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Puppies and dogs in District of Columbia

Looking for a puppy or dog in District of Columbia? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in District of Columbia

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in District of Columbia. 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 OSCAR's adoption status with email updates.
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OSCAR

Westie, West Highland White Terrier

Male, Adult
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
  Meet Oscar – Your New Best Friend!Oscar is a 4–5-year-old Westie mix with a heart full of love and a sweet, gentle soul. Weighing about 20 pounds, this little guy is the perfect size for cuddling—and that just happens to be his favorite thing in the world. He lives for affection, belly rubs, and being close to his people. If you're looking for a devoted companion who wants nothing more than to be your shadow, Oscar might just be the one.   Oscar is crate trained, but he doesn’t enjoy being in his crate for long periods and would be happiest in a home where someone is around most of the day. Because of this, apartment living isn't ideal for him—he’d do better in a house where he can settle in peacefully without the sounds and distractions of close neighbors.   He appears to be house trained as long as he's taken out regularly, and he’s doing very well with his potty routine. Oscar also walks on a leash and enjoys his strolls, though he can be a bit enthusiastic and pull a little—something that could be improved with consistent practice and patience.   Oscar has a bit of a 'prince' personality—he’d love to be the only dog in the home so he can soak up all the attention for himself. He wants to be the center of someone’s world, and he deserves it! That said, he does seem to be just fine with cats, so feline siblings could be okay with proper introductions.   We don’t know much about Oscar’s experience with children, so we recommend a home with kids 8 years and up who can be gentle and respectful of his space. He’s not high-energy, but he does love to follow his person around and be involved in whatever’s going on.   With his soft white coat, bright eyes, and expressive little face, Oscar is truly the cutest—and he has a personality to match. He’s been through some unknowns in his life, but he’s more than ready to find a safe, loving forever home where he can feel secure, cherished, and adored.   If you're looking for a loyal little buddy who will love you endlessly and ask for nothing more than your affection and time, Oscar is your guy. Come meet him and fall in love!    Contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrnewengland@gmail.com    PLEASE NOTE:  Our dogs are transported from Tennessee to meeting places in the states where we have posted.  Further information about us is given on our Adopt-A-Pet site.  The adoption fees vary and will be provided as well as noted on the application you receive.  Contact us at 615-661-5333 or ccrnewengland@gmail.comMay 8, 2025, 4:56 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Zeek's adoption status with email updates.
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Zeek

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 1 yr
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Truffles's adoption status with email updates.
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Truffles

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 2 mos
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
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We'll also keep you updated on PUPPY KODA's adoption status with email updates.
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PUPPY KODA

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Puppy
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
&#226&#156&#168 Meet Koda – The Cutest Shepherd Sidekick You’ve Been Waiting For! &#226&#156&#168 Ready to add a little fluff, a lot of fun, and a forever best friend to your life? Say hello to Koda, an absolutely adorable German Shepherd puppy who’s got personality for days and ears that deserve their own fan club! Born in February to purebred GSD parents, this little lady is everything we love about shepherd girls—smart, confident, curious, and loyal to the core. She’s already showing signs of being someone’s lifelong shadow (in the cutest way possible) and picks up on training like a total pro. Got treats? She’s got tricks. Koda is snuggly, playful, and just the right amount of sassy. She loves kids, does great in the house, is learning the potty routine like a champ, and knows her way around a crate. Cats? She’s curious, but might be a bit too excited to be their playmate just yet! And let’s talk about those spectacular ears—they’re basically little radar dishes picking up every bit of love around her. Koda will be ready for her forever home in mid-May, and she's currently hanging out in Nashville, TN. Don’t worry—she can be transported to the Northeast for the right family! Interested in adopting Koda? Email us at Critter Cavalry Rescue  ccrnewengland@gmail.com Don’t wait—this sweet girl is going to make someone very happy. 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.May 8, 2025, 11:01 am
We'll also keep you updated on Princess's adoption status with email updates.
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Princess

Shih Poo

Female, Puppy
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter,
Story
Princess is a sweet, energetic 9-month-old pup who ready to find a new home where she can thrive and be loved just as much as she loves others. I originally welcomed Princess into my life from one of my residents, whose service animal had a surprise litter. From the moment I met her, shes been full of joy, affection, and playful energy. Princess absolutely loves to run and play fetch, so a home with a yard where she can stretch her legs and burn off some of that puppy energy would be ideal. Shes not just a ball of energy, though she’s also incredibly affectionate. Princess adores hugs and cuddles, and she’ll ll gladly snuggle up with you before hopping up, ready to play again. She’s s the kind of dog who will keep you laughing, moving, and feeling loved. If you’re looking for a furry best friend who gives as much love as she has energy, Princess could be the perfect addition to your family.
We'll also keep you updated on Balin's adoption status with email updates.
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Balin

Pekingese

Male, 2 yrs
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
*Woof* Come meet me at 71 Oglethorpe St NW between 12pm-7pm daily!Pretty boy Balin is so precious! This handsome guy gives the most pleading puppy dog eyes. He came from another shelter in the hopes of finding a home soon. While here, Balin has been so sweet, but he is a bit shy, but we hope once he’s settled into a new home that he will gain some confidence! He has the type of hair that keeps growing so he needs to see the doggie groomer every few months to keep his hair free from painful mattings. He’s a high maintenance pooch but he is worth it! Meet this very good boy today.

Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in District of Columbia.

Puppies and dogs in District of Columbia cities

Shelters & rescues in District of Columbia

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in District of Columbia. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

Brandywine Valley SPCA - New York Ave

1201 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

K9 Global Rescue

Washington DC, DC 20002

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Omani Paws

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Perfectly Paired Pitties (P3)

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Appalachian SPCA - DC

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Recycled Dogs Rescue - DC Transport

Waswhington DC, DC 20001

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Bright Hope Animal Rescue - D.C. Chapter

Washington DC, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Bella's Bully Buddies - Washington D.C. Chapter

900 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Rural Dog Rescue

719 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

DC PAWS Rescue

P.O. Box 23439, Washington, DC 20026

Pet Types: cats, 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 District of Columbia

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