Brainerd

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.

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.

Special Needs

Rosie

Dachshund

Female, 11 yrs 9 mos

Brainerd, MN

Size

(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less

Details

Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,

Story

Rosie is a sweet eleven year old purebred red piebald dachshund. Her family moved and couldn't take her along. She spent her entire life with her previous family and needs time to adjust to a new living situation. Rosie has beautiful blue eyes, one is smaller than the other (congenital issue). She had a fatty (non-cancerous) tumor removed from her chest in September 2022, it is starting to grow back. She's is in great health. Rosie is spayed but is not current on vaccinations. She weighs about 20 pounds. She will be microchipped before she leaves. Rosie lived with three other small-breed dogs (all younger than her), and she did very well. She's selective about which dogs she's making friends with in her foster home, and has gone after other dogs (almost exclusively female dogs). She needs to be placed in a home without other female dogs for her own safety. Rosie can be food aggressive toward other animals (cats included), but not toward humans. She needs to be fed in her own area away from other pets. Rosie is a dachshund and as such she cannot live with rabbits or other small pets - she will try to kill them. She is accustomed to sleeping in the big bed with her people. Rosie loves snuggles, will roll over for tummy rubs, and is active and happy when she's around her people. She prefers plush toys over hard toys and is food and treat motivated. She gets one cup of food per day to maintain her healthy weight. Kids are no problem. Rosie loves her two-legged foster siblings (ages 9 and up). She has a good recall (most of the time) while in a fenced area (poor recall if allowed to run loose), but she walks well on a leash. She does well being let out every three hours throughout the day, but will have accidents if she's not let out regularly. Her previous home left potty pads on the floor, her foster home relies on outdoor potty training. Rosie does howl and cry if she thinks she is home alone. She would do best in a home with someone who can be with her full time - or can bring her with them to work - or can have a pet nanny or dog sitter with her at all times. Rosie's original family would like to stay in touch and get updates if at all possible. Rosie is available for adoption to an approved home that can meet her specific needs. Her adoption fee is $375.

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Kimber

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 5 yrs 1 mo

Brainerd, MN

Size

(when grown) -

Details

Story

Needs foster/foster to adopt Kimber is a stunning white Shepherd with energy for days and a heart that loves just as big. Born on 4/20/2021, he’s the kind of dog who thrives when he has space to run, people to love, and a purpose for all that playful energy. If you’re someone who enjoys staying active—whether that’s walks, yard time, lake days, or just being outside—Kimber is ready to be right there with you. He absolutely loves people and will happily soak up all the attention you’re willing to give. He’s grown up with structure and knows his basic commands, comes when called, and is already leash, kennel, and house trained. Kimber does best with consistency and an outlet for his energy—he’s not a couch potato, he’s your go-go-go kind of companion. ✔️ Loves running, playing, and staying active ✔️ Great with people and kids ✔️ Enjoys water, sprinklers, and lake days ✔️ Leash, kennel, and house trained He’s not neutered yet, but that’s something we’ll cover. Kimber is ready for his next chapter—but he needs a foster or foster-to-adopt home to get there. If you’re looking for a loyal, fun-loving dog who will keep life exciting, Kimber might be your perfect match.

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Tequila

Husky

Female, 2 yrs 8 mos

Brainerd, MN

Size

(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)

Details

Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,

Story

Tequila “Keela” 🖤❄️ Some dogs don’t need to be loud to be noticed… they just are. That’s Keela. With her striking ice-blue eyes and thick, fluffy coat, she turns heads instantly—but it’s her soft, gentle soul that really stays with you. Keela is the kind of dog who leans into you quietly, like she’s been waiting her whole life to feel safe. She’s affectionate, calm in the home, and enjoys playing in short bursts before settling in close to her people. She loves going for walks and does well with a no-pull harness, just needing a little guidance along the way. She is crate trained (especially if treats are involved 😉) and mostly potty trained, though like many dogs, she may need a little consistency during the transition to a new home. Keela would thrive with someone patient—someone who understands that trust isn’t rushed, it’s earned. She can be a little unsure in new situations (car rides and stairs are still a work in progress), but with time, encouragement, and a steady routine, she continues to blossom. She’s done well with other dogs and seems to find comfort in having a canine companion nearby. Because of her curiosity, slow introductions with small animals are recommended. More than anything, Keela just wants to be loved—and to finally feel like she belongs. ✨ Soft. Gentle. Loyal. ✨ A quiet soul with so much love to give If you’re the kind of person who sees the beauty in a dog finding her confidence… Keela might just be your girl.

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Nova

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 4 yrs 8 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

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

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Leonard

American Staffordshire Terrier French Bulldog

Male, 12 yrs 11 mos

Brainerd, MN

Size

(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)

Details

Good with dogs,

Story

Introducing: LEONARD. The Super Senior Bully Mix He’s 12-ish years old. He’s going blind. His hips are about as trustworthy as a gas station sushi roll. He pees a lot. He humps even more. And somehow, he’s still the most loveable old man we’ve ever met. Leonard didn’t deserve to end up in a pound. He was found as a stray, unclaimed, and left behind. But guess what? We stepped in. Because no senior dog deserves to have their last chapter written in a cold kennel. Now Leonard’s days are filled with soft beds, snacks, belly rubs, and a whole lot of potty breaks. (Seriously, a lot.) He might be a little creaky, a little leaky, and a little freaky 🤭 — but he’s 100% adored. Would we love for someone to step up and give him the cushy retirement home he deserves? Absolutely. That would be the cherry on top. 🍒(he still has his). But until then, Leonard is living his best life with Northern Lakes Rescue, loved hard for however long he’s got. ❤️ Because even the oldest, quirkiest, most “oops I peed again” dogs deserve a soft landing. 🐾

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Everest

Husky Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Female, 1 yr 5 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

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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

Shelter

Heartland Animal Rescue Team

15494 Danielson Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401

Pet Types: cats, dogs

Rescue

Silver Dragon Pets

Brainerd, MN 56401

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

Rescue

Finding Hope Animal Rescue Team

Nisswa, MN 56468

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

Shelter

The Babinski Foundation

2825 76th St SW, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472

Pet Types: cats, dogs

Shelter

Morrison County Animal Humane Society

200 7th Ave NE, Little Falls, MN 56345

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

Shelter

Aitkin City Dog Pound

109 1st Ave NW, Aitkin, MN 56431

Pet Types: dogs

Rescue

Heart of the North Animal Rescue

P.O. Box 11, Browerville, MN 56438

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

Rescue

Forever Furry Friends Rescue

40351 145th ave, Bertha, MN 56437

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

Rescue

Let Love Live

204 Jefferson St., Wadena, MN 56482

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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!

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

Labrador Retriever Chihuahua Shih Tzu German Shepherd Dog Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier Husky Dachshund Australian Shepherd Boxer Beagle Pomeranian Golden Retriever Maltese Australian Cattle Dog Border Collie American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle (Miniature) Pekingese English Bulldog

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

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

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Puppies and dogs in Brainerd, Minnesota

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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.

Search for a puppy or dog

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Brainerd, Minnesota

Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

Looking for a specific breed?

Popular dog breeds

Popular dog breeds