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Puppies and dogs in Elsmere, Delaware

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

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Adopt a dog in Elsmere, Delaware

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Elsmere, Delaware. 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 Tonic's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Tonic

Tonic

American Bulldog Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 2 yrs 6 mos
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT TONIC Tonic is a 2-year-old bulldog mix that loves meeting new people! Tonic originally came to HAP as a puppy and was swiftly adopted. In their home, Tonic was severely attacked by another dog and returned to the shelter a year later. Despite being back at HAP, Tonic is still easy-going and sweet as ever! When he's not cuddling with our staff, he can usually be found zooming around outside. He has such a goofy personality and loves to play. His favorite toys are chewy bones. Tonic already knows basic commands and walks well with a harness. He is very food-motivated to learn, making the possibilities endless! He loves people, making him the perfect addition to your family! Tonic has participated in our Doggy Day Out program, here's how our volunteers describe him: "I had the best day out with Tonic! He is truly the sweetest goodest boy there is! He loves to stick his head out the car window...belly rubs, and cuddle on the couch. While we did pass some dogs on the other side of the street, Tonic remained calm and curious the entire time. Mr. Tonic is amazing and I hope he finds the loving playful family he deserves." - Molly "I took Tonic out, he knows how to tug on those heartstrings!! We went on a long walk and he was so good, just wanted to sniff everything! We got him a pup cup and went back to the house to play with some toys. He slept with his head on my lap the entire ride back to the shelter. I hope he gets adopted soon he is such a sweet boy!" - Brooke "We had a fantastic time with Tonic today. This boy is very special and I hope he finds he family soon! We took him to the Riverfront for a long walk. He wanted to say hi to every woman and child we passed and got some good pets from them. We ended our outing enjoying Starbucks and sitting in the sun. He was unsure of Gavin (adult male) at first, but warmed up snuggling him and giving him kisses! Not sure if sunbathing or the pup cup was Tonic's favorite part of the outing." - Taylor "Tonic did so well! He never barked at anything or anyone. I took him to my apartment, and he almost immediately grabbed a toy and jumped up on the couch with my roommate, getting love and chewing on a toy. He settled faster than any other dog I've taken home! I think he'd be a great playful dog, who also loves some cuddly couch time!" - Sawyer **Understandably, after a traumatic experience with a large dog, Tonic can be nervous to meet other dogs and we do recommend he ***Tonic is currently in foster, available for adoption by appointment! If you are interested in adopting Tonic, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
We'll also keep you updated on Rosita's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Rosita

Rosita

American Bulldog Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 3 yrs 8 mos
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
This friend has just arrived to us as a stray. When animals are found as strays, our staff will search for an owner. If no one comes to reclaim the pet, we will begin looking for a new home. Unfortunately, we rarely have a background on stray animals. Our staff will spend some time getting to know them and update their bio with more information as we learn. They are pending interactions with other animals until they have been cleared by our vet. Please note that we often are unsure of house, crate, car, and leash training status upon arrival. If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
We'll also keep you updated on Reina's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Reina

Reina

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 3 yrs 8 mos
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT REINA This big, beautiful girl is looking to be your one and only furbaby! Reina is about 3 years old and came to HAP when her owners could no longer care for a pet. When she arrived, she was missing several chunks of fur and had severely irritated skin. We started her on medication and regular baths, to soothe her skin and she has since regrown the majority of her bright, white coat! Reina is not a fan of other dogs, so the shelter environment can be stressful for her at times, with a lot of barking and other dogs nearby. Despite this, once she is outside and away from the loud noises, she is very relaxed and her true personality shines! Reina is very affectionate with people and eager to please. She knows basic commands and appears house-trained too! Reina has LOVED participating in our Doggy Day Out program, here's what our some of her volunteer friends have to say about her: "I took sweet girl Reina out today! Everyone we passed fell in love with her, as she walked down the street with her stuffed unicorn in her mouth. I took her to UD's green, where she met a few people. We went down to the athletic department, where she became a honorary member of UD's athletic training staff. Next, I took her to my new apartment to chill out. She zonked out for about 40 minutes until she was ready to go. I took her to McDonalds for a mcnugget which she LOVED! On her way back, she zonked out again in the back of my car. Whoever adopts this sweet girl is very lucky to have such a great companion in their lives! - Katie "Reina was the perfect pup today! We went for a little stroll through Bellevue state park and finished our morning with a pup cup. She is very gentle on the leash and walks very well. Very rarely does she pull, only did it once when she saw a squirrel. She did not react to bikes, people walking, kids, nothing. She is very sweet and loving. She is also so laidback and relaxed. Reina was great in the car too! Hopped right in and laid in the back seat. She's a sweet girl and I hope someone can give her the calm home environment she deserves! - Lilly **Reina is seeking a home as your only pet. If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
We'll also keep you updated on Maeve's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Maeve

Maeve

Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, 1 yr
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT MAEVE Looking for an active puppy? Meet Maeve! She is a 11-month-old terrier mix that loves life! Maeve came to HAP from a high-intake shelter in Louisiana when they no longer had space for her. Despite being a young lady in the shelter, Maeve adjusted to the shelter quickly. She can be energetic when she first exits her kennel, but once she's outside she settles down. Maeve spent nearly 2 weeks in foster with a local trainer, so we could get more information on her in a home environment! After only a few days in foster, Maeve to be more relaxed than the shelter. She absolutely LOVES to play and will happily take any toy you give her. After some exercise, training, or playtime, she is ready to curl up next to you for some cuddles! Maeve is treat and toy motivated, making her a fast learner and eager to please. She already knows basic commands and walks well with a harness. Maeve has done well being left alone overnight and for a few hours during the day. She can be a little anxious of a crate, but loves having a bed in her room to snooze on! Maeve enjoyed playing with other dogs in foster too! Though she would need a home without cats. If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
We'll also keep you updated on Lainey Wilson 2's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Lainey Wilson 2

Lainey Wilson 2

Hound (Unknown Type) Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 6 yrs 8 mos
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT LAINEY WILSON Lainey is a 6 year old hound mix that loves children and other dogs! She came to HAP from a high-intake shelter in South Carolina, where she was at risk for euthanasia. Though she hasn't been with us long, Lainey quickly became a volunteer favorite for her gentle, friendly demeanor. She has been a star in our Doggy Day Out program, check out what our volunteers have to say about their days out with her: "What a sweetheart! She saw a couple people, a couple dogs, squirrels, donkeys, and horses. She was only interested in the squirrel. We went to Starbucks for a pup cup and water break. Took a rest under a tree for about half hour. I gave Lainey a doggie massage, she fell asleep and did not want to leave. She rides well in the car and does well on the leash. She was perfectly content walking and sniffing snd rolling around in the grass. She is the perfect dog! - Autumn "Lainey is having a great day out! We went to kaffe karma for a pup cup and are exploring Rockford park! She is an absolute angel; so friendly and loves exploring!! - Caitlin "Lainey was so good at the River front. She showed a little interest in people. She showed more with her whining to want to meet dogs. She walked well and listened to direction. She was a really good girl!!! - Kathy "I had Lainey for my first Doggy Day Out! She wanted to smell everything. She did really well with bicycles and small animals. She seemed interested in children. After our walk, she was tired and took a nap in my car before returning to the shelter - Sydney If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.
We'll also keep you updated on Hanky Panky's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky

Boxer Plott Hound

Male, 1 yr 1 mo
Wilmington, DE
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
ABOUT HANKY PANKY Meet our most lovable, snuggly guy! Hanky Panky is a 1-year-old terrier mix who loves hanging with people and other dogs. Hanky came to HAP from a high-intake shelter in Alabama when they no longer had space for him. His first few days in our care, he was a little nervous and scared. However, we quickly learned his personality is larger than life and he loves people! Hanky is a submissive, social pup and has enjoyed spending time with our volunteers, participating in our Doggy Day Out program. Check out what our volunteers had to say about him: "Had a great doggy-day-in with Hanky Panky! He liked to play, tried some of the agility equipment, and loved to tan in the sun while getting pets. He is a very good boy who is excited to have someone near him or petting him. After getting all of his energy out, he enjoyed lying on the blanket and watching cars go by. He is a gentle, calm boy that would be a great addition to a family." - Megan "He was playful and was playing with my hand and the leash and kept rolling over. I picked him up and put him in the car, he loved being in the car and was looking out the window. We went to Bellevue Park. He was fine getting out of the car! Once we started walking he loved smelling everything. He really enjoyed being on a walk and was very good on the leash. He didn’t pull at all and kept checking in with me. We mainly walked in the trails in the woods. There were dogs and people he saw at a distance and he was fine. After Bellevue we went to Caufiell estate and took another walk. I did have to pick him up to put in the car but he had no trouble getting out. Stopped at the ice cream shop for a pup cup which he loved! He fell asleep on the ride back to the shelter. Hanky Panky was such a good boy and great walking partner! I hope homebody adopts this sweetheart!" - Autumn If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.

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Dog shelters and rescues in Elsmere, Delaware

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

American Eskimo Rescue of Delaware

Wilmington, DE 19804

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Response-a-Bull Rescue

Wilmington, DE 19808

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Humane Animal Partners - Wilmington

701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Senior Dog Haven & Hospice, Inc.

P.O. Box 1441, Wilmington, DE 19899

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

LnF Dog Rescue

New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Brandywine Valley SPCA - New Castle

290 Churchmans Rd, New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Faithful Friends Animal Society

165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720

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

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Rescue

A Buddy For Life Inc.

New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Keeshond Rescue NorthEast

47 Notre Dame Ave., New Castle, DE 19720

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Renee's Rescues

Hockessin, DE 19707

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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Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Elsmere, Delaware 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