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Puppies and dogs in Worcester, Massachusetts

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Worcester, Massachusetts

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Worcester, 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 McDreamy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of McDreamy

McDreamy

Chihuahua

Male, 6 yrs 1 mo
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet McDreamy — a 12-pound Chihuahua who is exactly as charming as his name suggests. This little guy arrived with a painful eye condition and, once it was removed, he blossomed into the happiest, winking ray of sunshine you’ll ever meet. He's somewhere between 6-9 years old (best guess for this former stray). Like any self-respecting Chihuahua, McDreamy may bark or grumble when he meets someone new — but give him a minute and he’s melting into your arms, wagging his tail like a tiny propeller, and demanding snuggles as if you’ve been best friends forever. McDreamy’s vibe with other dogs: • Small dogs: “You’re cool. Let’s hang.” • Big dogs: “I decline.” He’s not a fighter, but he won’t back down if another dog brings the drama, so a home without an alpha-type resident is ideal. He’s affectionate, clever, deeply cuddly, and—bonus—housebroken. A tidy little gentleman through and through. Everything is exciting to McDreamy: • 🍽️ Mealtime: Pure joy. • 🌳 Walks: Peak adventure. • 🛌 Burrowing under the blankets: Nightly bliss. • 🎾 Toys: Big fan. Loves all of them. Will proudly parade them around like trophies. He asks for love almost instantly in neutral territory, snuggles like a pro, sleeps under the covers like it’s his life’s calling, and leans into you with total trust. He is currently getting daily ointment in his remaining eye, which he tolerates quite well, and may need it for the foreseeable future. If you’re looking for a pint-sized sweetheart who will adore you, follow you everywhere, and fill your home with wiggly, affectionate joy, McDreamy is ready to sweep you off your feet. 💕🐾 If you are interested in finding out more about McDreamy, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog McDreamy is currently being fostered in Millbury, MA. The adoption fee is $500. Like Broken Tail Rescue on Facebook!. Follow Broken Tail Rescue on Instagram! Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. We expect that all adopted dogs will enroll in a formal dog training class with their new owners. Obedience and training classes are an excellent way to learn more about your newly adopted dog, gain handling and training experience, and improve your relationship with your pet.
We'll also keep you updated on Lanie's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Lanie

Lanie

Shih Tzu Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Female, 10 yrs 6 mos
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Lanie (pronounced “Lonie”) is a 10‑year‑old Shih Tzu who carries herself with calm confidence and a touch of princess‑like charm. At 16 pounds, she’s taller than the typical Shih Tzu and moves through the world with quiet assurance. Lanie is house‑trained, rarely vocal, walks politely on a leash, and is fully vaccinated. She gets along with other dogs and enjoys affection on her own terms. When she wants to snuggle, she’s a gentle and loving companion; when she prefers space, she communicates that clearly and respectfully. Once she finds a comfortable pillow or chair, she settles in happily. She was recently surrendered to Broken Tail Rescue after her owner moved away. Although her previous medical records were not provided, we spoke with her vetrinarian and confirmed that she received routine preventive care throughout her life. Lanie has one diagnosed medical condition: Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome. She requires a compounded medication to manage it, which must be used within its 60‑day expiration period. The refill cost is $80. Lanie will do best with an adopter who appreciates a dog with boundaries, a predictable routine, and a gentle approach. Following the “three days, three weeks, three months” adjustment guideline will help her settle comfortably into her new home. If you’re looking for a steady, mature companion and are prepared to support her ongoing eye‑care needs, we encourage you to submit an application. If you are interested in finding out more about Lanie, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog Lanie is being fostered in Central Massachusetts. The adoption fee is $400 Like Broken Tail Rescue on Facebook!. Follow Broken Tail Rescue on Instagram! Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. We expect that all adopted dogs will enroll in a formal dog training class with their new owners. Obedience and training classes are an excellent way to learn more about your newly adopted dog, gain handling and training experience, and improve your relationship with your pet.
We'll also keep you updated on Zu's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Zu

Zu

Chihuahua

Male, 2 yrs 1 mo
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
Meet Zu!We’ve quickly fallen in love with all the personality packed inside this tiny pup. Zu is a spirited, sassy little Chihuahua who tends to be cautious with new people. With patience, space, and gentle introductions, Zu opens up beautifully. Once he feels safe, he’s affectionate, goofy, and eager to snuggle with “his” people.Zu has lived with other dogs before, but here at the shelter he prefers doing his own thing (and occasionally announcing his boundaries with barks). We believe he would do better with no other dogs. He’ll thrive in a calm home without young children, where new faces and activity aren’t nonstop.Zu also has a grade 3 luxating patella in his knee. At this time, surgery is not recommended. We simply suggest limiting big jumps and fast zoomies—but walks, playtime, and all the cuddles are just what the doctor ordered!If you’re patient, kind, and ready to meet a spicy-sweet companion who will blossom in the right home, Zu may be your perfect match.Walk-in adoption hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 12–4 PMCan’t make those times? Email our adoption coordinator: dogs@worcesterarl.org ??
We'll also keep you updated on Apollo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Apollo

Apollo

Husky

Male, 2 mos
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
From a litter of 7, these pups will be 8 weeks old on 2/18 and are available for adoption after spay/neuter expected at the end of February. If you are interested in finding out more about Apollo, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog Clover is being fostered in Hopedale, MA. The adoption fee is $600. Like Broken Tail Rescue on Facebook!. Follow Broken Tail Rescue on Instagram! Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. We expect that all adopted dogs will enroll in a formal dog training class with their new owners. Obedience and training classes are an excellent way to learn more about your newly adopted dog, gain handling and training experience, and improve your relationship with your pet.
We'll also keep you updated on Aspen's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Aspen

Aspen

Husky

Female, 2 mos
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
From a litter of 7, these pups will be 8 weeks old on 2/18 and are available for adoption after spay/neuter expected at the end of February. If you are interested in finding out more about Aspen, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog Clover is being fostered in Hopedale, MA. The adoption fee is $600. Like Broken Tail Rescue on Facebook!. Follow Broken Tail Rescue on Instagram! Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. We expect that all adopted dogs will enroll in a formal dog training class with their new owners. Obedience and training classes are an excellent way to learn more about your newly adopted dog, gain handling and training experience, and improve your relationship with your pet.
We'll also keep you updated on Bucky's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Bucky

Bucky

Shih Tzu Maltese

Male, 9 mos
Worcester, 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 Bucky: tiny troublemaker, certified heart-stealer, and full-time muppet in training 🧸🐾 Bucky is 9 months old, a whopping 8.2 pounds, and packed to the brim with naughty puppy antics… but somehow still manages to be an absolute delight. His paperwork says Shih-tzu/Maltese, but with that wiry hair and mischievous vibe, we’re pretty sure there’s some terrier spice mixed in. Bucky likely didn’t have much of a “normal” home life before rescue, so he’s on the shy side and will need a patient, kind adopter who’s ready to keep building trust and teaching him the ropes. He’s doing well with potty training and loves exploring the household's offerings—by table surfing, climbing into your dishwasher, scaling your bookshelf, and stealing your socks… all while looking INSANELY cute and completely innocent. It’s honestly unfair. Even though the world can feel a little scary to him sometimes, Bucky is 100% gentle—no aggression, just a sweet, sensitive soul figuring things out. An adult-only home or one with older kiddos would be ideal to help him decompress and gain confidence at his own pace. He gets along great with the foster mom’s other small dogs (a playful buddy closer to his age would be a dream come true) and is totally fine with the resident cats. Toys are a big hit—especially the kind he can proudly parade around like a trophy. And yes, it must be said again: he is SO CUTE. Like… living muppet levels of cute. If you’re ready for a little chaos, a lot of laughs, and the joy of watching a shy pup blossom into his best self, Bucky is waiting for you 💙 If you are interested in finding out more about Bucky, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog Bucky is being fostered in Sutton, MA. The adoption fee is $600. Like Broken Tail Rescue on Facebook!. Follow Broken Tail Rescue on Instagram! Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. We expect that all adopted dogs will enroll in a formal dog training class with their new owners. Obedience and training classes are an excellent way to learn more about your newly adopted dog, gain handling and training experience, and improve your relationship with your pet.

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Worcester, Massachusetts

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Skyllers in Worcester

Worcester, MA 01601

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

North Star Labrador Retriever Rescue

Worcester, MA 01602

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Worcester Animal Rescue League

139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Broken Tail Rescue, Inc.

Broken Tail Rescue, P.O. Box 60296, Worcester, MA 01606

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

angels in waiting

24 adella st, auburn, MA 01501

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Harmony Fund

Holden, MA 01520

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Shelter

Leicester Animal Control

3 Washington St, Leicester, MA 01524

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The Boxer Rescue, Inc.

PO Box 440, Grafton, MA 01519

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Safe With Us Animal Rescue

Grafton, MA 01519

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

Bay State Dogs

Grafton, MA 01519

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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Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Worcester, 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