8 Best Small Dog Rescues in New England!

If you’re searching for the best small dog rescues in New England, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Vermont, a furry friend is just waiting to call you his own.

Small dogs are often left in shelters through no fault of their own. Maybe their owners have moved, divorced, or passed away. Perhaps they’ve been abused or used for breeding in a puppy mill. Maybe the little puppy just got lost and was never returned to its owner.

Dogs like these await homes like yours, so we’ve compiled a list of New England’s best small dog rescues. Non-profit groups like those listed below rely on help from the community, so consider volunteering your time while you search the shelters for your perfect puppy.

Before you scroll down this list of small dog rescues in New England, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Border Collie Rescues in New England and Best Pug Rescues in New England.

Find a Small Dog Rescue Shelter Near Me in New England

Our team at We Love Doodles created this list of the best small dog rescues in New England for you to check out.

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1. Small Dog Rescue of New England

Rhode Island is home to Small Dog Rescue of New England, one of the best shelters in the region. They’re strictly volunteer-run, and they use a network of foster homes to provide shelter to animals while they wait for you to make an adoption decision.

Suppose you’re interested in supporting this shelter while looking for a puppy to bring home; check out the list of events hosted by Small Dog Rescue of New England. There are adoption events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities; view the calendar for more details.

When you’re ready to adopt your small dog, fill out the application. You can then peek at the available dogs while waiting for approval. Once approved, you’ll need to interview with Small Dog Rescue of New England; the volunteers will want to learn about your household, family, and experience with pets.

The goal is to find you and your dog the perfect match. Adoption fees will vary based on the dog, but you can usually expect to pay around $550 on average for your puppy. Dogs will be altered (spayed or neutered), vaccinated, and nose-to-tail vet-checked before you pick them up.

Small Dog Rescue of New England Details

• Location: Serves all of New England
• Contact: Small Dog Rescue of New England’s Contact Page
• Website: Small Dog Rescue of New England

2. Forever Home Rescue New England

Forever Home Rescue New England is next on our list of the best small dog rescues in New England. They’re another non-profit, and they’re also not a shelter. Forever Home asks foster families to step in and care for puppies while transitioning to adoption.

You can volunteer as a foster if you like – check out the application on the Forever Home website. Adoptable dogs are updated frequently, so check the website often.

Your adoption fee will range from $400 to $550, depending on the puppy’s age, breed, and health. Sometimes, you will not be able to meet your dog before you adopt. This is unusual, but some dogs are still located outside New England.

If meeting your dog is important, choose one in the greater New England area. Your dog will come with a health certificate, have been vaccinated, spayed, or neutered, and have a nose-to-tail vet check when they come home with you.

Your puppy will have begun any necessary obedience and potty training if necessary. However, you can contact the Forever Home Rescue team for referrals to trainers who can assist you after adoption.

Forever Home Rescue New England Details

• Location: Medfield, Massachusetts
• Phone Number: (508) 359-4465
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Forever Home Rescue New England

3. Pack Leaders Rescue of CT

Pack Leaders Rescue of CT is an interesting organization as they specialize in three phases of puppy rehabilitation. They focus their efforts on transporting dogs from other areas of the country, training them to be suitable for family life, and placing animals into forever homes through their rescue program.

There are adoption events held just about every week where you’ll have the opportunity to meet adoptable puppies. In most cases, it’s best to go through the application process before attending so that you can potentially pick up your dog the day of the event.

A home visit and an interview are required; you’ll need a fenced yard unless you have ample space for leash walks. Foster families are also in demand. If you’re not sure that a permanent placement is right for you at this time, you can apply to house a puppy or kitty until they find the right family.

You’ll be responsible for bringing your animal to and from the vet, feeding them, and caring for their other needs. Socializing your small dog may be a part of your responsibilities, too.

If you’re ready to adopt a dog permanently, you can expect to pay an adoption fee of $475. If your dog is too young to be altered, you’ll be asked to place a $75 deposit which will be held until you provide documentation that the procedure has been performed. Dogs are microchipped and vaccinated.

Pack Leaders Rescue of CT Details

• Location: East Hartford, Connecticut
• Phone Number: (203) 992-7225
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Pack Leaders Rescue of CT

4. Second Chance Ranch Rescue

Second Chance Ranch Rescue is located in New Boston, New Hampshire, and is another of New England’s best small dog rescues. The team works hard to save dogs from homelessness, abuse, abandonment, and death in high-kill shelters. Pups are matched with forever homes that will care for them as they deserve.

Visiting hours at Second Chance Ranch Rescue is by appointment only, but if you call, you’ll be allowed to meet the small dogs before you adopt. You’ll first need to provide information about your home and will need to provide references.

Doing this before you meet the puppies will expedite the process; you can expect a home visit if all goes well at your meet and greet, then you’ll be approved to bring a dog home. Second Chance Ranch Rescue wants to ensure that each puppy goes home to a loving family that matches their temperament well.

For this reason, not all adoptions will be finalized on a first-come, first-served basis. You may have to wait a few weeks for your puppy. Consider sending your puppy to camp if you’re close to New Boston, New Hampshire. The 11-acre rescue is home for dogs who need day camp, overnight care, or just want to visit for the day. Contact Second Chance Ranch Rescue for more information.

Second Chance Ranch Rescue Details

• Location: New Boston, New Hampshire
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Second Chance Ranch Rescue

5. Passion 4 Paws

Passion 4 Paws is next on our list of the top small dog rescues in New England. They’re situated in Shelburne, Vermont, along Lake Champlain. However, the shelter primarily rescues dogs from the southern United States, where the need is higher.

They specialize in rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters and have a mission to reduce the number of puppies euthanized daily greatly. In addition to supporting this organization through adoption, you can contribute by donating (most donations are tax-deductible) or shopping through Amazon Smile.

This volunteer-run non-profit relies heavily on the support of people like you. If you’re ready to adopt your puppy, please check out the list of available animals. You can then fill out an application, and a member of the Passion 4 Paws team will contact you. Once approved, you will pay your adoption fee, which ranges from $370 to $500.

The pet’s age determines the fee, and seniors are available by donating you’re comfortable with. As with most shelters, Passion 4 Paws will take care of the veterinary needs of your dog before he or she joins your family. Foster opportunities are available if you want to participate in the rehabilitation process.

Passion 4 Paws Details

• Location: Shelburne, Vermont
• Contact: Passion 4 Paws’ Contact Page
• Website: Passion 4 Paws

6. 3 Dogs Rescue

3 Dogs Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit run solely by volunteers. There is no physical shelter – the rescue relies on the help of foster families to house and rehabilitate dogs while they wait for forever homes. You can apply to foster or adopt a dog or support the organization by donating or volunteering your time.

Complete the application if you’re ready to adopt from 3 Dogs Rescue. It takes three to five days for the team to review your information, then you’ll be contacted about the next steps by a volunteer. You’ll pay $495 to adopt your dog unless it’s a senior – senior dogs cost $300 to bring home. If your dog hasn’t been altered, a $50 refundable deposit is required.

Most dogs are found in Mississippi, stranded or abandoned. For that reason, temperament will range from dog to dog. 3 Dogs Rescue does not hold dogs or operate on a first-come, first-served basis but instead matches puppies to their perfect parents. Fosters play a huge role in “retraining” dogs to get along in a household environment, so if you feel you can fill this role, contact the rescue to apply.

3 Dogs Rescue Details

• Location: Berwick, Maine
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: 3 Dogs Rescue

7. Mutt Rescue, Inc.

Mutt Rescue, Inc is next on our list of the best small dog rescues in New England. They don’t specialize in small dogs, but many dogs that pass through the shelter’s system are small-breed puppies and adults. At any given time, you’ll find a half dozen or so dogs available. Check the website frequently, as it’s updated as dogs arrive.

The Mutt Rescue Inc website also hosts an adoption application. You’ll need to fill this out to be considered an adoptive family. The Mutt Rescue team wants to know about your household, existing pets, your family members, and your experience with dogs.

Unlike some other rescues, this shelter does allow you to place deposits on dogs. Contact the rescue for more information. If you can volunteer to assist, let the rescue team know. There are days and times when the shelter needs help – these are listed on the website. You can help clean, feed, or just play with the dogs. This lets you get to know and fall in love with the puppies.

Mutt Rescue, Inc. Details

• Location: Chicopee, Massachusetts
• Phone Number: (413) 594-8144
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Mutt Rescue, Inc.

8. Little Rhody Rescue

Little Rhody Rescue is last on our list of the best small dog rescues in New England. This shelter gives homes to “underprivileged and neglected” dogs until they’re matched with families that will love them forever. Dogs come from Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee and are usually puppies that have been put in high-kill shelters.

You will save a little life by adopting from Little Rhody Rescue. Of course, there’s an application you’ll have to fill out before you’re permitted to adopt. Once you let the shelter volunteers know about your lifestyle and preferences, you can begin the matchmaking process.

Dogs come from all walks of life – some are from puppy mills, and others are owner-surrenders. You’ll be paired with a puppy that fits your family; sometimes, this takes just a few days but other times you may have a bit of a wait.

There is no application fee, but you can expect to pay around $600 for your puppy. Your dog will be altered and dewormed and will be brought current on vaccinations as is appropriate for their age. The adoption fee may be tax-deductible, so check with a tax adviser for more information.

Little Rhody Rescue Details

• Location: Chepachet, Rhode Island
• Contact: Little Rhody Rescue’s Contact Page
• Website: Little Rhody Rescue

Conclusion For The “Best Small Dog Rescues in New England”

Adopting a small dog from a rescue is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Rather than shop for a puppy, why not check out the deserving dogs in the best small dog rescues in New England? The shelters on our list are non-profit groups with a common goal: to provide a second chance to dogs that will cherish becoming a part of your family.

For more guides similar to this list of small dog rescues in New England, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team:

• Best Small Dog Rescues in Colorado
• Best Small Dog Rescues in Ohio
• Best Small Dog Rescues in North Carolina

Before you adopt a small dog companion from a rescue shelter in New England, you can learn more about raising small dogs by watching “What’s Different About Training Small Dogs” down below: