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

Bridgette

Labrador Retriever

Female, 3 yrs 1 mo
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Bridgette is a 3-year-old, medium-sized mixed breed (possibly a Lab cross) with a sweet soul and an easygoing nature. She came to the shelter as an unclaimed stray, but it’s clear she’s ready to leave her past behind and start a new chapter with a loving family. This lovely girl is well-mannered in her kennel, truly enjoys human company, and greets everyone she meets with enthusiasm and affection. Bridgette has also enjoyed a playful romp with a male dog and may do well in a home with another friendly canine companion. Overall, she seems to be a fairly even-keeled, well-tempered dog who could fit nicely into many different home environments. Because her history is largely unknown, especially around young children, a home with older kids or adults may be the best match for her. Bridgette appears to have had a litter in the past, and now it’s her turn to be doted on and cared for. Bridgette would benefit from obedience classes to help her build new skills and polish her manners. She’s very food-motivated, making positive reinforcement training a great and fun way for her to learn. She would love daily neighborhood walks or weekend hikes—especially fitting, since she was found near the beautiful Albion Falls! If you’re looking for a friendly, affectionate, and adaptable companion, Bridgette might just be your perfect match. She’s patiently waiting to find a forever family to share her happy, balanced spirit with for the rest of her life. Please complete an adoption application: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/animals-pets/adopt-or-foster-pet/adoptions Bridgette has an appointment to be spayed on January 8th. She will be ready for her forever home after she has recovered from this 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
We'll also keep you updated on Apollo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Apollo

Apollo

Belgian Malinois

Male, 2 yrs 6 mos
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Apollo is a 2.5-year-old Malinois/Mastiff mix with a big brain, big energy, and an even bigger heart. He came to us as a stray, but he’s now ready to blast off into his forever home with the right co-pilot by his side. This handsome guy thrives on mental and physical stimulation—Apollo doesn’t just want a walk, he wants a mission. Training sessions, structured exercise, enrichment toys, learning new skills… that’s his happy place. When he’s bored, he may invent his own entertainment (and trust us, you probably won’t approve), so an active, engaged household is a must. Apollo knows sit and is eager to learn more, but he’ll benefit greatly from consistent obedience training. He can pull on leash and greets people with enthusiastic gusto, so clear boundaries and guidance will help him channel that excitement into good manners. The good news? He’s smart, motivated, and absolutely capable of becoming an exceptional companion with the right structure. He did wonderfully meeting other dogs and may do best with a canine buddy who can help burn off energy and show him the ropes. A confident dog sibling could be the perfect workout partner. Apollo is not a beginner dog, but for someone experienced with high-drive, high-energy dogs, he’s a dream in the making. If you enjoy working with dogs that are smarter than most people, love training as bonding time, and see the journey as part of the fun—you’ll find Apollo incredibly rewarding. With patience, consistency, and daily outlets for both his brain and body, Apollo will repay you with loyalty, devotion, and endless enthusiasm. He’s looking for someone who understands that greatness takes investment—and is excited to build something amazing together. Ready for a little adventure? Apollo is waiting. Please complete an adoption application: 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
We'll also keep you updated on Lucky's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Lucky

Lucky

American Bulldog

Female, 2 yrs
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hi, I’m Lucky — thanks for coming to my interview! Interviewer: Lucky, tell us about yourself. Lucky: Great question. I’m a 2-year-old Lab / American Bully mix with lots of energy, a big personality, and an even bigger love for life. If there’s something happening, I want to be part of it. If there’s nothing happening… I can help fix that Interviewer: What’s a perfect day for you? Lucky: Adventures! Walks where I get to sniff everything, training time (especially if snacks are involved), and play sessions with my true love: tennis balls. Squeaky ones. Bouncy ones. If it squeaks and flies, I’m obsessed. Other toys? Meh. Tennis balls have my heart. Interviewer: Do you know any commands? Lucky: I do! I know sit and paw already—pretty impressive, right? I’m super food-motivated and really eager to learn more. I’ll admit, though, I can get excited and strong, especially on leash. That’s why continued obedience training is important for me. With consistency, structure, and positive reinforcement, I’m going to shine. Interviewer: What kind of home are you looking for? Lucky: An active one! I’d love a family who enjoys staying busy, going on outings, and including me in their daily routine. I need both mental and physical exercise every day to keep my energy balanced and my brain happy. Training + fun = my dream life. Interviewer: How do you feel about other dogs? Lucky: I came in with another dog, so having a canine buddy might help me burn off energy—but slow, supervised introductions are the way to go. I like thoughtful approaches. Interviewer: Anything adopters should know about your past? Lucky: I’m starting fresh. My past had some inconsistency—no real routine, not much structure, and a lot of figuring things out on my own. Things like house manners and crate training may be new to me or need a refresher. What I really need now is clear boundaries, predictable routines, and someone who knows dogs and wants to help me grow. Interviewer: Final thoughts? Lucky: I have so much potential. With the right person—someone patient, active, and excited about training—I’m going to be an incredible companion. If you’re ready to put in the time, energy, and love to help me be my best self…I just might be the girl for you Interview concluded. Tennis ball requested. Please complete an adoption application: 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
We'll also keep you updated on Luann's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Luann

Luann

American Bulldog

Female, 3 yrs 6 mos
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Luann: Professional Snack Detective & Certified Busybody!! (case #8476) Looking for a dog who will keep life interesting? Meet Luann, a 3–4-year-old Bully X who arrived at the shelter as a stray and has been making up for lost time ever since. Despite arriving a little underweight with some skin irritation and a few minor medical things the shelter is helping her through, Luann has made it very clear that she has zero plans to let that slow her down. Luann is a friendly, social, and very confident girl who believes the world is one big place that needs to be thoroughly inspected… immediately… and possibly twice. She’s the kind of dog who walks into a room like she’s late for an important meeting titled “Where Are The Snacks and Why Are They Not In My Mouth Yet?” Speaking of snacks: Luann is extremely food motivated. If there were an Olympic sport for locating forgotten crumbs, she would already have the gold medal. Because of this talent, her future family will need to help her learn that not every countertop item is a personal invitation. Crating, structure, and clear boundaries will help this clever girl stay on the straight and narrow. Luann already knows “sit”, especially when snacks are involved (coincidence? We think not). She’s eager to learn more, but she’ll definitely benefit from continued training. Though she’s small and compact, she’s strong and enthusiastic on leash, and sometimes expresses her excitement with a little jumping. She just has a lot of feelings and not always a plan for where to put them. This busy little bulldozer would thrive in an active home that can give her plenty of exercise, adventures, and mental stimulation. A bored Luann is a Luann who may start conducting unscheduled kitchen inspections. She may also have allergies that her future family will need to help manage, but in return you’ll get a dog who brings personality, comedy, and enthusiasm to everything she does. In summary, Luann is a part-time athlete, full-time snack enthusiast, amateur home inspector and professional best friend. If you’re looking for a fun, active, slightly chaotic (in the best way) companion who will keep you laughing and moving, Luann might just be your girl. Come meet her — but maybe hide your snacks first. Please complete an adoption application: 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
We'll also keep you updated on Diesel's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Diesel

Diesel

Mastiff

Male, 2 yrs
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Built like a tank but powered by a very relaxed engine, Diesel is a 2-year-old Mastiff cross who is looking for a home where he can cruise comfortably through life. Diesel arrived as an unclaimed stray alongside another dog believed to be his littermate, and it’s clear he takes comfort in canine company. With a dog friend by his side, his confidence really shines. When he’s on his own, Diesel may take a moment to read the room and assess his surroundings but once he realizes everything is safe, he settles in nicely and continues on his way. Despite his size, Diesel is actually a lower-energy kind of guy. He’ll have a quick burst of goofy, puppy-like zoomies now and then, but they’re short-lived before he returns to his favorite activities: lounging, observing the world, and enjoying a peaceful nap. In his kennel he keeps things tidy and calm, and when passing by other dogs he’s friendly and polite. Diesel is also a smart cookie. He already knows “sit” and “paw,” and he’s very motivated when treats are involved. Because of this, he would really benefit from positive reinforcement obedience classes to help him learn more tricks and establish clear boundaries and routines in his new home. When meeting people, Diesel is polite and respectful - not the jumpy, over-the-top greeter type. He prefers a calm introduction and appreciates someone who can read his body language and give him a moment when he needs it. Because of this, we recommend a home with somewhat experienced handlers and no young children, where his cues will be understood and respected. In a perfect world, Diesel’s new home would include: possibly another friendly dog companion, daily walks and mental enrichment, a cozy sunny spot for naps and a yard where he can stretch out in the grass. During his medical exam Diesel allowed staff to check his ears but was a little tense during his dental check - understandable for a new environment. He'll need a more experienced home familiar with cues that he's uncomfortable. He has mild tartar on his molars, but no dental procedure is needed at this time. A dental-support diet is recommended to help keep that handsome smile healthy. Diesel is a gentle, thoughtful boy who just needs a patient home to help him continue building confidence and enjoying the good life he deserves. If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a calm nature, good manners, and the occasional burst of goofy energy, Diesel might be the perfect co-pilot for your next chapter. Please complete an adoption application: 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
We'll also keep you updated on Ragnar's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Ragnar

Ragnar

Husky

Male, 4 yrs
Hamilton, ON
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hear ye, hear ye! From the frosty north (or at least the local streets), arrives Ragnar, a 4-year-old Siberian Husky of epic proportions. Much like his legendary namesake Ragnar Lothbrok from the TV show Vikings, our Ragnar appeared as a mysterious wanderer — arriving at the shelter as a “stray,” unclaimed and clearly between conquests. He came in intact, sporting warrior-length nails, a bit of tartar on his teeth, and one chipped canine tooth (we’re calling it a battle scar from conquering the Realm of Couch Cushions). Ragnar is every bit the classic Husky: High energy like a longship cutting through stormy seas. Friendly… yet slightly aloof (he must maintain his mystique). Vocal enough to summon Odin himself. Because of his operatic howls and dramatic monologues, a detached dwelling is recommended. Apartment neighbors may not fully appreciate his Norse poetry at sunrise. This Viking does not simply walk — he charges into life. He: Knows “sit” (a true scholar-warrior). Is very food motivated (a fan of post-battle feasts). Pulls on leash like he’s towing a longship. Occasionally leaps up in excitement to declare you his favorite human. He does not enjoy being restrained — in true Husky fashion, he believes shackles are beneath him. Patience, structure, and consistent obedience training will be key to shaping this wild Norse heart into a loyal household champion. Ragnar needs: High physical exercise (raids on hiking trails preferred) Mental stimulation (puzzle toys = tactical war planning) Routine and calming cues (even Vikings need structure) Without proper enrichment, he may redecorate your village or attempt a daring escape worthy of saga retelling. Huskies are legendary escape artists, and Ragnar seems ready to live up to the folklore. His Ideal Clan A home experienced with the Husky breed A high-energy canine sibling to spar and burn energy with A confident, patient handler who can provide leadership (think wise Jarl, not chaotic villager) Supervision and structure to help build his self-control muscles While he may have come from a background lacking consistency, his natural Husky independence — already strong in the breed — just needs the right leader to channel it. True to his lineage, Ragnar embodies the full theatrical Husky flair: The “you have betrayed me” look when asked to wait The soulful howl of injustice when mildly inconvenienced The zoomies of Valhalla He is super fun, endlessly comedic, and guaranteed to keep his humans laughing daily. If you are ready to: Provide epic adventures Establish strong but kind leadership Embrace the drama And welcome a fluffy Viking into your hall… Then Ragnar awaits his forever fjord. Will you be the Jarl of his next great saga? Please complete an adoption application: 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

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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

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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Shelter

Hamilton Burlington SPCA

245 Dartnall Rd, Hamilton, ON L8W 3V9

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

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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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The Pride Rescue

Hamilton, ON L8R 1J5

Pet Types: cats, 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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Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Hamilton, Ontario and nearby cities.

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