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Puppies and dogs in Mankato, Minnesota

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

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Adopt a dog in Mankato, Minnesota

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Mankato, 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 Reika

Reika

Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog

Female, Adult
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Reika is a sweet dog. I don’t really want to rehome her, but we live in the country, she is our outdoor dog and she likes to roam. I can kennel her but feel that’s no life for a dog. She needs a home that she can be with her person and give them all kinds of love and cuddles. Even tho she spends the majority of her time outside, she is potty trained as she sleeps in our garage at night and she did stay in the house with us when she was a pup. She can be somewhat protective, barking at certain people but she’s never been aggressive.
Photo of Emme

Emme

Shepherd (Unknown Type) Mixed Breed (Large)

Female, 3 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
This beautiful 23 pound puppy recently transferred to BENCHS from another shelter alongside her sister. While we cannot say for certain what breeds make up Emme’s family tree, our best guess is German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, with possibly some Border Collie mixed in as well. Emme is everything people love about herding breed puppies. She is incredibly social, deeply intelligent, curious about the world around her, and always eager to interact with her people. She wants to be involved in everything you are doing and already shows the kind of emotional attentiveness and problem-solving skills these breeds are known for. Puppies like Emme tend to form very strong bonds with their families and thrive when given structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement training. Because of her likely breed mix, Emme is looking for an active indoor home that understands the needs of intelligent working-type dogs. German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Border Collies are all breeds known for their loyalty, athleticism, and eagerness to learn. They often do best with families who enjoy walks, adventures, training sessions, enrichment activities, and making their dog part of everyday life. These types of dogs are happiest when both their minds and bodies are being exercised, and Emme is already showing so much potential to grow into an amazing companion for someone willing to continue guiding her as she learns. She is currently working on her potty training and learning all the important puppy basics. Emme is still young and impressionable, which means continued socialization, patience, and positive experiences will be incredibly important as she grows. Most of all, Emme is simply a very sweet puppy with a loving heart who is excited to find a family to grow up with. She is ready for someone who will embrace her intelligence, nurture her confidence, and give her the safe and active home she deserves.
Photo of Lumi

Lumi

Alaskan Malamute

Female 2 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
Lumi is a handsome young Alaskan Malamute puppy who came to BENCHS after his breeder experienced an accidental litter. Currently weighing 19 pounds, Lumi is growing quickly and spending his days romping, wrestling, and learning alongside his siblings. Both of his parents weigh approximately 90 pounds, so adopters should be prepared for Lumi to mature into a large, powerful adult dog. Alaskan Malamutes are a remarkable breed known for their intelligence, strength, loyalty, and affectionate nature with their families. Originally bred to haul heavy freight across harsh Arctic terrain, Malamutes are hardworking dogs with incredible endurance and a strong desire to be part of the action. They are often social, playful, and loving companions, but they are also independent thinkers who can be stubborn when they choose to be. As Lumi grows, his future family should be prepared for a dog that will require ongoing training, socialization, exercise, and mental enrichment. Malamutes thrive when they have a job to do and enjoy activities such as hiking, pulling, backpacking, and other adventures with their people. Their thick double coats require regular grooming, and seasonal shedding is significant. Because of the unique needs and characteristics of this breed, we are looking for breed-savvy adopters or individuals who have previous experience with Alaskan Malamutes or similar northern breeds. Lumi deserves a family that understands the commitment involved in raising a large working-breed dog and can provide the structure, consistency, and enrichment he will need to thrive. If you're looking for a loyal companion, an adventure buddy, and a puppy who is sure to turn heads wherever he goes, Lumi may be the perfect addition to your family!
Photo of Derek

Derek

Labrador Retriever

Male, 5 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Derek! At four and a half months old and just over 20 pounds, this curious pup is ready to discover the world with you. Derek arrived at BENCHS alongside his brother, and now he’s looking for an active home where he can continue to learn, play, and explore. He is incredibly inquisitive and loves engaging with people, always eager to see what you’re up to and be part of it. Toys are a big hit for him, and he’s at that fun stage where everything is an adventure. Derek is currently working on potty training and will need a home that can continue to guide him with consistency and patience as he polishes those skills. He would likely do well either as the only dog or with another social, friendly dog who can help show him the ropes. We are unsure how he would do with cats, though he has shown some interest. If you’re looking for a playful, people-loving puppy to grow alongside, Derek might just be your perfect match.
Photo of Kitty

Kitty

Husky Bull Terrier

Male, 3 yrs 1 mo
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with cats, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Don’t let the name fool you. This handsome boy is all dog, all heart, and full of personality. Kitty came to BENCHS as an unclaimed stray from the City of Mankato, and we have since learned more about his background to help us find the right match for him moving forward. Kitty was previously known as Houston and was rehomed in May 2025. He lived as an indoor dog and did well with people, including children ages 8 to 14. He was crate trained overnight, rides well in the car, and enjoys human attention. He is a smart dog who can open certain doors and may slip out of a tie out if it is not secure, so supervision and good management will be important. Kitty weighs about 68 pounds and was born on April 20, 2023. He is a young, energetic dog with a lot of enthusiasm for life and enjoys showing off the commands he already knows. In his previous home, Kitty lived with dogs and did well with a spayed female, but he was involved in a serious incident with an intact male dog. Because of this history, Kitty is dog selective and would do best as the only dog in the home or with careful, experienced placement. He also has a high prey drive and should not live with cats, chickens, or other small animals. Kitty is a bright, powerful young dog who will need a home that can provide structure, clear boundaries, and continued training. With the right environment and guidance, he has the potential to be a loyal and rewarding companion. If you are an experienced dog owner looking for a confident, intelligent dog and are prepared to meet Kitty’s needs, he may be the right fit for you.
Photo of Molly

Molly

Mixed Breed (Large)

Female, 2 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
This adorable little puppy came to BENCHS alongside four of her siblings and has quickly won everyone over with her playful personality. Weighing in at 18.2 pounds, Molly has an outgoing personality and loves being part of the action. While we cannot say for certain what breeds make up this litter, our best guess is perhaps a Cattle Dog and Terrier mix of some sort. Molly already shows many of the traits people love about these kinds of dogs. She is smart, active, inquisitive, and always ready to learn something new, especially if treats are involved. Molly is extremely food motivated, which makes her a wonderful candidate for continued positive reinforcement training as she grows. Molly is looking for an active indoor home that will continue helping her build confidence, learn good puppy manners, and channel her energy into fun and enriching activities. Puppies with her likely breed mix often thrive in homes that enjoy walks, adventures, training sessions, puzzle toys, and making their dog part of everyday life. She is very dog friendly and continues to live comfortably with her siblings here at the shelter. Molly can be a little vocal at times, but it is usually just her enthusiastic way of expressing herself. Despite her tiny size, she is social, outgoing, and very friendly with new people. Like any young puppy, Molly is still learning about the world around her and will need patience, consistency, and continued training as she grows. In return, she promises to bring a whole lot of personality, laughter, and love into the lives of the people lucky enough to call her family.

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Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Mankato, Minnesota.

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Mankato, Minnesota

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

crazy about critters rescue and adoption

mankato, MN 56001

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

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Shelter

Blue Earth Nicollet County Pet Shelter/BENCHS

1250 N River Drive, Mankato, MN 56001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Mending Spirits Animal Rescue

PO Box 5402, Mankato, MN 56002

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

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Rescue

Faith, Hope and Forever Animal Rescue

Mankato, MN 56003

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Forever Home Animal Sanctuary, Inc.

P.O. Box 592, New Ulm, MN 56073

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Watonwan County Humane Society

1309 Weston Ave N, Box 346, St. James, MN 56081

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

New Chances Humane Society

1540 industrial drive, po box231, Blue Earth, MN 56013

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

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Rescue

Southern Minnesota Animal Rescue Team, Inc

Lonsdale, MN 55046

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Clawz & Pawz

200 Western Ave, Faribault, MN 55021

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

S.A.F.E. Sanctuary

Po box 1118, Faribault, MN 55021

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 Mankato, 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