Are you searching for the best small dog rescues in Texas? If you’re a Texas family thinking about adding a puppy to your family dynamic, you should look at the shelters we’ve found. The best small dog rescues in Texas work hard to help end canine homelessness, save dogs from high-kill shelters, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
Before you scroll down this list of small dog rescues in Texas, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Bichon Frise Rescues in Texas and Best Chihuahua Rescues in Texas.
Find a Dog Rescue Shelter Near Me in Texas
This guide created by our team at We Love Doodles will help you find the best small dog rescues in Texas with available dogs for adoption.
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1. Coastal Bend Small Breed Rescue
Coastal Bend Small Breed Rescue is a Corpus Christi non-profit organization specializing in little dogs needing a home. Dogs come from all walks of life, including homelessness and puppy mills. You can assist the team in fulfilling their mission by donating, volunteering, or adopting a dog.
Contact the shelter for a list of recently rescued dogs. Then, apply to adopt the dog you’ve chosen. You’ll need to complete an application and will also be required to participate in an interview. A home visit may be required.
All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, current vaccinations, and heartworm tested. Your adoption fee, which will vary from dog to dog, helps to defray the costs associated with this veterinary care while your puppy is in a foster home.
Volunteers are in huge demand at Coastal Bend Small Breed Rescue. The shelter was affected by Hurricane Harvey, and the team is still dealing with the aftermath. If you can assist, please consider signing up to volunteer.
Coastal Bend Small Breed Rescue Details
- Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
- Phone Number: (361) 939-9462
- Website: Coastal Bend Small Breed Rescue
2. Gulf Coast Tiny Paws Rescue
Gulf Coast Tiny Paws Rescue is a Houston-area shelter that rescues dogs throughout the greater Houston area. The shelter is another non-profit organization dedicated to saving dogs’ lives in high-kill shelters, owner surrenders, and other at-risk dogs.
You can view the available dogs on the Gulf Coast Tiny Paws Rescue website, then click the pictures of the dogs to learn a bit more about their age and other stats. Once you’re ready to adopt, you can fill out an application. Once approved, you can expect to pay $175 for your dog.
A deposit is required if your pet isn’t yet spayed or neutered. Note that this shelter rescues cats, as well. If you’re looking for a feline friend, check out the available kitties. Not sure which animal you’d like to bring home with you? Gulf Coast Tiny Paws Rescue hosts weekly adoption events at the local Pet Supermarket.
Gulf Coast Tiny Paws Rescue Details
- Location: Houston and Gulf Coast area, Texas
- Contact: Gulf Coast Tiny Paws Rescue
- Website: Gulf Coast Tiny Paws Rescue
3. Take Me Home Pet Rescue
Take Me Home Pet Rescue, located in Richardson, Texas, is next on the list of the top small dog rescues in Texas. The shelter is volunteer-run, and they rely on foster families to help carry out their mission. Incoming animals are temporarily isolated at the main location, then are transported to temporary homes until they find forever families.
All dogs are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and wormed before going to a permanent home. In some cases, dogs must be rehabilitated in other ways. Whether they suffer from heartworm or have broken bones, Take Me Home Pet Rescue will address their medical needs.
There’s a thorough adoption process you must participate in before bringing a dog home. You’ll need to fill out an application, then schedule a meet-and-greet with an animal. If everyone gets along, a team member will visit your home and check that it’s “pet-proof.”
Sometimes, your dog may stay with you once the home visit is conducted. In other cases, you’ll need to ensure you have the necessary supplies first. There’s a ten-day trial period during which you and your pet will get to know each other.
You’re good to go if your dog gets along with your family members and current pets. The shelter will keep the adoption fee (between $220 and $335) and transfer the microchip information to your name.
Take Me Home Pet Rescue Details
- Location: Richardson, Texas
- Phone Number: (972) 238-7988
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Take Me Home Pet Rescue
4. Mini Mutts Animal Rescue
The next Texas small dog rescue on our list is Mini Mutts Animal Rescue. They’re a Dallas organization specializing in dogs and cats, bringing them off the streets of Dallas and re-homing them into loving families. As with the other shelters on our list, Mini Mutts Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization.
The adoption application process is straightforward. You’ll complete an application, participate in a home visit, provide vet records, and prove your financial stability. Your current pets must be spayed or neutered, and you’ll need to show that you have the space to accommodate an indoor pet.
All adults in the family must be present for the home visit, and you must be at least 25 years old. You can expect to pay around $250 for your dog. Once you’re approved to adopt a dog, you’ll have a week-long trial period with your pet. If all goes well, you’ll be cleared to keep your puppy.
Dogs are microchipped for safety, and your puppy will have been altered, vaccinated, and wormed. You’ll be informed of any known health conditions. The adoption fee helps cover the costs incurred while your puppy is in foster care.
Mini Mutts Animal Rescue Details
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Mini Mutts Animal Rescue
5. Charming Pet Rescue
Next on our list of the top small dog rescues in Texas is Charming Pet Rescue. This organization saves dogs and cats from risky situations and adopts them to local Texas families or transports them out of state. They’re located in Boerne, but residents from any part of Texas are welcome to apply.
Note that there are quite a few puppies available through Charming Pet Rescue. Take a look at the adoptable animals and choose the one you love the most, then click your puppy’s pic. You’ll be shown a brief biography of your dog, and the adoption fee will be listed.
Fees are set based on the dog’s age and health but are typically between $300 and $350. Senior citizens may be interested in the Silver Paws program. This service is wonderful for both dog and human! Charming Pet Rescue and many other shelters realize that older people do not have the years to commit to raising a puppy.
As a result, Charming Pet Rescue has introduced a program that allows people over 55 years old who live in the San Antonio area to adopt senior dogs. All costs, including food, are covered by the shelter. The only thing seniors need to provide is love and attention.
Charming Pet Rescue Details
- Location: Boerne, Texas
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Charming Pet Rescue
6. Operation Kindness
Operation Kindness operates a shelter in Carrollton, Texas, and rescues cats and dogs that need medical attention. Puppies, adults, and seniors are all available through this shelter, so take your pick. Operation Kindness is not for profit; your donation fee will directly support the crew in their mission to save animals.
In addition to sheltering dogs in need, Operation Kindness offers community outreach. They host animal food drives and educational events and offer low-cost veterinary care to the local area. The group is volunteer-supported, so let them know if you can help them out.
You can “man” a booth at an event, help clean cages, or play with the animals. Dogs cost $205 to adopt unless otherwise noted. Your dog will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, dewormed, and treated for any known health conditions at the time of adoption.
You’ll receive a pet insurance discount and a “goody bag” with necessities for your puppy’s first few days with you. Foster opportunities are available. Please reach out to Operation Kindness if you can temporarily house a puppy until they are ready for permanent placement.
Operation Kindness Details
- Location: Carrollton, Texas
- Phone Number: (972) 418-7297
- Contact: Operation Kindness’ Contact Page
- Website: Operation Kindness
7. Texas Humane Heroes
Next on our list of the top small dog rescues in Texas is Texas Humane Heroes. This is another non-profit organization, and while they don’t specialize in little dogs, there are quite a few adoptable dogs in the Killeen and Leander shelter locations.
In addition to a trial period with your dog, you can enjoy a 14-day guarantee. If health concerns are discovered during the first two weeks, you can return your puppy to the shelter and receive treatment at no cost. Of course, Texas Humane Heroes will inform you of any known conditions before adoption.
Choose the dog you’d like to adopt, then complete the application. A home visit may be required, and all family members (even the furry ones) are encouraged to be present. A meet-and-greet with your dog will be scheduled, and if all goes well, you’ll be good to go.
Speak with the kennel about the adoption fee, which may vary from dog to dog. You’ll usually pay between $150 and $275 for your puppy. Your adoption fee is likely tax-deductible, but you’ll need to confirm this with a tax professional.
Texas Humane Heroes Details
- Location: Leander, Texas
- Phone Number: (512) 260-3602
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Texas Humane Heroes
8. LARAS House Shelter
LARAS House Shelter is a fairly large non-profit. They are located in Mexia, and they have been in existence since 2010. According to the website, the shelter may house as many as 100 dogs and cats simultaneously, so your assistance is welcome and appreciated.
Volunteer opportunities are available; contact the team if you can donate an hour or two of your time. You can further contribute to the organization by providing items on the shelter’s wish list or attending one of their fundraising events.
Holiday events like Wag-O-Ween and community services such as low-cost clinics are listed on the team’s calendar. If you’re ready to adopt a dog, you can begin by filling out the application. A meet-and-greet will be scheduled, though this can be done via Zoom or FaceTime.
See, LARAS House Shelter frequently adopts dogs from out-of-state residents, so arrangements can be made to complete the adoption process virtually. Adoption fees will range from $125 to $200 and will cover the cost of health treatments and general care for your dog. In most cases, your adoption fee will be tax-deductible.
LARAS House Shelter Details
- Location: Mexia, Texas
- Phone Number: (254) 292-9552
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: LARAS House Shelter
9. Luna’s Fosters Animal Rescue
Luna’s Fosters Animal Rescue is a small organization that specializes in dachshunds. Other small breeds are accepted, and most that come through the shelter have special needs. All animals live in foster homes, limiting the number of dogs this group can save. Why not volunteer to provide a foster home if you’re interested in assisting?
Adoption through this shelter costs $150. The process differs slightly from other organizations, so contact the rescue to determine your next steps. In most cases, you’ll apply to adopt, then be matched with a foster dog in the El Paso area. Consultations are by appointment only but are offered free of charge.
Speak with the shelter team about the healthcare your dog has received. You’ll most likely receive a dog vaccinated, wormed, spayed, or neutered, and nose-to-tail vet-checked. Note that dogs’ care will differ from foster to foster, so be sure to request medical records for your dog.
Luna’s Fosters Animal Rescue Details
- Location: El Paso, Texas
- Phone Number: (915) 307-1045
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Luna’s Fosters Animal Rescue
Conclusion For The “Best Small Dog Rescues in Texas”
Texas is known for doing things bigger, but unfortunately, the overpopulation of small homeless dogs is one of those things. You can make a difference in a puppy’s life when you adopt from one of the shelters on this list.
These non-profit organizations rely on the help of community members like you. So, whether you donate, adopt, foster, or volunteer, your contribution to the top small dog rescues in Texas will benefit animals across the state.
For more guides similar to this list of small dog rescues in Texas, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
- Best Small Dog Rescues in Florida
- Best Small Dog Rescues in Colorado
- Best Small Dog Rescues in New England
Before you adopt a small dog companion from a rescue shelter in Texas, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “What’s Different About Training Small Dogs” 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.