##
Photo of Ruby Doo

Ruby Doo

Shepherd (Unknown Type) Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, 1 yr 11 mos
Saugus, 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
RE-INTRODUCING our RUBY DOO That smile. Seriously… how could you not fall in love with that face?! Ruby originally came to us from the amazing @streethearts.project — a rescue we greatly admire. About a year ago, we thought she had found her forever family. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the right fit and after almost a year she was returned back to us.. Ruby is a young adult herding breed mix, and dogs like her need exercise, structure, training, socialization and outlets for those busy brains. She missed out on some of that during really important months and came back to us needing quite a bit of work. Since then, we have invested a LOT into this girl. Ruby completed a training program and is now fostered with one of our amazing foster coordinators, Barbara who continues working with her every day. And she is making progress! Is Ruby perfect? Nope. But honestly, who is? She IS happy, smart, adorable and always smiling. She just needs the RIGHT person. Someone dog savvy, active and ideally experienced with herding breeds. Someone who understands that Ruby needs continued structure, exercise, training and healthy outlets for her drive, along with plenty of love. Ruby isn’t looking for a home where she’ll simply exist. She’s looking for someone who will DO life with her. PLEASE SHARE RUBY DOO. Her person has to be out there. DOB 10/20/24 // approx 45 lbs adorable herding breed mix smart, active + loves having a job completed professional board-and-train dog-savvy, active home herding breed experience strongly preferred continued training + structure is a must crate trained !!  BONUS: reduced adoption fee — so hopefully her new family can invest that money back into Ruby’s care!  Fostered locally in MASSACHUSETTS + ready to find her person *Please note: We're an all-volunteer organization, and incomplete applications cannot be processed.* If you're interested in adopting a GBP rescue PAL, please submit an application through the link below. A member of our team will reach out within 48 hours to begin the approval process. www.galsbestpal.com/adoption Not sure which dog is the best fit? No worries! We're matchmaking experts and can help you find the perfect PAL for your home. Interested in saving a life and becoming a FOSTER HERO? Fill out an application, and a member of our FOSTER HEROES TEAM will reach out to discuss our life-saving foster-based rescue program. https://galsbestpal.com/foster/ To learn more about our mission or to join our mailing list, visit us at https://galsbestpal.com/ Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos, updates, and videos of our available dogs. We're always sharing new content! Thank you for considering adopting a rescue PAL —there are so many amazing dogs in need right now! With love, The GBP Team PS: Our bios are based on feedback from each dog’s current foster home. We cannot guarantee how a transition will affect the dog, but GBP is here to support you. Time and patience are key when adopting a new PAL. Please note that breed mixes and ages are our best estimates and cannot be guaranteed. ##2379315##
Photo of Ellie

Ellie

Labrador Retriever Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, 2 mos
Saugus, 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
Coming SOON!! Could Ellie be any cuter DOB @ 7/30/26 Ellie will be available for adoption 10/21 in Massachusetts All GBP pups are living in foster homes where they are getting lots of love, socialization and working on all the important puppy 101 basics while we are getting to know them! Every puppy is a little different. Some are outgoing and ready to be everyone’s best friend, while others may be a little more thoughtful and take their time. That’s where our matchmaking comes in! Fostered in a home environment Socializing with people + other dogs Working on crate training + puppy basics Learning, growing + getting ready for forever! If you’re ready to add a puppy to your family, submit an application and our team can help match you with a pup whose personality and temperament may be a great fit for your lifestyle. Be matched here with a puppy -- Wagtopia: Adopt Dogs, Cats, Register Pet Microchip, Geo Tags Interested in adopting a GBP rescue dog? Submit an adoption application through the link below! https://galsbestpal.com/adoption/ Not sure which dog is the right fit? No worries! We’re matchmaking experts. Tell us about your home, lifestyle, and what you’re looking for, and we’ll help connect you with a dog who may be the perfect fit for your family. Want to Be a FOSTER HERO? Fostering saves lives! Open your home to a rescue dog and help them get ready for their forever family. Fill out a foster application and our Foster Heroes Team will be in touch.(Massachusetts residents only for fostering ) https://galsbestpal.com/foster/ Want to HELP Make a Difference?  Do you have some extra time on your hands and want to be part of our mission? We are always looking for volunteers! We have hands on opportunities at our facility in Amesbury, MA, as well as remote volunteer opportunities from home. There’s a place for everyone in rescue, and we’d love to have you join our team! https://galsbestpal.com/volunteer/ A Little Note:Our rescue is completely volunteer-run, and we appreciate your patience as our team works behind the scenes to find the best possible matches for our dogs and their future families. Every application is thoughtfully considered, and our team will reach out when there is a potential match. Stay Connected! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok for more photos, videos, updates and sneak peeks of our newly rescued dogs! Thank you for choosing rescue. With love,The GBP Volunteer Team A Note About Our Bios:Our bios are based on feedback from each dog’s current foster family. Every dog may respond differently as they transition into a new home, so we cannot guarantee how a transition will affect them. Time, patience, and understanding are key when welcoming a new dog. Breed mixes and ages are our best estimates and cannot be guaranteed. please remember we are all volunteers &  incomplete applications will not be processed ##2852653##
Photo of Lanier

Lanier

Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua

Male, 1 yr 5 mos
Saugus, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
  An adorable pal named Lanier This adorable little guy hasn’t had the easiest start in life, but since moving into his foster home he has really learned what love, fun, friendship and comfort truly feel like and he’s thriving. What a doll he is!! Fostered with other friendly dogs, Lanier is coming out of his shell more every day. He loves hanging out with his dog friends, exploring and soaking up affection wherever he can get it!  “Lanier is a gentle & sweet-natured boy.” -says his foster mom Small, adorable, and full of kisses — Lanier is ready for his fresh start at a brand new life and we can’t wait to find him the best home. dob @ 4/21/25 and 18 lbsterrier & chi mix (best guess!)dog friendly happy boy mixed with an old soul temperament completed heartworm treatment crate trained & working on basics fostered locally in Saugus, MA —apply today ! @ GalsBestPal.com *Please note: We're an all-volunteer organization, and incomplete applications cannot be processed.* If you're interested in adopting a GBP rescue PAL, please submit an application through the link below. A member of our team will reach out within 48 hours to begin the approval process. www.galsbestpal.com/adoption Not sure which dog is the best fit? No worries! We're matchmaking experts and can help you find the perfect PAL for your home. Interested in saving a life and becoming a FOSTER HERO? Fill out an application, and a member of our FOSTER HEROES TEAM will reach out to discuss our life-saving foster-based rescue program. https://galsbestpal.com/foster/ To learn more about our mission or to join our mailing list, visit us at https://galsbestpal.com/ Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos, updates, and videos of our available dogs. We're always sharing new content! Thank you for considering adopting a rescue PAL —there are so many amazing dogs in need right now! With love, The GBP Team PS: Our bios are based on feedback from each dog’s current foster home. We cannot guarantee how a transition will affect the dog, but GBP is here to support you. Time and patience are key when adopting a new PAL. Please note that breed mixes and ages are our best estimates and cannot be guaranteed. ##2744593##

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Melrose, Massachusetts

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Gals Best Pal

Saugus, MA 01906

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Kitty Connection

Medford, MA 02155

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Save-A-Heartbeat Kitty Rescue

Revere, MA 02151

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Happy Tails Pet Rescue

Bradley Street, Somerville, MA 02145

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Westie Rescue Of New England

2 Brigham street, East Boston, MA 02128

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Legacy Rescue Inc

Arlington, MA 02474

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Last Hope K9 Rescue

71 Commercial St, #184, Boston, MA 02113

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Saving With Bria Inc.

Peabody, MA 01960

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Souls of Satos - Boston, MA Foster

BOSTON, MA 02114

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

New England English Springer Spaniel Rescue, Inc.

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

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 Melrose, 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