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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 Appa's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Appa

Appa

French Bulldog

Male, Young
Cherry Valley, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hi, this is Appa Pet only Contact. Price is $800 He needs someone athletic with very high stamina. He is sooo Athletic and loves to play all day long. He has stamina for days. Can jump very high and can/will drop kick you. Does not like male dogs and maybe its a dominance thing. Must be the only dog. I don’t know how he’ll do with other dogs. He has only socialized with his siblings and mom. With people he needs to warm up to you. And hes a tad bit barky. Whines like a broken record. We can not keep him because theres four other dogs in the house which is causing problems because they don’t all get along and not a lot of help taking care of them. which we have retorted to leaving two at a time in their cates for a bit of time and switching them so that they can play at a time.
We'll also keep you updated on Stella's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Stella

Stella

German Shepherd Dog Boxer

Female, Adult
Grafton, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
I brought Stella in as a stray dog living in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA in November 2022. At the time, the vet determined she was ~1 year old, and so she is now about 3 years old. I initially only planned to foster her briefly, but she ended up being such a great companion to me and my other dog that she has stayed with us for nearly two years. She is very loyal and affectionate and thrived at our home in central Massachusetts where we had several acres of land for her to explore. However, I relocated to a busy location in Providence ~6 months ago and Stella is struggling to adapt to the city, especially in our new apartment that does not have a yard. She plays well with other dogs off-leash (at dog parks, boarding, etc.), but on a leash she is often reactive to dogs, other people, and wildlife. An ideal home would have a generously sized yard so that Stella can remain active. She is extremely warm and loving and I hope to find her a home with the space she needs to be comfortable.
We'll also keep you updated on Daphne's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Daphne

Daphne

Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, Senior
Charlton, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Daphne is an active and playful dog. She is a mix breed that the vet believes to predominantly be Spinone Italino. She gets along with other dogs. She will play catch from sun up to sun down, but sometimes she doesn't want to give the ball back. She knows basic commands and listens well. She is reactive to other dogs on a leash and has a strong prey drive when she encounters small animals. She is trained on an invisible fence. She is quite submissive and "flops" to other dogs and people. Because of this she is fantastic at the vet. She would do best in a home with older kids who can help entertain her however she would be fine with toddlers and babies. She is quite active and will pace at night if she does not get sufficient exercise. She is crate trained.
We'll also keep you updated on Nina's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Nina

Nina

Mastiff

Female, Young
Oxford, MA
Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Loving, curious, and goofy South African Mastiff (also know as Boerboel). Born 2/17/2022 (2 1/2 years old). She has been raised with another dog, a cat, and two kids. Was crate trained but has not been in a crate in over a year. She sleeps on a dog bed or a space somewhere on the floor where she finds comfortable. She is not spayed. She goes on walks without a leash and does not run away for the most part (occasionally will disobey and walk up to other dogs to sniff). Sensitive to food changes. About 110 lbs. Mario
We'll also keep you updated on COURTESY POST -Mandy - 1 yr deaf/vision impared's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
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Photo of COURTESY POST -Mandy - 1 yr  deaf/vision impared

COURTESY POST -Mandy - 1 yr deaf/vision impared

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Female, Adult
Sterling, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 Adoption Costs and other important information. Mandy is an incredibly sweet girl who has some special needs.  She is completely deaf and has some vision impairment.  She LOVES other dogs but tends to get aroused by cats and will chase them but doesn't seem to intend any harm.  She loves to be with her people and has some issues with being contained.  She will go over thru baby gates.  Mandy is a fast learner though and picks up stairs easily.  She needs to learn to be housetrained and doesn't seem to want to go while on a leash.  A high fenced in yard would be ideal for her.  She is playful and energetic.  She does great with all people.  She will need a patient owner who is looking for a rewarding project. If you are interested in adopting from Sterling Animal Shelter, please submit an application through our "Pets for Adoption" page.  We are currently open by appointment only Tuesday through Friday, and have Open Hours on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.  Our appointments are scheduled by matching our applications to our available pets. If your application is chosen, our staff will contact you to set an appointment for a meet and greet to spend some time with the animal one-on-one. We do still have same day adoptions, and if your meet is successful, you can take your pet home at the time of your appointment.  To find the best match for each pet, we prefer to have the entire family present when doing an adoption. If you have a dog at home already, please be prepared to bring your resident dog to meet a potential new dog, to ensure all parties get along. Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs we are only guessing at 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. Adoption Costs and other important information. Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 November 4, 2024, 1:02 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Sid - 9 months old male - GREAT WITH DOGS & CATS's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sid - 9 months old male - GREAT WITH DOGS & CATS

Sid - 9 months old male - GREAT WITH DOGS & CATS

Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, Young
Sterling, MA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 Adoption Costs and other important information. Sid can be a bit shy but he's friendly once he gets comfortable with you.  He absolutely LOVES other dogs and would thrive in a home with another dog or two! He is also good with cats !   Current Hours and VIP Donor (Effective 07/30/2024) Wednesday through Friday are open hours 11am to 5pm. Saturday open hours 10am to 4pm. Tuesdays are by APPOINTMENT ONLY. We are closed on Sunday and Monday. All surrenders are still by prior approval and appointment only. Even if you are only coming in to look during our open hours, you can still fill out our application prior to visiting. This will save time if you do decide to adopt. Preference on adopting a pet is given to our Shelter Supporters and VIP Donors . When animals arrive at the shelter, VIP donors will be emailed and given the first option to set up an appointment to view an animal of their choice. Click on the link above for full details. Due to limited staff, we may not be able to answer the phones. All information is available on this website, or can be answered by email to staff@sterlingshelter.org . Please be patient, we are doing the best we can to handle the volume. If you don't See any pets on our PETS for ADOPTION PAGE - it simply means that all of the animals were adopted.  We have several areas in/around the shelter to view and interact with the pet/s that you are potentially going to adopt. This includes outdoor, fully fenced yards. We encourage you to bring currently owned dogs so you can introduce them to any dogs that you are interested in adopting. Planning YOUR Visit to Adopt: please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time, please make sure you have any/all necessary paperwork required for adoption and help us stick to our schedule/s - so others do NOT have to wait. You should plan  * For cats/kittens plan for 30 to 45 minutes. * For dogs/puppies plan for 45 to 60 minutes.  If you have another dog/s at home - make sure to bring him/her - we have plenty of space/areas to do a meet and greet with a new dog and your dog/s. If you need to cancel your appointment - please email us ASAP at staff@sterlingshelter.org Adoption Costs and other important information. Supporters and Recurring Giving Donors will be put on our VIP Application List &#226&#128&#139 November 4, 2024, 1:02 pm

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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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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

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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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