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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.
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Photo of Wednesday

Wednesday

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 1 yr
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
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Photo of Tiff

Tiff

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 1 yr 1 mo
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
Tiff is a lady who just wants a loving home of her very own. Is that too much to ask? We don`t think so! Tiff is easy to handle. Come on over today to meet pretty Tiff. She may just be the one for you!*This pet qualifies for our Sponsored by Simba program`s Pets for Veterans: no adoption fee for any military veteran adopting a pet 1 year and older.This pet is available at:Brandywine Valley SPCA4 DC Village Lane SWWashington, DC 20032
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Photo of Wishbear

Wishbear

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 6 yrs 1 mo
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
Wishbear is wishing that he is adopted soon and can head home to a loving family. This adorable guy has a squishy face you just want to smooch! At 6-years-young, Wishbear is past the puppy phase and is a more mature guy, but still is up for lots of adventures with you. Come meet Wishbear today and help his wish come true!*This pet qualifies for our Sponsored by Simba program`s Pets for Veterans: no adoption fee for any military veteran adopting a pet 1 year and older.This pet is available at:Brandywine Valley SPCA4 DC Village Lane SWWashington, DC 20032
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Photo of Kreed

Kreed

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 2 yrs 5 mos
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
Meet Kreed! This boy is friendly with people and gets along with children. He is looking for a second chance at a forever family life. Do you have room in your home and love in your heart for Kreed? Come on over today to meet him. *This pet qualifies for our Sponsored by Simba program`s Pets for Veterans: no adoption fee for any military veteran adopting a pet 1 year and older.This pet is available at:Brandywine Valley SPCA4 DC Village Lane SWWashington, DC 20032
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Photo of Bubblegum Bucks

Bubblegum Bucks

Schnauzer (Miniature)

Female, 4 yrs
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
*Woof* Meet me at 71 Oglethorpe St NW between 12pm-7pm daily!Bubblegum Bucks has heartworm which means she needs rest and to be calm while she gets fixed up. The good thing is that HRA will take care of all her treatments free of charge if you adopt her.Bubblegum Bucks is a tender, innocent young lady with a wonderfully unique name and an equally unique story. She came to HRA from a hoarding situation, and despite all she has been through, she is doing her very best to adjust to this big, overwhelming change. Sweet Bubblegum Bucks has not yet experienced all the good things that lucky dogs have known, but we are certain that with patient, gentle adopters she will blossom. She is slowly learning that yummy treats are hers to enjoy and that soft, reassuring petting feels good. She will also need regular spa days, as her coat grows continuously and must be groomed every few months to keep her comfortable and free from painful matting — she’s a bit of a high-maintenance gal, but absolutely worth it. Bubblegum Bucks needs a quiet home where she can heal, and a fenced backyard would be ideal since she has never walked on a leash before. Can you offer this special young lady the safe, loving home she deserves? Meet and adopt Bubblegum Bucks soon — she truly needs a hero.
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Photo of Corky

Corky

Poodle (Standard)

Male, Young
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Corky ❤️ A Sweet Boy Just Waiting to Feel Safe Corky is a handsome little poodle mix, who is about a year old and weighing 53 pounds, has been through a pretty big change in his young life. Corky and his brothers were left behind at a cabin when the renter moved away. For these dogs, that cabin and the life they knew was their entire world — and suddenly, everything familiar was gone. The man who raised them just disappeared and abandoned them. Because of that, Corky is understandably very shy when he is in a new or unfamiliar situation. New places, new people, and especially busy environments can be overwhelming for him here in his first week of being away from the original place he was born. If you take the time to slow down and let Corky figure things out at his own pace, you begin to see a completely different dog. Once Corky honestly settles in and realizes he is safe, he is an incredibly sweet boy. When we met him in a setting where he felt more comfortable, he was friendly and gentle. The shy behavior we see in unfamiliar places isn't who Corky is at his heart — it's simply how he copes when he isn't sure what is happening around him. Corky has lived with other dogs, including his dad and brothers, and seems comfortable having canine companionship around him. He enjoyed being outside and having the familiar routine of his previous life. We think another confident, friendly dog could potentially be a wonderful companion for him as he learns to trust and experience new things. Please don't let his initial shyness fool you — this boy is smart! Corky is very trainable and has so much potential. With patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, and someone willing to celebrate the little victories, we believe his confidence will continue to grow. He may need a little extra time in the beginning, but every step forward will be worth it.   At the vet, Corky is especially shy and overwhelmed, which isn't surprising given everything that is new to him. But when he is somewhere he feels comfortable, we see that sweet personality starting to emerge. He just needs someone who understands that trust isn't built overnight.   Corky will do best with an adopter who is willing to support him on his journey rather than expect him to immediately be the confident, outgoing dog he may eventually become. He needs someone patient and kind, someone who will give him a safe place to decompress, a predictable routine, and plenty of encouragement. There is something especially rewarding about watching a shy dog realize that he is finally home. We believe Corky has the potential to become a wonderful, loving companion once he has the security and stability he has been missing. He didn't choose to be left behind. He didn't choose to have his whole world change. But with the right person beside him, Corky can learn that the next chapter of his life can be so much better than the first.    Corky is looking for someone who will give him the time, patience, and love he needs to blossom. In return, we think he will give you something pretty special — the joy of watching a sweet, smart little dog finally discover that he is safe, loved, and home.  Please contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com if you are interested in being the lifechanging person and family in Corky's life. September 21, 2026, 11:31 am

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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Shelter

Brandywine Valley SPCA - Ivy City Adoption Center

1516 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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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

Project Freedom Ride - Washington DC Transport Stop

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

Bright Hope Animal Rescue - D.C. Chapter

Washington DC, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Rural Dog Rescue

719 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

HFH - Washington D.C.

Washington, DC 20500

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Critter Cavalry Rescue - DC

Washington, DC 20009

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 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