Buckeye State families thinking about adopting a dog have plenty of options. The best small dog rescues in Ohio are filled with lovable puppies that need someone to give them a second chance at a happy life.
Whether you’re looking for a Min Pin, a Pomeranian, or a teddy bear dog, shelters in your area are waiting to hear from you. We’ve researched for you and have compiled a list of the top non-profit small dog rescues in Ohio. Start your search here today, then get ready to bring home your new friend as soon as tomorrow.
Before you scroll down this list of small dog rescues in Ohio, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodle: Best Chihuahua Rescues in Ohio and Best Boston Terrier Rescues in Ohio.
Find a Small Dog From a Rescue Shelter Near Me in Ohio
Our team at We Love Doodles created this list of the best small dog rescues in Ohio for you to check out.
Small Dog Product Recommendations: Best Schnauzer Rescues in Ohio.
1. Little Yorkie Rescue
Little Yorkie Rescue is the first non-profit small dog rescue on our list. This 501(c)3 organization is run by volunteers who genuinely love Yorkshire Terriers. They’re located in Lorain, Ohio, but rely on a network of foster homes.
These individuals and families care for rescues while they wait to be matched with permanent homes. Dogs that are adoptable through Little Yorkie Rescue are owner-surrenders and strays. Some are rescued from high-kill shelters. In any case, choosing one of these puppies saves a dog’s life.
While some dogs may be in rough shape when the shelter rescues them, the Little Yorkie Rescue team will work hard to rehabilitate your dog before they go home with you. Your adoption fee may vary and will cover these rehabilitation costs.
Your dog will also be altered (spayed or neutered) and brought up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations. Note that because this is a non-profit that relies on contributions from the public, help is needed. Vet care for these dogs can be pricey; your donations go a long way toward providing care for these sweet Yorkies.
Little Yorkie Rescue Details
- Location: Lorain, Ohio
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Little Yorkie Rescue
2. All Dogs Come From Heaven Rescue
All Dogs Come From Heaven is next on our list of the top small dog rescues in Ohio. They’re another non-profit, volunteer-run organization that rescues impounded dogs in the Amelia, Ohio, area. Amelia is a small village just east of Cincinnati; All Dogs Come From Heaven Rescue has a physical shelter in this town that you will need to visit to pick up your dog.
You’ll need to fill out an application before adopting from All Dogs Come From Heaven. This is available online; you’ll need to give the team information about your home, your family, your experience with pets, and your references.
While the team is reviewing your application, feel free to check out the shelter’s Facebook page for updates on the available dogs. Volunteer opportunities are a great way to get to know the dogs at this Ohio small dog rescue.
Fill out an application to volunteer, then check out the events and fundraisers hosted by All Dogs Come From Heaven. Barking for Bourbon and other events are listed on social media. You can choose to volunteer or just come out and support this rescue.
All Dogs Come From Heaven Rescue Details
- Location: Amelia, Ohio
- Phone Number: (513) 519-9094
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: All Dogs Come From Heaven Rescue
3. Barely Used Pets
Barely Used Pets is an Urbana, Ohio, non-profit small dog rescue. In addition to little puppies, this shelter also takes in stray and unwanted kitties. Barely Used Pets is a terrific option if you’re looking forward to expanding your family with furry members. Animals are housed at the Urbana location, and visitors are encouraged to stop by.
You don’t need an appointment to come by, and pets are often placed with new homes on the same day. Bring your lease if you’re renting; the team wants to know that you have permission to own pets. You’ll also need to be an adult with a valid ID to bring a dog home with you.
All animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and socialized before they’re placed for adoption. Your adoption fee includes a dog license; in some cases, your puppy will be microchipped for safety. Your adoption fee may vary based on the animal’s species, age, and health, but it will start at $200.
Barely Used Pets Details
- Location: Urbana, Ohio
- Phone Number: (937) 869-8090
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Barely Used Pets
4. Secondhand Mutts
Secondhand Mutts is in Cleveland and is next on our list of the top small dog rescues in Ohio. They’re a cage-free, no-kill shelter that has existed since 2006. The team is composed solely of volunteers, and they’re a non-profit organization. Your donation may be tax-deductible, so speak with a tax professional.
You can look at the available dogs directly on the Secondhand Mutts website. From there, you can fill out an adoption application asking you for information about your home, schedule, and dog experience. Once approved, you’ll be matched with a dog whose temperament suits your lifestyle and needs.
You’ll be granted a “trial adoption” with your new pet. You’ll have around two weeks with your dog in your home – at that time. You can make the final determination as to whether your puppy is a good fit. Secondhand Mutts will cover the food, bedding, and other necessities during your trial. Once you decide to adopt, this responsibility will be transferred to you.
Adoption fees are typically around $250 to $350 for adult dogs and $275 for puppies. From time to time, Secondhand Mutts will offer a dog for considerably less. Note that this usually happens because a dog has been returned to the shelter – be sure you get all applicable information from the small dog rescue.
Secondhand Mutts Details
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio
- Phone Number: (216) 664-9660
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Secondhand Mutts
5. Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio
Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio is the next Ohio small dog rescue on our list. They, like many others, are a small non-profit group that is committed to saving puppies from high-kill shelters, situations of neglect, and homelessness. They’re non-profit, so consider donating to the cause.
Check with a tax adviser to determine whether you can deduct your contribution. Before you apply to adopt a dog, be sure to take a look at the requirements. You may not adopt a dog as a gift; you must be an adult to sign the adoption agreement. A home visit is required, and all family members (even the furry ones) must be present.
Almost Home Dog Rescue will not adopt to families with children under five years of age. You will pay between $250 and $500 to adopt your dog. This will partly cover the expenses incurred while your pet was in Almost Home’s care. Your dog will be altered, vaccinated, dewormed, and heartworm tested before being placed in a home.
Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio Details
- Location: Dublin, Ohio
- Phone Number: (937) 470-6255
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio
6. Speak for the Unspoken
Speak for the Unspoken is dedicated to rescuing dogs of all sizes with special needs or disabilities. Dogs that come through this shelter may be deaf or blind, may be missing a limb, or may have other health concerns that are less visible.
In any event, Speak for the Unspoken rehabilitates dogs when necessary, then rehomes puppies with loving families that will care for their unique needs. You’ll have to meet certain criteria before you’re permitted to adopt a dog from Speak for the Unspoken.
First, you must be at least 25 years old. Second, your current pets must be vaccinated and spayed or neutered. You’ll need to provide proof that you’re permitted to have pets in your rental, and, finally, you must be willing to travel to the foster family’s home.
You’ll receive a notification when you’re approved and be permitted to select a pet at that point. Adoptable dogs are listed on the Petfinder platform.
Pictures and biographical information are listed there. The adoption fee starts at $325 and may vary depending upon the age and breed of your dog as well as its “disability.” Contact the shelter for more information.
Speak for the Unspoken Details
- Location: Grove City, Ohio
- Phone Number: (740) 237-7325
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Speak for the Unspoken
7. Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz is a small-breed dog rescue in Pataskala, Ohio. They’re a non-profit that relies on foster families to house dogs while they wait to be adopted – there is no physical shelter. Ohio Fuzzy Pawz specializes in the Shih Tzu breed, but plenty of other small puppies come through the shelter’s system.
Check out the adoptable dogs to see who’s available. The adoption fee for your dog may vary but is listed on each dog’s biography. Fees range from $200 to $500 and are largely based on the puppy’s age.
The fee will partially cover your dog’s vet care and boarding expenses while living in a foster home. Adoption and foster opportunities are available through Ohio Fuzzy Pawz. If you’re unsure that a permanent placement is right for you, consider providing for a dog waiting to be adopted.
“Fospice” is also an option; there are unadaptable dogs (due to health or age) that need a place to live out the rest of their lives. You can further support the mission of Ohio Fuzzy Pawz by volunteering at an event, transporting puppies around the central Ohio area, taking pictures of dogs, or just making a donation.
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue Details
- Location: Pataskala, Ohio
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue
8. Canine Collective
Canine Collective is in Plain City, Ohio, one of the best small dog rescues in the state. The shelter saves homeless, neglected, abused, and surrendered dogs in central Ohio; they’re a no-kill shelter. Many adoptable dogs live in foster homes once they’re in the Canine Collective system.
You can look at the available pets on the Canine Collective’s Petfinder listings. Once you find the dog you’d like to adopt, fill out an application to either foster or permanently adopt your dog. The adoption fee is based on the dog’s breed, age, and health.
You’ll be notified of your fee when you choose a dog. Most adoption fees are tax-deductible, so speak with a financial professional. Canine Collective makes it easy to support its mission.
You can set up monthly donations, shop through Amazon Smile or Kroger Community Rewards, or purchase pet supplies and give them directly to the organization. Of course, your assistance in fostering and transporting animals is important, too. Chat with the volunteers for more information on where help is most needed.
Canine Collective Details
- Location: Plain City, Ohio
- Contact: Canine Collective’s Contact Page
- Website: Canine Collective
Conclusion For The “Best Small Dog Rescues in Ohio”
Buckeye families that wish to add a small dog to their home should check out our list of the best small dog rescues in Ohio. The shelters on our list are all non-profit organizations that depend on community support from people like you.
Whether that means you’re volunteering your time, donating your money, or adopting an animal, your contribution counts. Always visit the shelter or foster home when possible.
Once you’ve found a healthy puppy that meets your family’s needs, you can adopt, knowing that you’ve made a huge difference to at least one deserving animal.
For more guides similar to this list of small dog rescues in Ohio, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
Before you adopt a small dog companion from a rescue shelter in Ohio, you can learn more about raising them by watching “5 Important Tips For Small Breed Puppy Training” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.