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.

Louie’s Legacy | 513-655-8643, louieslegacy.org Recycled Doggies | 513-275-5842, recycleddoggies.com Save The Animals Foundation |513-561-7823, staf.org  Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society | 513-541-7387, cincinnatianimalcare.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.

Riggs Age: 2 years / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Crazy Cats Animal Rescue “Unfortunately my owner developed a medical condition so was unable to care for me. Eventually I was returned to the rescue and am currently living with my original foster mom/dad. As you can see, I’m a big boy for my age. It might take me a little bit to get settled but once I do I’m very sweet, I love to sit on the couch and watch TV with you!” Photo: Crazy Cats Animal Rescue
Gronk Age: 2.5 Years Old / Breed: Pitt Bull Terrier / Sex: Male / Rescue: Adore-A-Bull Rescue “Hi! ? My name is GRONK! My foster family sometimes calls me Wonky Gronky because my right ear doesn’t lay down, I have two different color eyes and I have an underbite – but they say that’s part of what makes me so irresistibly cute! ? The other part comes from my sweet, human-adoring personality!” Photo: Adore-A-Bull Rescue
Andy Dandy Age: 3 years / Breed: Catahoula Leopard Dog mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Sweet Dream Rescue House “Andy Dandy is a fun loving boy looking for a furever home! He’s a 3 year old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, fully grown at 45lbs. He is dog and kid friendly, housebroken and crate trained. Andy Dandy needs a home with an active lifestyle — he has lots of playful energy. He’d love a home with a fenced yard. He would also make a good running/hiking partner.” Photo: Sweet Dream Rescue House
Athena Age: Adult / Breed: Mixed Breed/ Sex: Female / Rescue: Campbell County Animal Shelter “Athena is a young,ball of energy. She listens very well and is a fast learner. She loves to sit in your lap and give you kisses. She loves to go for walks and play. Athena loves kids and likes getting attention from them and everyone else. Athena has lots of love to give and will certainly make her new family happy.” Photo: Campbell County Animal Shelter
Bayard Age: 3 years / Breed: Beagle Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Save the Animals Foundation “Pleasantly plump at around 40lbs, Bayard was certainly well fed–so we suspect he’d not been on his own for long. After a brief stay as a county pound, his pal got adopted and Bayard upgraded to a room at STAF. His tail has not stopped wagging since, putting him in the running for happiest pup on the planet! (His big smile pretty much says it all!) Super friendly and calm, Bayard loves taking leisurely walks, sniffing everything in sight beagle-style. While he has passed evaluations for doggy daycare, he does get jealous and grumbly when it comes to sharing human attention with another dog. May be happier as an only child” Photo: Save the Animals Foundation
Bellatrix Age: 3 years / Breed: Boxer / Sex: Female / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “This pup was found living outside with her 8 puppies. She was underweight when she first arrived into our home. 6 weeks later she is almost to a healthy weight and adjusting to indoor living. Bellatrix is a sweet dog and loves getting petted by all. She has done around kids as long as they are respectful of her. She prefers dogs that are calm because that’s how she is. She will definitely need a human to show her some love and teach her how to just be a dog. She would love a fenced in yard to play in as well. She can’t wait to join your home and try out her new dog bed!” Photo: Stray Animal Adoption Program
Boo Boo Bear Age: 2 years/ Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Crazy Cats Animal Rescue “I was adopted as kitten and returned over a year later due to no fault of mine. Unfortunately the people that adopted me didn’t spend much time with me so now it takes me a bit to warm up to new people. It took me almost 2 months to become best buds with my foster mom but now I love attention from her, and I’m a big snuggle butt. If you’re willing to give me the time I will be your best friend. I really love other friendly cats so I need a home with at least one other.” Photo: Crazy Cats Animal Rescue
Buddy Age: 8-9 Years Old / Breed: Jack Russel Terrier Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Save Our Shelter Dogs “Buddy came to us under very sad circumstances. He is a very sweet 8-9 year old mix. He had severe dental disease and has had all of his teeth removed. He can be a little shy starting off, but warms up quickly. He doesn’t like sudden moves or being grabbed at so a home with older children would be best. He would also like to be the only pet.” Photo: Save Our Shelter Dogs
Cedric Age: 11 years / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Sweet Dream Rescue House “He is very much content to have a warm lap and someone to talk too. He does not like other cats, they give him anxiety and stress. He would do best in a quiet household with no other cats or boisterous dogs. Thomas lost his previous home when the new cat began picking on him and he started having behavioral problems. Since he has been out of that environment he has done very well, he is very affectionate, loves to be carried and held. This senior gentleman really deserves a quiet home with someone who can appreciate his quiet nature.” Photo: Sweet Dream Rescue House.
Della Age: 9 Years Old / Breed: Yorkshire Terrier/Pomeranian Mix / Sex: Female/ Rescue: Save the Animals Foundation “Since her arrival, Della has spent time in a foster home and on a trial home visit with a potential adopter. We’ve learned that she doesn’t like to be alone … a common anxiety among dogs who–for one reason or another–have been separated from the family they know and love. She does take great comfort in having canine company, so we are in search of a forever home that includes another dog. From Della’s foster mom: “What a doll! She is sweet, playful and very cuddly. Della walks beautifully on leash and is not reactive to people/dogs on our walks. Della really likes people of all ages. She will need to be in a home with another dog I think. She does fantastic with my pack. I’ve seen no anxiety at all. She picked up on our routine quickly. I crate her if I leave the house.” Photo: Save the Animals Foundation
Fancy Age: Age: 7-8 Years Old / Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer / Sex: Female / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program. “Fancy is estimated to 7-8 years old, but you would not know it! She has been given a clean bill of health and is on the lookout for her forever home. Fancy loves to give hugs and loves her humans. She strives for affection and has learned the luxury of being an inside dog and is now housetrained. She does get along with other dogs with slow introductions. Unknown how she would do with cats. Fancy does need to be fed separately as she guards her food and treats.” Photo: Stray Animal Adoption Program
Figaro Age: Adult / Breed: Tuxedo / Sex: Male / Rescue: AAPCATS “Figaro is a Grand Household pet in the Cat Fancy Association. He is now retired and looking for a home with someone who is home most of the time and will be able to give him the attention he loves. Figaro is not fond of other cats that will intimidate him. It would be best to start as an only cat. He likes to play with toys and eat treats.” Photo: AAPCATS
Foxy Addie Age: Young / Breed: Australian Shepherd Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Save the Animals Foundation “Foxy Addie was found as a severely matted stray, thin and infested with ticks. A foster home kept her in a barn with 10 other dogs until she made her way to STAF. Part aussie (maybe?), part grizzly and all lover-girl, Addie just can’t get enough of people. We love her wild looks and affectionate ways. She’s a year old and at a healthy weight in the mid-thirties. Addie was pleased as punch when she recently passed her temperament test to start attend doggy daycare. She’s very playful and may be happiest in the company of another dog and a fenced yard. Please check back for more information as we get to know her better. 7/20 UPDATE Foxy was adopted soon after her arrival at our shelter and returned 9 months later. She was not comfortable with the attention of the family’s 10-year-old daughter. May be happiest in a home with older kids or all adults.” Photo: Save the Animals Foundation
Hemingway Age: Adult / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: OAR “As you might expect from his name, Hemingway is a polydactyl cat (he has extra thumbs!). That’s just one of the things that makes this guy super cool. He’s extremely dashing and debonair, always wearing his best tuxedo. His eyes are also an arresting orange color that will draw you in, which is exactly what his aim is. This handsome gentleman is friendly with people and will happily greet you and welcome some head scratches. Come meet him today – he’d love for someone to write him a happily ever after!” Photo: OAR
Battlecat Age: Adult / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: OAR “So, let’s talk about Battlecat… We usually try to highlight the great qualities most of the cats in our care have. we’ve really struggled with Battlecat. It’s really not his fault. He’s been declawed on all four paws before coming to OAR and we think he has some residual discomfort and a lot of stress behind some of the changes the declaw process caused. Plus, when he started to display some poor behavior, the worst thing possible happened to him, he was bounced around with no family to work with him on his manners. Here’s the great part of Battlecat: He absolutely can’t wait to find his perfect person. He’s a super playful boy, but doesn’t always know his boundaries, but he’s making amazing strides with some simple behavior rewards when he displays good manners. He has become attached to some of his regular caretakers here and has blossomed with their care and attention. He is also just a stunning cat. He’s got a nub tail that he enjoys shaking at you. We do have to say that we do think Battlecat would be best with an experienced cat person who can read his signals and knows how to work with him. We think it will be worth it to see the mushy sweetheart that lies beneath this “”battle”” cat!..” Photo: OAR
Lexi Age: 7 Years Old / Breed: Pitbull Terrier Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Save Our Shelter Dogs “Poor Lexi was found on an abandoned property all alone. She is about 7 years old now and is still your typical high energy pup. She is very sweet and loves to play. She would benefit from some obedience training. I would not recommend her for a home with small children as she gets so excited she may knock them down accidentally.” Photo: Save Our Shelter Dogs
Melody Skye Age: 5 Years Old / Breed: Hound / Sex: Female / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Melody Skye is a sweet hound mix who has been looking for her forever home for a couple years with SAAP. Melody Skye loves to chase a frisbee and is a champ at playing keep away! She loves to go on walks and be with her people. She is crate trained and house trained like a good doggie. A fenced in yard would be great for Skye, but she can climb over some fences and should not be left in the yard alone.” Photo: Stray Animal Adoption Program
Miami Age: Kitten / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Save the Animals Foundation “Orange is the new black! When presented with the rare sight of four adorable orange kittens, whisked from the perils of a heavily used thoroughfare, our volunteers named them for “sunshine cities:” Vegas, Miami, Reno and Orlando. Miami is still quite shy, but warms up with just a bit of time and patience. She enjoys play with other kitties and engages with you when you interact with her with toys. Like the capitol of the Sunshine State, Miami exudes warmth. Chin rubs are the key to this little doll’s heart! A quieter home is in order for Miami, where she can bask in the glow of a loving family.” Photo: Save the Animals Foundation
Sam Age: 5 Years Old / Breed: Boxer Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Hi hi hi hi hi! I’m Shabbah and I’m the bestest boy oh yes I am oh yes I am! I like RUNNING and JUMPING and PLAYING and WIGGLING and SNACKING and YOU! I have lots of energy so if you like to go go go please take me with with with! Come see me at the CAC today!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Missy Age: Adult / Breed: Calico/Domestic Short Hair Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Purrfect Friends “Missy was taken into rescue after the only dad that she had ever known passed away. Missy was in the apartment for several days with no one. She was devastated at the loss of her daddy. His family did not want her and actually planned to take her to a shelter where she would most likely be euthanized. Her adjustment was slow in the beginning but Missy has blossomed into an amazing girl! You would never know how old she is by the way she acts. Missy is very loving and very kitten like. She loves human attention but she also loves to be a silly Willy and play like crazy! ” Photo: Purrfect Friends
Goliath Age: Adult / Breed: Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Goliath instantly stole hearts on Facebook when he first came in as a stray because he has those sad teddy bear eyes that should be accompanied by Sarah McLachlan music. Goliath is a sweet dog that particularly loves Medical Director Amanda, he hangs out in her office everyday and when she leaves, he just wants to know where she went. If you got room in your heart and home for a BIG 90 lbs. boy, Goliath will give you nothing but love! He’s available to foster or adopt!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Peach Age: Young / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Crazy Cats Animal Rescue “I’m a very active and playful girl. I need to have another playful cat friend who can keep up with me. I DO NOT like being alone, I will keep you company while you cook, make the bed or even when you are in the bathroom. I am more snuggly in the evening, my foster mom thinks its because I’m so busy during the day. I am fine with dogs also.” Photo: Crazy Cats Animal Rescue
Pocahontas Age: Kitten / Breed: Domestic Short Hair/Tabby Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Purrfect Friends “A swirled tabby youngster, is playful, affectionate, curious, adorable – someone abandoned these small kittens inside a box left in the parking lot of an area DOLLAR Store where a kindly vet tech rescued them. Although they were originally underweight, malnourished & hadn’t had much care; you can tell they’ve been loved and cuddled and want lots more of it! ” Photo: Purrfect Friends
Rico Age: 2 Years Old / Breed: Catahoula Leopard Dog / Sex: Male / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Hi SAAP!!! My names Rico! I’m such a lover dog. I’d consider myself a dog of the people. I don’t mind cats, get along with other dogs, but really just want attention from someone who wants to give me a new forever home. I’m 2 years old and such a good boy. I had surgery to remove a mass from my back because the good people at SAAP wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything serious. Turns out I’m 100% healthy and feeling better every day! Foster mom says you won’t even see my scar once my hair grows back.” Photo: Stray Animal Adoption Program
Tasha Age: 6 Years Old / Breed: Terrier/American Pit Bull/Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Meet Tasha! Tasha is a 6 year old girl who weighs about 45 lbs! Tasha is currently up for adoption at the new Cincinnati Animal Care’s shelter! She is waiting oh so patiently for her forever home! Tasha is a sweet girl who’s dream is to be a couch potato! She will fulfill all of your cuddling needs, but is also ready to go for a walk should you decide you want to get some exercise. This awesome pup seems to really love humans and is always ready for some attention. She is really good at sitting and loves the treats she gets to eat when she is a good girl. Please consider giving this amazing pup a home for life!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Spud Age: 2 Years Old / Breed: Pit Bull Terrier Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Save the Animals Foundation “This big-headed hunk was originally found running as a stray along a very busy road :O( We don’t know what or where he was running from … we’re just grateful he ran into the arms of STAF. Spud is shy of 2 years old, 65lbs and an absolute sweetie. One of our biggest bully-loving volunteers has taken the big guy under her wing. This from her: ‘When we first started going out together he didn’t know what a lot of things were–statues, bikes, etc. But he wasn’t reactive, just curious. He can get rowdy and jump when excited but I do not find that hard to control at all. He seems mostly like a gentle giant that still has a lot of puppy in him.'” Photo: Save the Animals Foundation
Sam Age: 1 Year Old / Breed: Terrier/Pit Bill Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Cincinnati Animal CARE “Dear human(s), My name is Sam and I’d like to be your man. The staff here says i am silly, goofy and, of course, if you hadn’t noticed, handsome. May I be your handsome dog..your handsome, loyal man, Sam? I am a sweet boy and although a little stressed here at the shelter I have enjoyed making friends with all of the staff members and volunteers. I am really good at sitting for treats and would probably love to learn how to do more with you. I am looking for a nice home with people who love me where I can enjoy leisure time with my favorite humans. Please come meet me, and maybe make my life by taking me home forever!” Photo: Cincinnati Animal CARE
Tabasco Age: Senior / Breed: Maine Coon / Sex: Male / Rescue: OAR “Tabasco is ready to add a little spicy sauce to your life! This unique and gorgeous guy has a not-so-secret passion–water! He’s very involved with helping his foster water plants, and he even likes to fully submerge both front feet while drinking his water! Tabasco’s other loves in life are boxes, window watching, having his mane brushed, and chatting to his people. While our saucy guy isn’t the biggest fan of other animal friends, he could peacefully coexist with slow introductions to other dogs or cats that respect his space and are laid back. Contact us today to learn if Tabasco is just the right amount of spice for you!..” Photo: OAR
Zeus Age: Young / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Zeus is a fun little heartbreaker! He came to SAAP with his sister Athena. He is a little more adventurous and generally leads the way when exploring. He loves watching the fish, tackling his toys, and wrestling his sister. When it’s down time, he likes to settle and relax with his people, Zeus sometimes under a blanket. They have really warmed up since they’ve been here, and get along with our kids, dogs, and other cats. Once he warms up to the other animals in the house, he loves to rub on them and purr.” Photo: Stray Animal Adoption Program