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Puppies and dogs in Virginia

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Virginia

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Virginia. 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 Dobby (Smiley)

Dobby (Smiley)

Border Collie/Australian Shepherd

Male, 7 yrs 1 mo
Alexandria, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
Hi, I’m Smiley—and I think my name suits me pretty well. If you look closely, you’ll notice my adorable little grin, but it’s my big brown eyes that usually do all the talking. They’ve seen a lot, but they’re still full of hope that my forever family is out there. I’m a 7-year-old Border Collie mix, which means I’m just barely a senior and still have plenty of adventures, walks, and cuddle sessions ahead of me. I can be a little shy when I first meet new people, but if you’ll give me a little patience and let me get to know you at my own pace, I promise you’re in for something really special. Trust is a gift I’d love to share with the right person. Once I know you’re my friend, you’ll discover that I’m the sweetest boy around. I absolutely love snuggling up with my soft, squeaky toys and I’m perfectly happy entertaining myself for a while. But don’t worry—I have plenty of room in my heart for cuddle sessions, kisses, and just being close to my favorite people. I’m a little goofy, a little independent, and a whole lot of lovable. One of my favorite things to do is go for walks. I stroll nicely on a leash without pulling because I’m much more interested in taking my time, sniffing all the wonderful smells, and enjoying the trails. Every walk is a new adventure, and I’d love to have someone to explore the world with. If you already have a dog at home, that’s even better! I absolutely LOVE other dogs and would be thrilled to have a canine buddy to share life with. As for cats, I’m not sure what I’d think since I haven’t met any yet. I’m also healing beautifully. My skin and fur are growing back after recovering from Demodex and a flea allergy, and every day I’m looking and feeling a little better. My outside is catching up to the sweet boy I’ve always been on the inside. All I’m really looking for is someone who believes that the best things in life are worth waiting for. If you’ll give me the time to trust you, I’ll give you my whole heart in return. I can’t wait to meet the person who sees past my shy beginning and discovers the loyal, loving best friend I’ve been waiting to become.
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Photo of Indi

Indi

Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Hound (Unknown Type)

Female, 1 yr 1 mo
Heathsville, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
Personal space? Never heard of it. If you’ve got a lap, I’ve already claimed it. Expect face kisses, lots of hugs and dramatic cuddles, and the occasional flop at your feet when I’ve simply loved you too much to remain standing. My love language is physical touch. Back rubs? Yes. Belly rubs? Absolutely. Chin scratches? Keep 'em coming. I’m still a youngster, so I’m excited to learn my manners, explore the world, and figure out why squirrels are so suspicious. If you're looking for a clingy cuddle bug with a great sense of humor and zero respect for personal boundaries, congratulations—you've found your match!
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Photo of Rocky

Rocky

Chihuahua

Male, Adult
Ceres, VA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Meet Rocky... but you can call me 'Spicy Boy.' ️ Hi. I'm Rocky. I'm small. I have opinions. Lots of them. Some people say I have 'a little attitude.' Those people are adorable. I'm basically a fire-breathing dragon trapped in a pint-sized body. I probably have a touch of PTSD from whatever life threw at me before rescue, so here's my advice: don't stress me out, and we won't have any problems. Am I a professional biter? I prefer the term 'enthusiastic personal space advocate.' I have a PhD in saying, 'Please respect my boundaries.' Will I cuddle? Absolutely... ...when I decide it's cuddle time. Other dogs? Meh. I can take them or leave them. I'm not looking to start a fan club. Here's the plot twist: I actually behave like a perfect little gentleman at the vet. Shocking, I know. My blood work looks great, I'm neutered, vaccinated, and medically ready to go. Apparently I save all my dramatic performances for everyone else. What I need is someone who understands dogs like me. Someone who won't try to force affection, who appreciates my tiny-dog confidence, and who knows that trust isn't given—it's earned. Because underneath all this spice is a little guy who just wants to feel safe. If your idea of the perfect dog is a tiny comedian with dragon energy, a hilarious amount of sass, and the potential to become your fiercely loyal sidekick, then congratulations... You've found your Spicy BoyVisit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.July 21, 2026, 3:56 pm
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Photo of Golem

Golem

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 4 yrs
Fairfax, VA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
He may not be a rock Pokémon, but he’s a super cute dog! Golem is 40lbs and searching for a home that can offer him just as much love as he gives. Golem’s family said that his best qualities are that he’s a “friendly boy,” and Golem will show you that soon after meeting you by licking your hands. In his past home, Golem reportedly lived with 2 cats – though sometimes chasing them is just too tempting! If you have cats in the home, we always recommend slow, supervised introductions to ensure the comfort of everyone. Golem would benefit from structured training to help him become the best boy he can be! If you’d like to meet him, gather the human and canine members of the household and come visit!This pet is eligible for an Adoption Audition! What is an Adoption Audition? It’s a 5-day, no-strings-attached, trial adoption period. You can take this pet home to try it out! Interested? Come to the shelter any time during open hours and talk to one of our Customer Care staff! Be sure to check the “shelter information” box on the listing to see if the pet is located at our Michael R. Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) or our Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton). Then, come in during our open hours! Both of our locations are open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalservices/adopt
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Photo of Ranger

Ranger

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male
Virginia Beach, VA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
RANGER - 6 months-1 year old, 30 pounds, active, playful, needs time to warm up to you RANGER is a puppy puppy puppy! He is petite and sweet and has a beautiful brown and orange brindle-y fur coat.His ears stick straight up...until you try to get a photo. LOLHe is timid at first, nervous with new people, but he will warm up to you.Puppies run, jump and play. Ranger runs, jumps, and plays.Puppies push your buttons! Ranger will push your buttons! Ranger will need your time, lots of it, and your attention, lots of that, too! He'll need training to help him learn manners and grow to become a well behaved adult.Ranger is also super cute and super fun so your time, attention and training will be well worth it!We introduced Ranger to a few dog social dogs and he did great! Bring your dog friendly and respectful dog in to meet him.In fact, bring your whole family (kids included) to meet Ranger. Come on in to meet this silly bouncy boy! He's currently in a back kennel so just ask for him! Primary Color: Brown Brindle Secondary Color: White Weight: 44.6
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Photo of Jovi

Jovi

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female
Virginia Beach, VA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
Primary Color: Tri Color Weight: 50

Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Virginia.

Puppies and dogs in Virginia cities

Shelters & rescues in Virginia

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Halifax County Humane Society

PO Box 969, South Boston, VA 24592

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Lake Country SPCA

7577 Highway 58, Clarksville, VA 23927

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Blue Horse Mukwa Equine Retirement and Rescue Center

25859 Highway 49, Chase City, VA 23924

Pet Types: cats, dogs, horses

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Shelter

Pittsylvania Pet Center

11880 US Highway 29, Chatham, VA 24531

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

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Rescue

SPCA of Pittsylvania County

PO BOX 936, Chatham, VA 24531

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Fureverhomes Doberman Rescue, Inc.

P.O. Box 22, Chatham, VA 24531

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Hail Mary Rescue - Virginia

Danville, VA 24541

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Southside SPCA

P. O. Box 66, Meherrin, VA 23954

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Friends of Campbell County Animal Control

185 Greendale Drive, Rustburg, VA 24588

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

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Rescue

Harmony Rescue, Inc

5292 Browns Mill Rd, Rustburg, VA 24588

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

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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 Virginia

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