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.

Henna Age: 5 Years Old / Breed: Coonhound / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”My name’s Henna and a 5-year-old Coonhound. I’m so happy to be out of the animal shelter after being in one for several months! I am 60 pounds now! I currently live with another dog my size and we could play outside all day if we were allowed; I really enjoy having someone to play with. Although, if she were a cat, I’d like to be separated from her. I would be happiest in a fenced yard to call my own, since I like to explore my surroundings. I am fully potty, crate, and leash trained. I am still working on basic commands like off, sit, and stay but I’m learning very fast and my foster mom say I’m learning more every day. I’m very food motivated so getting me to pay attention is a breeze. I really like bones and chew toys; they keep me from playing with things I shouldn’t. If you give me a chance, I would love for you to come meet me to see if we’re a good match, and continue to learn how to be a good companion! Henna’s adoption fee is $25.” Photo via
Ben Age: Adult/ Breed:West Highland White Terrier/ Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Ben is a 10 year old Westie who weighs 22 pounds. The best way to describe him is a curmudgeon. He is a one person dog and will love that person unconditionally. However, he doesn’t care for the company of other animals. When Ben is not hanging with his human he will curl up in his bed and hang out. He is house trained and walks well on a leash. Ben’s adoption fee is $150.” Photo via
Denver Age: Puppy / Breed: Retriever Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Meet Denver! He is a 2 month old Retriever mix. This litter is very well socialized and have been fostered with large adult dogs and cats. They are not crate trained or housebroken yet, and will need typical puppy training in their forever home. They are all very feisty, healthy pups who love attention. Denver is the one of larger pups in the litter. His adoption fee is $400.” Photo via
Macie Age: 4 Years Old / Breed: Medium Hair Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: SAAP ”She is a gorgeous black cat who loves to sit in a sunny window, play with her toy cardboard carrot and eat dinner! She is a bit shy at first so would do best in a home with no small kids or dogs but does terrific with other cats. She enjoys sitting next to you on the couch and likes her belly rubbed! She is quiet and has good litter box habits. Macie has a cute little half tail! Apply now to adopt her!” Photo via
Avi Age: Adult/ Breed: Siberian Husky/ Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Meet Avi! He is the true meaning of rescue. Avi used to live with an abusive owner, until we changed his path! He has come so far, and has been clicker trained, but is still healing and will need a patient adopter who is willing to continue his training. He is 4-5 years old and weighs around 55 lbs. He loves everyone he meets, but is not good with children or cats, and doesn’t understand why they move so fast. He is slow to trust, but very playful and affectionate once he knows he is safe. Avi will jump a fence that is smaller than 6 ft tall, and will need long daily walks. He currently lives with and loves his boxer bulldog mix foster brother, but knows he is the pretty one! A home with another playful husky or other dog similar in size would be ideal! HUSKY EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. CANNOT BE PLACED WITH CHILDREN OR CATS. If you want to be a part of Avi’s recovery and future, and are willing to invest in long term training, apply for him today! His adoption fee is $25.” Photo via
Thor Age: Puppy/ Breed: Boxer/Jack Russell Terrier Mix/ Sex: Male / Rescue: HART of Cincinnati Animal Rescue ”Thor is an 8 month old, 33 pound, fun-loving guy! He is an outdoor enthusiast as he loves to play fetch, go on walks, hike, and even run. His favorite things to do are give kisses and play with his toys. Thor is crate trained but also loves to sleep in beds, if allowed. As a bonus, he’s house trained and goes by the door when he needs to go out. He is great with other dogs, loves playing with cats, and isn’t afraid to play with anyone! Even with his puppy energy he loves his fosters and wants to be around them as much as possible. Thor is a great dog for anyone who wants an adventure partner and friend. If you would like to meet Thor, please go to our website at www.rescueahart.org and fill out an online adoption application.” Photo via
Miss Ivy Age: Senior / Breed: Calico Domestic Short Hair Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: HART of Cincinnati Animal Rescue ”Meet Miss Ivy! She’s a calico looking for a forever home with loving people. She’s lost her favorite person, her cat buddy of 6 years and her home – all in the last year. Even with all that, once Ivy gets to know and trust you she’s very sweet and loves to head-butt and get lots of petting. She’s always happy to see her foster mom (she loves feeding time) and is even rolling over (see photo) for tummy rubs. Though she’s lived outside most of her life (with garage shelter at night), she has perfect house manners and is very tidy with her food and water bowls, scratching post, and litter box. Really the perfect house cat! With time, she might be able to adjust to living with another cat but would probably be happiest as an only cat. No children under ten, please. Miss Ivy would be so happy to spend the rest of her days in a safe, loving home. Could that by yours?” Photo via
Sammy Age: 6 Years Old / Breed: Mixed Breed / Sex: Female / Rescue:SPCA ”Hi I’m Sammy! I’m a very sweet girl who is looking for my forever home. I came to SPCA Cincinnati as a stray so I can’t remember if I like cats or children. I lived in a home for a while but they had to bring me back for personal reasons but they said I’m a great dog! I get along with my canine pals here at the shelter, but you may want to bring any dogs you already have in to meet me if you want to take me home. I’ve been told my smile wins over even the coldest of hearts; imagine waking up each day to this grin! So please consider taking me home with you, I’d love to be your new best friend. If you want to meet me fill out an “Adoption By Appointment” form to the left of the screen!” Photo via
Macie Age: Young / Breed: Labrador Retriever / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Macie is just under a year old and is probably very close to full grown at just under 50lbs. We believe her to be a lab mix. Her early life is unknown but it is clear that she had little to no interaction with people. Thankfully, Louie’s Legacy stepped in, and we are working to make sure she never has to live like that again! Because of this, Macie can be very fearful of new situations. She should not be in a home with children. She has shown herself to be very smart and eager to learn, and for that we are very hopeful that she will find the perfect adopter to help her continue to learn to be brave. An adopter must be very patient with her and be willing to continue working with a trainer to help her be the very best dog she can be. Macie’s adoption fee is $25.” Photo via
Brett Age: Young / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Brett is a lively grey and white 1 year old kitty. He is neutered and UTD on vaccines and preventatives. He and his littermates have had a bit of a rough start but are healthy and ready for adoption. They will require a specific diet and need to be adopted in pairs. Due to their previous medical concerns they will need to be the only animals in the home. Brett and his siblings love to play with laser pointers, crinkly toys, and feather toys. My adoption fee is $25.” Photo via
Hershey Age: Adult / Breed: Labrador Retriever / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Hershey is 60 pounds and 3 1/2 years old. He can be a very sweet boy. He needs time to warm up to strangers, but has worked with a trainer and is becoming more trusting. He will need more training and firm boundaries. He loves playing with his foster siblings. He enjoys chewing on bones and ropes. He is very loving to his foster mom. Hershey is crate trained and house broken. He knows all his basic commands (sit, stay, paw, come, place). He is available for meet and greet, with the potential adopter. He can not go to a home with children of any age. His adoption fee is $25.” Photo via
Patches Age: 10 Years Old / Breed: Domestic Shorthair Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: SPCA ”Hi! I’m Patches, the sweetest cat you’ll ever have! Even at ten years old, I’m very lively and playful, and I’m always ready to play with a toy or some string. At the same time, I know when to relax and snuggle into your lap for a nap. I’m very clean, super low maintenance, and perfectly sweet. If you are willing to give me a good home, I have so much love to give in return!” Photo via
Clover Age: 1 years old/ Breed: Shorthair Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: SAAP ”She is just the sweetest girl. She acts more like a dog than a cat, which is funny because she’s afraid of dogs. She even knows how to play fetch! Gets along with other cats and is great with kids. We’re working on her fear of dogs.” Photo via
Flapjack Age: 2 / Breed: Saint Bernard / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Meet Flapjack! This 2 year old, 130 pound hunk of love is ready and waiting to find the loves of his life! This sweet boy is a purebred Saint Bernard. He is fostered with other dogs and with kids. While this friendly guy doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, he is far too interested in small animals, so he should definitely go to a cat and chicken free home! Flapjack loves a good game of fetch and a romp around the backyard, but sometimes he loves to explore the world outside of his yard, so Flapjack will need a family dedicated to constantly watching him while he is outside, so he doesn’t slip under a fence and take a neighborhood stroll. Flapjack lived outside before coming to rescue, but he quickly learned to love the indoors – especially the couch! His family will need to be patient with him while he perfects his potty training and crate training. He has made amazing potty and crate training progress while in his foster home. It doesn’t get much better than Flapjack – apply today to make him a part of your family! Flapjack’s adoption fee is $350.” Photo via
Prince Age: 1 Years Old / Breed: Mixed Breed / Sex: Male / Rescue: SPCA ”Hi I’m Prince!! I’m a SUPER lovable guy and I’m waiting for my forever home! I would greatly benefit from training to learn manners and hand signals as I am deaf. I’m VERY eager to learn. I have lived with young kids but because of my size and energy, I think that I would do better with older kids. If you have other dogs, I would need to meet with them, too. Sometimes other dogs take my energy the wrong way. I’ve had a blast living with my foster sibling and running around in the backyard! If you think that you have the best home for me and the patience for training, email foster@spcacincinnati.org.” Photo via
Hudson Age: 7 Years Old / Breed: Pit Bull Terrier Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Meet handsome Hudson! Hudson is a 7-year-old pit mix and a goofball who keeps his foster family laughing! When he came into rescue, he was 47 pounds. He has probably gained a few pounds since then with proper nutrition. Hudson is a sweet, middle-aged dog who has recently (January) undergone heart worm treatment. Due to this, his activity level needs to be kept moderate or lower. Hudson has probably never lived in a home before and he is working hard on his home manners! He understands “no” so that has been helpful. Hudson is currently confined to a small room when his foster mom is out and he has had no potty accidents in the room. He is almost fully potty trained in his home after a month of hard work! Hudson lives with 2 foster dogs, 25 and 50 pounds and does great with them both! He is also learning to live with a cat and does well with her too! He will give chase to her but knows when to back off. They were even caught napping together on a dog bed recently! Hudson is not living with kids but has met teenagers out on his daily strolls and has done great with them. Hudson was enjoying meeting new people on his walks until social distancing started and he looks forward to getting back to it when the governor tells him it’s okay! Inside, he loves toys and napping! He makes his foster mom laugh with his “old man” snoring. Hudson also loves to watch TV with his foster mom. His favorite show is The Office. Hudson’s adoption fee is sponsored.” Photo via
Spanky Age: 4 Years Old / Breed: Mixed Breed / Sex: Male / Rescue: SPCA ”Why, hello HOOMANS! Name’s Spanky. Put-er-there pal! I am a really ridiculously good looking young man at 4 years old. I am looking to be your new forever companion…someone you possibly share your bed with, or couch…ok…ok..i’ll sleep in my doggie bed, just as long as I get some awesome treats every now and again! Also, I’ve always dreamed of my own toys! C’mon Ma or Pop, can I have some!? Come bring any of your other canine family members and children in. I’d love to see them in person! Call and ask for me by my name!” Photo via
Jack Age: 2 Years Old / Breed: Coonhound/Treeing Walker Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: SAAP ”Jack had a great second day in foster home – enjoyed his walks and was decent on a leash, long or short. Happy to meet dogs, only vocal with one that was out on a jog and he wanted very much to join in. House trained, sleeps in crate at night, and patiently waiting for my cat to come say hi a bit more often. Learning “sit,” and figuring out what to do with his big body in the car. Trying out “pretzel position.” So cute all curled up to nap. Photo via
Nora Age: 2 Years Old / Breed: Great Pyrenees Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Norah is a 2-year-old Great Pyrenees mix. She was found living in an abandoned home, underweight and with almost no hair on her body. She’s spent the last few months recuperating with her foster family and getting some much needed TLC. Over the course of that time, she’s transformed from a scared dog who avoided human touch at all costs to a happy, healthy, playful girl who follows her foster parents around the house just in case they have time for a quick chin scratch. Her tail never stops wagging – especially if her big foster sister is near! At first fearful and defensive with the other dogs in her foster home, Norah’s become the most playful pup her foster family has ever had. If they were allowed, her and her foster sister would spend all day chasing each other around the backyard and wrestling. After all she’s been through, Norah deserves the best life possible and we’re more than happy to help her find that! We would prefer Norah have an outgoing, playful dog friend at home to help her continue gaining confidence and be as happy as she can be. She would also do best with a fully fenced-in yard. Norah will need a dog-experienced adopter who will be patient, but also know when to give her the gentle nudge she needs to help her open up. She understands pack dynamic and requires firm boundaries once comfortable in a home. Because of her past, Norah does resource guard and will need to be fed separately from other dogs, as well as supervised any time a toy is accessible. She also cannot be adopted with children, teenagers, cats or small dogs. My adoption fee is $250!” Photo via
Cordelia Age: Adult / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Ohio Alleycat Resource ”Cordelia is a sassy, attention loving girl! She loves being petted by humans- once she approaches you. Let her be the boss! She is a bit shy around other cats, and isn’t keen to them interacting with her. She enjoys playing with toys, and is more likely to accept pets if you approach her with one. She definitely needs soft spots to lounge, and enjoys having soft blankets at her disposal. Cordelia would do best in a home without kids or other pets- she needs to be the star! Come introduce yourself to this fiesty girl today!.. 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
Oreo Age: Young / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Tuxedo / Sex: Male / Rescue: HART of Cincinnati Animal Rescue ”Oreo may be 2-years old but he doesn’t know it. He’s incredibly playful and curious just like a kitten. He loves laser pointers, feathers, wand toys, plush toys, you name it! He loves watching birds out the window and finding new places to explore. He needs a home that will take the time to play with him frequently or other cats in the home to help keep him entertained. He was rescued with his mom and brother so he does best with a sibling or two he can hang with. He is very nervous around strangers and loud noises so he may not do well with dogs or young children. It does take him a while to get acclimated with his surroundings and to trust people but if you give him some space, he figures it out. He doesn’t love being snuggled but once he gets comfortable, he will be your shadow and always wants to know what you’re up to. He hasn’t figured out treats yet but he does love wet food.” Photo via
Lulu Age: 7 Years Old / Breed: Mixed Breed / Sex: Female / Rescue: SPCA ”Hello everyone! My name is Lulu. I came to the SPCA as a stray and have been living with my foster dad for last month or two. He says that I am the sweetest girl ever and tells me how proud of me he is that I have had ZERO accidents in the house since I arrived. I am also NOT a chewer or barker – just saying. My walks through the neighborhood are my favorite part of the day; however, I would love a fenced yard of my own where I can chase squirrels. I always get compliments from neighbors on our walks about how pretty I am. In addition, I am incredibly affectionate. Within a few minutes of meeting you, I will probably be on my back wanting you to rub my belly. Cuddling with my foster dad on couch as we watch TV makes me incredibly happy. Even though I am about 50 pounds, I aspire to be a lap dog and to cuddle with you as much as you will allow. Another favorite pastime of mine is playing with my Kong – especially when it is filled with something tasty. I’ve been working on my leash walking manners in the last month and am showing improvement. I don’t know how I would do with cats or kids, but at the SPCA I had several kennel mates. If you have fenced yard and are looking for a professional cuddle buddy/squirrel hunter/walking companion – I’m your girl! Please reach out to foster@spcacincinnati.org if you are interested in meeting me!” Photo via
Rose Tyler Age: Puppy / Breed: Shepherd/ Pointer Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy ”Meet the Doctor Who Litter! Ranging from 9 to 12 lbs these two month old, Shepherd/Pointer mix rascals love to romp and play. Some of their favorite activities include giving out lots of puppy kisses, napping on top of each other, and playing with their foster sisters. While playing in the backyard they enjoy chasing each other around, jumping in and out of the garden boxes, and playing tag with their foster sisters. They are fostered with two medium dogs and three cats. These pups are ready to jump in the TARDIS and begin their life with their forever family! If they sound like the perfect match for you, get out your sonic screwdriver and apply today! The Doctor’s adoption fee is $400.” Photo via
Baby Age: 5 Years Old / Breed: Domestic Shorthair Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: SPCA ”Hi! My name is Baby and I’m ready for my forever family. I unfortunately became homeless when my owner passed away, but the people at SPCA Cincinnati found me a foster home and I loved it! I do well with other cats and I really like to be pet and get attention. If you want to meet me fill out an “Adoption By Appointment” form to the left of the screen!” Photo via
Binksy Age: 11 Years Old / Breed: Chihuahua Long Coat Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: SAAP ”Binksy is a cuddly and playful senior gentleman with a lot of love left to give. He is blind from cataracts but he quickly learned his way around his foster home. He can even find his way from the back door, to the bedroom, and up the doggie steps to nap on the bed all on his own. It’s adorable when he puts his little nose on the floor and moves slowly through the house. Binksy had all but 3 of his teeth pulled by SAAP’s vet so he needs soft food from now on. When Binsky came to SAAP his foster noticed that his stomach was swollen and hard. He had a large cyst on one kidney so that kidney was not working and was removed. Having one kidney and being blind doesn’t slow this sweet boy down much. It’s obvious that someone in his past loved him and took good care of him since he’s a chunky, happy little guy at 7.1 pounds. Binksy forever home should be a calm home without small children where he can spend his golden years being someone’s cherished baby boy. ” Photo via