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Puppies and dogs in Brainerd, Minnesota

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

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Adopt a dog in Brainerd, Minnesota

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Brainerd, Minnesota. 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 Rigby Rae

Rigby Rae

Texas Heeler Rat Terrier

Female, Puppy
Brainerd, MN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Rigby was born 2 wks before Christmas 2025. She joined us in Feb 2026. She came from an Amish farm. We have 2 older dogs. She and one of the 2 dogs do not get along. We purchased a full package of obedience training through PetSmart, and only completed the Puppy/ Beginner training. Why we never finished was I required major surgery and I was unable to take her back. Additionally, our lives have gotten busier and I'm returning to work. Rigby is crate trained, but I do not like the idea of leaving her in a crate 15+ hours a day. We have taken Rigby to our local vet (all records will be made available) at time of adoption. She is current with all vaccinations. Rigby needs a home where she can get a lot of attention, other pets, and children. She is red & blue heeler mix with rat terrier. She likes to dig, corral, and chew. It's important to provide her lots of bones, areas designated for digging, and she's excellent at herding! She's affectionate and seeks attention.
Photo of Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear

Great Pyrenees Labrador Retriever

Female, Adult
Brainerd, MN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Teddy Bear is a very sweet and cuddly dog, that’s where she gets her name. We got her young and we could tell she had some anxiety issues; we learned that her previous owner had physically harmed her and she was not at a good weight. We’re hoping she can find a loving home, but we wish we could keep her as one of us isn’t physically able to keep up with her and the other works a lot.Teddy Bear is:• Sweet, cuddly, and loves to snuggle• High energy and requires physical exertion• Good with cats and often snuggles with them• Taking medication to help manage her anxiety• Afraid of men and not fond of kids (though she can get used to frequent visitors)She requires a good amount of attention and physical activity to feel her best. She is an anxious but very sweet dog who needs an experienced, patient owner to help her feel safe and secure.💰 Rehoming fee: $0
Photo of Everest

Everest

Husky Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Female, 1 yr 8 mos
Brainerd, MN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Mama Everest is a stunning husky/shepherd mix with a heart as big as her name. She comes to us from the Red Lake Reservation, where she did everything she could to keep her babies safe in the harsh Minnesota cold. Everest gave birth under a porch, sheltering her puppies as best she could. A kind community member brought the puppies inside to keep them warm, while Everest stayed close by—watching, waiting, and protecting from outside, even though she wasn’t comfortable coming indoors herself. Her devotion never wavered. She has proven to be an incredible mama. Her puppies are healthy, happy, and chunky thanks to her constant care. Everest has done her job beautifully—and now, once her babies are fully weaned, she deserves the chance to be someone’s baby too. Mama Everest is gentle, resilient, and deeply loyal. She’s learning that she’s safe now and that humans can be trusted to take care of her as well. If you’re patient, compassionate, and ready to open your heart to a dog who has given so much of herself already, Mama Everest may be the perfect fit. Her next chapter should be one of rest, love, and forever. 💙 Her adoption fee is $400 plus MN tax which covers her spay, vaccinations appropriate at the time of adoption, microchip and any additional medical care she may have needed while in the rescue’s care. We are a foster based rescue, we do not house dogs at a facility. Age and breed are NLR's best guess as we often don't know who or what mom and dad are. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website www.northernlakesrescue.org
Photo of Sequoia

Sequoia

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 2 yrs 7 mos
Brainerd, MN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Meet Sequoia, a petite pittie with a huge heart and an unforgettable story. 🌲❤️ Sequoia found herself pregnant and sitting on the euthanasia list at an overcrowded shelter in Arkansas. With the shelter running out of space—and the possibility of her giving birth in a stressful, unsanitary environment—our rescue partner knew there was no time to waste and pulled her to safety. Mama was a ticking clock, so transport to Minnesota was scheduled for Saturday. Sequoia, however, had plans of her own and gave birth Friday afternoon to eight beautiful National Park puppies. Since then, she has been an incredible mother, keeping her babies safe, healthy and thriving. Now that they are growing, we are getting to know the wonderful dog behind the title of “Mama.” At only about 30 pounds, Sequoia is a very petite pittie who loves with her entire heart. She is house-trained, knows “sit” and “sit pretty,” and does well with dogs, cats and children. She is learning that hands can be gentle, homes can be safe and people can love her just as deeply as she loves them. Her foster said it best: “Someone just threw her away.” But you know what they say—one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Sequoia is pure treasure, and she deserves a family who will never make her question her worth again. Applications for Sequoia are being accepted now! 🌲🐾 Sequoia’s adoption fee is $400 plus MN tax which covers her spay, vaccinations, microchip and any additional medical care she may have needed while in the rescue’s care. We are a foster based rescue, we do not house dogs at a facility. Age and breed are NLR's best guess as we often don't know who or what mom and dad are. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website www.northernlakesrescue.org
Photo of Nova

Nova

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 4 yrs 11 mos
Brainerd, MN
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,
Story
Nova didn’t come to us with a name… just a story written in every step she took. She wandered onto one of our volunteer’s properties like she knew—this is where I’ll be safe. Wet. Cold. Far too thin. Quietly asking for help without making a sound. So her foster gave her a name: Nova. A fresh start. A new beginning. A light after darkness. And that name couldn’t fit her more perfectly. Despite whatever she’s been through, Nova is incredibly soft, gentle, and full of love. The kind of dog who leans into you like she’s been waiting her whole life to feel safe. She’s slowly gaining weight, healing both inside and out, and will need a dental to get her feeling her very best—but her spirit? That’s already shining. Nova is: 🐾 Great with kids 🐾 Good with other dogs 🐾 Unbothered by cats She’s the definition of resilience wrapped in a quiet, loving soul. Nova didn’t just find a yard that day… She found her second chance. Now all she needs is a home to make it permanent. 💛 Nova’s adoption fee is $400 plus MN tax which covers her spay, vaccinations, microchip and any additional medical care she may have needed while in the rescue’s care. We are a foster based rescue, we do not house dogs at a facility. Age and breed are NLR's best guess as we often don't know who or what mom and dad are. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website www.northernlakesrescue.org
Photo of Paulie

Paulie

Labrador Retriever Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, 4 mos
Brainerd, MN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
Paulie is a sweet, easygoing pup with a calm and relaxed personality. He enjoys the simple things in life and is happiest when he’s spending time with his people. While he has a laid-back nature, Paulie also has a playful side that comes out when he’s feeling comfortable and having fun. One of Paulie’s biggest strengths is that he’s very food motivated, which can be a great help in training. He shows no signs of food aggression and responds well to gentle direction. Paulie may need a little extra time, patience, and consistency as he continues learning, but with encouragement and positive reinforcement, he has all the makings of a wonderful companion. If you’re looking for a loving pup with a calm demeanor and a playful spark, Paulie may be the perfect addition to your family. Adoption fee is $425 plus MN tax which covers his neuter, vaccinations appropriate at the time of adoption, microchip and any additional medical care he may have needed while in the rescue’s care. We are a foster based rescue, we do not house dogs at a facility. Age and breed are NLR's best guess as we often don't know who or what mom and dad are. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website www.northernlakesrescue.org

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Brainerd, Minnesota

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Northern Lakes Rescue

5307 Birchdale Road, Brainerd, MN 56401

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Heartland Animal Rescue Team

15494 Danielson Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Silver Dragon Pets

Brainerd, MN 56401

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

Finding Hope Animal Rescue Team

Nisswa, MN 56468

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

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Shelter

The Babinski Foundation

2825 76th St SW, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Morrison County Animal Humane Society

200 7th Ave NE, Little Falls, MN 56345

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Shelter

Aitkin City Dog Pound

109 1st Ave NW, Aitkin, MN 56431

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Heart of the North Animal Rescue

P.O. Box 11, Browerville, MN 56438

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

Forever Furry Friends Rescue

40351 145th ave, Bertha, MN 56437

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

Let Love Live

204 Jefferson St., Wadena, MN 56482

Pet Types: cats, 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 Brainerd, Minnesota 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