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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.
We'll also keep you updated on Vader's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Vader

Vader

American Staffordshire Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 1 yr 4 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Vader is a 43-lb pit bull mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He came to BENCHS alongside several other dogs and has already shown just how resilient and loving he is. Vader is currently awaiting a black leg amputation after sustaining a broken femur in his previous home. While this is a big change, Vader is handling it with incredible strength and optimism. Because he will need time to heal and adjust to life on three legs, he is looking for an adult-only home that can provide calm support, patience, and consistency during his recovery. This guy is dog-friendly, very active, and full of excitement for life. He enjoys being around other dogs and would benefit from continued positive outlets for his energy once cleared by his veterinary team. When Vader arrived at BENCHS, he was underweight. With proper care, nutrition, and love, he has already gained an impressive 16.8 pounds and watching him thrive has been nothing short of amazing. Vader is proof that resilience comes in many forms. He’s searching for a compassionate home that will stand by him through healing and beyond — and in return, he’ll offer loyalty, joy, and an unbreakable bond. 🖤 Vader is ready for his next chapter — are you the one to write it with him?
We'll also keep you updated on Daisy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Daisy

Daisy

Doberman Pinscher Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 9 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Daisy is an 8 month old Doberman mix who came to BENCHS as a stray before her owner later came forward and made the difficult decision that they were unable to keep her. Now, Daisy is ready for a fresh start with a family who can give her the stability and love she deserves. Weighing in at about 32 lbs, Daisy is still growing into herself. She can be a little shy when meeting new people, but do not let that fool you. She warms up quickly and blossoms once she feels safe. When she is comfortable, her playful personality shines, especially when toys are involved. Playtime is one of her favorite ways to bond and build confidence. Daisy would do best in a patient home that understands she is still a puppy at heart and ready to learn, grow, and form strong connections. With consistency, love, and a bit of encouragement, she is sure to make a wonderful companion. If you are looking for a sweet, playful pup who just needs a chance, Daisy might be your perfect match.
We'll also keep you updated on Lilith 's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Lilith

Lilith

Mixed Breed (Medium) American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 9 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Lilith is nearly 8 months old and blossoming into a playful, energetic adolescent pup with a big love for life. She’s at that fun age where she’s curious, active, and eager to keep learning, and she’s ready for a family who can help guide her as she grows. In her previous home, Lilith was kennel trained and slept comfortably in her kennel overnight. She had free range of the home when people were present and enjoyed spending time in a fenced backyard during the warmer months, where she loved to run, play, and explore. Lilith truly enjoys being outdoors and would often choose to relax in a large kennel set up just for her, showing she’s comfortable settling on her own. She enjoys daily walks, loves playing fetch, and is highly toy-motivated. Lilith is also very food-motivated—especially when jerky treats are involved—which makes her a great candidate for continued training. She’s currently eating Pro Plan Puppy (chicken) and was fed breakfast and dinner. At night, she’s an excellent self-settler and often puts herself to bed around 8:00 PM, sleeping through the night. Like many young dogs, Lilith is still working on perfecting her potty training and had occasional accidents, likely related to supervision rather than any medical concerns. As an active, growing pup, Lilith will thrive with an adopter who can provide regular exercise, outdoor time, mental enrichment, and positive reinforcement training. With consistency, structure, and love, she has all the potential to grow into a wonderful companion. If you’re looking for a fun, outdoors-loving dog who’s ready to learn and eager to bond, Lilith may be the perfect match.
We'll also keep you updated on Kitty's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kitty

Kitty

Husky Bull Terrier

Male, 2 yrs 10 mos
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.
We'll also keep you updated on Grandpa Meatball's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Grandpa Meatball

Grandpa Meatball

American Pit Bull Terrier Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 10 yrs
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Grandpa Meatball arrived at BENCHS with no owner, no history, and absolutely no respect for personal space. Where he came from is a mystery. He suffers from chronic dry eye, which remains crusty and frankly offensive no matter what treatments we attempt. We give him eye drops multiple times a day. We clean his eyes multiple times a day. We are medically attentive. And yet somehow, immediately after care, Grandpa Meatball re-crusts himself like it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s permanent. It’s his signature look. As a result, it’s important to remember that boundaries are something Grandpa Meatball cannot see clearly. Literally or emotionally. Despite this, he is somehow both cute and gross at the same time, a deeply confusing combination that he wields with confidence. In his downtime, Grandpa Meatball becomes intensely emotionally invested in suckling stuffed animals, dog beds, blankets, and anything soft enough to accept his affection. He approaches this activity with deep focus and zero shame. Any attempt at affection will be immediately escalated. He will seize the moment, latch on with alarming confidence, and remind you that boundaries are a modern invention he does not recognize and, frankly, cannot see. When he’s not causing problems, Grandpa Meatball enjoys splooting dramatically across the floor, proudly displaying his little toad butt like it’s a personality trait. It is impossible to look at him in this position and feel anything other than concern, affection, and mild confusion. Because of his… enthusiasm, Grandpa Meatball would do best in a very specific home. One with no kids, no other pets, and humans who understand that love, for Meatball, is loud, physical, unavoidable, and crusty. Despite everything, Grandpa Meatball is incredibly people-oriented, absurdly affectionate, and impossible not to laugh at. He’s weird. He’s gross. He’s cute. He’s deeply endearing. He is not for everyone—but for the right person, he is pure unfiltered joy. If you want a polite dog with manners, Grandpa Meatball is not your guy. If you want a senior feral icon with mystery trauma, crusty eyes despite aggressive medical care, emotional support blankets, sploots, and a toad butt… welcome home.
We'll also keep you updated on Obie's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Obie

Obie

American Pit Bull Terrier Labrador Retriever

Male, 2 yrs 5 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
This sweet guy may be a little shy at first, but give him some time—and maybe a few tasty treats—and you’ll see his gentle, goofy personality shine through. Obie was found as a stray, so he’s still learning that the world can be a safe and loving place. But once he decides you’re one of the good ones? That’s it. You’re in. Forever. Obie is a very strong boy and will do best with an experienced handler who can help guide him as he continues learning. He’s currently working on taking treats nicely and basic commands, and the good news is—he’s very treat motivated and eager to learn. With consistency and positive reinforcement, he’s going to thrive. He loves quiet moments, soft voices, and people who let him move at his own pace. Obie has done well with other dogs through the fence, but he can sometimes have a hard time with other dominant male dogs. Because of this, he may be happiest as an only dog, where he can soak up all the attention and continue building confidence without competition. Obie would be happiest in a quieter home with someone who enjoys adventures but also appreciates a cozy night in. If you’re patient, kind, and ready to invest in a strong, smart dog who wants to learn and bond deeply, Obie just might be your perfect match. Ready to win this sweet boy’s heart?

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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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Shelter

Hope For Homes Animal Rescue

50572 194th St, Lake Crystal, MN 56055

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

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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

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