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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.
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Photo of LADY LOLLIPOP

LADY LOLLIPOP

Poodle (Standard)/Labrador Retriever

Female, Adult
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
  Lady Lollipop—lovingly called “Lollie”—is as delightful as her name suggests. This beautiful 18-month-old Parti Doodle weighs 59 pounds and brings a perfect blend of playful energy and gentle affection to every moment. Lollie has grown up in a busy, love-filled home with eight children, including four foster kids, and she has proven herself to be incredibly adaptable, patient, and kind. She truly loves children and seems to understand how to match their energy—whether it’s playtime in the yard or settling in for some quiet companionship. This smart girl is already house-trained and eager to show off her skills. She knows how to play fetch and would happily spend hours chasing a ball or toy, especially if it means making her people smile. Lollie thrives on interaction and is always ready for the next adventure. What we have found about Lollie is that she is leash reactive with other dogs when out on walks or hiking trails.  We are not sure why since often she seems to be fine with dogs but recently we have found that she considers small dogs not to her liking and so we feel  that her best life would be lived with a fenced backyard (absolutely must have a home with a fenced yard) and not expected to be a social butterfly out for walks where other dogs might come running up toward her.  Car rides? One of her favorites. Running and playing outside? Even better.  She can be worked with over time but for now we are just saying it is best for her and her family to not expect her to be BFF with other dogs unless her size and introduced carefully.  This is her only marginal trait that needs work and no expectations of her changing right away.  Lollie is truly “as sweet as a lollipop”—affectionate, intelligent, and full of joy. She’s ready to bring her loving spirit into a forever home that will cherish her as much as she will cherish them.  If you are interested, please contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrnewengland@gmail.com    PLEASE NOTE:  Our dogs are transported from Tennessee to meeting places in the states where we have posted.  Further information about us is given on our Adopt-A-Pet site.  The adoption fees vary and will be provided as well as noted on the application you receive.  Contact us at 615-661-5333 or ccrnewengland@gmail.comJune 30, 2026, 6:44 pm
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Photo of BEST MAN BAXTER

BEST MAN BAXTER

Maltese/Shih Tzu

Male, Adult
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Meet Baxter! If you're searching for a loving new family member, your search ends here. Baxter is a 12-pound, 2-3-year-old Malti Tzu (a Maltese and Shih Tzu mix), and he embodies all the best, sweetest traits of both breeds.   Baxter was found as a stray in Nashville after someone suspected he’d been hit by a car and brought him to the emergency vet. Thankfully, there were no broken bones, but he is currently healing from a sore back leg. (He’ll have X-rays taken when he’s neutered on 7/7.) We wish Baxter could tell us what happened and how he ended up on his own—it’s hard to imagine any family not wanting such a sweet boy.   Baxter is both a people-lover and a dog’s dog! He loves to play and would thrive with a young, active canine companion in his forever home. He adores people and always wants to be by your side—be prepared to never be alone again! His sore leg doesn’t slow him down; he still jumps on the furniture to be with his foster mom whenever steps are available.   This young gentleman walks well on a leash and is fully housebroken. He loves going on adventures and rides like a champ in the car—he even prefers the back seat, though he’s happy on a passenger’s lap, too! Baxter is the perfect companion for trips to the park or visits to dog-friendly restaurants and shops.   To learn more about bringing Baxter into your family or to request an adoption application, please email Vivienne at vivienneajames@gmail.com or text 615-943-7311. Don’t wait—this sweet boy won’t be available for long!  June 30, 2026, 6:44 pm
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Photo of Rocco

Rocco

Labrador Retriever

Male, 3 mos
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
*Woof* I`m in a foster home! Email my foster caregiver to meet me: tara.rm.nielson@gmail.comRocco has the kind of ears that look like a single gust of wind could send him soaring — and honestly, it just makes him even more adorable. This charming little pup is a precious mix of goofy energy and sweet, quiet nap-time moments. He’s a bright, enthusiastic youngster with enough pep to power the whole neighborhood, but he also melts into calm cuddles when he’s done zooming. With positive training and lots of encouragement, this smartie fella will grow into a truly fantastic companion. If you’re searching for a great pup who brings joy, silliness, and heart, come meet Rocco and adopt this darling today. He’s ready to make your home a happier place.
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Photo of Lily

Lily

Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Female, Young
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
This is Lily aka Pretty Girl (2yrs old). She loves back and belly stratches. She loves being outside and terrorizing squirels. She is MAJOR people person dog and loves to cuddle. Sometimes she tends to forgets her hair gets on people. Lily loves to play tug-a-war and catch inside. When she plays catch outside she tends to get distracted easily by the birds. Lily is an energetic and outgoing dog. She doesn't like getting in the car but for the ride she's always down. Lily loves to play tug-a-war and catch inside. When she plays catch outside she tends to get distracted easily by bird. Lily is a energetic and outgoing dog. She doesn't like getting in the car but for the ride she's always down. With all this energy, Lily does love a good nap. She'll even try to sleep with you without you noticing. Lily would need an owner/home that constantly engages with her (walks, scratches, etc). She needs a person that is outgoing like her but also knows when it's time to relax a take a chill pill. S
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Photo of Knox

Knox

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 8 yrs
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
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Photo of Kosma

Kosma

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 1 yr
Washington, DC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
*Woof* Meet me at 71 Oglethorpe St NW between 12pm-7pm daily!Kosma is a name of Ancient Greek origin and means `universe` or `beauty`. It apparently also means `Kids Off Social Media` but I am of two minds about that because who then will tell the world how insanely cute and fun I am if not my young friends on the gram? I am a young pup and full of enthusiasm for life. I have also learned some basics, like `sit` and leash-walking. My brain soaks everything up like a sponge so I think I will absorb additional skills in no time. Who is ready for fun, friends and beauty? Adopt me today!

Search for a puppy or dog

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:

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

K9 Global Rescue

Washington DC, DC 20002

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Brandywine Valley SPCA - Ivy City Adoption Center

1516 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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

Project Freedom Ride - Washington DC Transport Stop

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, 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

Omani Paws

Washington, DC 20001

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Rural Dog Rescue

719 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

HFH - Washington D.C.

Washington, DC 20500

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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Looking for a specific breed?

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