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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 Merriwether's adoption status with email updates.
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Merriwether

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 2 mos
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
*Woof* Meet me at 71 Oglethorpe St NW between 12pm-7pm daily!Merriwether is indeed merry! She is the perfect puppy with her loving eyes and precious ways. Merriweather is a total pup who is busy, eager and smart. Positive training sessions and yummy treats are on her agenda for sure. Cuddles, love and kindness too. Visit this sweetheart soon- she is fantastic!
We'll also keep you updated on Ross's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Ross

Ross

Poodle (Standard)

Male, Young
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Please contact Destiny Sibert (DestinyS@luckydoganimalrescue.org) for more information about this pet.young boy seeking fresh start and love! ROSS NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!! Name:   Ross       Best Guess for Breed:  Poodle mix    Best Guess for Age:  2 years as of November 2025      SEX:   Male   Approximate Weight:   31.5 lbs   Gets Along With:Other dogs! We haven't seen him with cats or kids but we are happy to discuss integration techniques with any potential adopters!   Currently Living at:  Lucky Dog's South Carolina rescue campus - needs a foster or forever home in the DC area to get up here! Special adoption considerations: Ross is a truly Lucky Dog. He tested positive for heartworms, but landed in a place where heartworm treatment is provided! Heartworm is not contagious to people or other pets, but results from mosquito bites. Heartworm, if left untreated, is life threatening, but after treatment, dogs that were heartworm positive should suffer no significant long-term effects so long as they are kept on a monthly heartworm preventative. Heartworm dogs can resume full active and normal lives, but need to be kept calm for 4-6 weeks after treatment. We are happy to discuss where in the treatment process this Lucky Dog is in right now! Just email the adoption coordinator - the address is at lower left!   Ross is Looking For:  Hi! I'm Ross. I'm a young pup who hasn't seen nearly enough of the world and I can't wait to do that by my humans' side! Sniffy walks, romps in parks, all the adventures they can dream up - sounds awazing to me. Going to dog school would be great, too, so I can show how super smart I am. And see my coat? That's a poodle coat. They are super high maintenance - I need daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. I get matted very easily and mats hurt! I don't have opposable thumbs so I need humans who are committed to taking care of that. I was very matted when I came into the shelter and that is not cool.    In exchange, what do you get? I'm a super smart and all-around awesome dog ready to be right there by your side on all your adventures. And above all - I promise love and loyal companionship for all my days. What do you say? Do I get to go home with you?What My Foster Says About Me:   We will update this once he has spent time in foster care  Lucky Dog cannot guarantee any dog is housebroken.  All of our dogs are working on their crate training.  TO ADOPT:    The adoption fee for this dog is $475, which includes the cost of routine vetting, including vaccinations, spay/neuter, and heartworm treatment.  If you are interested in adopting, please complete the Adoption Questionnaire online at bit.ly/adoptaluckydog   Lucky Dog Animal Rescue does our best to provide accurate information about the dogs we have for adoption. That said, we cannot make any guarantees about age, breed or temperament.   Thank you for contacting Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and helping to save a life!  Please visit us online at    www.luckydoganimalrescue.org   .    BE A FOSTER!!!    Fosters make it possible for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue to save and care for homeless and abandoned dogs!  To learn about fostering, please contact    fostering@luckydoganimalrescue.org   ! BE A SPONSOR!!!!    Sponsors help Lucky Dog support the many dogs we save.  To learn more about sponsorship, please contact   info@luckydoganimalrescue.org   .  December 21, 2025, 1:04 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Weaver's adoption status with email updates.
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Weaver

Poodle (Standard)/Golden Retriever

Male, Young
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Please contact Destiny Sibert (DestinyS@luckydoganimalrescue.org) for more information about this pet.Golden Doodle with a Heart of Gold WEAVER NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!! Name:   Weaver          Best Guess for Breed:   Golden doodle - poodle and golden retriever    Best Guess for Age:   2 years as of Dec. 2025          SEX:    Male   Approximate Weight:   68 lbs   Gets Along With:  Other dogs! We haven't seen him with cats or kids but we are happy to discuss integration techniques with any potential adopters!   Currently Living at:   Lucky Dog's South Carolina rescue campus! He needs a foster or adopter to secure his freedom ride to the DC area.   Weaver is Looking For:  His forever home! Weaver is still a young boy, eager to explore the world by his humans' side. Sniffy walks, romps in parks, all the adventures they can dream up! Going to dog school would be great, too, so he can show how super smart he is. And - that coat. It's high maintenance. He wants daily brushing and regular professional grooming, please. Mats hurt! In exchange, he promises love and loyalty for all his days. What do you say? Is he the one you see by your side?  What My Foster Says About Me:   Weaver needs a foster! Lucky Dog cannot guarantee any dog is housebroken.  All of our dogs are working on their crate training.  TO ADOPT: The adoption fee for this dog is $460, which includes the cost of routine vetting, including vaccinations and spay/neuter. If you are interested in adopting, please complete the Adoption Questionnaire online   at   bit.ly/adoptaluckydog  .   Lucky Dog Animal Rescue does our best to provide accurate information about the dogs we have for adoption. That said, we cannot make any guarantees about age, breed or temperament.   For more information about Lucky Dog and our adoption process, please visit www.luckydoganimalrescue.org   .    BE A FOSTER!!! Fosters make it possible for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue to save and care for homeless and abandoned dogs! To learn about fostering, please contact fostering@luckydoganimalrescue.org! BE A SPONSOR!!!! Sponsors help Lucky Dog support the many dogs we save. To learn more about sponsorship, please contact     info@luckydoganimalrescue.org   ! December 21, 2025, 1:04 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Izzy's adoption status with email updates.
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Izzy

Labrador Retriever/Hound (Unknown Type)

Female, Puppy
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Please contact Connie Kiggins (conniek@luckydoganimalrescue.org) for more information about this pet.Super cutie looking for her forever home!! IZZY NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!!   Name:       Izzy           Best Guess for Breed:        Labrador Retriever/Hound mix     Best Guess for Age:        4 months as of 12/20/25          SEX:        Female   Estimated Weight (puppies' weights change quickly!):     21 pounds as of 12/20/25   Gets Along With:        Most puppies are in the prime of their socialization window and will do well with other dogs, cats and kids so long as they receive patience and proper training.   Currently Living at:        SHELTER. She needs a foster to get her ride to the DMV to find her forever family!!   Special Adoption Considerations:       Puppies under 6 months of age need to have multiple potty breaks/exercise throughout the day. Potential adopters with a standard 8-hour workday must be willing to make arrangements to meet the needs of their puppy.  IZZY is Looking For:        Hiya!! I'm Izzy. I'm looking for a family who's looking for an awesome puppy, because that's what I am. I'm playful, pretty, eager to please, eager to learn, energetic, I like other dogs, I'm just all around awesome. And I know you could help me be even more awesome if you adopt me! We could go to puppy classes, and I could learn to do what you say. We could go to the dog park, and see if I like playing fetch, and I could play with the other dogs! Wow that would be cool. Then when we get home, some tasty kibble and then snuggling on the couch! Altogether phenomenal for both of us!! You might need a little patience, because I know I have a lot to learn, and I am going to behave like a puppy, because that's what I am! But I'm a really awesome puppy, and you could help me grow into an awesome dog. What do you say? Could you be the family for me?    What My Foster Says About Me: We will update this section when Izzy has arrived in the area and spent some time with her foster.   Puppy Vetting Requirements:        Lucky Puppies have had their age appropriate vaccines, but may not yet be “fully” vaccinated. It is the adopter’s responsibility to ensure that the remaining puppy vaccines are given at the appropriate time. Please also keep in mind that, until your puppy is fully vaccinated, they are at greater risk for illness than an adult dog.        Your new puppy will need to work on their house training and will also need to go to obedience school so they can grow into a well-socialized dog!  TO ADOPT:       The adoption fee for this puppy is $485, which includes the cost of routine vetting and transport from the shelter.    If you are interested in adopting, please complete the Adoption Questionnaire online bit.ly/adoptaluckydog   Lucky Dog Animal Rescue does our best to provide accurate information about the dogs we have for adoption. That said, we cannot make any guarantees about age, breed or temperament.   Thank you for contacting Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and helping to save a life! Please visit us online at        www.luckydoganimalrescue.org       . BE A FOSTER!!!       Fosters make it possible for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue to save and care for homeless and abandoned dogs!  To learn about fostering, please contact fostering@luckydoganimalrescue.org! BE A SPONSOR!!!!       Sponsors help Lucky Dog support the many dogs we save. To learn more about sponsorship, please contact       info@luckydoganimalrescue.org       .   &#226&#128&#139December 21, 2025, 1:04 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Nemo's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Nemo

Nemo

Labrador Retriever

Male, Puppy
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
is not movie fish! is sweet puppers! NEMO NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!!   Name:  Nemo          Best Guess for Breed:  Lab mix    Best Guess for Age: 2 months as of 12/17/25 (DOB 10/17)       SEX:    Male   Estimated Weight (puppies' weights change quickly!):   7 lbs as of 12/16/25   Gets Along With:        Most puppies are in the prime of their socialization window and will do well with other dogs, cats and kids so long as they receive patience and proper training.   Currently Living at:   Puerto Rico shelter - needs a foster or forever home in the DC area to get here on a freedom flight on 12/30/25!   Special Adoption Considerations:       Puppies under 6 months of age need to have multiple potty breaks/exercise throughout the day. Potential adopters with a standard 8-hour workday must be willing to make arrangements to meet the needs of their puppy.  Nemo is Looking For:      Hiya!! I'm Nemo I'm coming all the way from Puerto Rico to look for a family who's looking for an awesome puppy, because that's what I am. And I know you could help me be even more awesome if you adopt me! We could go to puppy classes, and I could learn to do what you say. We could go on walks and adventures and to parks and pupdates where I could play with the other dogs! Wow that would be cool. Then when we get home, some tasty kibble and then snuggling on the couch! Altogether phenomenal for both of us!! You might need a little patience, because I know I have a lot to learn, and I am going to behave like a puppy, because that's what I am! But I'm a really awesome puppy, and you could help me grow into an awesome dog - and I promise lots of love and loyal companionship for all my days.  What do you say? Come find me? What My Foster Says About Me: We will update this once he has spent time in foster care. Puppy Vetting Requirements:        Lucky Puppies have had their age appropriate vaccines, but may not yet be “fully” vaccinated. It is the adopter’s responsibility to ensure that the remaining puppy vaccines are given at the appropriate time. Please also keep in mind that, until your puppy is fully vaccinated, they are at greater risk for illness than an adult dog.      Due to this puppy’s young age, she/he has not yet been spayed or neutered.  As part of the adoption contract, it will be your responsibility, as the adopter, to ensure that this is done no later than April 17, 2026. There are NO EXCEPTIONS and NO EXTENSIONS to this date. A non-refundable spay/neuter deposit will be collected if you would like Lucky Dog to pay for this animal to be spayed/neutered at one of our low cost partner vets.   Your new puppy will need to work on their house training and will also need to go to obedience school so they can grow into a well-socialized dog!  TO ADOPT:       The adoption fee for this puppy is $485, which includes the cost of routine vetting and transport from the shelter.    If you are interested in adopting, please complete the Adoption Questionnaire online bit.ly/adoptaluckydog   Lucky Dog Animal Rescue does our best to provide accurate information about the dogs we have for adoption. That said, we cannot make any guarantees about age, breed or temperament.   Thank you for contacting Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and helping to save a life! Please visit us online at        www.luckydoganimalrescue.org       . BE A FOSTER!!!       Fosters make it possible for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue to save and care for homeless and abandoned dogs!  To learn about fostering, please contact fostering@luckydoganimalrescue.org! BE A SPONSOR!!!!       Sponsors help Lucky Dog support the many dogs we save. To learn more about sponsorship, please contact       info@luckydoganimalrescue.org       .   &#226&#128&#139December 21, 2025, 1:04 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Browning's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Browning

Browning

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 1 yr
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
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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:

Rescue

K9 Global Rescue

Washington DC, DC 20002

Pet Types: dogs

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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

Omani Paws

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Appalachian SPCA - DC

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

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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Rescue

HFH - Washington D.C.

Washington, DC 20500

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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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 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