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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 Vision

Vision

Alaskan Malamute

Male, Adult
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Vision is a social butterfly, easy going, and a leader. He enjoys being in the presence of people and other dogs (most). He is a city dog and loves walks in his neighborhood and parks. He loves to people watch from the window or porch. He loves car rides and 1:1 time with his humans. He also loves his quiet time. He enjoys eating chicken, beef, eggs, watermelon, and apples along with his doggie food. He loves treats and will sit, paw, walk, and bark on command for some. Vision can be stubborn and want things his way. After some back and forth, he may listen or completely ignore you. He’s a night owl and loves sleeping during the day. He’s not a fan of showers and grooming and hates having his nails cut. He’s gets anxiety in new environments and will pee every chance he gets. Vision is not neutered but up to date with shots (hates them).
Photo of Federico

Federico

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 2 yrs
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
Federico has quite the story to tell! Before coming to WARL, this handsome pup had his own Where the Wild Things Are adventure, roaming around Worcester`s Indian Lake neighborhood sporting a pink harness and a talent for staying just out of reach. He eventually set up camp outside a senior center, where he charmed the residents into becoming his biggest fans and snack suppliers. Thanks to our friends at Missing Dogs Massachusetts, Federico was safely tempted into a trap and finally made his way to WARL.These days, Freddie is happy to trade life on the run for comfy beds and friendly faces. Inside the shelter, he`s calm, relaxed, and enjoys hanging out with his people. Outside, though, his Wild Thing spirit shines through! He loves to zoom, wrestle, and play with enthusiasm. He is a strong, athletic dog who needs work on his leash and handling skills. Federico might enjoy living with another playful dog who appreciates his energetic style, after a successful meet at the shelter. He is dog selective, and may do best as an only dog .If there are to be kids in his new home, they should be older/teens. If you`re looking for an adventurous companion with a heart as big as his personality, Federico is ready to write the next chapter with you.If you are interested in adopting Federico, please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays between 12-4pm. If you have other dogs in the home, or people who live in the home, please bring them too!
Photo of Ruthie

Ruthie

Chihuahua

Female, 11 yrs 4 mos
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not 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. She can be vocal and shy with new people, so an apartment might not be the best environment for her. 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 Millbury, 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 Woody

Woody

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 2 yrs 1 mo
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
Meet Woody!Are you looking to add some `old` man wisdom to your life? Well look no further than Woody a.k.a Sad Boy. Woody was found tied to a bike rack after being left behind by his family but is now ready to find his forever home! Despite being only 2 years old, Woody is the type to yell `get off my lawn` when he feels the world is lacking his opinion. He uses his often miserable expression to get exactly what he wants, which is usually getting pets while also being ignored. Woody takes time to warm up to new people and will need adopters to recognize when he is needing his space. With time his old man mask slips off and his true nature of being a total cuddle bug comes out. Woody enjoys spending time outside and will happily sit in the sun for hours. He has been unbothered by other dogs and might enjoy the company of another quiet companion. He is looking for a home without kids. We have no history of him with cats. If you are interested in adopting Woody, please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12-4pm during our walk-in adoption hours.
Photo of Zakai

Zakai

Pekingese Mixed Breed (Small)

Male, 9 yrs
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet this adorable little Terrier mix who's proof that the best things really do come in small packages! This little guy has been through a lot in a short period of time and that doesn’t seem to have slowed him down. This 10lb pup has pup has enough personality, love, and enthusiasm to fill a house twice his size. He's equal parts cuddle bug and playful sidekick, always ready for a game, a walk, or, preferably, curling up as close to you as physically possible. If you're looking for personal space... he respectfully declines. He's happiest when he's following his person from room to room, making sure he doesn't miss a single moment. Shadow status: achieved. While he has plenty of pep in his step, he's also wonderfully easy to live with. He's quiet around the house, only occasionally announcing when someone walks past the yard. He's mostly housebroken and continues to make great progress every day. This sweet boy is still building his confidence and will thrive with a patient family who can show him that the world isn't such a scary place. As he settles in and learns to trust, his playful, affectionate personality shines brighter every day. He absolutely loves other dogs and would enjoy having a canine companion, though it's not required. He'd likely do well with cats too. Kids are an unknown, but respectful older children who understand that shy dogs need a little time may be a good fit. One area where he still needs a little extra support is veterinary visits. He gets very anxious and currently requires some sedatives for appointments, which may be related to the trauma he experienced before rescue when he was found severely matted. With time, patience, and positive experiences, we're hopeful his confidence will continue to grow. He's currently waiting for an echocardiogram before he can be neutered, so a foster-to-adopt home would be a wonderful option while he completes his medical care. If you're searching for an easygoing little companion who's equal parts playful, loyal, and world-class snuggler, this sweet guy is ready to steal your heart—and probably your spot on the couch. If you are interested in finding out more about Zakai, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog Zakai is being fostered in Shrewsbury, MA. 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.
Photo of Washington

Washington

Poodle (Standard)

Male, 4 mos
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Washington! This adorable Lab/Poodle/Shepherd/Pit Bull mix puppy is packed with personality, brains, and enough energy to keep life exciting. Washington has a lot to say and isn`t shy about sharing his opinions! He`s incredibly smart, eager to learn, and highly trainable, making him a great match for someone who enjoys working with an active, intelligent dog.Washington is looking for an experienced dog home in a quieter area where he can continue building his confidence. He currently barks at people and other dogs from a distance, so he`ll thrive with someone who understands canine behavior and is committed to positive, consistent training. With the right guidance, Washington has all the potential to become an amazing companion. If there are to be kids in his new home, they should be teens and up. If you`re ready for a fun, active puppy who will keep you laughing, learning, and on your toes, Washington might just be your perfect match! If you are interested in adopting Washington, please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12-4pm. Please bring all household members with you.

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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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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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Shelter

Worcester Animal Rescue League

139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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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

Bay State Dogs

Grafton, MA 01519

Pet Types: 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 01560

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

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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 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