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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 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, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
I adopted Hachi at a shelter when he was just a puppy. Hachi is now 3 (turning 4 in November). Hachi is a very energetic pup! He is always ready to play a game of tug or even fetching. He would do well in an active home to keep up with his play. Inside the house, he is definitely a couch potato. He loves to have his own space, we currently have a kennel for him (he likes sleeping here) but he also enjoys a window spot on the couch. Hachi is very well behaved at home, he will not touch furniture unless told it’s okay. He’s a very intelligent pup and learns house rules quickly. Hachi would also benefit from an owner who has experience with dogs to continue his training. Hachi is potty trained and knows many of the basic commands but would benefits from continuing his reactivity training. He gets along well with older kids and people in general but needs reactivity training to be around other animals. Hachi is a sweet dog, he loves scratches, cuddles or really any type of affection.
Photo of Kuma

Kuma

Black Mouth Cur

Female, Adult
Malden, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Kuma!!Previously in Georgia, Kuma was working in a prison system caretaking program where inmates were assigned to care for a dog. Kuma was then in a shelter in Georgia on the euthanasia list, when my mother in law decided to foster her. Kuma was there for 9 months before she was given to us. She is the SNUGGLIEST girl in the world.. always belly up for pets. She is the funniest dog and will always be there to make you laugh and to snuggle with. Kuma unfortunately has not been getting along with our other dog, so we made the difficult decision to re home her. She would be best as the only pet in the home. She is the sweetest snuggle bug and we were lucky to have her for these last 8 months!
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 Ruby Doo

Ruby Doo

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

Female, 1 yr 10 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 & housebroken !!  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 Cooper

Cooper

Mountain Cur Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 9 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
STOP SCROLLING. THE BIG GOOFY BOY OF YOUR DREAMS HAS ARRIVED. Meet COOPER Cooper is 66 pounds of young, happy, lovable energy wrapped up in one very handsome package. He’s only 9 months old, so he’s still got that big puppy personality… except somebody accidentally gave the puppy REALLY long legs. This Mountain Cur mix is active, 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. 9 months old Mountain Cur mix 66 lbs Housebroken Knows his basics Smart + loving Active, young & FUN Professional big goofy boy Looking for his forever family Cooper is ready. Who’s been waiting for him? *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 Caramel Muffin

Caramel Muffin

Chihuahua Boston Terrier

Female, 1 yr 1 mo
Saugus, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
CARAMEL MUFFIN Tiny muffin. Tiny underbite. Loves being as close as possible when she can Caramel Muffin is an adorable little 17 lb sweetheart who is happiest when she’s surrounded by friends, whether they have two legs or four. She absolutely LOVES other dogs and is wonderfully social with dogs of all sizes. She’s playful, friendly, medium energy and has that perfect mix of “let’s go do something!” followed by “okay, now I would like to be directly on top of you.” Caramel is incredibly affectionate and has plenty of love to go around. Personal space is not really part of her vocabulary. If you sit down, congratulations, you have volunteered as tribute for Muffin snuggles. She’s sweet, silly, social and topped off with the most ridiculously cute little underbite. If you want a dog who will give you plenty of room and quietly admire you from across the house -->> keep scrolling. If you want a little best friend who thinks being near you is the BEST place in the world, Caramel Muffin is ready to be your most special friend!  DOB 8/13/25 @ Approximately 17 lbs (Boston terrier chi mix?) Loves dogs of ALL sizes Very dog social Medium energy Super sweet & affectionate Personal-space boundaries: nonexistent 10/10 cute as a muffin underbite available 9/23 apply today @galsbestpal.com 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) 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. ##2825602##

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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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Rescue

Happy Tails Pet Rescue

Bradley Street, Somerville, MA 02145

Pet Types: cats, 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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Rescue

Souls of Satos - Boston, MA Foster

BOSTON, MA 02114

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

New England English Springer Spaniel Rescue, Inc.

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

Pet Types: 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