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Puppies and dogs in Nova Scotia

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Nova Scotia

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Nova Scotia. 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 Charlie

Charlie

American Pit Bull Terrier/Mastiff

Male, Young
Halifax, NS
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
He is very high energy. I don't have as much as time as I'd like to give him as a separation caused things to change in both our lives. My new landlord is changing selling the building and I cannot afford as much as I'd love to keep him. He has given me a time line and I am hoping to find a home that can manage the everyday walks which only are 30 minutes twice a day and we have been doing more mental simulating activities because I have less space as well now. I will have to move eventually myself and having kids 7 and 12 it has been harder with a dog as well. He loves the outdoors can go on steady hikes and walks with breaks of course for hours. He is not fully off leash trained. His recall is not as good as id like it but that requires more time. He is very quick to pick most things up and he can repeat patterns. Please message if you have any questions.
Special Needs
Photo of Zoot

Zoot

Labrador Retriever

Male, Adult
Eastern Passage, NS
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, House-trained,
Story
Zoot is a 6-year-old black Lab mix weighing around 80 pounds that is searching for a foster or forever home. He originally came from a rescue as a puppy about 6 years ago and has been loved by his family ever since.Zoot is a happy-go-lucky boy that absolutely loves being near his people. He is affectionate, loves treats, loves to lick to show affection, and is described as a loyal companion. He is crate trained, knows basic commands, waits patiently for food and doors, and does well at the vet office.He enjoys chew toys, snacks, baths, and being cozy during storms — usually hiding under blankets when thunder rolls in. He also has some funny little quirks, like being unsure about hats or faces being covered until he realizes who you are.Zoot currently lives in a calmer home environment and would likely do best with someone willing to continue working with him.Zoot does have skin allergies that require maintenance, with regular baths with special shampoo, and occasional vet care.
Special Needs
Photo of BEAU - Deaf Puppy

BEAU - Deaf Puppy

Border Collie/German Shepherd Dog

Male, Puppy
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Needs special attention,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. BEAU and his 5 siblings were born after their mum, was saved from a large hoarding case in Northern Texas (April 2026) where the American Humane were involved due to the scale of abuse and neglect. "Sweetie" their mum was heavily pregnant and had a rotted, infected foot/leg that caused her leg to need amputation. Luckily she was saved and was able to give birth to 6 healthy pups in the safety of the local animal control department and their foster team.  After getting vetted and old enough to travel (8 wks) they arrived safely at Give a Dog a Home Rescue in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine on 28 May 2026. We had planned to take their mum, Sweetie along with the pups, but we are happy to share that she was a Foster-Fail down in Texas. We welcome adopters from across the East Coast and Canada — many of our families travel to meet and take home their new best friend! Health & Background I was informed by the ladies on transport that they were told that BEAU was deaf. This does appear to be the case and so we are looking for experienced families with another dog to be his hearing companion. Estimated date of birth: 31 March 2026 ✅ Neutered ✅ Core vaccines up to date - too young for Rabies ✅ Monthly preventatives ✅ Microchipped with 24PetWatch - registered with Free Pet Chip Registry. ⚖️ Weight approx. 10 pounds at end of May There is no doubt that BEAU is the cutest, most adorable pup ever. He is fun, goofy, loving, affectionate, smart and very stubborn lol. Of course the fact he is deaf makes him all the more cuter but this does mean he needs a family that has what he needs and the understanding of his needs. Although animals thrive with disabilities and Beau is doing fantastic here with the other pups and the senior dogs, he does miss out on very important cues from the other dogs - that being verbal communication - those low growls from the bigger dogs telling him to back off, other communications he misses, he has to be watching the dogs body language for his communication with them and well lets face it he is a puppy and is interested in everything and anything everywhere. We feel it is important that Beau be adopted with another puppy or to a family that has a dog of up to 1-2 years old at the most. The reason for this is so that they can form a bond, and Beau will follow the cues from the other dog, if Beau is not watching you he will almost definitely follow the other dog if you call them inside from playing in the yard - this is important for safety issues too. Sign language is of course a tool to train him, but sign language is only good when he is looking at you. BEAU needs a family that is active and understands his intelligence and be sure he gets his physical and mental needs met along with that ever so important socialization and exposure to different environments. Our adoption fee's are $550 per dog/pup or $1,000 for two. Adoption Details Location: Dover-Foxcroft, Maine Families must complete and submit an adoption questionnaire. Once approved, you’ll be invited to schedule an appointment to meet and hopefully go home together. ⏱️ Applications are generally processed within 24-48 hours   Click here for our Application Request Form - to Adopt or Foster! Want to See More of Pictures? Check out our Facebook Page ALBUMS, where we share hundreds of photos of all the dogs waiting for their forever families! Click here to watch a video of BEAU - Deaf Puppy.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.June 24, 2026, 7:52 am
Photo of CHAPLIN

CHAPLIN

German Shepherd Dog/Border Collie

Male, Young
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.CHAPLIN and his 6 siblings were saved from a large hoarding case in Northern Texas (April 2026) where the American Humane were involved due to the scale of abuse and neglect. After getting vetted and healthy they arrived safely to Give a Dog a Home Rescue in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine on 28 May 2026. We welcome adopters from across the East Coast and Canada — many of our families travel to meet and take home their new best friend! Health & Background Estimated date of birth: 2 February 2026 ✅ Neutered ✅ Rabies and core vaccines up to date ✅ Monthly preventatives ✅ Microchipped with FiNano - registered with Free Pet Chip Registry. ⚖️ Weight approx 20 pounds at end of May   Our adoption fee's are $550 per dog/pup or $1,000 for two. Adoption Details Location: Dover-Foxcroft, Maine Families must complete and submit an adoption questionnaire. Once approved, you’ll be invited to schedule an appointment to meet and hopefully go home together. ⏱️ Applications are generally processed within 24-48 hours Click here for our Application Request Form - to Adopt or Foster! Want to See More of Pictures? Check out our Facebook Page ALBUMS, where we share hundreds of photos of all the dogs waiting for their forever families!Click here to watch a video of CHAPLIN.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.June 24, 2026, 7:52 am
Photo of HARLOW

HARLOW

German Shepherd Dog/Border Collie

Female, Puppy
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.HARLOW and her 6 siblings were saved from a large hoarding case in Northern Texas (April 2026) where the American Humane were involved due to the scale of abuse and neglect. After getting vetted and healthy they arrived safely to Give a Dog a Home Rescue in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine on 28 May 2026. We welcome adopters from across the East Coast and Canada — many of our families travel to meet and take home their new best friend! Health & Background Estimated date of birth: 2 February 2026 ✅ Spayed ✅ Rabies and core vaccines up to date ✅ Monthly preventatives ✅ Microchipped with FiNano registered with Free Pet Chip Registry. ⚖️ Weight approx 20 pounds at end of May   Our adoption fee's are $550 per dog/pup or $1,000 for two. Adoption Details Location: Dover-Foxcroft, Maine Families must complete and submit an adoption questionnaire. Once approved, you’ll be invited to schedule an appointment to meet and hopefully go home together. ⏱️ Applications are generally processed within 24-48 hours Click here for our Application Request Form - to Adopt or Foster! Want to See More of Pictures? Check out our Facebook Page ALBUMS, where we share hundreds of photos of all the dogs waiting for their forever families!Click here to watch a video of HARLOW.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.June 24, 2026, 7:52 am
Photo of SCARLETT

SCARLETT

German Shepherd Dog/Border Collie

Female, Young
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.SCARLETT and her 6 siblings were saved from a large hoarding case in Northern Texas (April 2026) where the American Humane were involved due to the scale of abuse and neglect. After getting vetted and healthy they arrived safely to Give a Dog a Home Rescue in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine on 28 May 2026. We welcome adopters from across the East Coast and Canada — many of our families travel to meet and take home their new best friend! Health & Background Estimated date of birth: 2 February 2026 ✅ Spayed ✅ Rabies and core vaccines up to date ✅ Monthly preventatives ✅ Microchipped with FiNano - registered with Free Pet Chip Registry. ⚖️ Weight approx 20 pounds at end of May   Our adoption fee's are $550 per dog/pup or $1,000 for two. Adoption Details Location: Dover-Foxcroft, Maine Families must complete and submit an adoption questionnaire. Once approved, you’ll be invited to schedule an appointment to meet and hopefully go home together. ⏱️ Applications are generally processed within 24-48 hours Click here for our Application Request Form - to Adopt or Foster! Want to See More of Pictures? Check out our Facebook Page ALBUMS, where we share hundreds of photos of all the dogs waiting for their forever families!Click here to watch a video of SCARLETT.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.June 24, 2026, 7:52 am

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Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Nova Scotia.

Puppies and dogs in Nova Scotia cities

Shelters & rescues in Nova Scotia

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Coastal K9 Rescue Society

1934 Marydale Road, St. Andrews, NS B0H 1X0

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

NS Golden Retriever Rescue

119 Rocky Lake Rd, Truro Heights, NS B6L 1S6

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

C.B.Animal Band-Aid Sanctuary

Cape Breton, NS B1P 3A1

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Nova Scotia SPCA - Cape Breton

401 EAST BROADWAY, SYDNEY, NS B1P 6J1

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

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Rescue

Boston Terrier Club of Canada Rescue - Maritimes

Juniper Mountain, NS B1K 1G2

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Greyhound Pets of Atlantic Canada

343 West Petpeswick Rd, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0

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 Nova Scotia

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