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Puppies and dogs in Nova Scotia

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Nova Scotia

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Nova Scotia. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
Photo of Freya

Freya

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 10 mos
St. Andrews, NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Freya – The Lovable Chaos Queen!Freya is turning 1 in June, and she’s got enough energy and personality to fill a whole birthday party all by herself! This 58-pound goofball is equal parts sweet, snuggly, and totally chaotic—in the most endearing way possible.She’s good with other dogs, adores children, and is both house and crate trained (what a good girl!). That said, cats are a no-go—Freya thinks they’re part of a high-stakes game of tag.Freya’s got that puppy hyperness that makes every day an adventure. She’s still figuring out how her limbs work (spoiler: not very gracefully), and half the time she doesn’t know what to do with herself—but she’s always making you laugh while she tries.She’s hilariously clumsy, ridiculously sweet, and somehow manages to be well-behaved and a whirlwind of chaos all at once. Leash walking is a work in progress, but with consistency (and probably a few treats), she’ll get there in no time.If you’re looking for a dog who brings joy, laughter, and a little bit of beautiful mayhem into your life, Freya’s your girl.Ready to add some fun to your family? Come meet this lovable mess of magic!Freya is spayed and up to date with age appropriate vaccines. She has been treated for fleas and internal parasites. Complete our online adoption application http://www.coastalk9.ca/adopt. Let’s find the loving home Freya deserves! ??IF WE HAVE YOUR APPLICATION ON FILE PLEASE EMAIL adopt@coastalk9.ca TO EXPRESS INTEREST.Only selected applicants will be notified to continue the application process.Located in Antigonish County #RescueDogsRock #AdoptDontShop #RescueDogsOfCanada
Photo of PICO

PICO

Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua

Male, Adult
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Pico will be arriving in Maine on 10 May 2025 We are happy to accept and process applications before she arrives. Pico was saved from a high kill shelter in Texas  arrived at Give a Dog a Home Rescue in Sebec, Maine at the end of April. We post our available dogs in states across the east coast and Canada to reach as many people as possible in hopes to find perfect homes and families. We do not transport dogs, families must come to the rescue in Sebec, Maine to meet and then hopefully take home. Pico is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, heartworm and tick tested negative, is on monthly preventatives, microchipped, and in March 2025 weighed 9 pounds and has an estimated date of birth of February 2021.    We can not say for sure what the breed is, we expect families to decide looking at any pictures and video's provide and decide if the breed is a good fit for their family. This is what the shelter relayed from his foster family about this sweet boy: Pico is a wonderful 4-year-old, 9-pound ball of love who has been an absolute joy to foster! He’s the perfect balance of affectionate and independent. Pico is great with both dogs and kids, making him an ideal companion for a family of any size. He’s housebroken and has a great energy level—not too laid back, but not overly crazy either. He enjoys his playtime but is equally content just hanging out and getting some belly rubs or lounging in your lap. Pico is also very tolerant when it comes to dress-up, which is a cute bonus! He loves attention and cuddles, but he’s also happy to do his own thing when the mood strikes. If you’re looking for a dog with a sweet, affectionate nature who can also entertain himself independently, Pico would be a perfect fit for you! Pico is available for adoption for an adoption fee of $550, as noted he is located at the rescue in Sebec, Maine and families are required to complete and submit an  adoption application and when approved schedule an appointment to come to the rescue to meet and hopefully take home this sweet boy. Applications are processed with 24 hours of them being received. Link to the Adoption Application To look at lots more photo's be sure to check out our        Facebook Page ALBUMS        where we are able to upload hundreds of photos of our dogs waiting for their forever homes and families. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.April 19, 2025, 6:32 am
Photo of Nya

Nya

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Adult
Kingston, NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained,
Story
my beautiful girls name is Nya. I have until April 25th 2025 and i have tried EVERYTHING. i really need help and the stress is strong. She is a beautiful 9 year old pitbull searching for her forever home. she is sweet, loving girl who thrives with structure, exercise, and lots of affection. She is very smart, eager to learn and she has made so much progress with her foster mom! Her best qualities: -she is a snuggler, she loves to cuddle on the couch. she is smart and a fast learner. - she enjoys exercise and mental enrichment- long line walks, sniffing, play and training sessions. - she is crate trained and sleep soundly in the kennel at night, its her safe place. she needs plenty of exercise, play. she needs a home to understand she does not like other animals. she has training, clicker training balance training. She can not live any other animal. I am very desperate at this point and PLEASE need help. I have until APril 25th. Please please help!
Photo of SAMSON

SAMSON

German Shepherd Dog

Male, Adult
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with cats,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. SAMSON was saved from a high kill shelter in Texas and and    arrived at Give a Dog a Home Rescue in Sebec, Maine on Saturday 15th March. We post our available dogs in states across the east coast and Canada to reach as many people as possible in hopes to find perfect homes and families. We do not transport dogs, families must come to the rescue in Sebec, Maine to meet and then hopefully take home. SAMSON is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, heartworm and tick tested negative, is on monthly preventatives, microchipped, and in March 2025 weighed 77 pounds and has an estimated date of birth of February 2024.    We can not say for sure what the breed is, we expect families to decide looking at any pictures and video's provide and decide if the breed is a good fit for their family. Shelter techs noted: when greeting another dog when on a leash, Samson approaches with a loose, wiggly body and wagging tail. We are looking for families that have the lifestyle that the dog needs to lead a healthy, both mentally and physically life, who can afford a GOOD quality food, toys and treats and understand the importance of veterinary wellness checks. SAMSON is available for adoption for an adoption fee of $550, as noted he is located at the rescue in Sebec, Maine and families are required to complete and submit an  adoption application and when approved schedule an appointment to come to the rescue to meet and hopefully take home this sweet boy. Applications are processed with 24 hours of them being received. Link to the Adoption Application To look at lots more photo's be sure to check out our    Facebook Page ALBUMS    where we are able to upload hundreds of photos of our dogs waiting for their forever homes and families. Click here to watch a video of SAMSON.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.April 8, 2025, 7:37 am
Photo of Kero

Kero

Standard Poodle

Male, 7 yrs
Halifax, NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
BOUTILIER'S POINT, NS Thank you for your interest in Kero. This beautiful boy has been loved his whole life but sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and that's what happened to Kero's family. He found himself in need of a new home and his family asked if SPIN could help. Of course we said yes! The problem was that Kero was in Newfoundland and we needed to get him to Nova Scotia and into the loving arms of our foster family there. With the help of a volunteer army and so many supporters, we were able to fly Kero to Halifax. What an adventure! And how did Kero handle that adventure? With a smile on his face and an eagerness to embrace all that life had to offer him.
Photo of SASHA

SASHA

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Puppy
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Sasha was saved from a high kill shelter in Texas and   arrived at Give a Dog a Home Rescue in Sebec, Maine on Saturday 29th March. We post our available dogs in states across the east coast and Canada to reach as many people as possible in hopes to find perfect homes and families. We do not transport dogs, families must come to the rescue in Sebec, Maine to meet and then hopefully take home. Sasha is spayed, rabies, core vaccines, is on monthly preventatives, microchipped, and in March 2025 weighed 15 pounds and has an estimated date of birth of 3 January 2025. She will need her Rabies vaccine. We can not say for sure what the breed is, we expect families to decide looking at any pictures and video's provide and decide if the breed is a good fit for their family. Sasha is available for adoption for an adoption fee of $550, as noted she is located at the rescue in Sebec, Maine and families are required to complete and submit an  adoption application and when approved schedule an appointment to come to the rescue to meet and hopefully take home this sweet girl. Applications are processed with 24 hours of them being received. Link to the Adoption Application To look at lots more photo's be sure to check out our      Facebook Page ALBUMS       where we are able to upload hundreds of photos of our dogs waiting for their forever homes and families. Click here to watch a video of SASHA.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.April 14, 2025, 12:33 pm

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

Puppies and dogs in Nova Scotia cities

Shelters & rescues in Nova Scotia

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

CAPE BRETON SPCA

401 EAST BROADWAY, SYDNEY, NS B1P 6J1

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

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Rescue

C.B.Animal Band-Aid Sanctuary

Cape Breton, NS B1P 3A1

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Boxer Rescue of Atlantic Canada

Sydney, NS B1K 1G2

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Boston Terrier Club of Canada Rescue - Maritimes

Juniper Mountain, NS B1K 1G2

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Coastal K9 Rescue Society

1934 Marydale Road, St. Andrews, NS B0H 1X0

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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