Have you been considering adopting a new furry pal? With dog-friendly coffee shops, bakeries, bars and parks, Cincinnati is a great place to be a pet owner. While there are many good boys and girls looking for their forever home, there’s a lot to think about when making the decision to bring home a pet. What kind of breed is right for you and your lifestyle? What adoption agencies should you look at? If you’re serious about making this life step, adopting a pet is very rewarding — for you and the pet that gets a new home.

We’ve compiled a list of available pets from a few local adoption programs to help you on your mission of finding the pet that’s right for you. This is just a small glimpse into each agency’s list of adoptable pets. If you are interested in seeing what else they have to offer, visit their websites listed below. Also, keep in mind that each program has their own application process and some take longer than others.

HART Animal Rescue | contactus@rescueahart.org, rescueahart.org Louie’s Legacy | 513-655-8643, louieslegacy.org Ohio Alleycat Resource | 513-871-0185, ohioalleycat.org Recycled Doggies | 513-275-5842, recycleddoggies.com Save The Animals Foundation |513-561-7823, staf.org  SPCA Cincinnati | 513-541-6100, spcacincinnati.org Stray Animal Adoption Program | 859-391-1234, adoptastray.com If you’d like to help out the cause but aren’t able to adopt right now, you can always donate to one of these rescues or a number of other local pet adoption organizations.

*Some pets in the slideshow may have pending adoptions. Please contact the rescues for more info. **All caption information taken from pet listing.

Dixon Age: 1 Year Old / Breed: Husky / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Hi, I’m Dixon! I’m a 1 year old Husky mix that weighs around 60 pounds. If you’ve wanted to adopt a Husky, but didn’t know if you could handle the normal energy that comes with one, then I’m the guy for you. I’ve got all the looks of a Husky, but enjoy cuddling on the couch and laying in the grass way more than running around. All I want is for someone to pet me, and if you aren’t willing to do it, I’ll move onto the next person and try them. I love going for walks at the park and meeting new dogs everyday and I get along great with my foster brother who’s also a big dog. I am not the biggest fan of being in my crate (even though I’ll go in at as soon as someone points to it), but I have to be in one since I don’t handle being alone very well. I may be slightly wary of new people at first, but I usually get over that in about 5 minutes. Come meet me if you want to cuddle on the couch all day long! Dixon’s adoption fee is $250.” Photo via
Gopher Age: 3 Months Old / Breed: Tortoiseshell / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Need a little spark of energy to light up your home? Look no further! Meet Gopher! Gopher is a 3-month old tortoiseshell kitten, both her and her sister (Pancake) are named after tortoise species, but unlike tortoises, these kittens are anything but slow. Gopher is adventurous, curious, and loves to play. She loves to climb and jump, as well as play with her toys and her sister. She’s great at keeping herself entertained and will make a toy out of anything she finds. When she is all tired out, she loves to come up for pets, purr in your ear, and then sit by the window to watch the birds before taking a much needed nap. Gopher’s adoption fee is $75, or adopt two kittens for $110. Kittens are very social by nature, so if there is no other cat in the home, our kittens (under one year of age) are adopted in pairs.” Photo via
Zip Dip Age: 2 Months Old / Breed: Husky / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Meet the Westside creamy whip litter! These 5 cuties are 2 month old husky mixes who weigh about 10lbs each. They are likely to be medium to large sized when full grown. They enjoy playing with each other and their much larger foster siblings. When they are tired they like to curl up for a nap. They also like to sing that Husky song when they want attention. How can you resist? They are fostered with large dogs and a cat. Zip Dip’s adoption fee is $400.” Photo via
Max Age: 3 Years Old / Breed: Goldendoodle / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Hello world! My name is Max and I am the best boy. I’m a 3 year old Goldendoodle weighing 60lbs. I am looking for a very special family… When you first meet me I am a little shy and scared, but once I get used to you… I am your BEST FRIEND. My favorite activities include long walks, learning new tricks, cuddling with my foster mom, and vegging out on the couch. When you meet me, please be respectful of my personal space. I don’t like loud, excited people, or people who bend down and touch my face a lot. With time, I will let you know when I am ready for you to enter my bubble. For that reason, I would do best with family without any kids! I have been known to resource guard in the past, but I’ve been working with my foster mom who taught me how to “leave it” and I have never shown any resource guarding behaviors towards her. However, if you have other dogs, I would love to be fed separately from them just in case! I also get a little nervous and show separation anxiety when my foster mom leaves me. I stay in my crate and cry for a little bit, but calm down after a while. We are working on it! I am learning to love my crate, and I sleep in it just fine every night. Max’s adoption fee is $250.” Photo via
Franklin Age: 1.5 Years Old / Breed: Lhasa Apso / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Hi. I’m Franklin. I’m a 30lb, 1.5 year old Lhasa Apso mix. I’m spunky, loyal and particular. I can chase a ball like a champ. I sleep in a cratel at night, and am a very good boy relaxing on the couch all day. I pick my people and follow them around, have good listening skills and love tummy rubs. I’m told my potty training skills are improving and that I need to be kinder to strangers (and not so protective). I play well with my friend who’s a bigger 50lb dude. I also love car rides. I’ll be your best friend and love you forever! Franklin’s adoption fee is $400.” Photo via
2319 Age: 4.5 Years Old / Breed: Shepherd / Hound / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”We’ve got a 2319! This handsome boy is looking for his very own forever home. At only 4.5 years old and around 50 pounds, 23 is as cute as they come. 23 LOVES the other dogs in his foster home, running and playing with them. He is full of energy but is a very submissive dog. He would do best with children who are stable on their feet, as he’s easily excitable and might accidentally knock over a small child. He is both house and crate trained. 23 would love to have another dog in the home to play with, but wouldn’t mind just having 2-legged family members. He can’t wait to find his own family! My adoption fee is $250.” Photo via
Cone Zone Age: 2 Months Old / Breed: Husky / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Meet the Westside creamy whip litter! These 5 cuties are 2 month old husky mixes who weigh about 10lbs each. They are likely to be medium to large sized when full grown. They enjoy playing with each other and their much larger foster siblings. When they are tired they like to curl up for a nap. They also like to sing that Husky song when they want attention. How can you resist? They are fostered with large dogs and a cat. Cone Zone’s adoption fee is $400.” Photo via
Timberwolf Age: 3 Months Old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Kittens are very social by nature, so if there is no other cat in the home, our kittens (under one year of age) are adopted in pairs. Introducing the Crayola Gang, Scarlet, Cadet, Manatee, Timberwolf, and Indigo. These boys and girls are 3 months old and weigh about 3 pounds. They love to run around chasing one another, getting cuddles, pouncing on one another, hiding in laundry baskets, zip ties, laying in their hammock and fluffy puppy toys. They are spayed/neutered, up to date on their vaccines, litter box trained and super excited to find their forever home. Timberwolf’s adoption fee is $75 or adopt two kittens for $110.” Photo via
Slugger Age: 4 Months Old / Breed: Shepherd Hound / Sex: Male / Rescue: SAAP ”Meet the fluffy and oh so sweet Slugger! Slugger is a young pup with a good amount of energy, but the most beautiful markings! He has a striped tail that just never stops wagging. If you think Slugger would make a great addition to your family please fill out an application on adoptastray.com” Photo via
Eliza Doolittle Age: 10 Months Old / Breed: Great Dane / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Eliza Doolittle is a DREAM!! She is 10 months old, 85lbs and already crate and house trained. She is such a smart girl! She love, love, LOVES her zoomies in the yard and splashing around in puddles. She has been great playing with all the new doggy friends she has met. This girl is as inquisitive as she is stunning, sheer perfection! Eliza’s adoption fee is $400.” Photo via
Jim Beam Age: 6 Months Old / Breed: American Bulldog / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Meet super sweet Jim Beam! Jim’s exact breed is a mystery but we think there is some Bulldog involved. He is about 45 pounds, low to the ground with a long body and covered in adorable wrinkles! Jim is approximately 6 months old and has been working on his puppy training. He is crate trained and will often walk right in when his foster mom points to it, impressive! Jim wasn’t potty trained when he arrived in foster but he is now about 95% there! He is a quick learner! Jim Beam does do a little bit of puppy nipping and will jump up on humans when he is excited. He is working hard on these bad habits and improving every day. These traits may make him intimidating to very small kids, so a home with no children or children who are sturdy on their feet would be best. Jim is fostered with several dogs, ranging from 25 to 60 pounds, and he gets along with them all. He does sometimes annoy his senior citizen foster brother, as he hasn’t learned to read “go away” signals from other dogs yet. He loves, loves, loves to play with other young dogs though! Jim is also housed with a cat and the two get along well. He does like to chase but the cat provokes it and the two have even taken a few naps together. He has moderate energy-he plays hard then naps hard! He will need additional work leash training. Jim’s adoption fee is $400.” Photo via
Nougat Age: 5 Years Old / Breed: Shepherd / Sex: Female / Rescue: SAAP ”Nougat has a heart of gold that is often hidden amongst her complex layers. She is a 5 y.o shepherd mix and about 65lbs. Nougat received little to no proper human interaction before she came to SAAP at 4 months and was likely underexposed to the every day sounds that help young dogs adapt to a busy human world. She is very reserved with new people and some she may never warm up to properly. Her future home will need to understand her past but also know that she is capable of more! She would benefit greatly from the help of a professional trainer to allow her to become more confident and learn coping techniques when she’s in new environments. She was adopted for several years but the smaller dog became afraid of her when they became entangled so she was returned. She has been slow to come out of her shell in her foster home – not readily eating at first and scared of many normal activities/sounds in and around the home – but she is adjusting to the routine and discovering skills like heel which will help her walk outside more focused and less distracted by scary things. She ignores cats and does well with dogs. She is already house trained and is mostly crate trained but will likely need time to adjust to that as well. As many shepherds tend to do, Nougat usually picks her person and wants to shadow him/her throughout the home. If you are looking for a soulmate and tend to have a quieter lifestyle, please consider investing in this sweetheart! We would love to discuss her more with you and set up a meet to get to know her. UPDATE: Nougat is doing very well in her foster home! She loves walks and is doing great ignoring any scary noises because she is focused heeling instead of those distractions. She loooooves attention and wants to be everywhere with you. She is not a fan of bath time but does eventually cooperate. She enjoys chasing bugs in the air and having a space to run in the yard.” Photo via
Frito Age: 6 Years Old / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Male / Rescue: SAAP ”Frito is a healthy and happy adult guy who likes to lay around the house waiting for rubs and kisses. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. Apply to adopt at adoptastray.com” Photo via
Zoe Age: 5 Years Old / Breed: Retriever, Labrador/Terrier, Pit Bull Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: SAAP ”Meet Zoe! Zoe is a 5yo around 45-50lb pibble mix with an underbite. How ADORABLE is she?! Good with dogs, kids, and cats! Zoe doesn’t love her crate, so a plastic crate verses a wire is best for her to settle quick and be her best. This gal plays like a boxer puppy with her bats of the paw. Apply to meet the sweetheart at www.adoptastray.com!” Photo via
Cadet Age: 3 Months Old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Kittens are very social by nature, so if there is no other cat in the home, our kittens (under one year of age) are adopted in pairs. Introducing the Crayola Gang, Scarlet, Cadet, Manatee, Timberwolf, and Indigo. These boys and girls are 3 months old and weigh about 3 pounds. They love to run around chasing one another, getting cuddles, pouncing on one another, hiding in laundry baskets, zip ties, laying in their hammock and fluffy puppy toys. They are spayed/neutered, up to date on their vaccines, litter box trained and super excited to find their forever home. Cadet loves to purr when he is cuddled. He is an adventurous boy who likes to wrestle with his brothers and sisters. He is a great climber and is quick to show you how high he can climb. He also likes cuddle time. Cadet’s adoption fee is $75, or adopt two kittens for $110.” Photo via
Sprout Age: 12 Weeks Old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Everyone meet, Sprout, Bloom and Petal. These sweet girls are 12 weeks old and weigh about 3.5 pounds. They love wet kitten food, crinkle toys, tunnels and pouncing on each other. Sprout is the adventurous one of the bunch, always the first to check out a new situation. These girls are spayed, up to date on their vaccines, litter box trained and ready for a loving home. They are fostered with cats and small/medium sized dogs. Sprout’s adoption fee is $75, or adopt two kittens for $110. Kittens are very social by nature, so if there is no other cat in the home, our kittens (under one year of age) are adopted in pairs.” Photo via
Paul McCatney Age: 4 Years Old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: HART of Cincinnati Animal Rescue ”Paul McCatney is a sweet and playful guy! He is a 4 year-old brown striped tabby cat with gorgeous green eyes. He weighs around 9 lbs. He is litter box trained and has good manners. He loves to cuddle and brush his face beneath your chin. He will come running when you call out his name. He has lived with another pet (dog) before, but he does best when he is the only pet in the home. He is still very playful, but he loves to nap as you will see in his photos. ” Photo via
Norma Cluster Age: 3 Years Old / Breed: Beagle, Terrier, Jack Russell Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: SAAP ”Norma is a very sweet and petite Jack Russell Terrier mix and she weighs only 14 pounds. Norma Cluster has been such a good little mama.Now she is ready to find her own forever family. www.adoptastray.com.#allforlove#lovechangeseverything #thinkadoptionfirst” Photo via
Ginger Lynn Age: 2 Years Old / Breed: Retriever, Labrador Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: SAAP ”Ginger Lynn is a beautiful girl who loves to run and play. Since arriving in her foster she is proving to be a sweetheart. She is well mannered, plays well with other dogs and is keeping her crate clean. She is a bit skinny so would love someone to spoil her with treats to help her gain some weight. She weighs about 40 lbs now.” Photo via
Serenity Age: 2 Years Old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: HART of Cincinnati Animal Rescue ”Serenity is a two year old sweetheart of a cat looking for her forever home! She was brought to a spay clinic as part of a TNR program, but turns out she much prefers the indoor, family pet life instead of life on the streets. She’s got the sweetest personality and the most wonderful purr. She likes to be held and will cuddle and snuggle up onto your neck and purrrrrr. She loves wet food and her soft cat bed. She has a small abscess on her paw that has healed, there is just a small patch where the fur needs to grow back. If you’d like to adopt this sweet girl, apply today!” Photo via
Bloom Age: 12 Weeks Old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Everyone meet, Sprout, Bloom and Petal. These sweet girls are 12 weeks old and weigh about 3.5 pounds. They love wet kitten food, crinkle toys, tunnels and pouncing on each other. Bloom is an easy going gal who is happy playing hide and seek with her sisters or hanging out in the cat tree. She also loves to sit in the window and bird watch. These girls spayed, up to date on their vaccines, litter box trained and ready for a loving home. They are fostered with cats and small/medium sized dogs. Bloom’s adoption fee is $75, or adopt two kittens for $110. Kittens are very social by nature, so if there is no other cat in the home, our kittens (under one year of age) are adopted in pairs.” Photo via
Josie Age: 1 Year Old / Breed: Chihuahua / Terrier / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Josie to the front of the line! This 15 lb wiggly girl is ready to be your best friend. Josie has a serious face but will show you her delight with her wiggly body and swinging tail. She loves meal time and came into rescue underweight but with a healthy diet, is now at an ideal size. She’s 1-2 years old, crate- trained, and quite good with house training. She needs a little more guidance in that area and should be good to go! She’s loves a good daily walk and once harnessed, will wait by the door patiently while you get ready. Josie is a cuddly girl who just wants to love you! She would do best in a home with another active dog who likes to play and a fenced in yard that she can run around in. Will you give this brindle beauty a safe and secure forever home?! Her adoption fee is $400.” Photo via
Wiley Age: Adult / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Ohio Alleycat Resource ”Hi, I’m new at OAR! I’m looking for a home. They are learning about me and working on my biography. I’m not sure when they will finish it, so why not just come meet me in person? If you are interested in adopting from OAR, please fill out an application at www.ohioalleycat.org/adoption-form (don’t worry, the process doesn’t take long). Thank you for looking at my page!.. Interested in adopting? Questions about this cat? Please complete our adoption form at www.ohioalleycat.org/adoption-form. We will contact you to discuss the adoption process and answer your questions. The adoption fee for this cat is $40, which helps pay for their medical and daily care expenses. If you adopt a second cat of any age within 90 days, there is no additional adoption fee.” Photo via
Malt Age: Young / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Ohio Alleycat Resource ”Hi, I’m new at OAR! I’m looking for a home. They are learning about me and working on my biography. I’m not sure when they will finish it, so why not just come meet me in person? If you are interested in adopting from OAR, please fill out an application at www.ohioalleycat.org/adoption-form (don’t worry, the process doesn’t take long). Thank you for looking at my page!..” Photo via
Rupert Age: Senior / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Ohio Alleycat Resource ”Rupert just wants a person of his own! He would love to be your one and only, and would prefer a quieter home. He does well with respectful kids and tolerates respectful dogs. He would love to snuggle on your lap for hours! If you are interested in adopting from OAR, please fill out an application at www.ohioalleycat.org/adoption-form (don’t worry, the process doesn’t take long). Thank you for looking at my page!..” Photo via