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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 Odie

Odie

Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier

Male, Adult
Malden, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
We got odie from a breeder when he was just a pup. He has given us so many awesome memories with my kids and nieces ! He loves to be cuddled, walked and loves playing with his toys !
Photo of Guppy

Guppy

Mutt

Male, Senior
Malden, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Guppy is a sweet old man who’s been through a lot, he’s been attacked 3 times in his life by other dogs and although he’s never done any damage himself the most recent attack the offending dog caused enough damage to him that he needed 2 teeth removed from Guppy’s jaw. He has recovered well but this guy just needs a cozy loving home to spend the rest of his life, hopefully with a yard. He does have some benign lumps and bumps on him that he’s had for years, they don’t bother him at all or get in his way. He currently eats simple food project mixed with water and we occasionally add in raw eggs/meat/veggies to top it off. He loves belly rubs and head scratches and just lounging on a porch or couch. Because of what he’s been through he will bark at/react to other dogs or even people when they walk past the house but once you get to him he’s all about the love. He does fine around other dogs although at this point I think he would be better suited to be the sole pet in the household
Photo of Riley

Riley

Mutt

Female, Senior
Malden, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Riley is about 10 years old. She is a super lovey girl. She just wants to lay with you and be pat or have her thighs rubbed. Riley wants nothing more than your attention and love, except maybe food lol. She is highly food motivated but not food aggressive at all. She will steal food from any and anyone in the blink of an eye though. Riley hasn’t been vax’d in a long time, she’s spent most of her recent life in an apartment setting and not really around other dogs and given some minor reactions in the past to things we decided to pause on them. It’s been about 6 years since she’s been given anything. She’s a very healthy girl, she eats simple food project mixed w/ water and occasionally raw eggs/meat/veggies added. She loves laying in grass and smelling the wind. She likes snow but gets cold fast. She will give you all the love she has and will be your best friend. I know I’m letting her down having to do this, please help me find her a good home for the rest of her life…..
Photo of Lulu

Lulu

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

Female, 6 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
Lulu Lulu is a brindle beauty with the cutest pointy ears, a smile that lights up the room, and an absolutely amazing personality. This New Year’s baby is ready to make 2026 the best year ever for one lucky family! Lulu is already house trained, crate trained & doing great on leash walking in her foster home! She’s a smart girl who has been learning commands like sit, come, and down and picks things up incredibly fast. In fact, she learned sit and the basics of leash walking in just a day! She is a happy, playful puppy who loves everyone she meets. Lulu has been wonderful with kids, adults, big dogs and little dogs too. She’s the kind of puppy who loves to play, take a nap, and then get right back to playing again. She enjoys her daily walks, loves meeting new people + is always ready for her next adventure. Lulu has been such a well-behaved foster dog and truly checks all the boxes. Smart, loving, social, adorable, and eager to please—she’s everything you could want in a puppy. If you’re looking for a great dog, look no further. Lulu is the whole package and ready to show her forever family just how special she is. Spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready for adoption. ready for adoption 7/16- Apply today *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. ##2751292##
Photo of Sunday

Sunday

French Bulldog Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 7 yrs 8 mos
Saugus, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Sunday Sunday is everything people love about Frenchies… silly, affectionate and happiest hanging out with her people. She’s a little shy when meeting new people and may bark at first—that’s just her way of saying, “I don’t know you yet.” Give her a few minutes, and she settles right in. Once you’re in her circle, you’re her people. Sunday has been wonderful with the other dogs in her foster home and has even met a cat who rubbed right up against her… she couldn’t have cared less. Frenchies are amazing dogs, but they aren’t a breed for everyone. They come with their own quirks, personalities, and potential medical needs, so we’re hoping to find Sunday a family that already knows and loves the breed. Her story This sweet girl came to rescue after spending her life being used for breeding. She was incredibly sick when she arrived, but thanks to our amazing rescue partners and an incredible foster family, she got the medical care she needed and is finally healthy enough to find a family of her own. She also had another bump in the road where she was adopted and her owners had health issues and they could no longer keep her, although they love her dearly. So She is now on the search to be someone’s spoiled little couch potato, snuggle buddy, and best friend. We think she’s going to make one lucky family very, very happy. 7-8 yo French Bulldog Dog friendly Cat tested Sweet, affectionate & very loved in her foster home Just a little shy with new people at first altered, vaccinated, micro chipped Ready to find her forever home pick up 8/5 Amesbury MA please remember we are all volunteers &  incomplete applications will not be processed Apply to FOSTER or ADOPT today & get approved to bring a dog home. It is a simple & easy process - help us save lives ! If you are interested in adopting a GBP rescue PAL, please submit an application and we will reach out to you within 48 hours to start the approval process.   https://galsbestpal.com/adoption/ It’s ok if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for, we are experts in matchmaking and can talk with you and figure out what PAL would be a good fit for your home!   If you would like to inquire about saving a life & becoming a FOSTER HERO, please fill out an application and a FOSTER HEROES TEAM volunteer will reach out to you to go over our lifesaving foster based rescue program! https://galsbestpal.com/foster/ To learn more about our mission, and to join our mailing list go to https://galsbestpal.com/ Follow us on FB and Instagram for extra photos, updates & videos of our available dogs. We are constantly posting new content every day!  Thank you for considering a rescue PAL, there are so many in need right now!  XO, THE GBP TEAM PS - Please keep in mind, our bio's are based on feedback we have received from the current foster home the dog is in. We can never guarantee how a transition will affect the dog. GBP is here to help make the transition as easy as possible but time + patience are also important when adopting a new PAL. Breed Mixes & Ages are a best guess and can not be guaranteed** ##2777324##
Photo of Luna Moth

Luna Moth

Border Collie Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 5 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
Meet Luna Moth  Some dogs get a second chance. Luna Moth got hers with only moments to spare. If you are looking for a couch potato, keep scrolling. Luna Moth is the life of the party! She is active, spunky, and always ready for her next adventure. Whether she's zooming around the yard, making new dog friends, or convincing everyone she meets to play, her enthusiasm for life is contagious. She has that bright, eager, always-up-for-anything personality that makes every day a little more fun She gets along great with other dogs and would love a family that can keep up with her playful spirit while giving her plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and make memories. Luna Moth was given a chance to live. Now all she needs is someone to give her a chance to be loved forever Her story Luna Moth found herself on the euthanasia list after suffering a serious leg injury. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the 1510 Foundation, who stepped up to cover the cost of her surgery, we were able to say "yes" just in time. Today, this resilient girl is healed, thriving, and making the most of every single day. 4 months old and about 25 lbsborder collie mix?! best guess!would loveee a playful dog companion in homefully vetted and healing from leg surgery Available for adoption 7/16 with pick up in amesbury please remember we are all volunteers, incomplete applications will not be processed If you are interested in adopting a GBP rescue PAL, please submit an application and we will reach out to you within 48 hours to start the approval process. https://galsbestpal.com/adoption/ It’s ok if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for, we are experts in matchmaking and can talk with you and figure out what PAL would be a good fit for your home!  If you would like to inquire about saving a life & becoming a FOSTER HERO, please fill out an application and a FOSTER HEROES TEAM volunteer will reach out to you to go over our lifesaving foster based rescue program! https://galsbestpal.com/foster/ To learn more about our mission, and to join our mailing list go to https://galsbestpal.com/ Follow us on FB and Instagram for extra photos, updates & videos of our available dogs. We are constantly posting new content every day!  Thank you for considering a rescue PAL, there are so many in need right now!  XO, THE GBP TEAM PS - Please keep in mind, our bio's are based on feedback we have received from the current foster home the dog is in. We can never guarantee how a transition will affect the dog. GBP is here to help make the transition as easy as possible but time + patience are also important when adopting a new PAL. Breed Mixes & Ages are a best guess and can not be guaranteed** ##2741436##

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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

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Rescue

Kitty Connection

Medford, MA 02155

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Save-A-Heartbeat Kitty Rescue

Revere, MA 02151

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Shelter

Safe Harbor for Animals

2 Bradley Street, Somerville, MA 02145

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Happy Tails Pet Rescue

Bradley Street, Somerville, MA 02145

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Poodle Rescue New England

PO Box 441447, Somerville, MA 02144

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Westie Rescue Of New England

2 Brigham street, East Boston, MA 02128

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Legacy Rescue Inc

Arlington, MA 02474

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Last Hope K9 Rescue

71 Commercial St, #184, Boston, MA 02113

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Saving With Bria Inc.

Peabody, MA 01960

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 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