Small Dogs for Adoption in Columbus, GA: 14 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Columbus have 14 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 14, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Every dog on this page is listed by their rescue as small, with breeds like Dachshund, Pomeranian and Rat Terrier.
Not in Columbus? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Otis
Please read ALL below where you will find answers about the pet, our adoption fees and how to do our adoption application!
Pet Description: Otis is a male, two-years-old, 21 lbs. He came to us due to his owner's failing health. More independent natured and loves being outside to play and run so needs a safe and well-fenced yard. Will do best with another dog as a buddy. Likes to play keep-away so another reason for a well-fenced yard.
Read more about Otis
DOG ADOPTION FEE is $100. This Adoption fee includes: mandatory spay/neuter which will be done before you can take your dog or puppy home with you; basic canine immunizations (DHPP-CPV & Bordatella Intranasal); de-wormings; one-year rabies vaccination if old enough; heartworm test if over five months old; microchip from 24-Pet Watch; certificate for free health examination at your participating veterinarian; and a goodie bag chocked full of information, toys, and more. (If a dog is sponsored or has a waived or lower fee, that info will be provided at the point of adoption to the approved adopter).
The first step is to our Adoption Application here: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . IMPORTANT – we respond to your emailed applications and queries via email back to you. Please make sure you have either added our email (hselco@bellsouth.net) to your contact list or that you routinely check your SPAM folder for our response just to be safe. If we do not receive a timely response we simply move on to another applicant.
To learn more about us, visit our Website at: http://www.elmorehumane.org; Phone: (334) 567-3377 Fax: (334) 567-8774 E-mail: hselco@bellsouth.net
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
2. Sugar
Please read ALL below where you will find answers about the pet, our adoption fees and how to do our adoption application!
Pet Description: Sugar is a female, 8 1/2-years-old, 20 lbs. She was adopted from us many years ago, recently found as a stray but we could never get hold of her owner. Active little gal, loves people and playing, inquisitive, great with other dogs, can be a talker, will dance for treats.
Read more about Sugar
DOG ADOPTION FEE is $100. This Adoption fee includes: mandatory spay/neuter which will be done before you can take your dog or puppy home with you; basic canine immunizations (DHPP-CPV & Bordatella Intranasal); de-wormings; one-year rabies vaccination if old enough; heartworm test if over five months old; microchip from 24-Pet Watch; certificate for free health examination at your participating veterinarian; and a goodie bag chocked full of information, toys, and more. (If a dog is sponsored or has a waived or lower fee, that info will be provided at the point of adoption to the approved adopter).
The first step is to our Adoption Application here: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . IMPORTANT – we respond to your emailed applications and queries via email back to you. Please make sure you have either added our email (hselco@bellsouth.net) to your contact list or that you routinely check your SPAM folder for our response just to be safe. If we do not receive a timely response we simply move on to another applicant.
To learn more about us, visit our Website at: http://www.elmorehumane.org; Phone: (334) 567-3377 Fax: (334) 567-8774 E-mail: hselco@bellsouth.net
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
3. Norma Jean
Norma Jean: Tennis-Ball-Loving Mix Seeking Foster or Forever Home
Meet Norma Jean, a playful, sweet 1.5-year-old who will happily chase a tennis ball for as long as you'll throw it! At just 28 pounds, she's a compact bundle of energy who knows how to switch off: give her some exercise and she'll happily chill out while you work.
See Video of Cute Lil' Norma Jean Exploring
The Basics:
1.5 years old, 28 lbs, possibly a Beagle/Corgi mix
Housebroken and crate-trained
Great at the vet and loves meeting people outside
Very intelligent and responds well to training
Read more about Norma Jean
Her Personality:
Norma Jean is an affectionate girl who loves her people of all ages. She’s also a devoted, watchful companion who takes her role at home seriously. She's protective of her home and when strangers arrive, she can be cautious about welcoming them inside and bark. She’s been working with a trainer to learn that, as a little dog, she doesn’t have to be the big boss, and she’s making great progress. She does great when meeting people outside. Her new family will need to keep up that training.
With Other Dogs:
Norma Jean enjoys being around other dogs. She likes to meet dogs and take a short walk outside before being thrown in the backyard with them. She has a confident personality and knows her boundaries, so she’s best matched with playful, easygoing dogs whose personalities complement hers—or dogs who are happy to give her space. She responds well to cues from other dogs and has lived with dogs ranging in size from 8-80 pounds. Like many dogs, she prefers to eat separately so she can eat at her own pace. She has shown no resource guarding with humans.
Her Ideal Home:
A home with teens and adults, where everyone can be mindful of doors and entrances
A calm, consistent family committed to continuing her training
Daily exercise, playtime, and plenty of tennis-ball adventures!
Norma Jean needs a foster or adopter as soon as possible. She has so much love and personality to share. She’s looking for a foster or forever home where she can continue her training, enjoy her favorite activities, and be loved for the amazing dog she is.
Email for Questions: amy@doggieharmony.org
Apply: https://doggieharmony.org/forms
Doggie Harmony is a pet placement and matchmaking service that works with community members who are already housing a pet. Interested adopters are asked to apply at https://doggieharmony.org/forms and allow a home visit, so we can make sure each pet is a great match. Please ask the pet’s current caretaker directly about their return process, and request an adoption contract. While we can’t offer immediate intake for dogs that need to be returned, we’re always happy to help a family rehome a pet while they continue to care for it. Every match keeps a pet out of Georgia’s overcrowded shelters, where more than 30,000 dogs and cats are euthanized each year.
Last Updated: 11/3/26
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
4. Heinz
ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html .
We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsouth.net to your contact list or check your SPAM folder for our response. If we do not receive a timely response we simply move on to another applicant. And please wait for our response as we schedule appointments to meet our pets.
Pet info, adoption cost/detail information below:
Read more about Heinz
PET DESCRIPTION: Heinz is an almost one-year-old male, Pomeranian/Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, about 16 lbs. His older owner only had him about three weeks but he was getting underfoot too much and became a tripping hazard. He loves people, is ok with cats and tolerates other dogs but might get very jealous of another dog getting near his owner so likely best as the only dog in the home. No children please. He is very active and also can jump quite high. Housetrained and does like to talk.
DOG ADOPTION FEE is $100. This Adoption fee includes: mandatory spay/neuter which will be done before you can take your dog or puppy home with you; basic canine immunizations (DHPP-CPV & Bordatella Intranasal); de-wormings; one-year rabies vaccination if old enough; heartworm test if over five months old; microchip from 24-Pet Watch (and we register the chip at time of the adoption); certificate for free health examination at your participating veterinarian; and a goodie bag chocked full of information, toys, and more. (If a dog is sponsored or has a waived or lower fee, that info will be provided at the point of adoption to the approved adopter).
For more info: http://www.elmorehumane.org; E-mail: hselco@bellsouth.net; Phone: (334) 567-3377.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
5. Rufus
Rufus' owner passed away. The only life he had known was his owner and their peaceful home. He's has been through some trauma and needs a little bit to come around but once he knows you, he sticks to you like glue. He bonds best to one person and needs an adult home with no chaotic kids. A canine companion for him, would be great!
Age: 1 year
Weight: 19 lbs
Temperament: Gets along with other dogs and calm adults
Training: Housetrained crate-trained
Vetting: neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm negative
Email for questions: http://loramyers51@yahoo.com
Read more about Rufus
To ensure we're meeting both pet and adopters' needs, we ask potential adopters to complete an Adoption Application (www.bit.ly/DH-Adoption) for caretakers to review. Once your application is approved, we will bring the adoptable pet to your home for a preliminary visit.
We are 100% donation-funded and our fees are equivalent to (or less than) the cost to fully vet a new dog yourself. Please expect an adoption fee of $300; some of our urgent or long-term dogs have discounted fees.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
6. Rufus Lee
Rufus was orginally bought for a family's kids but they weren't interested in a dog. Rufus needs kids that want to play with him, even a canine companion. He is very playful and sociable. He thrives on affection and play.
Age: 10 months
Weight: 20 lbs
Temperament: Gets along with other dogs, kids (older sturdy kids are best) we don't know how he is with cats.
Training: Housetrained, crate-trained, needs basic training
Vetting: neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm negative
Email for questions: http://loramyers51@yahoo.com
Read more about Rufus Lee
To ensure we're meeting both pet and adopters' needs, we ask potential adopters to complete an Adoption Application (www.bit.ly/DH-Adoption) for caretakers to review. Once your application is approved, we will bring the adoptable pet to your home for a preliminary visit.
We are 100% donation-funded and our fees are equivalent to (or less than) the cost to fully vet a new dog yourself. Please expect an adoption fee of $300; some of our urgent or long-term dogs have discounted fees.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Yoshi & Princess Peach
ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html .
We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsouth.net to your contact list or check your SPAM folder for our response. If we do not receive a timely response we simply move on to another applicant. And please wait for our response as we schedule appointments to meet our pets.
Pet info, adoption cost/detail information below:
PET DESCRIPTION: Yoshi & Princess Peach are a BONDED PAIR so we will not separate them. They are Pomeranian/Chihuahuas. Yoshi is the male, blonde, about six-years old, 9 lbs. Princess Peach is the female, black & tan, about 8 years old, 12 lbs. They were more or less abandoned and then brought to us by Animal Control. They are sweet ONCE they get comfortable with you but don't think you can just come in and grab them up. They have to get to know you. Princess Peach is more guarded and will take a bit longer. NO CHILDREN and NO CATS. We actually do not know how they will do with large dogs but they are fine with small dogs. Best in a calmer home. Yes, then can be quite barky at any little sound they hear.
Read more about Yoshi & Princess Peach
DOG ADOPTION FEE is $100. This Adoption fee includes: mandatory spay/neuter which will be done before you can take your dog or puppy home with you; basic canine immunizations (DHPP-CPV & Bordatella Intranasal); de-wormings; one-year rabies vaccination if old enough; heartworm test if over five months old; microchip from 24-Pet Watch (and we register the chip at time of the adoption); certificate for free health examination at your participating veterinarian; and a goodie bag chocked full of information, toys, and more. (If a dog is sponsored or has a waived or lower fee, that info will be provided at the point of adoption to the approved adopter).
For more info: http://www.elmorehumane.org; E-mail: hselco@bellsouth.net; Phone: (334) 567-3377.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- Adopt together
8. Penelope
URGENT: Penelope, Sweet 25-lb Girl Who Needs Someone Patient
Sit on the floor, wait quietly, and Penelope will come to you, then melt into your lap. Once this 3-year-old feels safe, she’s sweet, playful, and endlessly affectionate. She wants to be the center of her person’s world.
About 3 years old, 25 lbs, spayed female
Reliably uses pee pads
Quiet and non-destructive when left alone
Good on leash
Spayed, Vaccinated, heartworm negative
Watch Video >>> Penelope's True Personality
Watch Video >>> Penelope's Love for Apples & Bananas
Watch Video >>> Penelope on a Car Ride
Read more about Penelope
What she needs: Penelope is an anxious girl, and she takes daily anxiety medication. If someone approaches or tries to catch her too quickly, she may bark or nip out of fear. Let her come to you, and she will. She does not do well crated (she’ll cry for hours) but doesn’t need to be. She does best with someone home much of the day who can give her plenty of attention.
Other pets: She’s best as the only dog, or with a carefully matched, easygoing companion. She does well with confident cats but may chase a fearful one.
Best fit: a patient adult or retiree, a calm and consistent home, older respectful kids at most.
Penelope has been through several homes, and her current foster isn’t a long-term option. She needs her forever person soon.
Questions: asimon100@outlook.com
Apply: https://doggieharmony.org/forms
Doggie Harmony is a pet placement and matchmaking service that works with community members who are already housing a pet. Interested adopters are asked to apply at https://doggieharmony.org/forms and allow a home visit, so we can make sure each pet is a great match. Please ask the pet’s current caretaker directly about their return process, and request an adoption contract. While we can’t offer immediate intake for dogs that need to be returned, we’re always happy to help a family rehome a pet while they continue to care for it. Every match keeps a pet out of Georgia’s overcrowded shelters, where more than 30,000 dogs and cats are euthanized each year.
Last Updated: 11/3/26
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
9. Winniewinkle
Winnie is a large Dachshund mix, about 27 pounds. Under a year old. She is learning to be a good girl, learning leash walking and housebreaking. Good in a crate. Loves attention and play. She is a people pleaser and loves to learn. She wants to be a lap dog! She has a winning personality and is ready to fit into your family!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
10. Bella
Bella is incredibly sweet with her humans, is a couch potato, although she does have short burst of funny playing. She loves nothing more than to snuggle. She is funny and loving.
She would prefer a home without other dogs, she has some reactivity to dogs she doesn't know and has been a little spicy with her foster pack. It's a case of "Little Man" syndrome.
Age: 1 year
Weight: 20 lbs
Temperament: Gets along with adults, older respectful kids
Training: Housetrained, crate-trained
Vetting: Spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm negative and on prevention
Email for questions: http://jensfuriends@gmail.com
Read more about Bella
To ensure we're meeting both pet and adopters' needs, we ask potential adopters to complete an Adoption Application (www.bit.ly/DH-Adoption) for caretakers to review. Once your application is approved, we will bring the adoptable pet to your home for a preliminary visit.
- Only dog
- House-trained
11. Mama
ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html .
We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsouth.net to your contact list or check your SPAM folder for our response. If we do not receive a timely response we simply move on to another applicant. And please wait for our response as we schedule appointments to meet our pets.
Pet info, adoption cost/detail information below:
PET DESCRIPTION: Mama is a one-year-old female Terrier mix, 19 lbs. Found as a stray never reclaimed. She is a shy little lady but sweet, good with other dogs. Sadly she is positive for heartworms so we have started her pre-treatment. We are open to an adopter fostering her during her treatment, just get your application in.
Read more about Mama
DOG ADOPTION FEE is $100. This Adoption fee includes: mandatory spay/neuter which will be done before you can take your dog or puppy home with you; basic canine immunizations (DHPP-CPV & Bordatella Intranasal); de-wormings; one-year rabies vaccination if old enough; heartworm test if over five months old; microchip from 24-Pet Watch (and we register the chip at time of the adoption); certificate for free health examination at your participating veterinarian; and a goodie bag chocked full of information, toys, and more. (If a dog is sponsored or has a waived or lower fee, that info will be provided at the point of adoption to the approved adopter).
For more info: http://www.elmorehumane.org; E-mail: hselco@bellsouth.net; Phone: (334) 567-3377.
- Good with dogs
- Special needs
12. Matty Matt
Matty Mat came to us as a stray. CCAC advised the person who picked him to bring Matty Mat to us. He was severely matted . He has only been with us a few weeks . We are still working with him and getting to know his personality . So far he is very sweet but shy. Once we have more information we will update.
Adoptions are generally limited to an approximately 150-mile radius of Jonesboro, Georgia. Exceptions may be considered under certain circumstances.
Read more about Matty Matt
To apply to adopt, please complete our Preliminary Adoption Application. Submitting an application does not commit you to adopting. It allows us to determine whether the pet is a good match for your home and family.
As part of the approval process, we verify the veterinary history of current and previous pets, including annual vaccinations and spay/neuter status. Please contact your veterinarian in advance and authorize them to release this information to Clayton County Humane Society.
Dog adoption fees range from $250 to $400. Each dog receives:
Age-appropriate vaccinations
Spay or neuter surgery
Heartworm testing and treatment, if necessary
Deworming
Flea prevention
A microchip registered to the adopter
You must have an approved application before scheduling a meeting with a pet. For additional information, please email info@streetpaws.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
13. Bobo
Adoptions are generally limited to an approximately 150-mile radius of Jonesboro, Georgia. Exceptions may be considered under certain circumstances.
To apply to adopt, please complete our Preliminary Adoption Application. Submitting an application does not commit you to adopting. It allows us to determine whether the pet is a good match for your home and family.
As part of the approval process, we verify the veterinary history of current and previous pets, including annual vaccinations and spay/neuter status. Please contact your veterinarian in advance and authorize them to release this information to Clayton County Humane Society.
Read more about Bobo
Dog adoption fees range from $250 to $400. Each dog receives:
Age-appropriate vaccinations
Spay or neuter surgery
Heartworm testing and treatment, if necessary
Deworming
Flea prevention
A microchip registered to the adopter
You must have an approved application before scheduling a meeting with a pet. For additional information, please email info@streetpaws.org.
- Good with kids
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
- Special needs
14. Rah Rah
Adoptions are generally limited to an approximately 150-mile radius of Jonesboro, Georgia. Exceptions may be considered under certain circumstances.
To apply to adopt, please complete our Preliminary Adoption Application. Submitting an application does not commit you to adopting. It allows us to determine whether the pet is a good match for your home and family.
As part of the approval process, we verify the veterinary history of current and previous pets, including annual vaccinations and spay/neuter status. Please contact your veterinarian in advance and authorize them to release this information to Clayton County Humane Society.
Read more about Rah Rah
Dog adoption fees range from $250 to $400. Each dog receives:
Age-appropriate vaccinations
Spay or neuter surgery
Heartworm testing and treatment, if necessary
Deworming
Flea prevention
A microchip registered to the adopter
You must have an approved application before scheduling a meeting with a pet. For additional information, please email info@streetpaws.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
Adopting a small dog in Columbus
Small dogs suit apartments and smaller homes, are easy to take along, and many live well into their teens.
They still need daily walks, play and training. Small dogs can be fragile, so ask the rescue how they are with young children, who can easily drop or step on them.
Rescues with small dogs near Columbus
- The Humane Society of Elmore CountyWetumpka, AL · 5 small dogs above
- Doggie HarmonyAtlanta, GA · 5 small dogs above
- Street PawsLocust Grove, GA · 3 small dogs above
- Southern Crescent Canine RescueMilner, GA · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Columbus
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Columbus?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Columbus, Georgia, have 14 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Columbus?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Columbus right now are The Humane Society of Elmore County (Wetumpka, AL), Doggie Harmony (Atlanta, GA) and Street Paws (Locust Grove, GA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are small dogs good for apartments?
Often, yes. Many small dogs are happy with a smaller space and short walks, but energy matters more than size: ask the rescue how active the dog is and whether they bark when left alone.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.