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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 CHAMP - Location NY

CHAMP - Location NY

Spaniel (Unknown Type)/Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Male, Young
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. CHAMP 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. Champ is NOT good with children or cats, but a lovebug with adults! CHAMP is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, heartworm and tick tested negative, is on monthly preventatives, microchipped, and in March 2025 weighed 10 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. Champ has been an absolute dream dog with every adult he has met, in the shelter, on transport, at the rescue, with the family when they came to pick him up, however, when introduced to the kids who were all sat quietly and respectfully, he went crazy, we can only presume he has had a negative experience with kids as he is young himself.  With adults, he is climbing up your body for snuggles and is so well behaved, he loves males and females, we were all shocked at his behaviour with kids. Due to this we will not be considering applications for Champ to families with children or who have children coming round. Champ also wanted to chase the cat, so we feel no cats is also best. 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. CHAMP is available for adoption for an adoption fee of $550, he is currently in New York whilst we work on getting him back to 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.March 21, 2025, 5:02 pm
Photo of Zues

Zues

Rottweiler

Male, 2 yrs 1 mo
St. Andrews, NS
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Zeus! ????Zeus is a two-year-old Rottweiler who is as friendly as they come! He gets along well with other dogs and has lived with children in the past with no issues—he’s a gentle giant looking for a loving home.And guess what? Zeus has siblings—Lightening and Monica! They’re all waiting for their chance at a forever home. We’d love to see some adoptions soon!If you’re ready to welcome Zeus, Lightening, or Monica into your family, send us a message today! Let’s find these sweet pups the love they deserve. ????Zeus is neutered and up to date with age appropriate vaccines. He has been treated for fleas and internal parasites. Complete our online adoption application http://www.coastalk9.ca/adopt. Let’s find the loving home Zeus 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 #AdoptZeus #RottweilerLove #RescueDogsRock #AdoptDontShop
Photo of Hawke

Hawke

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 3 yrs
St. Andrews, NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Hawke! ??Hawke is a 3-year-old, 30-pound mixed breed looking for his forever home! His exact breed is a mystery, but one thing is certain—he’s full of personality!?? Loves toys and will happily entertain himself.?? Cautious with other dogs—introductions are a must.????? Great on walks and enjoys getting out and about.Hawke would thrive in a home that understands his need for patience when meeting new dog friends. If you’re looking for a loyal, playful companion, Hawke is ready to meet you!Hawke is neutered and up to date with age appropriate vaccines. He has been treated for fleas and internal parasites. Complete our online adoption application http://www.coastalk9.ca/adopt. Let’s find the loving home Hawke 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
Photo of WILLOW-Boy

WILLOW-Boy

Labrador Retriever

Male, Young
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Willow was saved with his sister arriving at the rescue on 1 September 2024 at just under 3 months old, both he and his sister were adopted together on 20 October at just under 5 months old. Unfortunately the family reached out to the rescue in March 2025 (5 months after adoption) stating that they need to return both Willow (Zamboni) and Avery (Scout) as they are not well-behaved, chase after the children, nipping, jumping up, scratching and also chasing the cats. They are leash and house trained and the family said that Willow is a cuddler who likes to sleep under the covers, he is a great dog, weighs around 50 pounds, but needs more than they can give him. Sadly Willow and Avery were not given the training and direction they needed as pups, so as they wouldn't chase and jump up and nip, all natural behaviours for dogs and so unless they are taught different, they do not know that we find this acceptable.  The family told us that Willow and Avery often engage in air nipping towards each other, which is them communicating that they are not happy. We are looking for a family that understands the importance of training and that basic training, routine and structure is a must, a dog doesn't know how it is supposed to act in a human world, unless we teach them. We feel it would be a good idea to adopt the pups out individually unless a family is confident and committed to working with them and just like with humans understand they need their own time doing things to give them a break from their sibling or buddy. The pups are still with the family as at the moment the rescue has no free kennels and would really prefer not to put them through additional stress and emotional upset of coming back to the kennels, but the family is very eager for them to be gone. If interested in giving this handsome boy his perfect forever home, please complete and submit the adoption application, link below. Willow is neutered , rabies, core vaccines, monthly preventatives, and is microchipped with 24PetWatch. He has an estimated date of birth of 29 May 2024. We have no way of knowing the breed, it is up to individuals to look at the pictures and videos to make up their own mind. 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. He d oes need an active family who will ensure she gets all the exercise, both mentally and physically that she needs to live a happy fulfilling life. Interested families are required to complete our application process and once approved schedule an appointment to come to the rescue in  SEBEC, Maine  to meet and take home their new best friend. Our process takes 1-2 days as long as we are able to talk to references, so be prepared to be approved (hopefully) to adopt within a few days of submitting the adoption application. Link to the adoption application! Click here to watch a video of WILLOW-Boy.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.March 16, 2025, 12:54 pm
Photo of AVERY

AVERY

Labrador Retriever

Female, Young
Halifax - (location MAINE), NS
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Avery  was saved with her brother arriving at the rescue on 1 September 2024 at just under 3 months old, both she and her brother were adopted together on 20 October at just under 5 months old. Unfortunately the family reached out to the rescue in March 2025 (5 months after adoption) stating that they need to return both Avery (Scout) and Willow (Zamboni) as they are not well-behaved, chase after the children, nipping, jumping up, scratching and also chasing the cats. They are leash and house trained and the family said that Avery is silly and spunky she is a great dog, weighs around 40 pounds, but needs more than they can give her. Sadly Avery and Willow were not given the training and direction they needed as pups, so they wouldn't chase, jump up and nip, all natural behaviours for dogs and so unless they are taught different, they do not know that we find this acceptable.  The family told us that Avery and Willow often engage in air nipping towards each other, which is them communicating that they are not happy. We are looking for a family that understands the importance of training and that basic training, routine and structure is a must, a dog doesn't know how it is supposed to act in a human world, unless we teach them. We feel it would be a good idea to adopt the pups out individually unless a family is confident and committed to working with them and just like with humans understand they need their own time doing things to give them a break from their sibling or buddy. The pups are still with the family as at the moment the rescue has no free kennels and would really prefer not to put them through additional stress and emotional upset of coming back to the kennels, but the family is very eager for them to be gone. If interested in giving this beautiful girl her perfect forever home, please complete and submit the adoption application, link below. Avery is spayed, rabies, core vaccines, monthly preventatives,  and is microchipped with 24PetWatch. She has an estimated date of birth of 29 May 2024. We have no way of knowing the breed, it is up to individuals to look at the pictures and videos to make up their own mind. 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.    She does need an active family who will ensure she gets all the exercise, both mentally and physically that she needs to live a happy fulfilling life. Interested families are required to complete our application process and once approved schedule an appointment to come to the rescue in  SEBEC, Maine  to meet and take home their new best friend. Our process takes 1-2 days as long as we are able to talk to references, so be prepared to be approved (hopefully) to adopt within a few days of submitting the adoption application. Link to the adoption application! Click here to watch a video of AVERY.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.March 16, 2025, 12:54 pm
Photo of CARMEN

CARMEN

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Young
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. CARMEN 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. CARMEN is spayed, rabies, core vaccines, heartworm and tick tested negative, is on monthly preventatives, microchipped, and in March 2025 weighed 36 pounds and has an estimated date of birth of April 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. 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. CARMEN 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. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.March 15, 2025, 4:56 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

Kings County SPCA

1285 County Home Road, Waterville, NS B0P 1V0

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Companion Animal Rescue Association

P.O. Box 64 Hubbards, Halifax, NS B0J 1T0

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Litters 'n Critters Rescue Society

Halifax, NS B3Z 1H4

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Animal Rescue Coalitions

Glen Haven, NS B3Z 2T5

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Pick of the Litter Society

388 Ridgevale Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 3L7

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

S.H.A.I.D. Tree Animal Shelter

950 Mullock Road, R.R.# 3, Bridgewater, NS B4V 5T9

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Homeward Bound City Pound

201 Brownlow Ave, Unit 9, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1W2

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

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Shelter

NS SPCA Metro Shelter

5 Scarfe Court, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1W4

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Give a Dog a Home Rescue - NS -(location MAINE)

Physical Location - Maine, (location MAINE), Halifax - (location MAINE), NS B3H 1C2

Pet Types: cats, 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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