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Puppies and dogs in Hamilton, Ontario

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Hamilton, Ontario

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Hamilton, 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 Koda

Koda

Australian Shepherd Great Pyrenees

Male, 4 yrs
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Koda is a handsome, approximately four-year-old Great Pyrenees/Australian Shepherd mix who came to us as an unclaimed stray. When he first arrived, this big boy was understandably nervous and unsure of his new surroundings. But with a little time, patience, and some familiar faces, Koda has really started to come out of his shell! These days, Koda is much more comfortable and is happily enjoying the food and attention offered to him. One of the best ways to see his sweet personality is to watch him greet a familiar staff member. As soon as someone he knows walks into his kennel, Koda pops right up with a big, happy tail wag and bright, eager eyes. As he has become more comfortable with staff, Koda has proven himself to be a pleasant, calm, and easy-going dog who is enjoyable to handle. He also appears to genuinely enjoy the company of other dogs and has shown appropriate behaviour during his interactions with them. With proper introductions, we believe Koda could potentially live happily with another dog. Koda's Great Pyrenees and Australian Shepherd heritage means he comes from two working breeds. He will thrive in a home that understands the importance of providing daily physical exercise as well as plenty of mental stimulation. He would love a family who can give him opportunities to explore, learn, and use his clever mind. He's also much happier when he's outside, where he can stretch his legs and take in the world around him. Because of his calm and gentle temperament, we believe Koda could potentially live with dog-savvy children who understand how to respectfully interact with a large dog. Koda may have started his journey with us as a nervous stray, but he's showing us more of his wonderful personality every day. He's a sweet, easy-going guy who is looking for a patient family willing to give him the time, guidance, exercise, and love he deserves. If you're looking for a big-hearted companion with a big wag and an even bigger personality, Koda might just be your guy! Please complete an adoption request: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/animals-pets/adopt-or-foster-pet/adoptions Koda has an appointment to be neutered on September 3rd. He is looking for a foster-to-adopt home between now and his surgery. Animal adoptions and viewing are by appointment only. This allows our Adoption Staff to spend quality time with each potential home to ensure the most successful matches are made between the animals and their new families. *Please note: we only adopt within Ontario
Photo of Fez

Fez

American Eskimo Dog

Male, 1 yr
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Looking for a dog who will keep you smiling, keep you moving, and make sure everyone knows when someone's at the door? Meet Fez! This handsome 1-year-old American Eskimo cross arrived at the shelter as an unclaimed stray and is more than ready to trade shelter life for a family of his own. While his first week with us included a case of stress-related tummy troubles, he's feeling much better now and is back to being the happy, energetic pup we knew was hiding underneath. Fez is a social butterfly who loves meeting new people and happily soaks up all the attention he can get. He's affectionate, friendly, and always excited to be part of the action. At just a year old, he's still learning his manners and has all the enthusiasm you'd expect from a young dog! This little guy is definitely small but mighty. Walks with Fez are currently more of an adventure than a stroll - he pulls enthusiastically and likes to zig-zag his way through the world. Because of this, he'll benefit greatly from positive reinforcement obedience classes to help him develop leash skills, polite manners, and appropriate social skills around both people and other dogs. Fez is an active, intelligent boy who needs more than just a quick walk around the block. Daily exercise, training sessions, enrichment toys, and opportunities to use his brain will help him grow into the wonderful companion we know he can be. One thing you should know about Fez... he has a lot to say! He's quite vocal, and his bark is impressively loud for such a little dog. For that reason, he'd be happiest in a detached home, where he won't have close neighbours sharing his conversations. Fez is bursting with personality, affection, and potential. With a little guidance, consistent training, and an active family to keep up with him, this spirited little guy is sure to become an amazing lifelong companion. If you're ready for a fun-loving best friend who will keep life interesting, Fez is waiting to meet you! Please complete an adoption request: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/animals-pets/adopt-or-foster-pet/adoptions Animal adoptions and viewing are by appointment only. This allows our Adoption Staff to spend quality time with each potential home to ensure the most successful matches are made between the animals and their new families. *Please note: we only adopt within Ontario
Photo of Julian

Julian

Chihuahua

Male, 4 yrs 1 mo
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Julian 💙 At just 4 years old and 8.5 pounds, Julian is a tiny guy with a heart full of love. After being rescued from a hoarding situation, he's discovering what it means to be safe, cherished, and part of a family. Julian is a sweet, gentle soul who is slowly finding his confidence and his place in the world. Every day, his personality shines a little brighter as he learns that life can be full of kindness and fun. One of Julian's favorite things is running and playing with other dogs. They help him feel confident and bring out his playful side. He hasn't quite figured out toys yet, but watching him experience new things is part of the joy of loving him. Like many dogs who didn't have the best start, Julian is still learning some of the basics. He's working on leash walking and his potty training is still a work in progress. What he needs most is a patient family that understands progress comes one small victory at a time. Julian's ideal home is one where he will never have to be left alone. He would love to have another friendly dog as a companion, but it's not a requirement if someone is home with him and can give him the security and companionship he needs. He does well with dog friendly kids but is afraid of larger dogs. If you're looking for a dog whose trust you'll earn, whose milestones you'll celebrate, and whose love will grow deeper every day, Julian may be the perfect match. His past doesn't define him—it's simply made every act of kindness mean that much more. Could you be the person to show Julian that he's finally home? 🐾❤️
Photo of Lotus

Lotus

Chihuahua Dachshund

Female, 10 yrs 1 mo
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Lotus (Lolo)! ❤️ At 10 years young and just 7.5 pounds, Lotus—affectionately known as Lolo—is a tiny sweetheart with a big personality. With her short legs and long body, we think she may be a Chiweenie mix, although she certainly has plenty of Chihuahua charm! Lolo came into rescue through no fault of her own when her loving owner could no longer afford the treatment she needed for seizures. Thanks to proper veterinary care, she is now stable and thriving. She will need lifelong medication, which she happily takes tucked inside a tiny pill pocket. Aside from her well-managed seizures and some mild age-related vision changes, she's in wonderful health. She has also had a dental, been spayed, and had a benign mammary tumour removed. Lolo is equal parts sweet and sassy! She gets along well with the other dogs in her foster home and is good with respectful children, though her tiny size makes her better suited to a home without very young kids. She hasn't been tested with cats. This little lady loves life! She enjoys zoomies, playing fetch with soft toys, and proudly removing every squeaker and bit of stuffing she can find. When playtime is over, she's happiest curled up in your lap giving kisses or snuggled under the blankets beside you at bedtime. Lotus loves sunny days, leisurely walks filled with lots of sniffing, and spending time outdoors. She has good emerging leash manners and is fully house-trained in her foster home, using either the yard or pee pads. Like many dogs, she may need a little patience while adjusting to a new home, but she's a quick learner. Lolo can be vocal when she hears noises or visitors arrive—not because she's unfriendly, but because she'd much rather be picked up for cuddles! Because of this, a detached home would likely suit her better than an apartment or townhouse. If you're looking for a loving little companion with plenty of personality, Lotus is ready to fill your home—and your lap—with love.
Photo of Minnie

Minnie

Chihuahua

Female, 10 yrs 1 mo
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
MINNIE is currently being fostered in Texas and come to Canada. Minnie is a senior dog. Her paperwork says seven, but she is most likely closer to 10 she weighs 8 1/2 pounds. Minnie came to us after being found as a stray. She was very scared, timid and was missing most of her fur. All of her coat has now grown in and she looks a lot better. She seems to be a lot happier and her body is more relaxed. She wags her tail and gets very excited for breakfast. She prefers mostly wet food. Her teeth are not in bad condition for her age. Minnie is going to be extremely shy at first and will need some time to decompress. She really likes other dogs, especially older dogs that are calm and she would do well in a home that had other dogs to show her that the world is safe and that humans can be kind. We think someone was very mean to this sweet dog at some point in time. When she came to us she was always cowering or in a corner and she would be very scared for you to pick her up. She still tenses her body when you pick her up, but this getting better everyday. She is a work in progress. She is not great on a leash and harness yet and is so frightened of change, new people and places. She just needs help building some confidence and be given a lot of love and grace. She may be a little rough around the edges the first couple weeks in her new home that we promise you that she does warm up, relaxes, does little tail wags, and becomes an absolutely gem with a very loving demeanor once she gets used to her new surroundings. 💎 Approved adopters please send your hold requests to the email you were given. To get approved please visit our website www.texaschihuahuarescuecanada.org to fill in an application to adopt.
Photo of Cullum

Cullum

Chihuahua

Male, 2 yrs 4 mos
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
CULLUM is currently being fostered in Southern Ontario. Meet Cullum 🖤 A total mama’s boy with a heart of gold 💙 Cullum is a 2–3‑year‑old, 9‑lb sensitive little soul with a huge heart, just waiting for the right person to love. He may be timid at first, but beneath that shy exterior is a deeply loyal companion who bonds hard and loves even harder. Once you’ve earned his trust, you’ll have his whole heart forever. ❤️ Cullum is the definition of a “mama’s boy.” When he chooses you, he becomes your shadow, your snuggle buddy, your biggest fan. His happiest place is tucked under the covers, curled up close to his person at the end of the day. Because of his past, Cullum is deeply fearful of men and requires a women‑only, child‑free home. Male visitors are fine, but his caregiver(s) must be women so he can feel safe and thrive. One thing that brings Cullum pure joy? Other dogs. He absolutely lights up around friendly, playful pups and becomes a goofy, carefree little guy. He must have at least one playful dog in his forever home — a confident canine friend helps him feel secure, happy, and brave. Cullum has excellent housetraining manners and thrives on routine. He would love a home with a securely fenced yard where he can safely explore and relax. He’s learning to walk nicely on leash, but because he can be easily startled, an escape‑proof harness is essential. He is also crate trained and finds comfort in having a safe, cozy space of his own. Cullum has been through a lot, but he’s ready to give his heart to someone who understands him. With patience, gentleness, and time, he will reward you with a rare kind of devotion — the kind that only comes from a dog who finally feels safe. Once Cullum trusts you, he will love you with a depth and loyalty that is truly extraordinary. If you believe in the beauty of helping a fearful dog blossom into the joyful companion he was meant to be, Cullum might just be your perfect match.

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Dog shelters and rescues in Hamilton, Ontario

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Ladybird Animal Sanctuary

P.O. Box 80005 RPO Concession, Hamilton, ON L9A 0A6

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

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Shelter

Hamilton Burlington SPCA

245 Dartnall Rd, Hamilton, ON L8W 3V9

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

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Shelter

City of Hamilton Animal Services

247 Dartnall Road, Hamilton, ON L8W 3V9

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

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Rescue

Fur Warriors

Hamilton, ON L8W 3B2

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Hammer City Paws Rescue

Hamilton, ON L8V 4R5

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Hamilton Animal Control

Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Great Animal Rescue

1710 Main Street West Apt 103, Hamilton, ON L8S 1G6

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Molson's Foster Friends

Flamborough, ON L8N 2Z7

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

The Pride Rescue

Hamilton, ON L8R 1J5

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 Hamilton, Ontario 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