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Puppies and dogs in Norfolk, Virginia

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Norfolk, Virginia

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Norfolk, Virginia. 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 Odie

Odie

American Bulldog

Male, Adult
Norfolk, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Even though Odie was abandoned by his previous family, he still loves people.  He gets along with other dogs and children.  He is high energy and hasn't learned to meet other dogs.  He can be a bit intimidating to other dogs.  His foster brother is a small 13 yr old rat terrier and Odie loves to sleep with him.  It takes a slow introduction for him to settle down.   If you want a hiking or camping buddy, Odie is your guy.  Playing fetch and tug are also favorite things that he likes.  He would love a family who would treat him like a family member.  .  He has already had his dental and is ready to start his new life as a family member.  If you are interested, please contact Rainbow Rescue at 757-472-1583 or rainbowanimalrescueva@gmail.comMarch 10, 2026, 12:08 am
Special Needs
Photo of Gomer

Gomer

Foxhound

Male, Senior
Norfolk, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs special attention, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Our sweet Gomer was picked up by a local animal control the day before Christmas Eve 2024.  He was very thin but happy to see everyone.  Every time someone walked by his kennel he ran to the front hoping that someone was coming for him.  He had intestinal parasites, wasn’t neutered, had several masses, had terrible teeth, and was heart worm positive.  Most of his issues have been treated.  He has finished his heart worm treatment and will have his dental in February 2026.  At first he didn’t respond to us when we took him out after pulling him from the shelter.  It didn’t take him long to realize that living inside with folks who loved him was a dream come true.  He likes to lay around with his buddy Gus and wander and sniff in the yard.  We’ve discovered that he is an escape artist if he sees something that interests him.  He can open latches on gates and climb a chain link fence.  He will need a 6 ft privacy fence and a family who will be very diligent about watching over him.  He is a fireplace dog who loves to chill with his other foster sibs and is learning basic cues.   We don’t know how he is with cats.   He would love a home with people who will love him for the rest of his life, taking him on sniffy walks and include him in family adventures.  If you are that special family who would love this boy forever, please contact Rainbow Rescue at 757-472-1583 or rainbowanimalrescueva@gmail.comMarch 10, 2026, 12:08 am
Photo of Luke

Luke

German Shepherd Dog Collie

Male, Adult
Norfolk, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Luke came from a rural shelter where he was surrendered.  He is 8 yrs old and has been chained most of his life- he has a permanent bald ring around his neck from the chain.  Despite that, he is a sweet boy who is learning to be an inside dog.  He is learning to calm himself by going into his crate when he feels overwhelmed.  He has taken a great liking to his foster dad and will get into his lap to calm himself.  Luke will be starting heart worm treatment soon and will be available at the end of the treatment.  He needs a 6 ft privacy fenced and a family with older respectful kids as he can be too much for little ones when he gets the zoomies.  We don't think he would be good with cats because he shows too much interest in those outside.  He needs a family who is willing to be patient with him and show him what a loving family is and one who will always take good care of him.  If you are looking for a sweet boy who desperately wants to be part of someone's family and are willing to be patient and love him unconditionally, please contact Rainbow Rescue at :  rainbowanimalrescueva@gmail.com or call at 757-472-1583September 12, 2026, 12:07 am
Photo of Brownie-  COURTESY POST

Brownie- COURTESY POST

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, Adult
Norfolk, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
BROWNIE-    COURTESY POST- respond to the contact at end of post   Brownie began his life as a street dog in India before finding his way into our home and hearts. He was adopted and flown all the way to the US, and he has been nothing short of a gentle, grateful soul. But due to ongoing and serious conflicts with our resident dog — despite our best efforts — we've had to face the heartbreaking reality that keeping both dogs together is no longer safe for either of them. The fights have escalated to the point of requiring multiple emergency veterinary visits, and for the safety and well-being of both dogs, it is best for Brownie to find a home without other dogs. The decision to rehome Brownie is the hardest choice I've ever had to make, and I am committed to finding him the right home.   About Brownie: Calm, shy, and incredibly gentle with humans of all ages and sizes   Weighs 57 lbs — a healthy boy with a beautiful lean build   Loves couch time, and his daily walks — one or two a day keep him happy   Walks beautifully on a leash and has learned to ignore other dogs on walks with treat-based rewards   Knows basic commands like treat, walk, and food   Does not demand constant attention, but deeply adores pets, love, and affection   Neutered male, up to date on all vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention   Vet records available through Strawbridge Animal Care   Location: Virginia Beach, VA   Rehoming fee: $150 (to ensure a serious, committed home)   The ideal home for Brownie is one without other dogs, where he can be the sole four-legged companion. He thrives in most environments with someone who enjoys a daily walk and some couch company at the end of the day. If you're looking for an easy-going, low-maintenance dog with a beautiful backstory and an even more beautiful soul — Brownie is your guy.   He came a long way to find his forever home. We hope it's with you. If you are interested in meeting Brownie, email me at finding.brownie.a.home@gmail.comSeptember 12, 2026, 12:07 am
Photo of Blossom

Blossom

Maltese Shih Tzu

Female, Young
Norfolk, VA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
For inquiries email kathy@compactcaninerescue.org Fee: $800 Location: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Foster mom update, 9/13/26: What a difference a week makes! Blossom is doing fabulous with her housetraining! She has not had an accident in a week! She is learning to walk on a leash and loves to take long walks. She plays with toys ... loves a squeaky toy or a small ball to chase. She enjoys chewing on a bully stick and wrestling with her foster sister. This little blossom is a gem! Meet Blossom. We believe she is around 2 years old, weighs about 9 pounds and is a Shih Tzu/Maltese mix. She came to us from a hoarding situation and is learning how to be pampered. Her first haircut was quite the transformation. Blossom is a bit skittish and loves having another dog around. If she cannot find her foster sister, she gets a bit anxious. She sleeps quietly through the night in her crate, snuggled up with her foster sister. A home with another dog is strongly preferred. She is starting to discover that people and toys are fun. She is working on her leash skills and potty manners. A fenced yard is a plus. A training/manners class is required and must be completed within 6 months to finalize the adoption. She will be scheduled to be spayed soon. Once healed she will be ready for adoption. Apply now! Please follow us on social media for the most up to date photos and information. Instagram Facebook X YouTube TikTok BlueSky LinkedIn Please visit our website www.compactcaninerescue.org to learn more about this amazing pet and see other adoptable dogs.
Photo of Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker

Miniature Schnauzer

Female, Adult
Norfolk, VA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
For inquiries email kaitlin@compactcaninerescue.org Fee: $600 Location: Richmond, VA Update 9/12/2026: Over Labor Day weekend, Tanya Tucker took her first road trip to join her foster family for a vacation in Roanoke. We're happy to report that Tanya is an excellent traveler--content in the car and extremely well-behaved in a dog-friendly hotel room. She enjoyed many walks with her foster siblings through the parks near Roanoke plus some quiet experiences on outdoor patios at a few nice restaurants. In fact, Tanya's foster mom says Tanya is an extremely well-behaved young lady all around and continues to be very, very affectionate and loving. All she needs now is a forever home to call her own so she can share that love with you! Check out Tanya's vacay pictures: Waiting with her besties while Mom packs the car. First time in a Petco-so much to see! Taking in the Roanoke sites. Surveying her room accommodations and enjoying a brief moment of luxury on hotel linens. UPDATE from foster coordinator 8/8/2026: Tanya Tucker stayed with our foster coordinator while her foster family went on vacation for a week. Tanya, affectionally known as TT by our foster coordinator, came right into the pack and after 24 hours she was integrated and happy. Tanya followed the resident dogs around the house as well as foster mom. She was very sweet, walked well on leash when with another dog and enjoyed the company of the resident dogs. She even curled up with the resident schnauzer, former CCR Alum, Henry (see photo in her online pictures). After keeping her for the past 7 days, we have determined (her foster mom and the coordinator) she will need another dog. She is still very skittish and looks to other dogs for confidence and affirmation. She is learning how to "dog" and really making great strides. Tanya went back to her foster mom today (8/8) and was very happy to see the resident foster siblings. She definitely likes to be around other dogs. It is all she has ever known. Tanya does not bark much but will bark at people who approach the home or on a walk. She quickly warms up but does shake some with unfamiliar people until she is comfortable with them. Tanya was groomed while she was with our coordinator this week. The grooming salon is a quiet, one-on-one salon. The groomer did express to our coordinator that Tanya was terrified during her grooming session. She has most likely not been to a grooming salon in the past. Her new owners may want to consult their vet about some meds to help with stressful situations like vetting and grooming at least for the first few sessions until she gets acclimated to her home. Training classes may help build her confidence in the future with her new owners. Tanya Tucker is a delightful and will make a wonder new pack member! UPDATE from foster mom 7/21/2026: Tanya is a sweet little miniature schnauzer. She has been a breeding female for her entire life. She was surrendered to our rescue after she was no longer used for making new little schnauzers! She is 6 years old which is the average age of "retirement" in the breeding world. She weighs about 20 pounds. Tanya is shy but quickly warming up to her foster family. She was spayed on July 7th and is bravely exploring an all-new outdoor world as she learns to walk on a leash. She's not too sure about cats but loves learning from her canine siblings. Tanya will benefit from a quiet home with other dogs she can model as she learns to be a confident girl. Don't miss out on this love bug! She is very affectionate and will make a loving companion. Tanya is a sweet little miniature schnauzer. She has been a breeding female for her entire life. She was surrendered to our rescue after she was no longer used for making new little schnauzers! She is 6 years old which is the average age of "retirement" in the breeding world. She weighs about 20 pounds. She could stand to lose a pound or two. Tanya is shy but beginning to warm up to her foster family. She will be spayed and have a dental on July 7th, Once healed she will be ready for adoption. Don't miss out on this love bug! She is very sweet and loving. For the most up to date photos and information follow us on our social media channels. Instagram Facebook X YouTube TikTok BlueSky LinkedIn Please visit our website www.compactcaninerescue.org to learn more about this amazing pet and see other adoptable dogs.

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Norfolk, Virginia

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Rainbow Animal Rescue, Inc

P.O. Box 14254, 2461 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA 23518

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Compact Canine Rescue

P.O. Box 10312, Norfolk, VA 23513

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Bay Beagle Rescue

Norfolk, VA 23502

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Norfolk Animal Care Center

5585 Sabre Road, Norfolk, VA 23502

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

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Rescue

Paws 2 Rescue

4820 Bel Aire Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Norfolk SPCA

916 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23504

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Animal Rescue of Tidewater (A.R.T.)

Norfolk, VA 23517

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Old Dominion Boston Terrier Rescue

Portsmouth, VA 23507

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

PETA

501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510

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

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Rescue

Critter Cavalry Rescue - VA

Norfolk, VA 23510

Pet Types: 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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Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Norfolk, Virginia 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