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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.
We'll also keep you updated on PUPPY GEORGIE BOY LUVS CATS's adoption status with email updates.
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
We'll also keep you updated on SONNY BOY's adoption status with email updates.
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.November 3, 2024, 10:10 pm
We'll also keep you updated on HUNTER's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of HUNTER

HUNTER

Labrador Retriever

Male, Young
Franklin, TN
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
Hunter is a gentle 60-pound Lab mix with a heart of gold. This strong boy, about a year old, was found running loose on the back roads of Tennessee, but despite his tough start, he's in great shape with a silky black coat. While no one has come forward to claim him, Hunter is patiently waiting for a loving family to call his own! Hunter enjoys his daily walks and is working on not pulling on the leash. ‍&#226&#153&#130&#239&#184&#143 He’s curious, playful, and loves other dogs! He’s been sharing a pen with a Lab mix girl and he has been having a ball playing with her non-stop. Hunter does the cutest little dance when it’s time for his meals or walks—it’s sure to put a smile on your face!  He did originally have a run-in with a neighbor’s chicken , so he might be best suited to a home without small livestock.  This boy is a great dog and would make a wonderful life long companion to someone that wants to feel special to someone....and a dog is the best creature on earth to give you all the 'feel-goods' in life. Critter Cavalry Rescue is a Middle Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) that travels to the Northeast states weekly, helping high-risk homeless animals like Hunter find their forever homes. For more info on our mission, adoption fees, and drop-off points, visit us at CritterCavalry.com! &#226&#156&#168 Are you ready to give this playful boy a chance at a new beginning? &#226&#157&#164&#239&#184&#143 &#226&#157&#164&#239&#184&#143 Email us at CCRTennessee@gmail.com to request an adoption application.  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.July 27, 2025, 2:30 pm
We'll also keep you updated on VIOLA's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of VIOLA

VIOLA

Beagle Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, Adult
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
  Viola is a beautiful soul that we think is about 3 year old  and a Beagle mix girl. This black and white beauty with adorable speckled legs and a sweet She only weighs 20 lbs and has the sweetest smile and absolutely loves people. She was found as a stray that was taken to the shelter very scared and almost shutdown while there. Her human mother died and Viola is now 5 years old. Unfortunately we don’t really know her story, but we feel there is some trauma there in her past. It takes her a little bit to get used to people and even longer for dogs. She wants a safe place to observe (wire crate suggested)  till she figures it out. Her foster kept her behind a gate and her bed was her safe place. For a few days she would growl through the gate at the other dogs but after that it was over. We would leave the gate open and she would venture out and if she got nervous she would go back to her safe place. She is never ugly to the other dogs at her foster and  if one of the Chihuahuas was mean to her,  she just ignored her. We have her using puppy pads because there is  no fenced yard. Viola would definetly need a fenced yard so she can safely explore and have potty breaks. The outdoors makes her nervous still. She loves her people immensely and adores  kids but older ones are best.  If you want to help and REALLY rescue a dog them Viola would be forever indebted to you.   If you are interested please email at ccrtennessee@gmail.com    ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.November 29, 2025, 1:51 pm
We'll also keep you updated on KIRK's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of KIRK

KIRK

Papillon Chihuahua

Male, Adult
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Kirk may be small at just 6 pounds, but his journey has been anything but easy. This handsome, fluffy Papillon/Chihuahua mix is around 1–2 years old and is learning what it means to live a life filled with safety, affection, and choice — things he never had before.  Kirk was rescued from an extreme hoarding and breeding situation where over 140 dogs were living without proper care or socialization. Because of this, he entered foster care fearful and unsure of human touch. Trust did not come easily — but love has been changing everything. In his foster home, Kirk has begun to soften. With patience and consistency, he is discovering that laps are for cuddling, voices can be gentle, and attention can be something to enjoy rather than fear. He now seeks out affection and loves being close to his people, especially when he feels secure. Kirk is still on a confidence-building journey. He will benefit from daily walks, positive reinforcement, and a calm environment where he can continue learning at his own pace. A fenced yard would be a wonderful bonus, and a home with older children or adults who understand his sensitive nature would be ideal. He is crate trained and continuing to improve with house training. Kirk is not a finished story — he is the beginning of one. A story of resilience, healing, and a dog finally becoming who he was always meant to be. If you have the patience to earn his trust (it won't take long) and the heart to love him through his transformation, Kirk will repay you with loyalty, devotion, and the quiet joy of watching a once-frightened dog flourish. Please contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com. ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.January 11, 2026, 3:52 pm
We'll also keep you updated on DRIVEBY DRIVEWAY ORPHANS - FOSTERS NEEDED NOW!'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of DRIVEBY DRIVEWAY ORPHANS - FOSTERS NEEDED NOW!

DRIVEBY DRIVEWAY ORPHANS - FOSTERS NEEDED NOW!

Labrador Retriever

Female, Puppy
Franklin, TN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
  These beautiful black Lab mix puppies that weigh 6-9 pounds at the time they were abandoned are called the Drive By Driveway Orphans. Five pretty little puppies that were carelessly thrown away like unwanted trash.  The puppies were just standing there in this country home’s driveway on a rainy cold morning during the tornado events that Middle Tennessee repeatedly struggled to endure.  Wet and bloated with tummies full of worms, these babies were sweetly scooped up by a guardian family who wrung their hands to get them safe and  over to a vet immediately.  Soon their concerns on health were settled and taken care of and together the family is working with Critter Cavalry Rescue to find them other fosters and also forever homes.  They appear to be 5 weeks old and just the sweetest little snuggle babies.  We need other fosters to help with this crew of Lab mix puppies. They are small and happy and need some good one on one that the current foster mom cannot give due to her work schedule and taking care of many animals at her own little Hobby Farm.  We are looking for fosters to help with puppies in a set of two or three clusters.   Critter Cavalry Rescue will supply all vetting, meds, food if needed, and crates or bedding.  We are very supportive and available to guide any foster family that steps forward to take them for a 3-5 week period of time.  We are able to adopt to local Tennessee families and also adopt to families in the Northeast.  Please help us help this little tribe of babies that never asked to be born and certainly they are not trash to be thrown away.  God Bless the helpers who give of what they have and who share with those who have nothing and no place to go. Write to Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com or text/call 615-661-5333   ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.April 22, 2025, 3:33 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

Critter Cavalry Rescue - TN

608 East Castle Ct., 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

Rural Animal Rescue Effort (RARE)

Franklin, TN 37069

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

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Rescue

WeHelpAnimals.Net

Franklin, TN 37064

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Abandoned Angels Rescue

P. O. Box 1554, Franklin, TN 37064

Pet Types: cats, 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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Rescue

Must Love Danes Rescue

Franklin, TN 37064

Pet Types: dogs

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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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