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.

Squirt Age: Puppy / Breed: Beagle/Lab mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Squirt is 2 month old Beagle/Lab mix who is fun and full of life! This litter currently weigh between 8lbs-15lbs. They are social and very loving of their siblings. These puppies are all working on their potty training and do pretty well with using puppy pads. Cuddling with their siblings, playing and fetching toys, and running around are their favorite hobbies. If you’re looking for a new addition to your family, these pups will bring you a lifetime of happiness!” Photo via
Eddison Age: 5 years old/ Breed: Pitbull/Boxer mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Meet Eddison, “Eddie” for short. Eddie is the most cuddly doggo you’ll ever meet. Eddie is a 5 year old, 40 pound Pitbull/Boxer mix. He enjoys walks to the park and bathing in the sun. His favorite activity is snuggling up next to his foster and watching tv after a long walk. He is crate trained, house trained and loves new people. He will be the first to greet you at the door with endless kisses. He also enjoys being around other dogs. Eddie is slowly gaining some healthy weight and enjoying lots of treats. He loves the attention! If you’re looking for an affectionate companion Eddie is your guy!” Photo via
Leroy Age: 4 years old/ Breed: Chiweenie / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Leroy is a 4 year old Chiweenie weighing about 19 pounds. Leroy’s favorite thing to do is to lounge on the couch and get belly rubs. Leroy likes to go on strolls around the neighborhood, which is helping him to lose a couple pounds. He walks on a leash well making it easy for frequent walks. Leroy enjoys sitting on the front porch to people watch and may even try to say “hello” to people walking by. He hasn’t had any potty accidents in his foster home and is crate trained. Leroy has been with a smaller dog and a larger dog in his foster home and he gets along with both. He is not fostered with small children or cats so his reaction to them in unknown Leroy is a friendly guy just looking for someone to show him some love and affection.” Photo via
Minerva Age: 2 years old/ Breed: Domestic Long Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “The beautiful and fluffy girl is Minerva! Minerva is about 2 years old, and quite possibly might be the best cat there ever was (shh, don’t tell the others)! She currently weighs about 8 pounds. She is fostered with cats and small dogs and has been very calm during introductions to both. Though she hasn’t shown much interest in toys yet, there is one thing that will be sure to make you her best friend….back scratches! Minerva is a very affectionate and loving kitty.” Photo via
Lupe Age: 2 months old / Breed: Wirehaired Terrier / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “If you’re looking for some puppy kisses during your quarantine, look no further than this rowdy bunch of puppies. At 2 months old, they weigh around 6-8 lbs, and love nothing more than to greet their foster parents and chase after each other. Their mom came into rescue pregnant, and while we don’t know who dad was, she is a wiry terrier who weighs no more than 30 lbs. Suffice to say, her 9 babies all look like mini copies of her! If your family is in need of a long-term companion and you’re ready for a puppy, look no further than Lupe!” Photo via
Viola Age: Puppy / Breed: Chihuahua / Terrier / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “This is Viola!! Viola is a sassy, but fun-loving girl who is two months old. She is a Chi/Terrier mix who currently weighs 4 lbs. Viola is fostered with two large dogs, a cat and children. Viola is currently working on her potty training, but she does well with using puppy pads.” Photo via
Roman Age: 2 years old / Breed: Chihuahua / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Did someone say BALL? Roman is an 18 lb. bundle of energy! Even at 2 years old, he finds childlike joy in small things – a leaf floating past in the wind, a lone dandelion in a sea of grass, or a new toy. Even with his little Chihuahua (mix) legs, he loves long walks and can play fetch for hours. Want to just hang outside? He loves basking in the sun. When you’re ready for some couch time, make room for this guy to snuggle in next to you. He loves belly rubs! This lovable goofball is currently fostered with large dogs, cats and kids. Roman would be a loving addition to any home but has energy to burn.” Photo via
Thunder Butt Age: 2 year old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: HART Animal Rescue “Thunder Butt came to us from West Virginia. He’s a domestic short-haired, black and white, about two years old. He’s a little timid and likes to hide but is very sweet and loves to be held and petted. He’s coming out of his shell more every day! He would love to have a forever home!”Photo via
Kiya Age: 2 years old / Breed: German Shepherd Dog / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Kiya is a 2 year old, female, German Shepherd mix and weights approximately 76 lbs. Kiya is also house-trained. She has been fostered with cats and loves to try and play with them. If you love to play fetch Kiya will love you forever, she loves to go fetch her toys and bring them back to you. Kiya would love to be able to run around outside and play until her hearts content. Also, she likes to protect those she loves and her house but is very open to new people when they introduce themselves. Kiya gets very excited when she sees other dogs and wants to go play so badly that it’s difficult for her to contain herself. When she’s not outside you can find her inside where she tries to be a lap dog and will smother you with kisses and paws your hand until you pet her.” Photo via
Flapjack Age: 2 years old / 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!” Photo via
Decker Age: 1 year old / Breed: Great Dane/Shepherd mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Meet Decker! He’s a 1 year old, 60lb Great Dane/Shepherd mix. He is crate and house trained, and great with other dogs and people! Decker loves everyone and everything. He does best in a home with a large yard to stretch his legs and run around in. He loves running and playing fetch. Decker is one of the nicest, sweetest dogs. He is also very quiet and has only barked one time in his foster home. He adores all people and can’t wait to find his forever home!” Photo via
Oreo Age: 2 year old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Male / Rescue: HART 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
Lyric Age: 1 year old / Breed: Mixed Breed / Sex: Female / Rescue: SPCA Cincinnati “Hi! I’m Lyric and I’m looking for my forever home… maybe with you? Here’s a bit about me! I’m 1-and-half-years-old and still have some puppy energy. I love all humans, but I tend to play a little rough with other dogs. Ideally, I’d be the only dog in the home (I like to be the center of attention). I am mostly potty-trained, so if you take me home make sure you get me on a regular routine. I am crate-trained, but I will cry a little bit when you first put me in. I walk well on a leash and already know how to sit, lay down, stay and come (awesome right??). I’m in a foster home right now and my foster family tells me all the time what a good dog I am and how well I listen.” Photo via
Sondra Age: Kitten / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: HART Animal Rescue “Sondra is a stunning, female orange tabby with beautiful eyes! She’s about 5 months old and looking for her forever home. She’s a little shy at first, but she just needs a loving home where she can relax and be herself. Once she warms up to you, she’ll follow you around looking for attention. She is a snuggler!” Photo via
Winston Age: 5 year old / Breed: Weimaraner & Black Labrador Retriever Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: HART Animal Rescue “Welcome Winston! Winston is a 5 year old, 64 pound, Weim/Lab mix who was surrendered to HART because his owners were unable to continue caring for him. This big lug is a fantastic shotgun rider, knows some basic commands (sit and paw), and gets along well with other dogs. Winston is super chill, and while he’s not a big cuddler, he does enjoy laying next to his foster, on the couch. He’s a complete and total bed hog and completely house trained. Winston did test positive for Lyme, which is a tick-borne disease. It’s not contagious to other dogs or people and mostly lays dormant in his system. Should a flare-up occur, it’s indicative of joint pain/inflammation and lethargy. Typically a dose of antibiotics is enough to cause the disease to go dormant again. Lyme has become prevalent with some of the southern areas and many HART doggies have lived long happy lives in their adoptive homes!” Photo via
h3>Rozzi Age: 4 months old / Breed: Labrador Retriever / Shepherd Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “I can not wait to meet my forever family! My name is Rozzi and I am 4 months old and weigh 30 pounds. I was told I am a Lab/Shepherd mix however I think I’m just a love bug with a tendency to have the biggest wiggle butt you will ever see. I am crate trained and house trained. I am working on leash training now. I love playing ball and tug of war with my foster family. I currently am fostered with kids, 2 cats and a large dog. I love meeting new people and pets. When I am not playing ball or chewing my Nyla bone I would love to curl up next to you and snuggle.” Photo via
Dawn Age: 8 months old / Breed: Domestic Short Hair / Sex: Female / Rescue: HART Animal Rescue “Sweet 8-month old Dawn has already been a mama, and now that’s she’s come to HART, she’s ready to be the baby in her new home! She’s a sweet, petite girl that loves head scratches. She would prefer a quiet, laid back home without a lot of noise. She likes to observe first, then joins in later. Once she warms up to you, she loves attention!”Photo via
Darla Age: 5 years old / Breed: Boxer / American Bulldog / Sex: Female / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Darla is a happy go-lucky girl! She is a 5-year old boxer/bulldog mix. She currently weighs approximately 30 pounds but is working to put on a healthy 5-8 pounds more. She is the perfect sidekick for any family. She is very gentle and sweet with everyone and has never met a stranger, dog or human. Darla has never barked or whined in any situation. She is low-energy and loves to nap on the couch and lay in the sun, though snuggling up on a lap is her perfect activity. She is currently learning her indoor manners and is quickly mastering potty training. She is content in her crate though sometimes needs some encouragement to get into the crate. She currently sits in her crate when alone but is not needed. Her favorite toy is a stuffed cactus which she gently holds in her mouth and likes to sleep with.” Photo via
Storm Age: 4 years old / Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Storm is a 4-year-old female who loves attention from her people and gets along well with other cats. She is fine with dogs and kids. She is a polydactyl and has the cutest mitten paws!” Photo via
Hudson Age: 7 years old / Breed: Pit Bull Terrier / 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 heartworm 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!” Photo via
Delia Age: 7 years old / Breed: Mixed / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Delia is a 7-year-old mixed breed. At 55 pounds and with a thick, teddy bear coat, Delia can be quite intimidating, but she is really just a sweetie looking to be loved. She has always loved people of all shapes and sizes and now she is happily hanging out and sleeping alongside her foster family. Her age shows at times, but as soon as you show her a leash, you can see her transform into a youngster again. She lights up, barks, goes to the door, and dances until you get her out the door. Just be sure you get her latched up because when you open the door then she is leaving! She is so fun to walk. She wags her bobtail when people pet her and she never jumps on anyone. Initially she barked at other dogs, but that response has waned. She loves everyone she meets.” Photo via
Chester Age: 12 years old / Breed: Shepherd Mix / Sex: Male / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Chester is a small (~27 lbs) shepherd mix who is a sweet gentle boy. Chester is great with dogs, cats, and kids. He is house trained & knows some basic commands. Chester was found as a stray and it was obvious that he was out on his own for some time. He has quickly acclimated to being an inside pup & he blended into his foster pack easily. Chester does have some containment phobia, so he’s not a fan of being crated but he really just wants to be with his people or other dogs all the time. A furever home with someone who is home a lot would be perfect. He would also prefer a home with another dog buddy if possible. We just leave him in a gated off room with other pups while away. He is a shy, laid back, & low key guy who is happy to lounge around all day. Chester has a couple typical old guy things; cataracts, and arthritis. His hearing is also declining, but he has been working well on hand signals. He gets around the house & yard just fine, likes to take short walks, and you would never know that he has any impairments.” Photo via
Baby Age: 5 years old / Breed: Domestic Shorthair / Sex: Female / Rescue: SPCA Cincinnati “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’m loving it! I do well with other cats and I really like to be pet and get attention.” Photo via
h3>Ringo Age: 2 years old / Breed: Bluetick Coonhound / Sex: Male / Rescue: Louie’s Legacy “Ringo is a 60 lb, 2 year old coonhound. He’s a happy boy with lots of energy. As such, he will require daily exercise to keep him happy and well-behaved. Ringo is a very sweet boy who loves giving hugs. He knows some basic commands, but would benefit from structured training. He is already crate and house trained. Ringo can be protective of his food and should be fed separately from others. In all other scenarios, he absolutely loves other dogs of all sizes, but would do best in a home with a similar sized high-energy dog to play with. He has not been tested with cats. Because of his exuberance, Ringo would be best suited for an active person or family with older, sturdier children.” Photo via
Na’vi Age: 6 years old / Breed: Beagle/Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Na’vi is ready for a furever home. Na’vi is a very sweet girl. Shakes a little when frightened by new people but has kisses for everyone. Loves kids and loves to snuggle with anyone who will let her. Crate and potty trained however would love just a warm cozy bed preferably with a human.” Photo via
Lola Age: 2 years old / Breed: Mix Breed / Sex: Female / Rescue: SPCA Cincinnati “Her name was Lola, she was a show pooch”! Hi there, I’m Lola, and I’m ready to strut my stuff and show you all my best tricks! I’m in an awesome foster home right now and my foster family says that I LOVE to cuddle in bed with my humans. As much as I like cuddling, I also love to play! Since I’m a young lady, I do play a little too rough sometimes, so small children are probably not the best fit for me. Since I’m in a home, I’ve been working on my manners and house-breaking routine. If you want to take me home, be sure to get me on a regular schedule to help me be my best self!” Photo via
Sammy Age: 6 years old / Breed: Mix Breed / Sex: Female / Rescue: SPCA Cincinnati “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.” Photo via
Patches Age: 10 years old / Breed: Mix Breed / Sex: Female / Rescue: SPCA Cincinnati “Yes, I am pretty, aren’t I? Thank you so much! I’m not just beautiful on the outside, but inside, too! I can’t wait to go home with you! I’m a 10-year-old gal who enjoys sunbathing and the other little things in life. I had some teeth removed so I do like wet food with my meals. My foster mom says I’m a great kitty and I couldn’t agree more!” Photo via
Melody Skye Age: 4 years old / Breed: Hound Mix / Sex: Female / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Melody Skye is a sweet hound mix. Melody Skye goes by Skye and is looking for a special adopter. This precious girl was frightened when fireworks were lit in the neighborhood and as a result, became reactive to other dogs. Because of this, Skye needs to be the only dog in the house and can’t go to dog parks. Skye loves to chase a frisbee and play keep away. She loves to go on walks and be with her people. She is crate trained and house trained. 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 via
Andre Age: 6 years old / Breed: Chihuahua / Sex: Male / Rescue: Stray Animal Adoption Program “Introducing Andre (the giant hearted Chihuahua) …Andre is a middle aged guy at about 6 years old. Andre came from a hoarding situation where he most likely was taught how to properly be a dog, so he is working on basic training (walking on leash and housebreaking). He does have low thyroid levels and must have medication on a twice daily basis which cost around $4 a month. Andre can be selective about his dog friends so it would best for him to meet them too and would do best with slower introductions. More than anything Andre would love a lap to lay in and a warm bed to sleep in at night.” Photo via