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Puppies and dogs in Ames, Iowa

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

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Adopt a dog in Ames, Iowa

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Ames, Iowa. 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 Jax's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Jax

Jax

Mutt

Male, Young
Kelley, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Jax is an amazing, very high energy dog. He is great with other dogs, cats, chickens, people, and children. I do think he needs a place with older kids and some place that has a fenced in yard or other dogs to play with. He needs a home or farm where he can run and get out most of his energy. He is a great dog but I've been diagnosed with arthritis in my knees so I don't feel like I can exercise him enough and he can at times play a little too rough with my 5 year old.
We'll also keep you updated on Rio's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Rio

Rio

Golden Retriever

Male, 2 yrs
Nevada, IA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Requirements: *Another medium to large, confident dog in adoptive home *No children *Physical fence required *Cats unknown *Cannot be crated *Date of birth: 9/21/22 https://grroiowa.org/pet/rio-23-020/ 8/20/24-Foster Update: Rio has had quite a summer playing with his foster family, still leaping for frisbees, and loving walks in the park except when we encounter new dogs and people that we don’t know… Helping a dog with special needs is not always a straight path. It’s often a two steps forward, one step back dance. Rio shows difficulty in new situations. He wisely doesn’t trust all people or dogs and can quickly become overstimulated. His anti anxiety meds help but he doesn’t make transitions easily and we are working to expose him to new environments. With this in mind, we ask prospective families to be willing to meet multiple times with Rio so he can get to know you and your dog in a gradual manner. Once he knows you’re trustworthy, he’s a great companion but you need to earn his trust. He will do best in a permanent home with one dog companion who wants to play hard and even wrestle at times and folks who are home quite a bit. He loves the company! We currently leave him home for several hours with our dogs but do make sure that we put away anything that might look tasty before we go. While we share his challenges with you, you should also know that he has a heart of gold. He hates being scolded and wants to make us happy but sometimes it’s just hard for him. He is the happiest pup every morning upon waking and thrilled to see us come home each day. He lives for the possibility of going on a walk through the park or just a car ride where he can sniff the world as it goes by. He now runs to the door instead away from it when he thinks we might reach for his leash. He will make a wonderful best friend for the right person! 4/17/24-Foster Update: We always believed that April would be the time that Rio would be ready to find his forever family! He is growing in confidence and now walking city parks with enthusiasm! We get an occasional bark when a scary dog might be approaching but Rio can be redirected and told that everything is fine. Bikers, skaters, walkers- all okay! (He doesn’t want strangers petting him though.) Rio does walk with his support foster brother but is not glued to him. Hopefully we’ll get a photo soon of his newest accomplishment- he’s starting to put his head out of the car window on rides to the park! Are you the family he’s been waiting for? 3/24/24-Foster Update: Look who’s going for leashed walks now! Yeah, Rio! And he jumps into the car once he figures out that it’s time to go to the quiet secluded park where we walk. This doesn’t mean it’s simple but he is making progress every day. He now lets his foster mom know when someone else is getting more attention than him and he’s tired of waiting for his turn. Things he loves- belly rubs, any kind of dog treats, his favorite rubber ball, his foster siblings. Things that concern him- fast movements, people he doesn’t know yet as not all people have been kind, waiting for dinner when he can hear food being prepared, those darn deer that lurk under our bird feeders (they just don’t belong there!) And waiting for his forever family to give him a chance. Rio does need an experienced patient family who can continue to help him heal and move forward. He needs support to reach his potential but he is trying every day! 2/26/24-Foster Update: Rio is looking for his forever family! We know he has special needs but are convinced that he will flourish with the right family. He does need support though. Since our last update, Rio has started on anti anxiety medication. It has decreased his barking by 75%. Now he mainly barks to alert us when anything is happening in the yard including the persistent presence of his archenemies - white tail deer and Amazon delivery trucks. The meds don’t decrease his ability to leap for frisbees or chase his foster brothers but they help make scary experiences a little easier. And Rio has begun walking on a double leash alongside his foster brother in our rural setting. It’s not easy for him but the beginning of the walk is the hardest. Once we get moving, he will investigate the new sights and smells. But he’d really rather stay at home. Rio is most scared during transitions and will accept a change in situation as long as we stay calm and keep moving forward with whatever needs to happen (including baths!) He will need time to transition successfully to new people and new activities. But the investment in him will be worth it. He is affectionate and sweet once he gets to know you. Rio is looking for an adult only setting where people are home most of the day. He needs a fenced yard and a good frisbee. And his family needs to be patient. He does not crate except at meal times when he will now assertively bark to be put into his crate to eat right away! He respects baby gates and needs another confident dog with him. He cannot be an only dog. He sleeps loose in his foster parents’ bedroom and but would prefer the bed to sleeping on the floor. He wants to be with people who love him. If you have room in your family for a loyal but anxious companion, Rio might be the friend that you’re looking for. ************ Meet Rio! He’s a 9 month old purebred golden retriever who came to GRRoIowa from a breeder. He was the last in his litter and gifted to a family friend, but after a few days, he was surrendered back to the breeder. We’re not sure what happened during those few days, but Rio came back fearful and skittish. The breeder asked if we could take Rio, help him learn that humans aren’t so scary, and find him a loving home. We don’t know much about Rio other than his fear, but we will continue to update as we learn more about him and work on his confidence and trust. Update 12/29/23: Gorgeous Rio is enjoying the holiday and is working hard at getting braver. He is inching forward but honestly, he has a distance to go before he can enjoy life fully. He appreciates his foster parents and loves his foster siblings. But his world is small still. He loves playing in the back yard but going out the front door (in a semi-rural neighborhood) is much too frightening. Going to the vet is very difficult despite the vet staff truly understanding his challenges. Car rides cause tremendous stress. Rio is very happy with his small world but his foster family is working on trying to expose him to new experiences despite his preference to just stay safe and secure. Potential families have inquired about Rio but haven’t been the right fit. Rio has specific needs at this time. Due to past experiences, Rio panics when crated. This shows in him becoming very assertive that he is not going to be crated. His foster family doesn’t know what caused this in the past but are working with this reaction and Rio can be crated during mealtimes now. Rio has roam of a few rooms while left alone with the other dogs and behaves well. Rio cannot go for car rides or leashed walks yet but he loves playing in the yard with his family and wrestling in the house. Rio cannot be placed in a family with young children. Only experienced people who understand abused dogs can be considered as Rio needs time to trust. He can adapt though if he likes you. He chooses who is safe and who should be avoided at this time. Please watch as Rio continues to grow. Update 11/17/23: Rio is ready for the right family who can help him continue to heal. Rio needs an experienced compassionate family who will understand that he’s been hurt before and you must earn his trust. He loves a good hard play session and has amazing frisbee skills. New experiences still scare him a lot though. He is not the right pup for doggy daycare or dog parks but he loves racing in the back yard and then sleeping at his foster parents’ feet while they work. He’s a smart dog and will make someone a wonderful best friend but right now, he needs a patient owner and a confident second dog who can continue to support him while he expands his world. Update 10/29/23: Rio is enjoying the fall season and loves rolling in the leaves! He is definitely the dog who wants us to go outside and play with him every hour! Rio is an active, athletic, smart dog who is going to make someone a superb companion when the time comes. I can see his pride when he struts about the yard and tells our other dogs that they are not following the rules. He has the traits of a natural leader within his own small world. He is still working on building confidence outside of our house and yard. This week’s first attempt to leash walk was not completely successful as a walk the length of three houses was filled with anxiety circle walking and pancaking on the ground in fear. But for Rio, allowing the leash to be put on and simply walking that far was quite an accomplishment and we feel optimistic about how this is moving forward. And he did take notice of the scents in the neighborhood. It’ll just take time for Rio to unlearn what has happened to him in the past and to realize that there is happiness to be found beyond our fenced yard. Until he learns this, Rio is not a candidate for dog day care or dog parks. We are expanding his world a little at a time. And he’ll need a fenced yard to run as well as a confident dog sibling who likes to play. Update 10/09/23: Wow! Rio is celebrating an exciting milestone. Ten days straight without a housebreaking mistake! Yahoo! Mission accomplished! He’s got it down!
We'll also keep you updated on Tanner's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Tanner

Tanner

Jack Russell Terrier

Male, Adult
Nevada, IA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Tanner is a great dog. He’s fun he’s loyal. He likes to go for walks. He likes to go for runs. My time is not there anymore. We lost Dog sitter and I work 14 hours a day and I can’t keep him kenneled up that long so I’m going to have to rehome him
We'll also keep you updated on Charlie's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Charlie

Charlie

Golden Retriever German Shepherd Dog

Male, 2 yrs 3 mos
Nevada, IA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
11/6/24 Foster Update: Charlie is doing well. I don’t know what he currently weighs, but he has lost the extra pounds that he came in with. We are working with his pulling when he goes for a walk. I am using a gentle leader and/or a harness with him and that has helped, but he is still learning. He is very treat and food-motivated. He loves loves loves to play with his squeaky wobbies and he loves loves loves to play with the squeaky balls. However, some of the balls do not squeak anymore because he has played with them so much, but he still likes to play with them. He has learned to take a treat very nicely instead of grabbing it out of your hand. Also, he has learned to sit before he eats. I still have to remind him that he needs to wait, but he is doing well with it. He likes to nap in any of the crates. We just leave the doors open and he goes in whenever he wants. He is a Velcro dog and wants to be wherever you are. He is a big love bug. **************** Say hello to Charlie (23-060)! He currently is in a loving foster home in Iowa. Charlie is a 2-year-old Golden/German Shepherd mix that was surrendered because he needed an ACL repair. A generous couple covered his surgery and his foster mom and dad took him through his rehab. He is ready to find his forever home. Charlie is a typical young and vivacious Golden boy. He is smart, aims to please (most times), and has a big and funny personality. He has come a long way while in foster care but would benefit from a family home more than away, formal training, and lots of exercise. He adores his people and can often (always) be found underfoot of his foster mom and dad. He is what is called a "velcro Golden". He crates well and sleeps in his crate at night and when the foster family is away from the home. He is playful and always looking for a buddy to run and play with. That buddy can be human, canine, or feline, he really doesn't care as long as you play with him. In his foster home he lives with older dogs and he spent a couple weeks with a wonderful temp foster that has 2 senior dogs. He was persistent and a bit annoying in his attempts to get those dogs to play. ("Pestered" was the word used to describe his attempts to get them to play.) We feel he would do best in a home with a playful dog unless other arrangements could be made for him to interact with other dogs. If you have cats in your home they would need to be dog savvy. He lived with kids in his previous home and we feel children over 10 would be best, but it would be child dependent and how they interact with him. A physical fence would be best because of his love of running. Charlie is a loving dog who wants nothing more than to be part of a family. Submit your application today if you are interested in this sweet boy! https://grroiowa.org/adoption-information/
We'll also keep you updated on Zero's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Zero

Zero

Dachshund Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Male, Young
Story City, IA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Zero Is about to be two years old. Hes an affectionate and friendly dog. He loves to play and run around. Knows basic commands and is potty trained. Kennel trained and is used to being kenneled when necessary. He would benefit from a home with a large fenced in yard where he can run freely.
We'll also keep you updated on Wilson's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Wilson

Wilson

Hound (Unknown Type)

Male, 1 yr 1 mo
Boone, IA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hi there! I'm Wilson, and I'm all about good vibes and fun times. I absolutely love spending time with my humans, soaking up all the attention I can get. A nice scratch behind the ears or some gentle pats on my back makes my tail wag like crazy! Adventures are one of my favorite things, too. Whether it's a fun walk in the park or exploring new trails, I'm always ready to dive into the next big outing. The world is so full of interesting smells and sights, and I love discovering them with my favorite humans by my side. Oh, and did I mention I'm a big fan of treats? There's nothing better than a tasty snack after a long day of fun. So if you're looking for a sweet buddy who enjoys being by your side and is always up for an adventure, I'd be the perfect companion for you!***All dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and heartworm tested before adoption.******We can not guarantee that a dog will be good with children, dogs, or cats. You'll need a meet & greet if you currently have a dog.******To do this safely and effectively, your dog will need to be spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations before approval of a dog adoption through Boone Area Humane Society.***All animals have been spayed/neutered, have been tested for heartworm/feline leukemia, have had age appropriate vaccinations, been dewormed, is on flea and parasite prevention and has been microchipped.

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Dog shelters and rescues in Ames, Iowa

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

Ames Animal Shelter

325 Billy Sunday Road, Ames, IA 50010

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

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Rescue

Golden Retriever Rescue of Iowa

Nevada, IA 50201

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Story Co. Animal Shelter

906 West 18th. Street, Nevada, IA 50201

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Internet Miniature Pinscher Service Inc.

Box 357, Luther, IA 50152

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Boone Area Humane Society

228 W 16TH, Boone, IA 50036

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

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Rescue

Animal Relief Coalition of Iowa

PO Box 38, Boone, IA 50036

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

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Rescue

South Hamilton Animal Alliance and Jewell Animal Hospital

548 Main Street, PO Box 354, Jewell, IA 50130

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Kitty City Rescue & Rehab

445 Parker Street, PO Box 53, Stanhope, IA 50246

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Forever Home Dog Rescue

Johnston, IA 50131

Pet Types: 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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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