Dogs & Puppies for Adoption in Canada
Looking for a dog or puppy to adopt in Canada? Pet Rehoming Network helps caring adopters meet pre-loved dogs being responsibly rehomed by their owners in communities from coast to coast.
Our home-to-home approach is different from adopting through a shelter or rescue. The dogs featured here generally remain with the people who know and love them while a carefully chosen new home is sought. This gives prospective adopters an opportunity to learn about an individual dog’s personality, history, routines and needs directly from the person who knows them best.
You may be able to learn whether a dog is energetic or laid-back, affectionate or independent, comfortable with children, accustomed to cats or other dogs, happy in an apartment, suited to a large property, comfortable being left alone, experienced with car travel, well-mannered on leash, or happiest spending most of the day close to their people.
Browse current Canadian dog adoption listings below, explore dogs by province or territory, or use our breed and type resources if you already have a particular canine companion in mind.
Looking for all types of pets? Visit our Pets for Adoption in Canada hub. Need help finding a new home for your own dog? Request private dog rehoming help.
Dogs & Puppies for Adoption in Canada
Meet Canadian dogs and puppies whose owners are looking for carefully chosen new homes. Each adoption profile provides photographs and individual details to help you decide whether a particular dog might fit your household, lifestyle and expectations.
Select any dog to read the full adoption story, use the available filters to narrow the listings, or choose Show More Pets to continue browsing.
Showing 9 of 16 listings
Maverick
Looking for an Australian Shepherd Heeler Mix puppy for adoption in Edmonton, Alberta? Maverick would love to be considered for the position of your…
View Maverick's Adoption Story
Jelly the Sweet, Silly Snugglebug
Meet Jelly, a sweet and silly Boxer mix for adoption in Edmonton, AB. This loyal 2.5-year-old girl is full of love, zoomies, and big…
View Jelly the Sweet, Silly Snugglebug's Adoption Story
Spotty
Looking for a Collie Australian Cattle Dog mix for adoption in ST CATHARINES, ON? Spotty would love to be considered for the position of…
View Spotty's Adoption Story
Finn
Looking for a Siberian Husky German Shepherd mix (Gerberian Shepsky) dog for adoption in Edmonton (Devon), Alberta? Finn would love to be considered for…
View Finn's Adoption Story
Sweet Millie
Millie has found a home! If you are interested in adopting a Siberian Husky, please visit our page listing currently available dogs here: Siberian…
View Sweet Millie's Adoption Story
Orca
Looking for a Border Collie dog for adoption in Calgary, Alberta? Orca would love to be considered for the position of your cherished family…
View Orca's Adoption Story
Nico
Meet Nico, the adorable Chihuahua ready to steal your heart in Edmonton, Alberta! This charming little guy, just under two years old and weighing…
View Nico's Adoption Story
Moose
Looking for a loyal companion? Meet Moose, a 2-year-old Dogo Argentino bursting with energy and affection, ready for adoption in Airdrie, Canada. This 105-pound…
View Moose's Adoption Story
Stanley
Looking for a Golden retriever dog for adoption in Calgary, Alberta? Stanley would love to be considered for the position of your cherished family…
View Stanley's Adoption StoryWe do not currently have a matching pet listed here. New adoption profiles are added as they become available.
Available dogs change as adoptions are completed and new owners request help.
Join our adoption waiting list and tell us about the dog or puppy you hope to find.
Why Adopt a Dog Privately From Their Owner?
Choosing a dog involves much more than falling in love with a photograph. Energy level, temperament, training, exercise requirements and household compatibility can make the difference between a wonderful match and a difficult one.
An owner may be able to tell you how their dog behaves during an ordinary day: how much exercise they enjoy, whether they bark when someone comes to the door, how they walk on leash, what commands they know, whether they are crate trained, how they behave around children and animals, how they handle visitors, and what helps them feel safe and content.
Private adoption also gives both sides time to ask questions and, when the owner believes an applicant could be suitable, arrange a meeting before making a final decision.
What Makes Home-to-Home Dog Adoption Different?
First-Hand Information
Learn about the dog’s real personality, routines, training, health, behaviour and history from the person who has lived with them.
Meet Before Committing
Suitable prospective adopters can meet the dog and owner before the adoption is finalized.
Individual Matching
The goal is not simply to place a dog quickly. It is to help the owner choose a home that fits the individual dog’s needs.
Less Disruption for the Dog
The dog remains in their familiar current home while a new family is sought rather than entering Pet Rehoming Network’s custody.
Time for Questions
Adopters can ask practical questions about exercise, training, children, other pets, grooming, diet, behaviour and everyday routines.
The Owner Chooses
The dog’s owner remains involved throughout the process and decides which applicant they believe is the best fit.
Puppies for Adoption in Canada
Puppies occasionally become available through Pet Rehoming Network when an owner can no longer keep a young dog or when an unexpected litter needs responsible permanent homes.
Think Beyond Puppyhood
That tiny puppy will quickly become an adult dog. Research likely adult size, energy level, exercise requirements, grooming needs and breed characteristics before deciding whether a puppy fits your future as well as your life today.
Plan for Veterinary Care
Ask what veterinary care has already been provided and what remains. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, spaying or neutering, microchipping and routine veterinary care should all be part of your planning.
Expect Training & Supervision
Puppies need house training, socialization, appropriate exercise, positive training, safe chew toys, supervision and patience while they learn how to live successfully in a human household.
Consider an Adult Dog Too
If temperament and lifestyle fit matter more than age, an adult dog can be easier to choose because their personality, size, energy level and many household habits are already established.
Check the current listings above and join the waiting list so you can tell us what you are hoping to find.
Adult & Senior Dogs for Adoption in Canada
For many households, an adult or senior dog can be an exceptional choice. Their personality and adult size are already known, their energy level is easier to understand, and owners can often provide detailed information about years of habits, training and preferences.
Established Personality
You can learn whether the dog is outgoing, cuddly, independent, playful, calm, sensitive, adventurous or happiest simply relaxing beside their favourite person.
Known Household Habits
Many adult dogs already have established house-training, feeding and exercise routines, leash experience and familiarity with everyday household life.
A Great Match for Many Lifestyles
A mature dog may suit people who want canine companionship without the constant supervision, training and high-energy demands that often accompany puppyhood.
Dog Adoption by Province or Territory
Choose your province or territory to explore pets being privately rehomed in your region. Each provincial hub connects to local city and community pages as our geographic adoption network expands.
Alberta
Find dogs and puppies for adoption in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and communities across Alberta.
British Columbia
Explore dog adoption in Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Burnaby, Kelowna and communities throughout British Columbia.
Saskatchewan
Find dogs and puppies in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and communities throughout Saskatchewan.
Manitoba
Explore dogs for adoption in Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson and communities throughout Manitoba.
Ontario
Browse dogs and puppies in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo and communities throughout Ontario.
Quebec
Find dogs for adoption in Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau and communities throughout Quebec.
New Brunswick
Explore dogs and puppies in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton and communities throughout New Brunswick.
Nova Scotia
Meet dogs looking for homes in Halifax, Dartmouth, Sydney, Truro and communities throughout Nova Scotia.
Prince Edward Island
Find dogs and puppies for adoption in Charlottetown, Summerside and communities across Prince Edward Island.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Explore dogs for adoption in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Corner Brook, Labrador City and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Yukon
Find dogs and puppies for adoption in Whitehorse and communities throughout Yukon.
Northwest Territories
Explore dog adoption in Yellowknife and communities throughout the Northwest Territories.
Nunavut
Find dog adoption resources for Iqaluit and communities throughout Nunavut.
Browse Dogs for Adoption by Breed & Type
Some adopters begin with a particular breed, size or type of dog in mind. Pet Rehoming Network’s dog adoption resources make it easier to explore dogs that may suit your household and lifestyle.
Dog Breeds
Explore adoption pages for popular breeds and mixes, from Chihuahuas and Beagles to Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles and many more.
Small Dogs
Looking for a smaller companion? Explore adoptable small dogs and mixes that may be well suited to apartments, condos and households seeking a compact canine companion.
Hypoallergenic Dog Searches
No dog is guaranteed to be completely allergy-free, but some adopters specifically research breeds and mixes commonly associated with lower-shedding coats.
Temperament, adult size, energy level, training, health, exercise requirements and household compatibility matter just as much.
Looking for Free Dogs or Puppies in Canada?
Searches for free puppies and free dogs are common, but the amount paid to acquire a dog is only a small part of the cost of responsible dog ownership. Food, veterinary care, training, grooming, equipment, licensing, boarding or pet care and unexpected medical expenses can quickly matter far more than the initial adoption fee.
A reasonable adoption fee can also be one useful part of responsible placement, although a fee by itself does not make an adoption safe. What matters most is thoughtful screening, honest disclosure, a suitable home, realistic expectations and a commitment to providing lifelong care.
Before adopting, ask about the dog’s veterinary history, spay or neuter status, vaccinations, medications, diet, house training, exercise requirements, behaviour around children and animals, training history, reason for rehoming and any special needs. Meet the dog when possible and make sure everyone in your household is comfortable with the decision.
The best adoption is not the fastest or cheapest one. It is the match in which the dog’s needs and the adopter’s real-life circumstances fit one another well.
Questions to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
Join the Dog Adoption Waiting List
If you are hoping for a particular breed, size, age, personality, location or type of dog and do not see the right match today, tell us what you are looking for.
New dogs are added as owners request rehoming help, so the selection naturally changes over time.
Private Dog Rehoming Help Across Canada
If you love your dog but circumstances have made keeping them impossible, Pet Rehoming Network can help you work toward a carefully chosen new home without surrendering your dog to us.
Your dog stays with you throughout the rehoming process. We help present your dog’s story, reach prospective adopters and support you as you evaluate potential matches. You remain involved and choose the person or family you believe is right for your dog.
More Canadian Adoption Resources
All Pets for Adoption in Canada
Browse dogs, cats, puppies and kittens together from across the country.
Cats & Kittens in Canada
Looking for a feline companion instead? Visit our permanent national cat adoption hub.
Pet Rehoming Network Canada
Return to the national gateway for both pet adoption and private rehoming help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Adoption in Canada
Where can I find dogs and puppies for adoption in Canada?
Browse the current listings on this page or choose your province or territory to explore pets in your region. Pet Rehoming Network features privately owned dogs and puppies being responsibly rehomed in communities across Canada.
Is Pet Rehoming Network a dog shelter or rescue?
No. Pet Rehoming Network provides private, owner-assisted adoption and rehoming services. Dogs generally remain with their owners while suitable new homes are sought.
Can I meet a dog before I decide to adopt?
Yes. When the owner believes an applicant may be a suitable match, prospective adopters can arrange to meet the dog and owner before the adoption is finalized.
Are puppies available for adoption through Pet Rehoming Network?
Sometimes. Puppies may become available when an owner needs to rehome a young dog or an unexpected litter requires responsible homes. Availability changes, so check current listings and consider joining the adoption waiting list.
Are adult or senior dogs a good choice for adoption?
They can be an excellent choice. Adult dogs have established personalities and adult sizes, and their owners can often provide detailed information about training, behaviour, activity level, household habits and compatibility with people or other animals.
Can I find a particular breed or type of dog to adopt?
Yes. Pet Rehoming Network has adoption resources for many popular dog breeds, mixes and types. If the kind of dog you hope to find is not currently listed, you can also join the adoption waiting list.
What should I ask before adopting a dog from their owner?
Ask about veterinary history, medications, diet, training, house-training, exercise requirements, behaviour with children and animals, time spent alone, grooming needs, known behavioural concerns and the reason the dog is being rehomed.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Adoption fees can vary by individual situation. A reasonable fee may be part of responsible rehoming, but prospective adopters should focus on the suitability of the match, the dog’s known history and the long-term costs of responsible care rather than choosing a dog simply because the initial fee is low.
What if I do not see the right dog for adoption today?
New dogs are added as owners request help, while others leave the listings when they are adopted. Join the Pet Rehoming Network waiting list and tell us the location, breed, size, age or personality you hope to find.
How do I rehome my own dog in Canada?
Start with our rehoming request form and tell us about your dog and circumstances. Pet Rehoming Network provides private home-to-home rehoming help while your dog remains in your care, and you choose the adopter.
Meet Dogs & Puppies Looking for Loving Homes in Canada
Take your time, read their stories, ask good questions and look for the dog whose needs, personality and lifestyle fit naturally with your own.