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Puppies and dogs in Fergus, Ontario

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

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Adopt a dog in Fergus, Ontario

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Fergus, Ontario. 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 LYZA

LYZA

Cockapoo

Female, 6 yrs
St Jacobs, ON
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Lyza: The Ultimate Cuddle Bug! Energy Level: Medium Status: Looking for her forever home Location: Fostered in St. Jacobs Ontario View Lyza's full album of photos and videos here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=hobohavenrescue&set=a.997939592856667 If you are looking for a shadow-like companion who thrives on human affection, Lyza is your girl! She is an incredibly sweet, loving, and clingy pup who has spent her time in foster care learning how wonderful it is to be a cherished family member. Lyza has an endless supply of love to give and is ready to find a permanent soft landing. Personality & Heart Lyza is the definition of a people-pleaser when it comes to affection. She is exceptionally cuddly and has yet to meet a single person she doesn't want love from. Whether inside the home or out on adventures, everyone she encounters is an immediate friend. She is completely fine with all physical handling, making grooming and daily care a breeze. Social Skills & Companionship With Dogs: Lyza has been fantastic with all dogs. She currently co-habits with a playful foster puppy and a gentle St Bernard adult. Lyza is excellent at giving appropriate boundaries—she will politely correct puppy behaviors or high-energy antics when a younger dog gets too close in her personal space. With Cats: Lyza is cat-friendly! She was tested with cats in a previous foster home and proved to be curious but entirely respectful. With People: Lyza is happiest when she is the center of attention. She wants to be right by your side soaking up all the pets you can offer. She is seeking a home with someone home often. Daily Routine & Training Exercise & Leash Skills: Lyza enjoys a 2025 minute walk daily. She is generally good on her leash, though her curious nature means she can get easily distracted by the world around her. Grooming: As a poodle/cocker mix, Lyza requires daily grooming to prevent matted fur and regular grooming appts to keep her coat in good condition and keep her face clean. Commands: Lyza is a blank slate when it comes to traditional obedience training. She does not currently know commands like "Sit," "Stay," or "Come," but what she lacks in formal training, she makes up for in pure, sweet compliance. She is motivated heavily by human food rewards! Crate Training: No. Lyza does not get crated. She has excellent house manners and does not require a crate when left alone. In fact, traditional crating causes her severe distress and triggers anxious bathroom accidents. She was surrendered by a commercial breeder who kept her caged for her first 6 years as a breeding dog and she is now thriving with all of the comforts she is enjoying as a beloved pet in a home. Potty Habits & Preferences Lyza is house-trained, but she has a unique preference: she needs her human to physically walk around the yard with her to successfully do her business. She rarely has accidents inside, though she is a sensitive soul; if her daily routine is heavily disrupted, she may experience temporary anxious poops. Fortunately, as she has decompressed and grown comfortable in her foster home, these incidents have drastically decreased. Diet & Medical Notes Lyza is a happy, healthy girl with one charming feature—she has no teeth! She arrived with horrifying dental decay and had to have all teeth removed. Because of this, she cannot eat hard kibble or treats. She eats a delicious diet of crumbled and soft foods twice a day, including freeze-dried raw, Open Farm meatballs, and Wellness Core Mini Meals. Her veterinarian has recommended a target of 450 calories per day to keep her in perfect shape. Lyza shows absolutely no resource guarding behaviors over her food or toys. Transportation Because of her aversion to crates, Lyza travels best by being securely seatbelted with a harness in the backseat of the vehicle. Once buckled in, she is a dream passenger—perfectly quiet and content to lay down for the ride. The Ideal Forever Home Lyza is looking for a home that matches her deeply affectionate and sensitive nature. Her perfect match includes: Plenty of Company: A family where someone is home most of the time to give her the close companionship and attention she craves. She handles being alone for up to 4 hours well, but prefers a human-centric lifestyle. A Potty Partner: Adopters who don't mind stepping out into the yard to keep her company during her bathroom breaks in any weather. No Crating: A home committed to letting her freely enjoy the house or using alternative gates/playpens instead of a traditional crate. Soft Food Commitment: A dedicated owner ready to keep her on her soft meals to accommodate her toothless grin. Lyza has spent her time in rescue learning that the world is a kind place, and she cannot wait to bring her immense warmth to a forever family. How to Apply Hobo Haven Rescue Inc. is a volunteer-run not-for-profit rescue based out of St. Jacobs, Ontario. Our dogs live in private family foster homes rather than a shelter facility, and we require an approved adoption application prior to scheduling any meet-and-greets. 100% of our adoption fees go directly toward our rescue's veterinary bills and rehabilitation expenses. Click Here to Submit an Adoption Application https://hobohavenrescue.ca/dog-adoption-application Priority of replies will be given to applicants who meet Lyza's listed criteria. For questions regarding our screening policies or process, please email our volunteer team at hobohavenpetrescue@gmail.com.
Photo of Ripley

Ripley

Shih Tzu

Male, 4 yrs 1 mo
St Jacobs, ON
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Ripley: 4yrs young male Shih Tzu's Story 🐾 It’s time for Ripley’s adoption debut! 🐾 Meet Ripley—a 4-years-young male Shih Tzu (DOB Nov 2021) He may be small at only 7.5kg but he has a big personality and an even bigger heart ♥️ View Ripley's full photo and video album here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.932687089381918&type=3 Ripley came into our care when his beloved senior owner could no longer meet his needs. Since then, he’s been showing us just how special he is. This sweet boy is loving, cuddly, playful, and thrives on companionship. With a moderate energy level, Ripley enjoys regular daily walks, zoomies with dog friends, and interactive games (especially if treats are involved—he’s very food motivated!). He loves other dogs and would do best in a home with a playful canine companion. Ripley is housetrained, crate trained, and settles nicely into a routine once he adapts to his new people and environment. While he can be a bit vocal and has some mild separation anxiety, he feels much more secure when crated while left alone. 🏡 Ideal Home: Ripley is best suited to a detached home due to his vocal nature (no apartments or attached housing). He would thrive in a household where someone is home often to provide the attention, structure, and affection he loves and deserves. 🐶 Good to Know: • Friendly with people -slightly cautious at first • Good leash manners though he would benefit from more training • Still learning basic commands as he had no prior structure or training in his previous home • Not suitable for homes with cats or small animals 🩺 Health & Care: Ripley is fully vetted—up to date on vaccinations, neutered, microchipped, and his bloodwork is excellent, including a negative 4Dx test/ current on flea/tick/heartworm prevention. He was recently groomed and is scheduled for a dental on May 5th. He’ll be ready to head home once he finds his perfect match! 💲 Adoption Fee: $850 📌 Adoption Requirements: • Inground pools must be fully fenced (no exceptions) • No dog doors- we believe in fully supervised outdoor time for all dogs • Commitment to approved, positive reinforcement training classes ⭐ With a life expectancy of 18+ years, Ripley is not a suitable match for seniors over 65. Our goal is to ensure he never has to face rehoming again and can enjoy a stable, lifelong home. 💫 Ripley is truly a “dog lottery” kind of pup—full of love, personality, and joy. He’s ready to give his whole heart to the right family. 💻Apply to adopt Ripley and give him the forever home he deserves! To help guide you through our application process, we have outlined our standard adoption criteria and procedures below. Reviewing the Profile Before submitting an application, we kindly ask that you thoroughly review the dog's entire profile. Each of our rescues has unique needs, and we prioritize matching them with families that meet the specific criteria outlined for their "ideal forever home." The Application Process To maintain the highest standard of care for our dogs, we follow a structured screening process. 1. Vet Quality of Care Check 2. Zoom Home Inspection & Interview 3. In-Person Meeting in St. Jacobs Please note that an approved adoption application is required prior to scheduling any meetings. You may access the application form here: Hobo Haven Dog Adoption Application. 4. Training Commitment Educational Requirement: "Petfooled" As part of our commitment to "know better/do better," we ask all serious applicants to watch the documentary "Petfooled" (available for free on YouTube or Amazon Prime). We believe quality nutrition is just as important as love. This documentary explores the pet food industry and the importance of species-appropriate nutrition. It is purely educational and helps ensure our adoptive families are equipped to provide the best long-term health for our dogs. Please reach out to us again after your family has viewed the documentary to share your feedback or ask any questions you may have. Meet-and-Greet Policy All of our dogs reside in private, volunteer foster homes. To respect the privacy and schedules of our foster families—and due to the high volume of inquiries we receive—meetings are only scheduled for applicants who have been fully approved through our screening process. Next Steps If you believe your home is a great fit for one of our dogs, please submit your application here https://hobohavenrescue.ca/dog-adoption-application
Photo of Caleb

Caleb

American Bulldog

Male, 2 yrs 1 mo
Guelph, ON
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
Hi, my name’s Caleb!I’m a bundle of energy and joy packed into one playful pup. I’m a big, strong boy who can be jumpy when I get excited, but I’m very friendly and love to meet new people! I do like to play a bit rough, but I’m just enthusiastic about life and eager for a bit of adventure. I’m looking for a home that’s comfortable with my size and excitability, and will find my goofy personality endearing!MY IDEAL HOME INVOLVES…CHILDREN: Teenagers would be great. No young/small children given I’m not fully aware of my size and strength when I jump up.OTHER DOGS: Yes, but they would have to enjoy wrestling and body slamming since I like to play rough!CATS: I may be too much for most cats. I could potentially live with a very confident/dog-experienced cat if my humans have experience properly managing a gradual introduction.FIRST-TIME DOG OWNERS: Potentially, if you have experience with large, strong dogs.FENCED-IN YARD: Recommended since I am a large, energetic guy.HOUSING ENVIRONMENT: Any with a fenced-in yard preferred.SOMEONE HOME MOST OF THE DAY: Not necessary.SOME OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ME…ACTIVITY LEVEL: MediumHOUSE-TRAINED: Yes. If you think I would make a good match for your home, please click the `Adopt Me` button to apply!
Photo of Donny

Donny

Australian Cattle Dog American Bulldog

Male, 4 yrs 1 mo
Guelph, ON
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Hi there, I’m Donny!I am a sweet boy who gets excited when seeing new people. I can be a bit nervous if people come on too strong but love when they are calm and gentle! I arrived as a stray found roaming in the country. My past is unknown but my GHS humans wonder if I`ve ever lived in a home before. I love to spend ALL day in the outdoor portion of my kennel and would probably stay there all night too, if they`d let me - they don`t, despite my numerous requests, in case you`re wondering. While I was nervous about walking on leash and going through doorways, in just a few quick weeks, I`m now excelling at both! I`m treat motivated and love to bring my toys with me when I lounge outside. I am looking for a home with patient humans that will continue to help me grow my confidence!MY IDEAL HOME INVOLVES…CHILDREN: Teenagers should be okay, but no young children given my sensitive nature.OTHER DOGS: Yes, please! A well-socialized, playful dog would be great!CATS: Potentially, with cat confident & experienced with large dogs.FIRST-TIME DOG OWNERS: No, I’m sensitive and would do best with someone who has dog experience.FENCED-IN YARD: Yes, so I have a safe place to lounge outside, which is one of my favorite things to do! Rural without a fence may also be an option.HOUSING ENVIRONMENT: Any home with a private yard or rural.SOMEONE HOME MOST OF THE DAY: Not necessarily.SOME OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ME…ACTIVITY LEVEL: Medium.HOUSE-TRAINED: Yes.If you think I would make a good match for your home, please click the `Adopt Me` button to apply!FOSTER ME! I’m excited to be selected as part of the Paisley Project and I’m looking for a foster home! If your home environment matches what I’m looking for based on the information above, please consider applying to foster me by copying and pasting the following link to fill out the questionnaire: https://guelphhumane.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=frm_forms_preview&form=7y88o.The Paisley Project aims to match selected, long-stay animals at GHS with fosters that can provide a home that gradually introduces them to the everyday experiences of life as a pet. Fosters will offer the routine, structure and stability needed to help get animals ready for their new family. Learn more at https://guelphhumane.ca/the-paisley-project/.
Photo of Pierogi

Pierogi

American Bulldog

Male, 1 yr 1 mo
Guelph, ON
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
Hello! My name is Pierogi!I`m a loyal and fun boy with a charming personality! I can be nervous of new people but warm up nicely as long as they give me space (and toss me a few yummy treats). I am affectionate with my humans and enjoy cuddling and leaning into bum scratches. I can be jumpy when I`m excited (who isn`t!?) or stressed. I`m very smart and treat-motivated and it has made learning and training not only successful but also fun for me and my GHS humans. I`m a pretty easy guy who will be happy with some outdoor sniffing adventures followed by some play and snuggles.MY IDEAL HOME INVOLVES…CHILDREN: No, adult-only given I can be sensitive.OTHER DOGS: No, I seem to be a bit stressed around other dogs. But with an easy-going dog and a gradual introduction, I may be able to have a walking buddy down the road.CATS: Potentially, with a cat confident around large dogs and an owner committed to a gradual introduction. I have shown some interest in chasing wildlife but my history with cats is unknown.FIRST-TIME DOG OWNERS: I would do best with humans who have previous dog experience.FENCED-IN YARD: Recommended since I can get stressed around other dogs. The fenced yard gives a break from relying on leash walks.HOUSING ENVIRONMENT: No apartment buildings or areas where dogs will inevitably come into my personal bubble.SOMEONE HOME MOST OF THE DAY: Not necessarily.SOME OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ME…ACTIVITY LEVEL: Medium.HOUSE-TRAINED: Yes.If you think I could be a good match for your home, click the “Adopt Me” button to apply!FOSTER ME! I’m excited to be selected as part of the Paisley Project and I’m looking for a foster home! If your home environment matches what I’m looking for based on the information above, please consider applying to foster me by copying and pasting the following link to fill out the questionnaire: https://guelphhumane.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=frm_forms_preview&form=7y88o.The Paisley Project aims to match selected, long-stay animals at GHS with fosters that can provide a home that gradually introduces them to the everyday experiences of life as a pet. Fosters will offer the routine, structure and stability needed to help get animals ready for their new family. Learn more at https://guelphhumane.ca/the-paisley-project/.
Photo of Pippin

Pippin

Australian Shepherd

Male, 4 yrs 5 mos
Guelph, ON
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
Hello! My name is Pippin!I`m a sensitive guy who doesn`t enjoy loud noises or chaotic environments. But when I am relaxing with my foster parents and foster-dog brother, I`m a happy, playful, silly guy who likes to roll around on any surface you can present me with - carpet, grass, woodchips, gravel, wood, snow! Whatever scratches my back! I am also a WATER DOG and love to go for a swim in the lake. Cottage family anyone??? I sometimes bark when seeing dogs on leash but, with all the amazing support from my foster humans, I`m making really great progress! And, I am friendly and polite when I meet dogs. It`s just a silly leash issue. I`m an affectionate guy who likes to snuggle in bed with my people. I have been blossoming and gaining confidence in my foster home which means that while I used to be nervous of strangers, I`m starting to see that they are actually not that scary! With a family that has a quiet home, a bit of patience, and is looking for a sweet, lovable boy, I will be a great match!MY IDEAL HOME INVOLVES…CHILDREN: I`m looking for an adult-only home given my sensitive nature.OTHER DOGS: Yes, with a respectful, calm dog. I am more about peaceful co-existing rather than playing.CATS: Potentially, with a cat experienced living with dogs.FIRST-TIME DOG OWNERS: I`m looking for someone who has previous dog experience.FENCED-IN YARD: Required unless rural.HOUSING ENVIRONMENT: Any with yard.SOMEONE HOME MOST OF THE DAY: No, I do very well left alone!SOME OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ME…ACTIVITY LEVEL: Medium.HOUSE-TRAINED: Yes.If you think I would make a good match for your home, click the “Adopt Me” button to apply!

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Dog shelters and rescues in Fergus, Ontario

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Nickquenum Dog Rescue

Guelph, ON N1E 2G1

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

New Hope Animal Rescue

4990 Jones Baseline, Guelph, ON N1H 6H8

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Barlee's Angels Rescue Network

Guelph, ON N1G 2X6

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Hobo Haven Pet Rescue

St Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Upper Credit Humane Society

5383 Trafalgar Rd N, Erin, ON N0B 1T0

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

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Rescue

Paws Across The Water - Erin

Erin, ON N0B 1T0

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Guelph Humane Society

190 Hanlon Creek Blvd, Guelph, ON N1C 0A1

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

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Shelter

Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society

250 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener, ON N2B 2E9

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

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Shelter

Ontario Britts Rescue

Waterloo, ON N2V 2J2

Pet Types: dogs

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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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