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Puppies and dogs in Franklin, Tennessee

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

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Adopt a dog in Franklin, Tennessee

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Franklin, Tennessee. 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 PUPPY GEORGIE BOY LUVS CATS

PUPPY GEORGIE BOY LUVS CATS

Border Collie Australian Shepherd

Male, Puppy
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
This handsome 4.5 month old puppster is called Boy George and he is what you would call….a character.  A Border Collie mix puppy who is smart and mischievous and a leader in life.  He was born in a litter of 8 puppies around the middle of October and he was the biggest kid in the bunch. He is laidback yet very much an involved pup when it comes to creating dog events that are fun and inquisitive.  He is one that doesn’t back down because he knows that he can win the challenge with his tenacity.  Boy George has conquered all the obligations in his life to learn about housebreaking, crate time and how to walk on a leash with at least a B- rating.  Practice will make perfect when in a family that has more one on one time for him.  He is going to be a 55 pound boy once he is grown.  His Mom is Blue Eyed Kaye and she is a wonderful girl with a happy demeanor and has certainly passed it along to all her sweet offspring.  Boy George is a good pup but he is looking for an even smarter owner that will figure him out before he slips one in on you. He is loving and can be an attention grabber because when you are raised in a pack of 8 siblings, you kind of crave some private time for yourself.  Boy George will be a fun pup to raise and one that will excel at puppy training classes.  At 18 weeks of age and 32 pounds, he is a great size to take on car rides, walks on a trail or  your local neighborhood.  He will welcome new dogs and people to meet and did we mention that he LOVES CATS!   To our Boy George they are just another friend in life!   We will require a home with a securely fenced yard so that this boy can explore and hang out in the great outdoors/backyard.  He is not a digger and he is not a fence climber.  But he is a dog that requires the stimulation both physically and mentally every day.  Teach him things and he will make you a proud dog owner. Someone is looking for a dog like this.  Maybe an only dog in the home or just a great addition because he will be play buddies with anyone.  But always know that you must be the leader of your pack and Boy George.  He craves the boundaries and rules.  He thrives best not having his way and is so moldable.  If interested please contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com   Mention where you live, city and state.  Transport is available to the northeast outside of Tennessee where he is being fostered PLEASE NOTE:   Our dogs and cats are fostered in Tennessee and can transport weekly up to the Northeast region.  Request an application and learn more about Critter Cavalry at https://www.crittercavalry.com/adoption. ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.April 22, 2025, 3:33 pm
Photo of SONNY BOY

SONNY BOY

Pomeranian Chihuahua

Male, Adult
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet SONNY BOY Sonny is a five-year-old small breed mix who is full-grown at 25 lbs. His DNA tests say mostly Pomeranian and Chihuahua with a bit of Dachshund. But like many small dogs, he struggles with possessive behavior in which he “lays claim” to a particular resource, typically a specific toy or the attention of his favorite human. He's a snuggle bug who is happy to be your lap dog - but also needs to be active and kept occupied. He requires a patient, strong, and experienced small and possessive dog owner. Sonny is the loyalist of loyal dogs to his people. But he has struggled with being rehomed and his resource guarding has escalated due to all of the changing in his environments. For this reason we are committed to only placing him in a home that is well aware and experienced with managing resource aggression behaviors.   This little guy loves nothing more than snuggling up on your lap and soaking up some attention. In fact, Sonny is the perfect lap dog - if you're okay with him laying claim to your lap as his own personal resource.But don't let his small size fool you - Sonny is also full of energy, sass, and needs to be kept active. He's an intelligent dog who loves to learn new tricks, but he can also be a bit of a handful. He has a bite history that is manageable and connected to dogs toys, but requires a patient and experienced owner who is willing to put in the work to manage his resource aggression behaviors and provide him with an environment that won’t trigger these bad behaviors.   Sonny was picked up as a stray in Gulfport, Mississippi, and after making his way to Nashville, TN, his x-rays revealed that he has a shotgun pellet that healed near his pelvis. We are only rehoming Sonny to quiet homes and do not include children or frequent visitors because, in his previous home, Sonny developed a reputation for snapping at strangers. This sweet dog is not at all aggressive towards strangers or children as a rule. In fact, he's very fond of strangers and is quick to claim visitors as family. His favorite person in the world is his vet! He simply has a charming but very dominant personality and  becomes temperamental and territorial when threatened and he’s overly protective of his belongings. Experienced small dog owners will know this Chihuahua personality trait well and Critter Cavalry is requesting that adopters commit to a toy-free home for the first 3 months so that Sonny is setup for success with regard to his resource guarding tendencies.    Sonny Boy happily lives with dogs of all sizes and ages and is an excellent companion to dogs of his size in particular. He’s a good wrestler and is respectful of his companion’s meals. No cats because he barks and scares them. He loves to play and treasures the attention of his family. He is house-trained, leash-trained, and knows basic commands. He enjoy’s being vocal but is mature enough to be corrected when barking excessively. There is a lot of sweet personality and attitude packed into this adorable dog. The ideal owner for Sonny would include a quiet household. With or without a companion dog as long as the companion dog is submissive. A fenced-in yard is a plus - but not required as long as this social boy gets his regular activity. Sonny does get regular visits to the dog park but requires an attentive owner because dog barks frequently have lose balls which can easily trigger his possessive tendencies.    If you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with a lifelong friend who is fiercely loyal and always ready for a good time. Middle-Tennessee only.  Please email us at ccrtennessee@gmail.com. ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Learn more about Critter Cavalry and request an adoption application at CritterCavalry.com. ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.March 7, 2026, 12:24 pm
Photo of ROO

ROO

Great Dane

Female, Adult
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
  Roo is a 2–3 year old Blue Merle Great Dane adult who weighs 85 pounds and was found abandoned by a well-known lake in Tennessee.  Someone rescued her from this terrible fate of no food or clean water and no place to be as she was wandering around the lake area very skinny and starved.  She was so grateful when someone took her home.  She then had different people foster her only for a few days at a time until this wonderful family saw her plight and need and said.....let us take her and foster her with a good rescue group.  Now this big girl named Roo has some stability in her life and has earned the nickname “Velcro dog.”  Of course this lost and abandoned girl who was deserted by a lake and then bounced a few times, wants to be right by your side and soak up every ounce of love and attention you’re willing to give her.  She will learn one day that noone is ever going to abandon her again.  This athletic girl has plenty of energy, loves to play with a happy spirit and and is an impressive olympic class jumper. She will thrive best in an active home.  Food definitely motivates her and this makes it super easy to train her and get her undivided attention. Roo is house-trained, crate-trained, cat-friendly, and absolutely loves to snuggle in the bed with her humans.    Roo bonds quickly and becomes very protective of her people so we will have tips on how to temper that zealous enthusiasm to claim you. She needs a family where she can be the queen of the castle and receive endless love and attention in return. If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will stick by you through everything, Roo is your girl!       Please write to Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com if you are interested.  She is currently fostered in Tennessee and can be adopted locally and also can transport to a loving family that is northeast of Tennessee.  We transport almost weekly on the weekends.       ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.June 7, 2026, 3:11 pm
Photo of JOHN WAYNE IS 13 LBS. OF FUN

JOHN WAYNE IS 13 LBS. OF FUN

Chihuahua Dachshund

Male, Adult
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
  -Meet John Wayne!   The most charming 3 year old Chiweenie boy that is only 13 pounds and ready to find his place in the world.  John Wayne (The Duke if you know anything about Westerns( can just give you a look and melt your heart.  Those beautiful eyes plead with you to settle his little heart from his past abandonment and to give him a sense of security and relief.  With one look from JW, The Duke, and you are DONE with looking for a little lifetime companion. The first thing you notice are his stylish and outlandishly amazing ears that deserve their own fan club, John Wayne is the whole package wrapped up in one adorable little body. John Wayne is a true people-lover who thrives on connection and will be your shadow in the best possible way. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood , this pup is always down for a walk. Best of all, John Wayne gets along wonderfully with dogs of all  sizes, making him a fantastic addition to a multi-pet household. Did we mention the smarts? John Wayne picks up on things quickly and will keep you on your toes — in the most delightful way. If you’re looking for a loyal, sociable, and utterly adorable companion, John Wayne might  be your guy!    If you are looking for that perfect, even temperament and loving small dog then here if your chance!!!   Email Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com    ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com. PLEASE NOTE:   Our dogs and cats are fostered in Tennessee and can transport weekly up to the Northeast region.  Request an application and learn more about Critter Cavalry at https://www.crittercavalry.com/adoption.June 7, 2026, 3:11 pm
Photo of INDEPENDENT ELLA

INDEPENDENT ELLA

Shih Tzu Havanese

Female, Adult
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
  Independent Ella is the kind of dog who makes the world feel a little warmer the moment she walks into the room. With a constantly wagging tail and bright, curious eyes, she greets everyone like an old friend whether it’s a stranger on the street, a giggling child, or another animal crossing her path. This 3 year old, 20 pound Shih Tzu mix girl was found as a matted stray and her rescuers never found the person who owned her.  She ended up in a boarding facility for a few weeks as they searched and she received a much needed glamour grooming that you see the results here in her pictures.  Ella is very self-assured and spunky and spry.  She bounces around like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower.  She is good with other dogs but will let them know that she is the Queen Bee.  It would be best for her to be in a home as the one and only girl and she could certainly live with another male dog or two.  Girl on girl in a home she might be a challenge as she makes her Queen Bee position known.  On the flip side of that we know Ella to be very affectionate and eager to spend time with her humans. She is mostly housebroken but would be best for her to be crated overnight.  This social butterfly never meets a stranger nor finds a situation one that she cannot handle. She is not shy and basically lives in her own 'no fear zone'. If you are looking for a lifetime companion who is up for any and every adventure that you bring her way, then Ella is 'in' for the ride. Please email Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrnewengland@gmail.com  She is ready to go!!!        ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.June 7, 2026, 3:11 pm
Photo of PUPPY PATTY PRO BONO

PUPPY PATTY PRO BONO

Australian Shepherd Great Pyrenees

Female, Young
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
  Our happy, soft coated fluffy girl puppy is called Patty Pro Bono and the shelter who took in the litter of Great Pyr and Australian Shepherd pups named the litter after the Lawyer who brought them in to find homes.  The lawyer's female Great Pyr  had the accidental litter on 2/26/26 and brought them in the first of last of April to find them homes. When you first meet Patty you are ready to hug her and reassure her that she will find a great family very soon.  She is happy, well adjusted and has one of those easy going personalities that is bright and upbeat.  She is a curious girl and not as big as some of her littermates that take after the Great Pyr.  Patty takes after the size of her dad who is an Australian Shepherd.  At just 15 weeks she weighs 21 pounds and is destined to be a 50 pound adult that will be fluffy and gorgeous like an Australian Shepherd, and will carry the energy and intelligence of the breed.  Patty and her litter had spent the past  4 weeks with no adoptions happening.  It was a small town shelter.  The Director started making calls and pleas to rescues and Critter Cavalry Rescue could not resist helping this beautiful litter of 6 puppies.   They needed foster care and comfort from a foster family who can show them love and training.  This incredibly beautiful  girl has done so well with other dogs and with young children.  She is just a sweetheart and is quickly learning about crate training and is on a schedule to go out for potty breaks. We want this girl to grow up successfully in a fenced yard and to learn leash manners right away.  She loves to sleep most of the night in her puppy bed on the floor by the bed.  Patty Pro Bono is more than just beautiful - she is a thoughtful girl that is sensitive and quiet.  She would lay by your feet while you work all day long.  She loves to run and romp in the yard and this is why we are looking for a family with a fence.  She is a smart, observant puppy who takes in the world around her and responds with curiosity and heart. She adores snuggling with her  foster mom and happily soaks up attention, pets, and love from everyone she meets. Watching her romp around with joyful zoomies is pure happiness in motion.    ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.June 7, 2026, 3:11 pm

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Dog shelters and rescues in Franklin, Tennessee

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Rock City Rescue - TN chapter

Franklin, TN 37069

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Goofy Foot Dog Rescue - Nashville Area

Nashville, TN 37069

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Critter Cavalry Rescue - TN

608 East Castle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Rural Animal Rescue Effort (RARE)

Franklin, TN 37069

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits, small animals

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WeHelpAnimals.Net

Franklin, TN 37064

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Must Love Danes Rescue

Franklin, TN 37064

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Happy Tales Humane

4001 Hughes Crossing, Suite 161, Franklin, TN 37064

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

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Shelter

Williamson County Animal Center

1006 Grigsby Hayes Court, Franklin, TN 37064

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

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Rescue

Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue TN

PO Box 210830, Nashville, TN 37221

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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