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 fur-ever homes, 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 — both for you and for 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 to learn more. Also, keep in mind that each program has its own application process and some take longer than others.

If you’d like to help but aren’t able to adopt right now, you can 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.

Baby Age: 3 Years / Breed: German Shepherd / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue “Hello everyone! My name is Baby! I am about 3 years old, I weigh about 45 pounds, and even though I’m not a small dog, I still think I can sit in your lap. You can tell I’m a German Shepherd mix by my face and ears! I love to cuddle, catch treats in my mouth, and sleep! Louie’s Legacy saved me from a shelter and took me to my new foster family! I have learned from my foster family that I LOVE treats, LOVE Kongs, and I LOVE my open concept crate, it’s like a play pen for babies, but for dogs! I get scared in a enclosed crate and make sure everyone knows it, but I’m content in my open concept crate with my blanket! I get anxious around other dogs and sometimes make it known by lunging at them and standing my ears up, but I’m just trying to make sure my foster family is protected!” If you have a home just for me, so I can have all of your attention, and want a pup that’ll give you lots of love and cuddles, I’m your baby! My foster family loves me, but think that I deserve a forever home that is a perfect fit. Maybe you’re my perfect fit!”
Blue Age: 2 Years / Breed: Chow Chow / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue “Hello! I’m Blue! I’m a 2 year chow mix who weighs about 65lbs. I’ve spent most of my life living outside so I’m learning to live the good life. I really like it so far. I go into my crate when asked and am nice and quiet in it. I’ve only had one accident in the house so far, which is pretty good since I’m used to living outside. My foster mom tells me I’m the best boy. I love running around the yard with my foster siblings (they are big and small) & will sometimes chase the cat when he runs by me. I’m learning to play with toys and like them so far. I’m pretty obedient, but could use some basic manners since I’m a big boy. I’m learning to walk on a leash and am pretty strong. If you think you are ready for a friendly fluffy friend in your life, apply today!”
Mocha Age: 4 Years / Breed: English Bulldog / Sex: Female / Rescue: Queen City Bulldog Rescue “Hi I’m Mocha! I came from a puppy mill and lived most of my life in a cage so I need some time to adjust to life in a home.”
Farmer Age: 8 Years / Breed: Rottweiler Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: HART “Farmer is an 8 year old, 53 pound, Rottweiler mix who was found as a stray in Alabama and never reclaimed. He is a sweet older gentleman who still has pep in his step. To him, age is just a number! Farmer passed his behavioral assessment with flying colors, has a smile for everyone he meets, and enjoys playing with toys. Not only does he fetch, he’ll also drop the toy for you to throw it again. Farmer is good with other dogs but hasn’t been tested with cats. Initially, Farmer tested positive for heartworm, while in Alabama but he underwent two additional tests with our vet and tested negative each time. If you would like to meet this happy older boy, please go to our website at www.rescueahart.org and fill out an online adoption application.”
Moxie Age: 8 Years / Breed: Poodle Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Adoption First Animal Rescue “Moxie is an 8-year-old poodle mix, weighing in at 9 pounds. Moxie is a very sweet girl and is great with kids older than 6. She is definitely a lap dog and enjoys all the attention that she can get. Moxie is very quiet, only barking/talking when she wants some love and attention. She is working on house training, she uses the pee pad or outside for all urine, but still poops in the house. This little girl is just too cold to go out in this winter weather, she seems more concerned with getting back inside the house than doing her business outside. She did have an extensive surgery when she was spayed, we sent the mass off, and it was benign.”
Haley Age: 1.5 Years / Breed: Doberman Pinscher / Sex: Female / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Haley is a 1 1/2 y/o Doberman Pinscher, 65 lbs, walks well on a leash, listens pretty good too, does fine with dogs and cats, cautious of her new surroundings. Quiet in her crate, hasn’t had an accident inside yet.”
Maven Age: Unknown / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: OAR “Hey, I’m new at OAR! I’m an awesome cat looking for a home. My bio isn’t finished yet, so why not say hello in person?”
Jaxon Age: 3 Years / Breed: Beagle Corgi Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Jaxon just came to his foster home last night and is still getting used to everything, but this 3-year-old hound/corgi mix (28 lbs.) is so far very sweet, cuddly, and gets along fine with other dogs. He is also housebroken and crate-trained and loves a good lap! We’re going on a walk soon so I’ll see how he is, but he’s a sweetie and would make a great pet.”
JC Age: 1.5 Years / Breed: Chihuahua Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Little Hills of Kentucky Animal Rescue “My name is JC. I am a 1.5 year old sweet Chihuahua mix. I am a whopping 6 lbs. I am a little diva and quite active. I love to be held and cuddle to whom I choose as my favorite human. I am not house trained yet, but working on it. My foster mom says I’m making some progress. I love playing with other dogs my size, but cats aren’t my favorite playmates. I don’t bark at children, I just run and hide so small children isn’t a good fit for me. Also, no fault of my own, I am very scared of men, I will potty on myself and shake, but I love females. I will also need a fenced-in yard because I am very fast and once I start running, well let’s say I love to run.”
Buddy Age: 11 years / Breed: Domestic Long Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Myles Ahead Animal Sanctuary Rescue “Hi, my name is Buddy. I’m 11 yrs old and am a true love bug at heart. I was rescued as a stray when I was a few years old and have been with my mom until recently. See, she got sick and has trouble getting around, so she surrendered me over to the vet when she couldn’t take care of me anymore. I’m so thankful that I was rescued and fostered with Myles Ahead though! I show my gratitude every day with head bumps, squeaks, and leg rubs. I’ve been on a strict diet because the vet said I’m obese! The nerve! I am 17lbs of pure love! I do take a little bit of time to build trust and I make it known if I don’t like something. Once I trust you, in a few days, everything will be fine. My hiss and growl are just my grumpy old man facade, I am really a gentle giant. I LOVE feather toys and chasing things. I also like to “hunt” for kibbles in different places. Snuggles are a must! Oh, but I hate being brushed. My foster mom does it while I’m eating breakfast because I’m distracted. Lol. I would love a home with people that will give me all of the pets and love this old man can handle. Preferably with no other animals. I get a little, well a lot, stressed out around them. If that’s you, come get me!!”
Milo Age: 1.5 Years / Breed: Shar Pei and Labrador Retriever Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Lucky Tales Rescue, Inc. “Hello all, my name is Milo and I’m a 1.5 year old 50 lb. Shar Pei/Lab mix. When I was taken in by my foster mom, I was really scared. I would pee if anyone raised their voice for any reason and would cry in my cage at night. It was tough on me! But with a lot of love and patience, my foster mom has brought me out of that shell and I am now confident and happy. I live with 2 human siblings and one 4-legged brother and I love them all! I love to investigate the back yard when I’m allowed, and I love my chew toys and stuffed animals, but for the most part I like to just chill with my foster family. My foster mom calls me Mellow Milo because it fits me perfectly, just like my sweet droopy face! I mean you can’t go wrong with me, so how bout it?! Not to mention, I’m crate trained and house trained, too. I am up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, heartworm negative, and neutered.”
Sandy Age: 4.5 Years / Breed: Shepherd and Collie Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Lucky Tales Rescue, Inc. “S is for Sandy, Special, Spectacular, and…Sweetest! Sweetest- dog – EVER. That’s what my foster Mom says anyway. I’m a 4-5 year old…. and my favorite thing to do is, well, hang out with humans. I’m quiet, loveable, and an easy dog. I can’t be bothered with the cats and the growly Chihuahua in my foster home, so I ignore them. Who needs that kind of stress? Just go with the flow, I say! I’m a timid in the beginning, but once I know the routine, I’m Simply fabulous. She is housebroken , crate trained, and does not bother anything when left loose in the house. Sandy likes to go for walks but only to potty then she is ready to go back inside. Best home would be a quiet one with few children visiting.”
Flower Age: 6 years / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: HART “This is Flower, a 6 year old DSH tortie who was originally found at a local Home Depot store. We think she was attacked by another animal as she has a scar on her head. She is also deaf as a result of ear mites that were untreated. Because her one ear is bent down and doesn’t get much air, it requires to be checked & cleaned regularly and sometimes scratches it. She is really sweet and will let you love on her. She was adopted by a nice family but unfortunately had to be returned with another HART cat due to family circumstances with kids being home with Covid and added stress on the cats. Only took a few hours in a calm, quiet household for her to find the cat tree and get settled in! She needs to be an only cat.”
Garfield Age: Unknown / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: OAR “Hi, I’m new at OAR! I’m an awesome cat looking for a home. My bio isn’t finished yet, so why not say hello in person?”
Opie Age: Unknown / Breed: Siamese / Sex: Male / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Opie is a very affectionate fella who longs for love and afternoon pets. Opie is friendly to all people and will be great with all ages. Opie does not like the loud dogs in the home and stays away from them. He is okay with other cats, but does take some time to warm up to them. Opie enjoys napping in small and cozy spaces and doesn’t play too much with toys or other cats. He is litter box trained and has not been observed to scratch any furniture or other items since being in his foster home”
Rosie Age: 7 Months / Breed: Redbone Coonhound Mix Sex: Female / Rescue:Three Sisters Pet Rescue/Ohio Hound Rescue “Imrie Rose is 7 months old. She is a BIG puppy and will get bigger. She grew up in a family home, with her brother. She is adapting to Rescue and day care. Rosie is ready to find her furr-ever home!”
Tigger Age: 2 years / Breed: Tabby / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue “Hi there! My name is Tigger and I’m a small 2 year old guy! I am very laid back and looking for a home where I can stretch out in sunny spots. I love napping and chin scratches. I’m fostered with other cats and I’m happy to co-exist as long as they let me have my space. I like to hang out near my foster mom while she works. I can’t wait to find my own furever family!”
D’Wayne Age: 2.5 years / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Crazy Cats Animal Rescue “I am about 2-3 years old. I’m super sweet and very laid back, I’m an easy going guy….I am neutered, Felv Negative, UTD on vaccinations, and microchipped!”
Truck Age: 4 Months / Breed: Pit Bull and Labrador Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Lucky Tales Rescue, Inc. “Hello! My name is Truck. I’m a 4-month-old Pitbull mix puppy with plenty of love and kisses to give. I enjoy playing with toys and other dogs, but I’m not too sure about cats. I love a good cuddle with my people and prefer to sleep beside you at night rather than the crate. I’m a little protective of my food and bones, but with some training and care, this should get better! As you may be able to see, my front legs (especially my left) are a little wonky! I had injuries to my legs as a small pup, but that does not stop me from running and playing. It will be important that my family understands that my legs may never be straight and that I need to keep a good lean weight. I am very excited to go home to my new family and start new adventures! woot woot!”
Tucker Age: 3.5 Years / Breed: Labrador Retriever Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Animal Friends Humane Society “Meet Tucker a 3 1/2 year old boy who was returned due to not doing well with the small children in the home. Tucker is a nervous boy- loud noises and fast movements can scare him. He needs someone willing to use positive training methods to build up his confidence. He is housebroken and loves to play fetch. He needs a home without cats or children.”
Vanessa Age: 1.5 years / Breed: Domestic Short Hair and Domestic Medium Hair Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Purrfect Friends “Vanessa is a soft grey & white, plush-coated kitty, 1.5 to 2 years old, according to the vet who checked her out. She’d been fending for herself, outside on her own in unfamiliar territory, for several weeks before we got her. At first she was untrusting & unfriendly; it took awhile for her to warm up at her new foster home, and feel comfortable to trust another human – but she has! She’s sweet -rubs up against you to be petted and often doesn’t want you to stop! She’s been appreciating regular meals and a soft, warm place to sleep – who knows what might have happened to her previously. . . She was dropped off/abandoned near the home of a Good Samaritan, who was very concerned about her being out in the winter cold, with nothing to eat. So she provided food and shelter and reached out for Purrfect Friends to help find a wonderful, new home for this sweet kitty!”
Wicket Age: Unknown / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: OAR “Quiet purr machine seeking forever home! Wicket is a sweet, loving guy who is looking for a home of his own. Once he’s comfortable with you, you’ll be rewarded with his signature biscuits and purrs. Wicket’s foster mom reports he did well with the resident cats, and he is quite the lover once he feels relaxed! One of his other budding loves is playing with feather wand toys to get in his daily steps.”