Adopt

Puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Knoxville, Tennessee

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Knoxville, 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 Rosie (PA)- Couch potato's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Rosie (PA)- Couch potato

Rosie (PA)- Couch potato

Terrier (Unknown Type, Small) Shih Tzu

Female, Senior
Knoxville, TN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Rosie is being fostered in PA. Rosie would be okay around another calm dog that gives her space, but could do even better as an only dog. Rosie is a sweet senior that still has some pep in her step. She is estimated to be approximately 12 years old. Part of the time she acts it – by sleeping the day away. Other times, like dinner time, she will jump around like a puppy getting its first treat! We don't know what breed/s she is, we just say she's a Rosie! She came to BDRA from a shelter as a stray, so we have no history for her prior to going to the shelter. When she arrived, she was in very poor shape. She had skin, eye, and ear infections along with a large mammary tumor and an extreme flea infestation. We have had her spayed, had the tumor (happily it was benign) removed and she was given a dental. Her left eye is smaller than her right and has some discharge from it. It is a non-visual eye. Her right eye has a mature cataract and is also non-visual. Rosie likes to direct her attention to the wall when you are speaking to her because her hearing is starting to go as well. But don’t let her fool you, she can still hear that treat bag open up from across the house! Her flea problem was taken care of immediately, but we continue to struggle finding just the right solution to her skin/ear infections. We continue to work with both the vet and with holistic solutions. Rosie is a pampered princess who sleeps in bed with her foster parents, on the couch and on her “camping” chair. She has recently taken possession of a crate that we use for a puppy when not home. She hasn't been "crated" but just likes to sleep in there. She will either use a wee pad or go outside but will not inform you when she needs to go. She is more attached to the men in her foster homes (she has had two) than the women but she does love her moms’ as well! She currently has a foster mom that is home all the time which is perfect since we are still dealing with medical issues. Rosie likely will have allergy/yeast/mammary mass issues for the rest of her life. Rosie does not appreciate being disturbed by other dogs. She will growl and sometime lunge at them. For this reason, she is better in a home as an only dog or with calm dogs. Rosie would make a wonderful companion for a senior or low activity family. She is just starting to learn how to walk on a leash and isn’t quite a fan of it…..yet. She would do best in a home without young children. Her fantasy home is one with a couch potato dad to hang with her all day long! BDRA has voted against the use of electrical fencing effective immediately.
We'll also keep you updated on Sasha (PA)'s adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Sasha (PA)

Sasha (PA)

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Young
Knoxville, TN
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sasha is being fostered in PA. Sasha needs to be an only dog. She does not like active dogs Sasha can ONLY be adopted to a home with older children or all adults. Sasha is NOT good with cats. Sasha is spayed. Christmas time is here, soon a new year will dawn, and I’m still patiently waiting for my furever home and that special family to give me lots of love and belly rubs. I enjoy walks and will do OK without a fenced yard if you take me out on walking adventures. If you have a fenced yard I will run and play with you. I just enjoy the company of peeps. I don’t care to be with other dogs, just be by myself with my humans. I am a good girl in the house…unless you leave tasty morsels of food on the counter. Then I may just have to help myself! I know Sit, Down, am learning Wait, but I don’t really want to wait, hee hee. I also do pretty well on a leash. I’m still working on some other things like no jumping up on my peeps. I just want to greet and say Hi and give kisses and hugs to my peeps. BDRA has voted against the use of electrical fencing effective immediately.
We'll also keep you updated on Sleepy (PA) - FUN!'s adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Sleepy (PA) - FUN!

Sleepy (PA) - FUN!

Hound (Unknown Type) Black and Tan Coonhound

Male, Young
Knoxville, TN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sleepy is being fostered in PA. The cats in Sleepy's foster home just avoid him, but his foster mom believes he would be okay with cats. Sleepy is a very sweet little boy. He soaks up any and all of the attention you will give him. He likes to cuddle when he is worn out because he does have that puppy energy. We give him lots of toys/chews but the thing he loves most is to tumble around with the other dogs. It gives him lots of confidence when he is around the other pups in the house. Sleepy is not house broken yet and we are working on basic commands, but he is very food motivated which helps him learn really quickly. What Sleepy enjoys the most is to sit on the patio with a bone and just listen to everything going on. He is a great companion. BDRA has voted against the use of electrical fencing effective immediately.
We'll also keep you updated on Wilma (NJ) Very Sweet!'s adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Wilma (NJ) Very Sweet!

Wilma (NJ) Very Sweet!

American Staffordshire Terrier Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, Adult
Knoxville, TN
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Wilma is being fostered in NJ. Wilma is a wonderful companion and a very sweet lady. She will gently take a piece of kibble or a treat from your hand. She loves treats and biscuits! Wilma also likes back rubs and sitting nearby her person. Walking is another favorite activity, and she will tilt her head to listen to the sounds in the neighborhood. She is a gentle walker, doesn't pull, but will stop to listen. She will respond with a deep bark to other barking dogs. She is not afraid of dogs and does not respond aggressively, but if a dog continues to bark at her, she will also keep barking. Wilma gets along with the cat in her foster home as well as the rabbit. She will sit at the door to indicate she needs to go outside, and will go to her bed to nap or sleep for the night after she has visited outside. She's just a sweetheart who wants to be with her person! BDRA has voted against the use of electrical fencing effective immediately.
We'll also keep you updated on Ari (PA) SWEET girl!'s adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Ari (PA) SWEET girl!

Ari (PA) SWEET girl!

Shih Tzu Poodle (Miniature)

Female, Senior
Knoxville, TN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Ari is being fostered in PA. 5-12-2025 Ari did very well with her dental and lumpectomy. She had 12 teeth removed and her mass was benign. An update on her personality and potty skills: Ari is very predictable with her potty habits and only goes about 3 times a day. She sleeps completely through the night, eats her breakfast and then does her business so she can easily be taken outside to eliminate before her breakfast at lunch and then around her dinner time. If she does get up in the middle of her naps or at night, she will eliminate on a potty pad if it’s placed right by her bed. She adores lying beside her foster mom on the sofa and will nudge her hand for pets. She has yet to make a peep in her foster home. Ari is also has the softest fur ever! Little Ari is guessed to be about 12 years old and appears to be a shih tzu mix. She is a quiet, gentle, passive, loveable girl who loves her meals and can sleep like no other! She gets along well with other dogs, cats, and people of all ages. She simply ignores other dogs and cats in her foster home and needs to be in a home with gentle pets and children because it does not appear like she will defend or stick up for herself. She is just as happy to snuggle up on the sofa as she is to find her bed for the day on the floor. She seems to enjoy sniffing all she can when she’s outside but may not make the best walk buddy, as she’d rather meander and smell things. She rides well in the car and tolerates her foster mom’s kisses very well. Ari is completely blind since she has no eyes and her hearing is poor. Her foster mom keeps a potty pad close to her bed so when she gets up from her nap, she has it to potty on when her mom is working. She will not indicate a need to go out to potty. She will need to be carried outside but does fine exploring once she’s out. She cannot go up or down stairs by herself. She will have a dental and a lumpectomy of a non-cancerous mass on her cheek on May 9th and will be ready to find her forever home shortly after. BDRA has voted against the use of electrical fencing effective immediately.
We'll also keep you updated on Crosby (PA) SWEET Puppy!'s adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Crosby (PA) SWEET Puppy!

Crosby (PA) SWEET Puppy!

Pug French Bulldog

Male, Puppy
Knoxville, TN
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Crosby is being fostered in PA. Crosby is an adorable, blind, male puppy who was born on January 25, 2025. He is a pug and may be a mix but we are not sure. He is a sweet but mischievous, curious little guy who loves to play hard, eat and nap hard. Crosby enjoys the other dogs in his foster home but is a bit much with them so he does not get to spend a lot of time with them just yet. He gets overly excited when getting attention from people and when other dogs are close by and can be playfully nippy, untying shoes and clinging onto pant legs with his teeth. After a few minutes and redirecting his puppy nips, he will calm down to simply sit beside his person. Crosby can go up stairs very well but has no idea about how to come back down just yet. Crosby should not be in a home with very young children, as his puppy play still needs to be redirected to nipping on toys and not hands, hair, etc. Crosby will be having his right eye removed on May 23rd and will be ready to find his adoptive home as soon as he recovers from that surgery. Crosby will need work on potty training but currently does well traveling in a crate and has never soiled in it so this is a good start to his training. Crosby will need a patient family to help him learn proper play skills and to help him with potty training. BDRA has voted against the use of electrical fencing effective immediately.

Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Knoxville, Tennessee

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Pooches On the Move Pet Rescue--TN

Knoxville, TN 37901

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Blind Dog Rescue Alliance - TN

Knoxville, TN 37901

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

RescuesForJoJo

Knoxville, TN 37918

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Save A Bully Rescue

Knoxville, TN 37917

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Open Hearts Animal Rescue

Knoxville, TN 37917

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Shizzy's Doggy Haven

Knoxville, TN 37917

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Rustic Rover

Knoxville, TN 37924

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Lytle Animal Care & Control - TN transport

Knoxville, TN 37902

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Central Veterinary Hospital

1212 W. Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

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!

Image of dog

Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee 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