Rat Terrier puppies and dogs in Worcester, Massachusetts

Meet by appointment Meet Alfalfa: a sassy little Rat Terrier with big opinions and zero interest in keeping them to himself.Alfalfa knows exactly what he wants out of life: daily walks, plenty of outdoor adventures, a chance to show off his impressive trick repertoire, and a cream cheese-filled Kong enjoyed in peace and dignity. He`s smart, spirited, and believes clear communication is the foundation of every good relationship—especially when it comes to his personal boundaries.This sassy gentleman is looking for an adult-only home with experienced dog owners who appreciate a dog who comes with both personality and preferences. Alfalfa isn`t looking to just be managed; he`s looking to be understood. In return, he`ll provide entertainment, companionship, and plenty of laughs.Alfalfa may enjoy sharing his home with a cat.If you`re a fan of clever dogs with strong opinions and even stronger charm, Alfalfa is ready to interview you for the position of `his person.`If you are interested in adopting Alfalfa please email dogs@worcesterarl.org to set up an appointment to meet him.

Meet by appointment Meet Alfalfa: a sassy little Rat Terrier with big opinions and zero interest in keeping them to himself.Alfalfa knows exactly what he wants out of life: daily walks, plenty of outdoor adventures, a chance to show off his impressive trick repertoire, and a cream cheese-filled Kong enjoyed in peace and dignity. He`s smart, spirited, and believes clear communication is the foundation of every good relationship—especially when it comes to his personal boundaries.This sassy gentleman is looking for an adult-only home with experienced dog owners who appreciate a dog who comes with both personality and preferences. Alfalfa isn`t looking to just be managed; he`s looking to be understood. In return, he`ll provide entertainment, companionship, and plenty of laughs.Alfalfa may enjoy sharing his home with a cat.If you`re a fan of clever dogs with strong opinions and even stronger charm, Alfalfa is ready to interview you for the position of `his person.`If you are interested in adopting Alfalfa please email dogs@worcesterarl.org to set up an appointment to meet him.

NEWPORT AND BRISTOL: WE NEED TO DISCUSS AN INSTITUTION. Aidan's. Still going strong on the Bristol waterfront since 1992, but for those who remember the long gone Newport location, you know exactly why this one made our list. The Guinness. The Irish pub atmosphere. The good times. Naturally, we've named a rescue dog after this legendary establishment. Meet Aidan! He is built like a shot of espresso with legs and this man has never casually entered a room in his entire life. He shows up like somebody just yelled LAST CALL and he has 14 seconds to make terrible decisions. He has places to be. People to meet. Dogs to play with. Absolutely no appointments on his calendar, yet SOMEHOW HE'S LATE FOR ALL OF THEM. Aidan loves other dogs, big and small, and has enough energy to personally power the Bristol waterfront during a blackout. He walks nicely on a leash, although occasionally pulls ahead because apparently the pub crawl is on a VERY tight schedule. And don't let his size fool you. He's 23 pounds with the confidence of a 200 pound nightclub bouncer and the attention span of someone who just discovered karaoke. Cats? No, thank you. Not a big fan. But there's something important about our little Aidan. He came from a heartbreaking neglect situation involving more than 20 dogs. And despite everything he's been through, this boy has decided life is going to be one enormous adventure. He's happy, outgoing, playful, and SO ready to find his people. After everything he's missed, he deserves a family who will fill his days with adventures, affection, and all the wonderful experiences that should have been his from the beginning. He's looking for an active family who enjoys the outdoors, owns a decent pair of sneakers, and has absolutely no illusions about spending every Sunday on the couch.Fair warning: He's not a couch potato. He's a caffeinated tater tot with a social calendar. If you're looking for a fun loving, active companion, Aidan might just be your guy! Starting the Application Process To begin the adoption process, please fill out an application online and then visit us during adoption hours. Click here to fill out our dog adoption application: https://tinyurl.com/8usxu6bh Click here to fill out our cat adoption application: https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/HORI/Cat Adoption hours take place at: EGAPL Heart of RI, 44 Worthington Road, Cranston, RI. Tuesday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Wednesday: 3:00 PM 7:00 PM, and Saturday: 10:00 AM 2:00 PM Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or place an animal on hold. Our team reviews applications carefully to help make the best possible match for both the adopter and the animal. What to Bring With You For an application to be considered complete, we must have all required documents. Please bring or email the following: - Proof of homeownership This may include a tax form, deed, mortgage statement, or similar documentation.ORLandlord approval If you rent, we need a copy of your lease clearly stating that you are allowed to have the type of pet you are applying for, or written and signed consent from your landlord. - Up to date veterinary records, if you currently have pets. Vet records should show proof of current vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery for animals already living in your home. You may bring hard copies with you during adoption hours or email them to HeartofRIAdoption@gmail.com Requirements to Adopt from EGAPL Heart of RI To adopt from us: - You must be a Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont or Maine resident. We are unable to adopt to residents living in Massachusetts due to policies in that state. - You must be at least 21 years old. - Everyone living in the home must be aware of and involved in the adoption.All household members must meet our team before an application can be approved. They do not all need to come in at the same time. - Any current dogs in the home must complete an onsite meet and greet with the dog you are hoping to adopt. - Current pets in the home must be up to date on veterinary care and spayed or neutered. Once veterinary records have been reviewed, our team will schedule an onsite meet and greet with the dog you are hoping to adopt and any current dog or dogs in your home. We want to help make sure the match is safe, appropriate, and successful. Please do not bring your dog with you when you first apply. Our team will contact you to schedule a meet and greet if your application is moving forward. Helpful Reminders There is no set timeline for how long it takes to process an application. Our team does their best to review applications as quickly as possible. We kindly ask that you do not send duplicate emails asking for updates, as this can slow down the process.We do not do same day adoptions. Submitting an application does not mean you are approved to adopt a specific animal. We are looking for the best match for each animal based on their needs, personality, age, energy level, medical history, and the home environment. Adoption Fees Adoption fees help us continue to provide lifesaving care to animals in need. EGAPL Heart of RI is a nonprofit animal rescue and does not receive state or federal funding. The cost of veterinary care, food, supplies, staffing, transport, medications, and daily shelter operations has increased significantly.While adoption fees do not cover the full cost of caring for each animal, they help offset a portion of the medical care, housing, and support each pet receives before going home. Every adoption also helps make room for the next animal who needs safety, care, and a fresh start. DOGS Puppies under 1 year: $675 Adult dogs 1 year and older: $575 Dog adoptions include, as age appropriate: Spay or neuter surgery Rabies vaccine Distemper/parvo vaccines given while in our care, based on the dogs age and vaccine schedule Leptospirosis vaccine started while in our care, when age-appropriate Bordetella vaccineInitial deworming Heartworm testing, when age appropriate Microchip Flea and tick prevention or treatment while in our care Basic medical evaluation and care while at EGAPL Adoption counseling and take home guidance Please bring a leash and collar with you at the time of adoption, or ask our team what size is best for your new dog. CATS Kittens under 1 year: $425 Adult cats 1 year and older: $325 Cat and kitten adoptions include, as age appropriate: Spay or neuter surgery Rabies vaccine FVRCP/distemper vaccines given while in our care, based on the cat or kittens age and vaccine scheduleInitial deworming FeLV/FIV testing, when age appropriate Microchip Flea treatment or prevention while in our care Basic medical evaluation and care while at EGAPL Adoption counseling and take home guidance Please bring a secure cat carrier with you at the time of adoption. A Note About Puppy and Kitten Vaccines Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines as they grow. We provide as many age appropriate distemper vaccines as possible while they are in our care, but young animals may still need additional boosters after adoption.Your adoption counselor will review your pets vaccine record with you so you know exactly what has been done and what may still be needed with your veterinarian. A Note About Leptospirosis Vaccines for Dogs We start dogs and puppies on the leptospirosis vaccine when age appropriate. Because some dogs are adopted before the booster is due, the full lepto series may not be completed before adoption. Your adoption counselor will review your dog's vaccine record with you and let you know whether a booster is still needed with your veterinarian. After Adoption Veterinary Care We recommend setting up an appointment with your veterinarian shortly after adoption. This helps your new pet establish care, allows your veterinarian to review their medical and vaccine history, and ensures they stay on track for any boosters or follow up care they may need. Flea and tick prevention, as well as heart worm prevention for dogs, are typically prescription products. Your veterinarian can help choose the safest and most appropriate preventatives for your pet based on their age, weight, medical history, and lifestyle. Why Adoption Fees Matter Every animal who comes through our doors receives individualized care. Some arrive healthy and simply need vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and a safe place to land. Others need emergency care, diagnostics, treatment for parasites or infections, dental care, behavior support, special food, foster care, or weeks to months of daily shelter care before they are ready for adoption.Your adoption fee helps support that full circle of care. It helps the pet you are bringing home, and it helps the next animal who needs us. Thank you for choosing adoption and for supporting the lifesaving work of EGAPL Heart of RI

Adam Dean is currently in RI and looking for a 'furever' home! Adam is happiest when the snow is falling and good luck getting him to come back inside. This fun loving guy thrives with another playful dog to bring out his full personality and match his energy. He adores his people, lives for car adventures, and is ready to be your copilot through every season. If you are interested in adopting this dog please complete the adoption application at www.rhodehomerescue.org/adoption-form to become a pre-approved adopter. If you were already approved through Rhode Home Rescue within the last 6 months, contact us today! Be sure to check our Facebook page "Rhode Home Rescue" for details on upcoming events and other announcements. Adam is a really sweet boy!  At first he is slow to warm up but by the third day he was in his foster home he really opened up!  He loves to follow his humans around and lay next to them during the day.  He is good with people and has met kids at some of our adoption events.  He loves hanging out with the resident dogs and he'll lay and snuggle with them and enjoys playing with them too.  He hasn't been noted to resource guard.  He also isn't vocal.  He loves to be outside and run around in the yard.  He's not destructive but occasionally will start to nibble on his doggie bed.  He is easily redirected with a toy.  He is doing very well with housetraining and hasn't had any accidents yet.  He likes his crate and sleeps in it all night without crying.  He's food motivated so he should be easier to train.  Adam is great in the car and usually just takes a nap.  He isn't very high energy but does like to play with toys.  He will snuggle up with his foster humans on the couch at night before bed.  He would do best in a home that is willing to be patient with him while he gets comfortable and is looking for a chill laid back dog.  Adam will require another friendly confident dog in the home to continue to help him blossom!November 8, 2026, 10:06 pm

Courtesy Post - Ticarrie (This dog is not a Sarah's Second Chance dog. We are doing a courtesy post for the dog to help find a good home) If interested, fill out an online application at https://form.jotform.com/252564456787169 (copy and paste link) My name is Ticarrie and I'm a female Shih Tzu/Rat Terrier mix. I'm 8 yrs old (DOB 10/03/2017) and I weigh 8 lbs, I'm white and black in color. I will be fully vetted on 4/29/2026 and will be microchipped too! I'm housetrained and I'm crate trained. I am good with children, but I need to be the only animal in the house. I'm very friendly and super sweet. My owner passed away and now I need a new FURever home. All applicants must fill out an online application ... please click or copy and paste this link for the application ... https://form.jotform.com/252564456787169 Adoption fee is $350.00 If interested, email rjzaf2016@gmail.com You can fill out an online application at https://form.jotform.com/91658148530158 (copy and paste link)

My dog has persistent health issues that I can’t afford to treat at the vet. She’s suffering from severe allergies that cause her skin to itch. I don’t have the time to provide her with the care she needs. Despite her loving and kind nature, she’s a great companion who sleeps with me and enjoys walks. She loves steak and is a good eater. I’m a young woman in college studying accounting. Balancing my studies and taking care of my dog is challenging. I’ve tried to manage her care, but it’s been difficult to find time for both. I thought getting her a new home would be easy, but it’s been a constant struggle with her skin issues. I want her to find a loving and caring home where she’ll have the time and attention she deserves. She’s good with kids and is very affectionate. She’s slept with me most of her life and doesn’t bark excessively.