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Puppies and dogs in New Jersey

Looking for a puppy or dog in New Jersey? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in New Jersey

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in New Jersey. 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 Nico's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Nico

Nico

Labrador Retriever

Male, Adult
Westwood, NJ
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Meet Nico! This handsome 3-year-old Lab mix weighs about 40 pounds, is fully vetted, and ready to find his forever family! He’s the perfect medium size—big enough for adventures but small enough to snuggle. Nico has that classic Lab sweetness and charm, always eager for affection and companionship. Whether it’s going for a walk, playing outside, or relaxing by your side, Nico will be your loyal buddy through it all. Nico would do best in a home with a friendly resident dog who can help him learn the ropes and build his confidence. He also enjoys having the TV or radio on, which helps him feel more comfortable and relaxed. Nico is not a fan of being crated, so a home that can offer him a more open, cozy environment will help him thrive. With a little patience and time to settle in, Nico will be a wonderful addition to your family. Apply today at www.peace4paws.org/adoption-application on your laptop or computer.  If you have specific adoption or foster questions, please email: judy.atchison@yahoo.com THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN RESCUING A DOG! U.S. shelter and adoption estimates 2012 3,500—Number of animal shelters •  6-8 million—Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year 25 percent—Percentage of purebred dogs in shelters •  3-4 million—Number cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year 2.7 million—Number of adoptable cats and dogs euthanized in shelters each year 25% of dogs in shelters are pure bred - that's 1 in 4! December 29, 2025, 2:06 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Hamilton's adoption status with email updates.
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Hamilton

American Staffordshire Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier

Male, Adult
Sayreville, NJ
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
If you believe the best friendships start with a little patience, a lot of love, and shared adventures, Hamilton might be your perfect match!He’s ready to give his whole heart to someone willing to help him thrive and grow. Come meet him, spend a little time together, and see if this sweet, playful pup is the friend you didn’t know you were missing.If you are interested in meeting Hamilton, please complete an Interest Form. An adoption counselor will contact you to schedule an appointment.December 29, 2025, 1:44 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Nicky's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Nicky

Nicky

American Staffordshire Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier

Male, Young
Sayreville, NJ
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Nicky!Nicky is a sweet little guy who’s looking for his new best friend. He’s still a bit unsure on leash, but you can tell he wants to trust and is eager to learn. With his puppy-like energy and playful spirit, Nicky loves attention and would be happiest soaking up all of yours.He’ll need some basic training and a little extra TLC (plus a few good meals!) to help him thrive, but he has all the potential to grow into an amazing companion. If you’re looking for a loving, energetic pup to bond with and help blossom, Nicky might be your perfect match!If you are interested in meeting Nicky, please complete an Interest Form. An adoption counselor will contact you to schedule an appointment.December 29, 2025, 1:44 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Sprucey's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
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Sprucey

Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Female, Adult
Edison, NJ
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter,
Story
My family adopted her at a local Shelter one year ago (Edison Municipal Shelter) My father who wanted the dog died 2 weeks later and my mom had a stroke before thanksgiving. She needs constant assistance and Sprucey needs a lot of attention. we tried to housebreak her but she is inconsistent. The shelter told us she was but that was not the case. She has anxiety and is very noise sensitive. I work full time and share the responsibility of helping my mom with my sister who also works and has a family. I just cannot give her the attention she needs.
We'll also keep you updated on Nico's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Nico

Nico

Labrador Retriever

Male, Puppy
Woodland Park, NJ
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
 ALL our cats and dogs are in the NY area but can be adopted out of state to the purrfect furever home.  In some cases, we can help transport.  Zani's al fresco Summer Adoptions  follow us on FB to find us this summer as we will try new locations to meet the needs of NYC and support the little stores:)       3m old Handsome Nico from Puerto Rico.  All dogs are located in NY/NJ area All our puppies need puppy play dates/doggy facetime so we recommend homes with other pups or daily interactions to keep them tired out, happy and social.     Facebook: Zani's Furry Friends ZFF (weekly adoption event info posted there) Twitter: zanisff  Instagram: zanisfurryfriends   Dogs are spayed/neutered, UTD on age appropriate vaccines, Rabies vaxed, and microchipped (not Lyme vaxed but we seriously recommend it!)  All are in the NY/NJ area but we will adopt out of state to the purrfect home and in some cases, we can arrange transport.  Please go to our site  https://zanisfurryfriends.org  fill out an application  Many of us (cats/dogs) will be on display on Saturdays or Sundays, weather dependent--please ask by writing us at dogs@zanisfurryfriends.org and following us on FB. If you are seriously interested in adopting one of us in particular, please fill out an application early Friday so that we can be sure to be there. Otherwise we decide based on other variables. Usually we are in our foster homes so this is a bit more stressful and a slightly artificial environment but we do want to be seen and find our furever homes too.   Please consider providing a home for more than one dog, especially if you are considering adopting a puppy. Dogs are pack animals and very much enjoy as well as need other dog company to learn to play, socialize and be good companion animals to people. The upside to this is that you won't feel as guilty leaving them alone and you get twice the love. Please come! And if you can't adopt, maybe you can foster or volunteer, and you can always donate! If you want to know about cats/dogs specifically being shown at our adoption locations, please email us info@zanisfurryfriends.org closer to the date so we know your interest and will make every effort to have that pet at the event or let you know how and where you can meet.  It is extemely helpful and speeds up adoption if the application is filled out prior to visiting us so please do that before coming to our weekend events. Our weekend locations are: Saturdays or Sundays, weather dependent  Follow us on FB, Zani's Furry Friends ZFF, for latest updates. Usually we are in our foster homes so all this is a bit more stressful but we do want to be seen and find our furever homes. Please come! And if you can't adopt, maybe you can foster or volunteer. And you can always donate:) Cats and Dogs are spayed/neutered, UTD w/ all age appropriate shots and microchipped. Cats are feline combo tested for FIV/FeLV; dogs are heartworm tested and rabies vax'd, (NOT lyme vaxed but we seriously recommend it); rabbits are spayed/neutered. Please fill out an application and email to: For Cats: cats@zanisfurryfriends.org For Dogs: dogs@zanisfurryfriends.org For Rabbits: nyc.acc.rabbits@gmail.com. Please visit our website zanisfurryfriends.org.
We'll also keep you updated on Neo's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Neo

Neo

Labrador Retriever

Male, Puppy
Woodland Park, NJ
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
 ALL our cats and dogs are in the NY area but can be adopted out of state to the purrfect furever home.  In some cases, we can help transport.  Zani's al fresco Summer Adoptions  follow us on FB to find us this summer as we will try new locations to meet the needs of NYC and support the little stores:)     3m old Handsome Neo from Puerto Rico     All dogs are located in NY/NJ area All our puppies need puppy play dates/doggy facetime so we recommend homes with other pups or daily interactions to keep them tired out, happy and social.     Facebook: Zani's Furry Friends ZFF (weekly adoption event info posted there) Twitter: zanisff  Instagram: zanisfurryfriends   Dogs are spayed/neutered, UTD on age appropriate vaccines, Rabies vaxed, and microchipped (not Lyme vaxed but we seriously recommend it!)  All are in the NY/NJ area but we will adopt out of state to the purrfect home and in some cases, we can arrange transport.  Please go to our site  https://zanisfurryfriends.org  fill out an application  Many of us (cats/dogs) will be on display on Saturdays or Sundays, weather dependent--please ask by writing us at dogs@zanisfurryfriends.org and following us on FB. If you are seriously interested in adopting one of us in particular, please fill out an application early Friday so that we can be sure to be there. Otherwise we decide based on other variables. Usually we are in our foster homes so this is a bit more stressful and a slightly artificial environment but we do want to be seen and find our furever homes too.   Please consider providing a home for more than one dog, especially if you are considering adopting a puppy. Dogs are pack animals and very much enjoy as well as need other dog company to learn to play, socialize and be good companion animals to people. The upside to this is that you won't feel as guilty leaving them alone and you get twice the love. Please come! And if you can't adopt, maybe you can foster or volunteer, and you can always donate! If you want to know about cats/dogs specifically being shown at our adoption locations, please email us info@zanisfurryfriends.org closer to the date so we know your interest and will make every effort to have that pet at the event or let you know how and where you can meet.  It is extemely helpful and speeds up adoption if the application is filled out prior to visiting us so please do that before coming to our weekend events. Our weekend locations are: Saturdays or Sundays, weather dependent  Follow us on FB, Zani's Furry Friends ZFF, for latest updates. Usually we are in our foster homes so all this is a bit more stressful but we do want to be seen and find our furever homes. Please come! And if you can't adopt, maybe you can foster or volunteer. And you can always donate:) Cats and Dogs are spayed/neutered, UTD w/ all age appropriate shots and microchipped. Cats are feline combo tested for FIV/FeLV; dogs are heartworm tested and rabies vax'd, (NOT lyme vaxed but we seriously recommend it); rabbits are spayed/neutered. Please fill out an application and email to: For Cats: cats@zanisfurryfriends.org For Dogs: dogs@zanisfurryfriends.org For Rabbits: nyc.acc.rabbits@gmail.com. Please visit our website zanisfurryfriends.org.

Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in New Jersey.

Puppies and dogs in New Jersey cities

Dogs in Absecon Dogs in Allendale Dogs in Asbury Park Dogs in Atlantic City Dogs in Atlantic Highlands Dogs in Audubon Dogs in Barrington Dogs in Bayonne Dogs in Beachwood Dogs in Bellmawr Dogs in Belmar Dogs in Bergenfield Dogs in Berlin Dogs in Bernardsville Dogs in Bloomingdale Dogs in Bogota Dogs in Boonton Dogs in Bound Brook Dogs in Bradley Beach Dogs in Bridgeton Dogs in Brielle Dogs in Brigantine Dogs in Burlington Dogs in Butler Dogs in Caldwell Dogs in Camden Dogs in Carlstadt Dogs in Carteret Dogs in Chatham Dogs in Clayton Dogs in Clementon Dogs in Cliffside Park Dogs in Clifton Dogs in Closter Dogs in Collingswood Dogs in Cresskill Dogs in Demarest Dogs in Dover Dogs in Dumont Dogs in Dunellen Dogs in East Orange Dogs in East Rutherford Dogs in Eatontown Dogs in Edgewater Dogs in Egg Harbor City Dogs in Elizabeth Dogs in Elmwood Park Dogs in Emerson Dogs in Englewood Dogs in Englewood Cliffs Dogs in Fair Haven Dogs in Fair Lawn Dogs in Fairview Dogs in Fanwood Dogs in Florham Park Dogs in Fort Lee Dogs in Franklin Dogs in Franklin Lakes Dogs in Freehold Dogs in Garfield Dogs in Garwood Dogs in Glassboro Dogs in Glen Ridge Dogs in Glen Rock Dogs in Gloucester City Dogs in Guttenberg Dogs in Hackensack Dogs in Hackettstown Dogs in Haddonfield Dogs in Haddon Heights Dogs in Haledon Dogs in Hammonton Dogs in Harrington Park Dogs in Harrison Dogs in Hasbrouck Heights Dogs in Hawthorne Dogs in Highland Park Dogs in Highlands Dogs in Hightstown Dogs in Hillsdale Dogs in Hoboken Dogs in Hopatcong Dogs in Jamesburg Dogs in Jersey City Dogs in Keansburg Dogs in Kearny Dogs in Kenilworth Dogs in Keyport Dogs in Kinnelon Dogs in Leonia Dogs in Lincoln Park Dogs in Linden Dogs in Lindenwold Dogs in Linwood Dogs in Little Ferry Dogs in Little Silver Dogs in Lodi Dogs in Long Branch Dogs in Madison Dogs in Magnolia Dogs in Manasquan Dogs in Manville Dogs in Margate City Dogs in Matawan Dogs in Maywood Dogs in Mendham Dogs in Metuchen Dogs in Middlesex Dogs in Midland Park Dogs in Milltown Dogs in Millville Dogs in Montvale Dogs in Morris Plains Dogs in Morristown Dogs in Mountainside Dogs in Mount Arlington Dogs in Mount Ephraim Dogs in Neptune City Dogs in Newark Dogs in New Brunswick Dogs in New Milford Dogs in New Providence Dogs in Newton Dogs in North Arlington Dogs in North Caldwell Dogs in Northfield Dogs in North Haledon Dogs in North Plainfield Dogs in Northvale Dogs in North Wildwood Dogs in Norwood Dogs in Oakland Dogs in Ocean City Dogs in Oceanport Dogs in Old Tappan Dogs in Oradell Dogs in Palisades Park Dogs in Palmyra Dogs in Paramus Dogs in Park Ridge Dogs in Passaic Dogs in Paterson Dogs in Paulsboro Dogs in Penns Grove Dogs in Perth Amboy Dogs in Phillipsburg Dogs in Pine Hill Dogs in Pitman Dogs in Plainfield Dogs in Pleasantville Dogs in Point Pleasant Beach Dogs in Pompton Lakes Dogs in Princeton Dogs in Prospect Park Dogs in Pt Pleasant Dogs in Rahway Dogs in Ramsey Dogs in Raritan Dogs in Red Bank Dogs in Ridgefield Dogs in Ridgefield Park Dogs in Ridgewood Dogs in Ringwood Dogs in River Edge Dogs in Rockaway Dogs in Roseland Dogs in Roselle Dogs in Roselle Park Dogs in Rumson Dogs in Runnemede Dogs in Rutherford Dogs in Salem Dogs in Sayreville Dogs in Secaucus Dogs in Somerdale Dogs in Somers Point Dogs in Somerville Dogs in South Amboy Dogs in South Bound Brook Dogs in South Plainfield Dogs in South River Dogs in Spotswood Dogs in Spring Lake Dogs in Stratford Dogs in Summit Dogs in Tenafly Dogs in Tinton Falls Dogs in Totowa Dogs in Trenton Dogs in Union Beach Dogs in Union City Dogs in Upper Saddle River Dogs in Ventnor City Dogs in Vineland Dogs in Waldwick Dogs in Wallington Dogs in Wanaque Dogs in Washington Dogs in Watchung Dogs in Westfield Dogs in West Long Branch Dogs in West New York Dogs in West Paterson Dogs in Westville Dogs in Westwood Dogs in Wharton Dogs in Wildwood Dogs in Woodbury Dogs in Woodcliff Lake Dogs in Wood Ridge

Shelters & rescues in New Jersey

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Almost Home Dog Rescue of NJ

Allendale, NJ 07401

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Everyday Heroes Dog Rescue Inc.

12 Whites Ln, Waldwick, NJ 07463

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Stray Hearts Animal Rescue - NJ Transport Stop

Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The National Foundation for Animal Rescue (NFFAR)

P.O. Box 565, Saddle River, NJ 07458

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

Tails of Time Rescue

Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

A Better English Setter Rescue

Ramsey, NJ 07446

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

HFH - New Jersey

Midland Park, NJ 07432

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Adopt-A-Buddy Pug Rescue

P.O. Box 66, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Real Dog Rescue

Mahwah, NJ 07430

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Rebound Hounds NJ

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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 New Jersey

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