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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.
Photo of Kane

Kane

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, Puppy
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Kane! He is the sweetest boy you will ever meet. Kane is generally a laid-back fellow who loves to lounge around, but when he gets happy, his whole body wiggles—which earned him the nickname "Wiggle Butt." He loves people and gets along beautifully with other dogs. We originally took this sweet boy in to keep him out of a shelter when his previous owner could no longer care for him in their apartment. He absolutely loves his food, head scratches, and belly rubs. Unfortunately, our schedules have become incredibly busy, and we simply can't give Kane the time and attention he needs. Because he is a big boy, his ideal home would have a house with a backyard where he has plenty of room to safely run and play. Kane is wonderful with other dogs and would make a fantastic addition to the right family. He deserves all the love, kisses, and attention in the world, so please only apply if you can give him the amazing life he is so deserving of.
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Photo of Daisy

Daisy

Jack Russell Terrier Poodle (Standard)

Female, Young
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Daisy is an almost 5-year-old Jackapoo (Jack Russell + Poodle mix) with the sweetest personality you'll ever find. She is affectionate, smart, and incredibly loving — she thrives on attention and genuinely wants to be by your side. **What makes Daisy special:** - Highly intelligent and very trainable — she responds beautifully to positive reinforcement - Gets along well with other dogs - Not a big barker - Loves people, especially older men (she has a soft spot for them!) - Sweet, loyal, and full of personality **A home where Daisy will thrive:** Daisy does best with someone who has time to give her attention and light daily activity. She can get energetic, but that energy is easily channeled with consistent training and engagement — which she picks up on quickly. She does shed, so a family comfortable with that is ideal. Daisy has been so loved since day one. Life circumstances have changed — a new marriage, a toddler, an apartment that doesn't allow dogs
Photo of Milo Too

Milo Too

Schnauzer (Miniature) Shih Tzu

Male, 6 yrs 1 mo
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Milo Too 🐾Milo Too is a 6-year-old, 20-pound Schnauzer/Shih Tzu mix who is adjusting to life in foster care after a major life change. After three weeks, he's beginning to show his sweet personality and settle into a routine.Milo has a moderate energy level and enjoys exploring a fenced yard and playing with squeaky toys. He is house-trained and does well in an exercise pen when unsupervised, as he is not a fan of crates.Milo lived with a retired couple and had limited exposure to children. He currently lives with small dogs but prefers human attention and may do best as an only dog. He also has a typical Schnauzer prey drive, so a cat-free home is recommended.Milo can be reactive to new people and activity, often barking at delivery people and becoming anxious on walks. He will need a patient adopter committed to helping him build confidence and improve leash manners through training.Ideal home: A quiet, suburban or rural home with a fenced yard and a calm, consistent routine.Milo is a sensitive, loyal companion who needs time, patience, and love to shine truly. 💛If you are interested in finding out more about Milo Too, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser:https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/DogMilo Too is being fostered in Central MassThe adoption fee is $500Like 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.
Photo of Loki

Loki

Husky

Male, 10 mos
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Loki!Loki would like to clear up a few rumors. Yes, he has argued with his leash by biting and tugging on it. Yes, he has strong opinions about where walks should go. And yes, he has enough energy to power a small town.This handsome husky mix came to the shelter when his adopters (from another rescue) realized that Loki was a too high-octane dog and was much more exuberant than they were prepared for. No hard feelings, though. Loki is simply looking for people who speak fluent `busy dog.`Loki is very smart, athletic, and always ready for the next activity. He loves puzzle toys, enrichment games, training challenges, and anything that gives his busy brain something to do. A run, a hike, a game of fetch, or a new adventure? Sign him up. When bored, he can get up to mischief, like his namesake.Loki is looking for an experienced home with active people who understand energetic ,smart working-type dogs. He would do best without young children, though older teens with dog experience may be a fit. He may also be able to live with another dog after a successful meet.If your idea of fun involves muddy shoes, tired legs, and a happy dog at the end of the day, Loki is ready to be your adventure partner. Please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12-4pm during our walk-in hours if you are interested in adopting Loki.
Photo of Ruthie

Ruthie

Chihuahua

Female, 11 yrs 3 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 Ruthie: senior in years, noodle in body, and professional couch hog 💕🐾 Ruthie is a 9lb, 11-year-old Chihuahua mix who somehow missed the memo about looking her age. She’s got the long, tall, lanky body of a tiny greyhound and just enough pep to keep life interesting—think “elegant senior with a playful streak.” She’s a quiet little lady who prefers peace and calm. Loud noises? Hard pass. Barking? Rare—but fair warning, when she does bark, it’s impressively loud for her size. Her absolute favorite place to be is on the couch with her foster mom, nose-to-nose, like they’re sharing top-secret gossip 😂. Ruthie is excellent in her crate and does wonderfully with routine. She can be a bit shy when meeting new people, but with a little time and gentle reassurance, she’s expected to grow more confident as she settles in. When it comes to exercise, Ruthie enjoys short strolls to sniff the neighborhood and stretch her long legs—marathons are not on her vision board. A cozy home, a comfy couch, and a person who appreciates a calm companion would be her dream come true. Ruthie is currently working on some reactivity issues. She does not like to be disturbed while she is sleeping and will let you know when she isn't happy with how you're touching or moving her. If you’re looking for a low-key best friend with a quirky body, Ruthie is the dog for you 💖 If you are interested in finding out more about Ruthie, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog Ruthie is being fostered in Shrewsbury, MA. The adoption fee is $225. 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.
Photo of Virgil

Virgil

American Bulldog

Male, 5 yrs 10 mos
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
At first sight, you are sure to be smitten with this super sweet bulldog mix. His body is too cute for words! Virgil is about 5-years-old and weighs 53 pounds. He loves to get belly rubs, and show off his butt wiggle. He has been waiting awhile for his person and would love nothing better than to start his new life with you. Virgil has the traits of an American Bulldog, but somehow acts more like a water dog. He has an incredible love for water, especially when he can swim out to retrieve a thrown tennis ball or stick. It’s one game he never tires of. We like to say he’s a natural mer-man ‘wading’ for his forever family! Virgil is rather low maintenance. He is fulfilled by outdoor time, observing nature, and simply being with his people. He also enjoys walks and is good on the leash, though playing in water really makes his day. He has a funny way of turning meal time into fun time by batting around his Rolly Kong for kibble. Although he likes activity, he also has a lovely mellow side and enjoys quiet time. Among his many qualities, he’s also a dapper dude. Would you believe he loves being pampered and brushed? Virgil is very food-motivated and enjoys pleasing you. Since he is wary of strangers, his love of treats comes in very handy when introducing him to new people. If someone new approaches with a treat and lets him make the first move, voila! He’s a happy boy who will sit, lay down, or shake hands with you for more treats. Virgil has a sad background, but with the resilience of a champ he overcame abandonment. As a stray, he landed in a shelter with no ID tag, no microchip, very fearful, and left unclaimed. Because the staff gave him time and tender loving care, he started coming out of his shell. Soon after, Virgil attended a basic obedience class and then transitioned to a foster home where he is learning what a good, safe home is all about. Virgil now has a bouncy puppy-like strut and each day more and more of his personality comes through! He works with his foster mother daily. She reinforces all he learned in training and gives him new challenges as well. Virgil needs an adopter to continue providing direction and confidence-building activities. We know Virgil will thrive in a stable forever home with an experienced person or family who will help him recognize how special he really is. In this type of environment, he is such an easy dog. He just needs time to know things are A-OK so he won’t be fearful and anxious. With your gentle time and patience, you will earn his trust. Fortunately, Virgil provides all the companionship you’ll ever need. He doesn’t do well with other dogs, or cats, but he would be ok with older kids with dog experience. Since he alerts you to noise, he is not good for apartment or condo/townhouse living or tight neighborhoods. Ideal perks are a fenced yard and water access! Please complete an adoption application at https://www.brokentailrescue.org/adopt/ For serious inquiries, email maryloumaria@yahoo.com Thank you! Virgil is being fostered in Gloucester, 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.

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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

Bay State Dogs

Grafton, MA 01519

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Safe With Us Animal Rescue

Grafton, MA 01560

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

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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 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