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Puppies and dogs in Madison, Wisconsin

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Madison, Wisconsin

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Madison, Wisconsin. 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 Tabitha

Tabitha

Cattle Dog Chihuahua

Female, 5 yrs 7 mos
Madison, WI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Tabitha! This adorable little girl has been in Wisconsin now for nearly a year :( We've learned so much about her during this time we just know the perfect home is out there for her! She prefers the company of women, and love to hang out with other dogs. Shes quite the snuggler in bed if you let her sleep with you, or she's totally fine hanging out with other dogs to snooze. She enjoys her time outdoors and does best in a home with a fenced yard. She currently is in a foster home on a farm and enjoys all things farm related! Tabitha will do best in a home with herding breed experience! She might need more than one meeting to warm up to you, but once she does, you are her friend for life! Please help us find the perfect home for Tabitha! She's one of a kind! **Our process includes an approved application, reference checks, a homevisit, and once approved a meet and greet with the dog. Please do not apply if pets in the home are not up to date per our website requirements or are not altered. Wisconsin applications are priority, but Illinois applications will be considered if no small children are present in the home, the home is owned, and excellent vet reference can be provided. We cannot process applications from other states. Adoption fee is $350 unless otherwise noted above. Puppies under 1 year of age accept application for families with children over 6 years of age for large breeds and over 8 years of age for small breeds. Since they are still puppies, dogs under 1 will require a basic obedience and puppy training class, and spay/neuter at the owners expense. Begin your application process by copying this link into your web browser: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfTVxU0UyXrSu7iPnWZw838MyOECKrtq-q36LG8JgfzR92-w/viewform WI Department of Ag License: 402779-DS Lola's Lucky Day
Special Needs
Photo of Alfie

Alfie

Australian Shepherd

Male, Adult
Madison, WI
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
Alfie is five years old going on six. He was born on a ranch and his parents (both purebred aussies) are working herders. Alfie has always lived in an apartment with one woman. He is smart and sassy but also has a tendency to nip. He has bitten several people and my landlord wants him gone. He is unpredictable with other dogs. Sometimes he's great and other times he gets into fights. He loves women but takes a while to warm up to men. It would be great if there was a home for him with someone who understood the breed and had plenty of space.
Photo of Cora

Cora

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 2 mos
Monona, WI
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hi, my name is Cora Reluctant a shelter in a box with no mom or dad we are currently eight weeks Old way and 7 pounds so might be a medium sized dog. We are learning to be puppies and we just enjoy life eat sleep and repeat if you’re looking for a beautiful female dog to add to your home, it’s me. Apply at HickoryHillpuppyrescue.org the website is being updated so if you don’t see me, just put in my name, Cora
Special Needs
Photo of Spirit

Spirit

American Pit Bull Terrier Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 1 yr 1 mo
Madison, WI
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Spirit Spirit may be a puppy with a disability, but don’t tell her that—she has no idea! This happy, affectionate girl is full of love and joy. Her favorite things include snuggling on a soft bed or curling up right in your lap for a nap after a good play session. Spirit is paralyzed in her back end due to a stable spinal fracture that cannot be surgically repaired. She cannot use her back legs and has no control over stool or urine, but her elimination is reflexive and does not require intervention as long as amounts remain normal. Despite this, Spirit doesn’t let her condition slow her down one bit—she’s just as playful and silly as any other pup. She’s very social and loves meeting new people, especially kids. Spirit gets along well with other dogs and is curious about cats—though her playful energy and eagerness to chase may be a bit much for some feline friends. Like most puppies, Spirit is learning the ropes of the world. She’s working on playing fetch, enjoys sunny days outdoors, and thinks wagon rides are the best way to go on walks. She’s even dipped her paws into swimming at the lake! True to puppy form, she does like to explore the world with her mouth, so she’ll need continued guidance as she grows. At night, Spirit settles nicely in her crate and sleeps soundly when things are quiet. She’s the perfect mix of playful and cuddly—always ready for fun, but happiest snuggled up next to her people. If you’re looking for a sweet, resilient puppy who will bring sunshine, silliness, and snuggles into your life, Spirit just might be your match! All of our dogs are dewormed, spayed/neutered, microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, and heartworm tested if they are old enough. If you're interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website at https://www.sftsrescue.org/adoptable-dogs
Photo of Caramel

Caramel

Australian Cattle Dog Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 1 yr 5 mos
Madison, WI
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Caramel is a one year old Heeler mix who’s as sweet as his name. This smart, affectionate boy came to us as a stray through one of our puppy mill contacts and has been working hard to learn about the good life. He’s incredibly bright, food-motivated, and eager to please — he just needs a calm, structured home to help him shine. Like many young herding breeds, Caramel didn’t get much direction early in life, but he’s already showing how quickly he can settle and focus with a gentle hand and clear guidance. The shelter has been overwhelming for him, and we’re watching his stress grow — this boy desperately needs a break. Caramel would thrive as the only pet in the home, where he can build confidence and soak up all the love and attention he’s missed out on. With a patient foster or adopter willing to show him the ropes, Caramel is going to be a truly fantastic companion. ✨ Can you give this sweet, sensitive soul the stability and comfort he’s been waiting for? All of our dogs are dewormed, spayed/neutered, microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, and heartworm tested if they are old enough. If you're interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website at https://www.sftsrescue.org/adoptable-dogs
Photo of Dora

Dora

Border Collie Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 4 mos
Madison, WI
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Dora came to us from our partners in Texas, Austin Pets Alives. She's super sweet and absolutely adorable, and we can already tell she is going to make a wonderful companion for someone. We're still getting to know her, and will update her bio as we learn more! All of our dogs are dewormed, spayed/neutered, microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, and heartworm tested if they are old enough. If you're interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website at https://www.sftsrescue.org/adoptable-dogs

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Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Madison, Wisconsin.

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Madison, Wisconsin

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Last Paw Rescue - South

Madison, WI 53714

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

German Shepherd Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin

P.O. Box 7354, Madison, WI 53707

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Lola's Lucky Day - Madison

Madison, WI 53704

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Angel's Wish - PetSmart East Madison

2216 East Springs Drive, Madison, WI 53704

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin, Inc.

231 S Fair Oaks Ave, Madison, WI 53704

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

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Rescue

United Yorkie Rescue - WI - Madison

Madison, WI 53716

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Shelter from the Storm Animal Rescue

1602 Blossom Ln, Madison, WI 53716

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

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Rescue

Angel's Wish - Four Lakes Vet Clinic

4504 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Hickory Hill Puppy Rescue

Monona, WI 53716

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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Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Madison, Wisconsin 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