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

Leslie-Spencer

Chihuahua/Chinese Crested

Female, Senior
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.LESLIE was originally saved from a high kill shelter in Texas back in April 2017 and adopted to a family in NH in October 2017. Sadly she was picked up as a stray in April 2026 and after finally being able to reach the owner, they told me they do not want her anymore. It is very important to note that there was also a black chihuahua that was with Leslie but the people who got Leslie wasn't able to get the chihuahua. We have posters up and if the chihuahua is found we will be taking him into rescue and the person that adopts Leslie MUST agree to adopt the Chihuahua also as they were apparently bonded. His lost pet poster is in Leslie's photo's. This will be a condition of Leslie's adoption and will be in the contract. Just 5 days of having Leslie back we had her at Androscoggin vets for blood work, dental and rabies. She had 13 teeth extracted, her blood work came back good, she is heartworm and tick disease negative, she had her rabies vaccine, weighs 15 pounds and we are happy she is a healthy girl who is now pain free having all those rotted teeth extracted. Leslie is a very affectionate girl, she is responsive, walks great on the leash, rides great in the car, takes treats gently, she is food motivated.  Although Leslie, being around 9-10 years old making her a senior she is still a happy active girl and we are looking for a family that is still active and gets out on walks and adventures to ensure this sweet girl gets the best life possible. As a senior, she will need regular vet appointments and her remaining teeth kept clean to keep her mouth healthy and prevent pain and disease. Regular blood work is also recommended to keep an eye on her health. She is medium-long haired and will need to be brushed regular and around her face and private areas groomed. Leslie is available for an adoption fee of $550 Just to reiterate, if the Chihuahua is found, the family WILL be under contractual agreement to adopt the chihuahua also since they were a bonded pair. 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 Lucy. ⏱️ Applications are generally processed within 24-48 hours Click here to complete the Adoption Questionnaire Want to See More of Leslie? 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 Leslie-Spencer.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.May 13, 2026, 10:47 am
We'll also keep you updated on Pluto's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Pluto

Pluto

Mastiff

Male, 11 mos
St. Andrews, NS
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on SANDY's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of SANDY

SANDY

German Shepherd Dog/Belgian Malinois

Female, Young
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Sandy and her siblings were saved from a high-kill shelter in Calfornia and arrived at Give a Dog a Home Rescue in Sebec, Maine on Wednesday 3rd August. We post our available dogs in states across the East Coast and Canada to reach as many people as possible in hopes of finding perfect homes and families. We do not transport dogs — families must come to the rescue in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine to meet and, hopefully, take home their new best friend. Sandy is a Belgian Mal / German Shepherd Mix and it is important to understand that she is a high energy, intelligent girl so be sure you have the lifestyle that she needs to give her and you the best life possible together... note she is also a love bug and all round sweet, gentle girl - not the maligator people assume when they hear the name Belgian Mal. Health & Background ✅ Spayed ✅ Rabies and core vaccines up to date ✅ On monthly flea/tick preventatives ✅ Microchipped ⚖️ Weight: 65 lbs ish Estimated DoB: 23 May 2025 After a devastating fire at the rescue on 20 January, SANDY went to a foster family in southern Maine on 24th January until April where I brought SANDY is back to the rescue (16 April 2026) in Dover-Foxcroft Maine. I brought her back so I could get her out and about and hopefully more exposure in helping her forever family find her. She is doing great with the seniors and other teenagers, Cruz, Snowball and Lucy. She is very affectionate, responsive, loves people, will bark if she see's someone walking past but will come in when called. Very easy to train she is a people pleaser who wants to go on adventures and make lots of memories.  Sandy is a high energy girl who is very intelligent, she is very affectionate and loves to go for rides and meet people. She is excellent with other dogs and she is always playing with her best buddy Lucy (Red Heeler) she LOVES toys and is always either throwing toys up in the air to entertain herself, or wrestling, chasing or playing tug with Lucy.  Sandy does walk on the leash but does tend to pull and walk all over, so some time spent teaching her to walk nicely will be needed, she knows sit and will give you her paw (taught by her foster family).    As with all dogs if they are kept entertained and given the lifestyle that they need they are fantastic dogs, if they get bored or don't have what they need in exercise, training, structure, mental stimulation then problems could start to arise. So make sure you have the lifestyle that this girl needs to thrive.  What Sandy Needs ‍♀️ An active family that can meet her physical and mental exercise needs Mental stimulation and enrichment — structure, toys, puzzles, and engaging activities ️ High-quality food and treats to keep her healthy and energized Regular veterinary wellness checks for preventive care and long-term health ❤️ Time to adjust and feel safe — patience to decompress and build trust   Adoption Details Reduced Adoption Fee: $350 in hopes to help find her forever family. Location: Dover-Foxcroft, Maine Families must complete and submit an adoption questionnaire. Once approved, you’ll be invited to schedule an appointment to meet Sandy. ⏱️ Applications are generally processed within 24-48 hours Click here to complete the Adoption Questionnaire Want to See More of Sandy? 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 SANDY.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.May 13, 2026, 10:47 am

Search for a puppy or dog

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

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

NS Golden Retriever Rescue

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

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