12 Best Small Dog Rescues in the United States!

Are you searching for small dog rescues in the United States? Small dogs are beloved pets that are larger than life. They can be “fierce” watchdogs, cozy lap dogs, or faithful travel companions. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of small-breed dogs are surrendered to shelters each year.

You can change a puppy’s life by checking out our list of the best small dog rescues in the United States. The shelters on our list are non-profit groups that share the goal of providing homes to neglected, abused, and surrendered dogs.

No matter where you are in the United States, you can find a furry friend to love forever. Find a rescue near you, schedule a meet-and-greet with your dog, then enjoy the companionship of a small, loyal new family member.

Before you scroll down this list of small dog rescues in the United States, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Maltese Rescues in the United States and Best Bichon Frise Rescues in the United States.

Find a Small Dog Rescue Shelter Near Me in the United States

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

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1. Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina

Boston Terrier puppies are sweet little dogs that grow to be no more than 25 pounds. If you live within North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, or Maryland, you’re eligible to adopt from Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina.

This small dog rescue is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. When ready to adopt a dog from this volunteer-run organization, submit your application and a $20 application fee.

You’ll need to let the volunteer team know about your experience with dogs, your family, and your physical home. All current pets must be altered (spayed or neutered), and your new dog must be adopted as an indoor pet.

Adoption applicants must be 21 years old or older. Adoption fees range from $200 to $400, depending on the dog’s age. Puppies will be current on vet exams and will be microchipped for safety.

Your donation supports the mission of Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina but if you’d like to contribute further, consider fostering, volunteering, or donating to the group. Talk to a tax adviser about whether your contribution is tax-deductible.

Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina Details

• Location: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland
• Phone Number: (336) 339-4368
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina

2. Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota

Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota specializes in saving dogs under 20 pounds. Puppies are brought into the shelter from homelessness, neglect, abuse, and owner surrender. They’re rehabilitated, if necessary, and re-homed with families like yours.

Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota is a non-profit organization that relies on contributions from local and national communities. Adoptable dogs have viewable biographies beside their pictures.

Once you find a puppy you like, you’ll need to wait for your application to be reviewed by the Small Dog Rescue volunteers. If you’re a good match, you can expect to schedule an interview and, possibly, a home visit.

If all goes well, you’ll pay the adoption fee, which will generally range between $250 and $350. Remember that all dogs come from different backgrounds. Some may need more training than others.

Let Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota know if you need assistance locating training resources. They can direct you to be online or in-person facilities that can help. Most donations to this organization are tax-deductible; speak with a tax professional.

If you’d like to support the group in a fun way, consider linking to Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota’s Amazon Smile. A portion of your purchase price will be granted to the non-profit.

Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota Details

• Location: Minnesota
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota

3. Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego County

The next shelter on our list of the best small dog rescues in the United States is Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego County. The group is volunteer-run and is a non-profit organization.

They specialize in saving Chihuahuas from dangerous situations, but other small dogs come through the shelter doors from time to time. An adoption application is required, and you’ll need to provide vet records for your existing pets.

You’ll be asked to meet the dog in person before finalizing your adoption, and a home visit may also be required. Once given the green light, you’ll pay between $150 (for senior dogs) and $450 (for younger puppies).

As with all responsible shelters on this list, all puppies are vet-checked, altered, and microchipped for safety. Chihuahua rescue of San Diego County rescues over 300 dogs each year, and volunteers and puppies appreciate any contribution you can make above and beyond the adoption fee.

Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego County Details

• Location: Southern California
• Phone Number: (858) 256-9479
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego County

4. Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue

Yorkshire terrier national Rescue is based in Tennessee but serves Yorkies across the United States. Whether you’re local in Memphis or across the country in Monterrey, a Yorkie needs a loving home like yours nearby.

Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue is a non-profit group, and your adoption fee may be tax-deductible. Adoption fees begin at $150 and will be determined by the age and health of the dog.

The length of time they have been in foster care may also be considered. Dogs are not placed on a first-come, first-served basis but are matched with the best possible family. With that in mind, be sure to fill out the adoption application in its entirety.

Volunteers are in high demand. Please fill out the application if you want to help Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue. A list of the most in-demand states is kept updated on the Yorkshire terrier National Rescue website. Your support of PawSpice is also appreciated.

Dogs that can not be adopted due to age or health will benefit from your donation. Your contribution is applied toward medical care, ensuring that the dog will be comfortable and in the best health possible while they live their years.

Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Details

• Location: Nationwide
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue

5. Lone Star Beagle Rescue

Lone Star Beagle Rescue is located in Texas and serves the Lone Star State, but they partner with other beagle rescues in surrounding states. If you’re outside of Texas, contact this small dog rescue for a referral to an organization in your state.

They’re a large-scale operation committed to finding deserving beagles their new homes, no matter where the puppies are located. Foster homes and adoptive families are in demand. Take a peek at the available dogs to determine which opportunity you’re most interested in.

Each dog’s unique needs are listed beside its picture, and you can view more info on the dog’s Petfinder biography. Lone Star Beagle Rescue is an all-volunteer organization and, as such, stays pretty busy.

The team asks that you limit your emails or calls to only one before applying. Once you’ve gone through the application process, the volunteers will be more than happy to guide you through the process and answer all questions you may have.

The adoption fees for dogs will vary greatly based on health, age, and pedigree. This will be disclosed to you before you adopt, and the fee covers, in part, the healthcare and other necessities your dog received while in their foster home.

Lone Star Beagle Rescue Details

• Location: Texas and surrounding states
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Lone Star Beagle Rescue

6. Pom Squad Rescue

Pom Squad Rescue is another of the top small dog rescues in the United States located in Texas. As you may have guessed, the team specializes in saving Pomeranians from high-risk situations.

Owner surrenders, high-kill shelters, and the streets of Texas were the previous “homes” of the sweet pots available for adoption. As any responsible rescue will ask you to do, you’ll need to fill out an application before you adopt a Pomeranian from Pom Squad Rescue.

Tell the team about your experiences with dogs and other pets and your lifestyle. They’ll want vet references from you, and you’ll need to prove that your existing pets have been vaccinated and altered.

Once you’re approved to adopt your dog, you can choose the one you’d like. The team will review your information again to ensure you’re a good fit; then, you’ll pay the adoption fee. These fees may vary based on your dog’s pedigree, age, and health but will usually be between $500 and $600.

Pom Squad Rescue Details

• Location: Texas
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Pom Squad Rescue

7. Church of Pug

If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll want to check out the Church of Pug. This rescue is located in Washington state and is committed to bringing second chances to Pugs that have been neglected or abused.

In addition, you’ll find Pekingese, Boston terrier, and French bulldog puppies available for adoption. As with the other rescues on our list, the Church of Pug is a non-profit organization.

Your adoption fee and any additional donation may be tax-deductible, so speak with a financial professional about your unique circumstances. Adoption fees range from $200 to $2,000 based on the age of the dog you save.

Foster families are welcome to apply to care for a puppy. You’ll house a pug until they find a forever home or until you decide to adopt the dog into your own family.

The Church of Pug will pay for the puppy’s veterinary care, but you’ll be responsible for coordinating travel and other necessities. In some cases, food may also be provided by the shelter.

If you live in the Seattle, Washington area, consider volunteering with the Church of Pug. The team needs help with puppy transport, application Review, and other tasks, which will be assigned based on your skill set.

Church of Pug Details

• Location: Washington
• Phone Number: (206) 992-0708
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Church of Pug

8. Small But Mighty Dog Rescue

Small But Mighty Dog Rescue is based in South Carolina and does not specialize in any breed. Instead, the non-profit 501(c)3 organization is committed to saving small dogs of all types from homelessness and high-kill shelters.

Chihuahuas are the most frequently available breed at this shelter. Small But Mighty Dog Rescue is a family-owned operation that takes pride in matching dogs with the perfect family.

Humans’ lifestyles and dogs’ temperaments are considered before a placement is made, and a thorough application will help assist in this process. The adoption fee for your dog may vary based on age, health, and the length of time they have been in foster care.

Your puppy will be vaccinated, dewormed, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before joining your family. Small But Mighty operates by appointment only. If you’re ready to adopt a dog today, schedule an interview with Scott and Liz.

Small But Mighty Dog Rescue Details

• Location: South Carolina
• Phone Number: (734) 717-2194
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Small But Mighty Dog Rescue

9. Fawn’s Family Small Dog Rescue

Fawn’s Family Small Dog Rescue is next on our list of the best small dog rescues in the United States. They’re based in Florida and were founded after their first rescue dog, a min pin called Fawn, crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Since its founding, the team has provided dozens of dogs with nurturing foster homes until puppies are permanently placed with loving adoptive families. Adoption fees will range from $175 to $350, depending on the puppy’s age and needs.

There’s a seven-day return policy on all dogs, as Fawn’s Family Small Dog Rescue wants to ensure that each dog is happy and comfortable in their new home.

You’ll be required to sign an adoption contract for your dog, and you must be willing to provide vet records for your existing pets. Furthermore, you must live within 150 miles of Jacksonville, Florida, to adopt a dog.

Fawn’s Family Small Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization that relies on community support. You can donate directly to the group or shop through Amazon Smile or the team’s other sponsors to further support them in caring for small homeless dogs.

Fawn’s Family Small Dog Rescue Details

• Location: Jacksonville, Florida
• Phone Number: (904) 773-3553
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Fawn’s Family Small Dog Rescue

10. Second Chance Chi Rescue

Second Chance Chi Rescue is a 501(c)3 organization in Salt Lake City, Utah. They specialize in chihuahua rescues but occasionally have other breeds available for adoption.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of this group; you can apply to assist with transport or other tasks or to be a foster family for a deserving puppy. To adopt a dog, you must complete an application and consent to a home visit.

In most cases, you’ll be asked to meet your dog in person and to bring your current pets with you. Second Chance Chi Rescue wants to ensure all family members, including the furry ones, get along.

If you’re not certain that a permanent placement is right for you at this time, apply to foster a small dog. The Second Chance Chi Rescue volunteers will coordinate with you to provide veterinary care and necessities for your dog. All you’ll need to do is provide love and attention.

Second Chance Chi Rescue Details

• Location: Utah
• Phone Number: (801) 580-4152
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Second Chance Chi Rescue

11. Maltese Rescue California

Maltese Rescue California is the next shelter on our list of the top rescues for small dogs in the United States. Despite the shelter’s name, many small dog breeds are adoptable through this non-profit; you’ll find Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and more waiting for a home.

The shelter covers all of the Golden State, and you can view available dogs based on their location in California. The adoption process involves filling out an application which shelters volunteers will review.

You’re free to apply for a specific puppy, but the shelter team will match you with a dog based on your household and lifestyle. A telephone interview will be scheduled; you may be required to participate in a home visit.

If all goes well, you’ll be permitted to pay the adoption donation and bring your puppy home. The adoption fee covers your dog’s health care and will be based on your puppy’s health and age.

The breed may also play a factor in determining the donation amount. If you’d like to support the organization further, check out its Facebook page for upcoming fundraisers and other events that are open to the public.

Maltese Rescue California Details

• Location: California
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Maltese Rescue California

12. The Little Black Dog Rescue Group

The Little Black Dog Rescue Group is located in Virginia but primarily serves DC dogs and families. Like the others on our list of the best small dog rescues in the United States, they are a non-profit, volunteer-run group.

Your adoption fee and other donations support the group’s mission and at-risk dogs in the mid-Atlantic. The adoption donation will vary based on the age of your dog. You will pay around $350 for a senior dog or $425 for an adult or puppy.

Speak with the shelter volunteers about the cost of adopting a specific dog. You can look at who’s waiting to go home with you by checking out adoptable dogs on the organization’s website. A biography is provided for each dog.

If you can, volunteer, the Little Black Dog Rescue Group needs volunteers who can work with social media, transport puppies, communicate with fosters, and more. Alternatively, you can provide temporary shelter for a dog while they await a forever family.

The Little Black Dog Rescue Group Details

• Location: Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia
• Contact: The Little Black Dog Rescue Group’s Contact Page
• Website: The Little Black Dog Rescue Group

Conclusion For The “Best Small Dog Rescues in the United States”

Little dogs may be small, but they’re mighty. They can change home by giving you the cuddles and tail wags you’ve been craving. Please tLook at the small dog rescues we’ve researched, find one near you, and then add a furry family member to your household. Adopt before you shop and make a difference in the life of a dog – and in your own life as well.

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

• Best Small Dog Rescues in Texas
• Best Small Dog Rescues in Florida
• Best Small Dog Rescues in Colorado

Before you adopt a small dog companion from a rescue shelter in the United States, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “5 Important Tips For Small Breed Puppy Training” down below: