Small dogs for adoption.
Under-25-lb rescue dogs in Minnesota & South Dakota foster homes — this list is live.
Looking for a small dog to adopt in Minnesota or South Dakota? You are in the right place. Rescue Network pulls dogs from overcrowded shelters across the Midwest and the southern states, and small breeds and small mixes come through all year. This page lists the grown ones; small-breed puppies have their own page.
Every dog below lives in a foster home, not a kennel, so their profiles reflect who they really are: the lap dogs, the big-personality little athletes, and the quiet seniors. Vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and ready.
Adoptable now
Small dogs in our foster homes.
Loading the little ones…
Common questions
Small-dog questions.
What people ask us most about adopting a small dog.
Does Rescue Network usually have small dogs for adoption?
Yes. Small dogs and small-breed mixes come through our network all year across Minnesota and South Dakota. This page lists grown small dogs and is live — new dogs arrive every week, and small-breed puppies are listed on our
puppies page.
What counts as a small dog?
We group dogs by weight, and “small” means under about 25 pounds full-grown. Terrier mixes, chihuahua mixes, dachshunds, shih tzus, and one-of-a-kind blends all come through. Each profile shares what we know about size, age, and personality.
Where do I meet a small dog I like?
We are 100% foster-based, so there is no shelter to visit. Every dog lives in a volunteer foster home, and you meet through a scheduled meet-and-greet with the foster who knows them best. Many of our dogs also attend
weekend adoption events around Minnesota and South Dakota.
How do I adopt a small dog from Rescue Network?
Apply online for the dog you are interested in, meet them with their foster, then sign the contract and pay the adoption fee electronically. Most adoptions are finalized within 5 to 14 days of the initial application — the
adoption process page walks through every step.
What if the right dog isn't listed today?
Check back often — new dogs are listed every week — or submit an application now so you are already approved when the right dog arrives. Our
Foster to Adopt program is another path: spend time with a dog at home before fully committing.
Foster a small dog.
Small dogs are the easiest fostering there is — less space, less food, same saved life. We cover vet care, food, and supplies; you provide the lap. Every new foster home lets us pull one more dog from a crowded shelter.
