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Puppies and dogs in North Mankato, Minnesota

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

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Adopt a dog in North Mankato, Minnesota

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in North 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 Bindi

Bindi

Border Collie

Male, Adult
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Name:  Bindi   Age:  Adult / DOB: 09/16/2022  Gender: Male Breed:   Border Collie   Weight:  40 lbs Dog friendly:  Yes Cat friendly:   Testing available upon request Child friendly: Yes, gentle older children, please  House trained:  In progress  Crate trained:   Yes Energy level:  Moderate / Active Temperament:   Shy, Intelligent, playful, gentle  Requirement: Not apartment appropriate  Adoption Fee:  $375+tax To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html  About Me: Hi there! My name is Bindi and I’m a playful pup with a big heart. I was picked up as a stray in Mankato, and for a while, I didn’t have a family to call my own. But then, a kind foster family took me in and started showing me what it means to be loved and cared for. When I first arrived, my fur was in ‘ruff’ shape—dirty and full of mats. Now I’m clean, brushed, and feeling like a brand new dog! I love hanging out with my fellow dog friends here. We chase each other around the yard and play with all the toys (which is my favorite thing to do!). Every day, I’m learning something new about being a part of a family. It’s so much better than life on the streets. I even went on my first hiking adventure and walked in a lake for the first time.  I can’t wait to find my forever home where I can share all the love and fun I have to give! From the foster family:  When Bindi first arrived in our home, he was in pretty rough shape—dirty, matted, and clearly in need of some TLC. After a good bath and lots of brushing, we saw such a transformation in him. Bindi quickly became a playful, affectionate companion who seems genuinely grateful for every bit of kindness he receives. Now that he’s clean and mat-free, he’s able to focus on being a dog: playing with our other dogs, exploring the house, and discovering the joys of toys and treats. Bindi is currently learning to potty outside and is making great progress. He’s incredibly gentle with everyone he meets and was so patient while we worked through his mats. Anyone who meets Bindi can see what a loving and resilient spirit he has, and we know he’ll make a wonderful addition to a forever family.  September 26, 2026, 10:18 pm
Photo of Matthew James

Matthew James

Basenji Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Male, Young
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Name:  Matthew James Age:  Young DOB: 8/1/25 Gender: Male Breed:  Basenji /Terrier mix Weight:  35 lbs Dog Friendly: Yes Cat Friendly:  Testing available upon request   Child Friendly: Yes House Trained: Yes Crate Trained:  Yes Energy Level: Moderate Temperament:  snuggly, playful, loving, easygoing, intelligent, curious, independent  Requirement: Not rental appropriate  Adoption Fee: $400 + tax To adopt, go to:   www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html Meet Your New Best Friend!  Meet this handsome 1-year-old Basenji/Terrier mix who is ready to find his forever family! He’s a smart, lovable young pup with a wonderful foundation and so much potential to become someone’s best friend. He is potty trained, house trained, and crate trained, making the transition into his new home that much easier. He already knows his “sit” command and is eager to learn more. He’s currently working on his leash manners and learning that walks are more enjoyable when he doesn’t pull—he’s making progress and just needs a family willing to continue working with him. This sweet boy is at the perfect age to grow, learn, and bond with his new family. He has plenty of youthful energy and would love a family who will give him love, patience, exercise, playtime, and plenty of positive reinforcement. Imagine coming home to a happy face, a wagging tail, and a loyal companion who is excited to be part of your life. He has already learned so much, and with the right family, he can continue to blossom into an amazing companion. If you are interested in meeting Matthew, please complete an application! September 26, 2026, 10:18 pm
Photo of Muffin

Muffin

Australian Cattle Dog

Female, 3 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Muffin is an incredibly beautiful Heeler mix, although we cannot say for certain exactly what breeds make up her family tree. She was one of a litter of 11 puppies who came to BENCHS from another shelter, ready to grow up and begin searching for families of their own. Instead, shortly after arriving, these babies found themselves facing a battle none of us expected when the litter became sick with parvovirus. Muffin fought hard, she BEAT PARVO, and now those scary days are behind her! Today, Muffin is healthy, thriving, growing, and getting sillier by the day. After spending so much time worrying about whether these puppies were going to be okay, there is something incredibly special about watching them run around, play, cause a little puppy chaos, and simply get to enjoy being puppies again. Muffin currently lives with several of her siblings and has never gone a single day of her life without the companionship of other dogs. She has grown up eating, sleeping, wrestling, playing, exploring, and learning alongside her canine family. That has given her tons of early experience socializing and communicating with other puppies. As the weeks go by, more and more of Muffin’s personality continues to emerge, and she is becoming such a fun, silly, joyful little puppy who is ready to take on the world. Our best guess is that Muffin and her siblings have some Heeler, or Australian Cattle Dog, in their family tree. Heelers are intelligent, energetic, loyal working dogs that were bred to stay busy and use both their bodies and their brains. They tend to thrive in active homes where they receive plenty of exercise, enrichment, training, structure, and opportunities to be included in family life. Muffin is looking for an active indoor home that is excited about raising a smart, energetic puppy and continuing her training and socialization as she grows. Potential adopters should also understand that herding breeds can sometimes bring their natural working instincts into family life. Chasing, circling, and nipping at heels can emerge as they mature, especially around small children who are running, squealing, or playing. These behaviors do not necessarily mean a dog is being aggressive. They can simply be an extension of the instincts these dogs were bred for, but they can still be overwhelming for very young children and require consistent training and appropriate outlets. Because Muffin is still a young puppy and we do not yet know how strongly those instincts will develop, families with very small children should carefully consider whether an energetic herding breed puppy is the right fit for their household. Muffin has already overcome something enormous in her short life. She fought through parvo, recovered, and came out the other side ready to LIVE. Now we want the rest of her story to be filled with adventures, training, toys, treats, muddy paws, ridiculous puppy antics, and a family who gets to watch this special little survivor grow up. Come meet Muffin at BENCHS and help us give another one of our Parvo Puppy Survivors the happy ending she fought so hard for! BENCHS puppy adoption fees are $500 plus tax. Muffin’s adoption fee includes her spay, microchip, dewormer, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, distemper boosters, Bordetella vaccination, and rabies vaccination. Our puppies also head home with a gallon bag of food, a leash, collar, harness, tote bag, blanket, toys, and some other little freebies to help them settle into their new homes. Muffin’s adoption also includes a professional family photo to capture the beginning of her new life with the people lucky enough to call her theirs!
Photo of Willa Emme

Willa Emme

Belgian Malinois Border Collie

Female, 7 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Willa Emma was adopted from BENCHS as a young puppy and recently returned after her owner began battling some unexpected medical issues. This decision had nothing to do with Willa Emma herself, and her family was able to give us so much helpful information about the wonderful, goofy, intelligent teenager she has grown into. Now 6 1/2 months old, Willa Emma is very much in her teenage puppy era. She is active, incredibly smart, social, playful, and full of personality. And we actually have a pretty good idea of what makes up this beautiful girl! Willa Emma's sister had a DNA test completed, which came back as 37% Belgian Malinois, 25% Border Collie, 16% Australian Cattle Dog, 3% German Shepherd Dog, and 17% Supermutt. While siblings can inherit different percentages of their ancestry, these results give us a pretty great glimpse into Willa Emma's family tree. If you know herding breeds, that combination probably explains a LOT about Willa Emma. She absolutely loves kids and has done well with children of all ages. She is still learning her manners and doesn't always understand that she can't jump up to greet them. She also takes her self-appointed herding responsibilities pretty seriously! She may gently nip at the back of someone's leg or use her body to block and redirect people. Her previous family even reported that she would sometimes body block the toddler in the home. These behaviors will need continued training and appropriate outlets as she grows. Willa Emma also LOVES other dogs. Her family told us that she has not met a dog she didn't get along with. She loves to run, plays a great game of fetch, and would likely have a blast with another playful canine companion. Her experience with other types of animals is more limited. She was frightened by rabbits and did not do well around them, and her family is unsure how she would respond to cats. Because we don't know how she would feel about living with a cat, a cat-free home may be the easiest fit. Willa Emma is doing really well with potty training. When she is somewhere unfamiliar, her family recommends watching for her to start sniffing around corners, which can be her way of telling you she needs to go outside. She has also been known to pee on soft surfaces. Her previous home did not have rugs or carpeting, so moving into a carpeted home may require some additional supervision while she adjusts to a new routine. She is accustomed to going outside on a yard leash for potty breaks. At night, Willa Emma sleeps either in her owner's bed or in her kennel. During the day, one of her favorite places to relax is perched on the back of the couch. She enjoys being near her people and being involved in whatever is happening around her. This girl LOVES enrichment. Puzzle toys are a favorite, and she is happiest when her brain has something to work on. She still loves toys of all kinds, especially soft toys she can tear apart and anything that squeaks. Collagen chews are another favorite, although she has officially decided that Greenies are not worth her time. Willa Emma already knows sit and stay/wait, and her family has worked on teaching her to wait for permission before eating. Sometimes she will even wait until she hears "OK" before digging into her meal. They have also started teaching her "center," where she comes back and positions herself between her person's legs. She is still working on that one, but she's beginning to understand the idea. Her recall is also still a work in progress. Like many intelligent teenagers, sometimes she hears you perfectly well and simply has other plans! Until she has a reliable recall, she will need to remain safely leashed or contained when outside. Willa Emma loves going places and does well in the car, although she prefers to stand for the entire adventure so she can keep an eye on everything happening around her. She currently eats Fromm dog food and has been receiving approximately 1 1/2 cups in the morning and another 1 1/2 cups in the evening. She isn't a particularly picky eater. Willa Emma's dream home is an active household prepared to embrace everything that comes with raising a highly intelligent herding-breed teenager. Whether her family lives in town or in the country matters much less than whether they are prepared to give her the exercise, enrichment, structure, training, and involvement she needs. With Belgian Malinois, Border Collie, and Australian Cattle Dog making up the majority of her sister's DNA results, Willa Emma isn't the kind of dog who will be fulfilled simply hanging out at home without much to do. She needs people who are excited about having a smart, active dog and are willing to give that busy brain appropriate jobs. Walks, adventures, games of fetch, puzzle toys, positive reinforcement training, and learning new skills would all be wonderful outlets for her. As she gets older, she could also be a really fun candidate for activities like agility, scent work, obedience, or other dog sports. Most importantly, Willa Emma is still just a puppy. She isn't expected to have everything figured out yet. She is still learning how to control her excitement, what behaviors humans appreciate, and how to put that very busy brain to good use. Beneath all of that teenage energy is an incredibly sweet, social girl who loves people, loves kids, loves other dogs, and wants to be part of everything her family is doing. Willa Emma has already been loved very much, and now she is getting another chance to find the family who will help her grow from a goofy, brilliant teenager into the incredible adult dog we know she has the potential to become.
Photo of Otis

Otis

Australian Cattle Dog

Male, 3 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Otis, one of our incredible Parvo Puppy Survivors! Otis is an incredibly handsome Heeler mix, although we cannot say for certain exactly what breeds make up his family tree. He was one of a litter of 11 puppies who came to BENCHS from another shelter, expecting their next big adventure to be finding families of their own. Instead, these little puppies suddenly found themselves in the fight of their lives when the litter became sick with parvovirus. Otis fought hard, he BEAT PARVO, and now you would never know what he has been through! He is healthy, thriving, growing, and becoming more fun and silly by the day. After everything these puppies went through, getting to watch their personalities emerge and seeing them simply enjoy being puppies has been incredibly special. Otis currently lives with several of his siblings and has never gone a day of his life without other dogs around him. He has grown up eating, sleeping, playing, wrestling, exploring, and learning alongside his canine family, giving him tons of early experience socializing and communicating with other puppies. Now that he is healthy and feeling great, Otis is becoming a joyful, goofy little guy who is ready to take on the world. Our best guess is that Otis and his siblings have some Heeler, or Australian Cattle Dog, in their family tree. Heelers are intelligent, energetic, loyal working dogs that tend to thrive when they have opportunities to use both their bodies and their brains. They can make incredible companions for families who enjoy staying active, training, exploring, and including their dogs in their adventures. Otis is looking for an active indoor home that is ready for all of the fun, work, learning, and laughter that comes along with raising a smart, energetic puppy. Potential adopters should also understand that herding breeds can sometimes bring their working instincts into family life. Chasing, circling, and nipping at heels can emerge as these puppies grow, particularly around small children who are running, squealing, and playing. These behaviors do not necessarily mean a dog is being aggressive. They can simply be an extension of the instincts these dogs were bred for, but they can still be overwhelming for very young children and require consistent training and appropriate outlets. Because Otis is still a young puppy and we do not yet know how strongly those instincts will develop as he matures, families with very small children should carefully consider whether an energetic herding breed puppy is the right fit for their household. Otis has already faced something enormous in his very short life, and he came out on the other side. Now he is healthy, happy, wonderfully silly, and ready for the next chapter. This time, we hope his biggest challenges involve learning his manners, figuring out where his family hides the treats, and deciding which spot on the couch belongs to him. Come meet Otis at BENCHS and help us give another one of our Parvo Puppy Survivors the happy ending he fought so hard for! BENCHS puppy adoption fees are $500 plus tax. Otis’s adoption fee includes his neuter, microchip, dewormer, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, distemper boosters, Bordetella vaccination, and rabies vaccination. Our puppies also head home with a gallon bag of food, a leash, collar, harness, tote bag, blanket, toys, and some other little freebies to help make the transition into their new home a little easier. Otis’s adoption also includes a professional family photo to capture the beginning of his new life with the people lucky enough to call him theirs!
Photo of Boone

Boone

Australian Cattle Dog

Male, 3 mos
Mankato, MN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Boone, one of our incredible Parvo Puppy Survivors! Boone is one seriously handsome Heeler mix, although we cannot say for certain exactly what breeds make up his family tree. He was one of a litter of 11 puppies who came to BENCHS from another shelter, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. Instead, shortly after arriving, these little puppies found themselves facing a battle none of us saw coming when the litter became sick with parvovirus. Boone fought, he survived, and he BEAT PARVO! Today, those scary days are behind him. Boone is healthy, thriving, growing, and becoming more fun and silly with every passing day. After everything this litter went through, watching Boone run around, wrestle with his siblings, explore, and cause all of the normal puppy mischief feels pretty incredible. Boone currently lives with several of his siblings and has never gone a single day of his life without the companionship of other dogs. He has grown up eating, sleeping, playing, wrestling, and learning alongside his canine family, giving him tons of early experience socializing and communicating with other puppies. As he continues to grow and gain confidence, we are getting to see more and more of Boone’s personality. He is playful, curious, goofy, joyful, and very ready to see what the rest of the world has to offer. Our best guess is that Boone and his siblings have some Heeler, or Australian Cattle Dog, in their family tree. Heelers are incredibly intelligent, energetic, loyal working dogs. They were bred to stay busy, think independently, and work alongside their people, so they often thrive in active homes that can provide plenty of exercise, mental enrichment, training, structure, and adventure. Boone is looking for an active indoor home that is excited about raising a smart, energetic puppy and continuing his training and socialization as he grows. Potential adopters should also understand that herding breeds can sometimes bring their natural working instincts into family life. Chasing, circling, and nipping at heels can emerge as puppies mature, particularly around small children who are running, squealing, or playing. These behaviors do not necessarily mean a dog is being aggressive. They can simply be an extension of the instincts these dogs were bred for, but they can still be overwhelming for very young children and require consistent training and appropriate outlets. Because Boone is still a young puppy and we do not yet know how strongly those instincts will develop as he matures, families with very small children should carefully consider whether an energetic herding breed puppy is the right fit for their household. Boone has already had to be much braver than any puppy should have to be. He fought through parvo, recovered, and came out on the other side with an entire lifetime still waiting for him. Now we want his biggest adventures to be learning new things, exploring new places, finding his favorite toys, getting into a little harmless puppy trouble, and growing up surrounded by a family who absolutely adores him. Come meet Boone at BENCHS and help us give another one of our Parvo Puppy Survivors the happy ending he fought so hard for! BENCHS puppy adoption fees are $500 plus tax. Boone’s adoption fee includes his neuter, microchip, dewormer, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, distemper boosters, Bordetella vaccination, and rabies vaccination. Our puppies also head home with a gallon bag of food, a leash, collar, harness, tote bag, blanket, toys, and some other little freebies to help them settle into their new homes. Boone’s adoption also includes a professional family photo to capture the beginning of his new life with the people lucky enough to call him theirs!

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Dog shelters and rescues in North Mankato, Minnesota

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

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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Shelter

Blue Earth Nicollet County Pet Shelter/BENCHS

1250 N River Drive, Mankato, MN 56001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

crazy about critters rescue and adoption

mankato, MN 56001

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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Rescue

Southern Minnesota Animal Rescue Team, Inc

Lonsdale, MN 55046

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

Unchained

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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Rescue

bentleys Outpost

1002 1st ave ne, Faribault, MN 55021

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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Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in North 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