Small Dogs for Adoption in Evanston, IL: 14 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Evanston 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 Chihuahua, Poodle and Cocker Spaniel.
Not in Evanston? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Miss Molly
This dog is a recent arrival to REACH Rescue. Please check back for more information as their foster family gets to know them!Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person.Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
2. Seamus
This dog is a recent arrival to REACH Rescue. Please check back for more information as their foster family gets to know them!Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person.Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
3. Hana
Meet our soon to be brave hearted girl Hana. This little peanut came to us very fearful from an unknown realm. A mighty small stray that survived long enough by her own sheer will. Hana is a timid, shy yet curious pup. She is currently living with a trainer and learning that the world has some magnificent opportunities to offer. Hana is enjoying her new experiences and has a list of new favorite to dos. Hana loves car rides, long walks, play time with doggy pals and her warm cozy blankets. She feels safest curled up in a warm burrito waiting for her meals. Sure we push her to try new things and slowly she is discovering that life isnt so scary.
Read more about Hana
Hana needs a home with patience, preferably a fenced yard, a willing person that will continue working with her needs as they develop and a dog or two would be great. This lady even does well with cats! Hana is learning obedience, she is crate trained and she walks nicely on a leash as well. For a young dog trying her best the possibilities are endless. Time is the most important factor in determining the timeframe for Hanas courage. As long as she is loved and gently pushed to try new things, she will blossom into an amazing familial addition.
- Good with dogs
- Special needs
4. Frito Lay
Frito Lay is an adorable 2-year-old Chihuahua mix who weighs just 8 pounds but has a whole lot of love to give! This sweet little guy loves being around people, spending time with other dogs, playing with toys, and enjoying his favorite thing of all… FOOD! Frito is a friendly, well-mannered boy who listens well and responds to gentle correction. He does well on a leash and gets along with both children and other dogs, making him a wonderful little companion.Frito is crate trained and working on his potty training as he continues to learn his manners. When meeting new people, he can be a little cautious and prefers to be approached from behind for pets while he gets comfortable.
Read more about Frito Lay
He can also be unsure about gates, so having a patient family who will give him time to adjust and build confidence will help him feel safe and secure.With his tiny size, sweet personality, and love for companionship, Frito Lay is ready to find a family who will give him all the love and attention he deserves. Whether it's spending time with his favorite people, playing with toys, or enjoying a tasty treat, this little guy is happiest when he's part of the action. If you're looking for a lovable little sidekick to add some extra sweetness to your life, Frito Lay might just be your perfect match! Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person. Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
5. Elvis
Meet Elvis! Elvis is a 3-year-old Miniature Poodle mix who is just settling into his foster home and learning that the world might not be such a scary place after all. This gentle, friendly boy can be quite nervous around new people and unfamiliar situations, so he’ll need a little extra patience and understanding as he finds his confidence. While new things can feel overwhelming for Elvis, he has already shown us some wonderful things about himself! He gets along with other dogs, and here's a bonus for the cat lovers out there: Elvis is good with cats, too! His foster family is also working with him on his leash-walking skills, and he’s making nice progress!Elvis will need a kind, patient family who understands that building trust takes time.
Read more about Elvis
He will need a little extra time to feel comfortable around new people and experiences, but with patience, kindness, and lots of reassurance, we know he can continue to build his confidence. He just needs someone who will let him take things at his own pace and show him that the world isn't such a scary place after all. Elvis is still getting settled, and we’ll share more about his personality as his foster family gets to know him better. For now, we know he’s a sweet, gentle boy who deserves a home that will give him the time and love he needs to feel safe.Could you be the patient, loving person who helps Elvis discover just how good life can be? Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person. Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
6. Carolina
Carolina is a playful, energetic girl who believes life is one big play session! She absolutely loves playing with other dogs and would be happiest in a home with one or more playful pups who can keep up with her puppy energy—and, importantly, have the patience to help teach her some good doggy manners.She gets so excited about playing that she sometimes forgets to notice when her canine friends have had enough. She’s still learning to read their cues and respect their boundaries, so her new family will need to continue working with her on puppy training and appropriate play. When playtime is over, Carolina settles down beautifully in her crate.
Read more about Carolina
She also appears to be mostly potty trained!Carolina is looking for a family who will embrace her silly, playful personality, continue her training, and give her plenty of opportunities to burn off that puppy energy with appropriate canine friends. If you're looking for a fun-loving pup who will keep you laughing—and keep your other dog entertained—Carolina might be your girl!Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person.Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
7. Magpie
This dog is a recent arrival to REACH Rescue. Please check back for more information as their foster family gets to know them!Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person.Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
8. Ralphie
Ralphie is a 2-year-old boy with a playful spirit and a love for the great outdoors! This active guy enjoys running around, playing with other dogs, and having fun with his favorite toys and balls. And guess what? He’s even figured out how to entertain himself by playing ball indoors! Ralphie is housebroken and crate trained, and he’s working on improving his leash skills. He gets along well with other dogs and would really enjoy having a canine buddy to run and play with. A fenced-in yard would be a wonderful bonus for Ralphie, giving him the freedom to stretch his legs, burn off some energy, and enjoy all his favorite outdoor adventures! Ralphie can be shy around new people and may need a little time to feel comfortable, so a patient family who lets him settle in at his own pace would be ideal.
Read more about Ralphie
He may not be the snuggly type, but he likes to keep tabs on his people and will happily follow you around to see what you're up to. He just likes knowing his favorite humans are nearby! Another bonus? Ralphie doesn't shed, although he'll need regular grooming to keep his coat looking and feeling its best. If you're looking for a fun-loving companion who enjoys playtime, outdoor adventures, and the company of another dog, Ralphie might be your perfect match! With a little patience, a playful home, and a family who appreciates his independent personality, this sweet boy is ready to find his forever home. Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person. Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
9. Farley
Meet Farley! This cute little Cocker Spaniel/Terrier mix is a playful, affectionate, and curious puppy who is ready to find his forever family!Farley loves playing with toys, romping around the yard, enjoying yummy treats, taking long puppy naps, and snuggling with his favorite people. He is paper-trained and doing great learning to potty outside, is crate-trained, and gets along with other dogs and children!Farley is looking for a loving home with active people who are ready for all the fun (and learning!) that comes with puppyhood. He'll need a family willing to work on basic puppy training, give him plenty of opportunities to play and exercise, and, of course, provide a comfy bed for those all-important puppy snoozes.
Read more about Farley
Could Farley be the missing piece of your family? Come meet this adorable boy and see if he's the perfect fit for you! Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person. Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
10. Iggy
Meet Iggy! This silly, sweet little guy has the cutest face and a personality that will keep you smiling! Iggy is a playful, slightly clumsy puppy who loves romping around with his brother Rome, wrestling with his doggy friends, and enjoying all the adventures puppyhood has to offer. But once playtime is over, this boy is all about the cuddles! Iggy is crate-trained and doing well with his potty routine! While he isn't fully potty-trained just yet, he does great when taken outside regularly and uses his designated newspaper spots indoors. These boys have been wonderfully socialized in a busy neighborhood home, where they've experienced kids coming and going, met lots of new people, and learned to roll with the everyday chaos of family life.
Read more about Iggy
Iggy does well with children and other dogs, loves being outside, and is ready to keep learning as he grows. He loves exploring the world around him… although mirrors and glass doors? A little scary! Iggy would love a family who sees him as a true member of the family and includes him in life's everyday adventures. Whether it's playtime in the yard, family outings, or cozy evenings snuggled up on the couch, this sweet boy is ready to be right there with you!Could Iggy be your new best friend? Come meet this adorable little fella and let him steal your heart! Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person. Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
11. Sweetie Pie
Meet Sweetie Pie! Sweetie Pie is a sweet, laid-back girl who loves being with her people but is also perfectly happy relaxing on her blanket nearby. She’s potty trained, travels well in her crate, and does great with dogs and kids. She’s also good with cats as long as they don’t run—because a running cat can quickly turn into a fun game of chase! Sweetie Pie loves going for walks and is always ready to sniff and explore. She enjoys meeting other dogs and has plenty of terrier instinct when it comes to squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters, so she’s still working on her leash manners and “leave it.”When she’s not out exploring, Sweetie Pie enjoys belly rubs, lounging on the couch, and playing with her favorite tennis ball and rope toy.
Read more about Sweetie Pie
She doesn’t bark much and can be wonderfully calm and content.She does get a little anxious when left alone in her crate and may whine or rearrange things while you’re gone. She seems to settle better when another crated dog is nearby.Sweetie Pie is also continuing treatment for a scratched eye and some skin issues, so her new family will need to keep up with her eye drops and care.Sweetie Pie is a lovable girl with a great mix of relaxed and playful. She’s looking for a family who will enjoy her walks, give her plenty of belly rubs, and appreciate all the sweet little things that make her special. Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person. Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Rocky
At 11 years young, Rocky has officially earned his title as a professional couch companion, expert snuggler, and certified Good Boy! Rocky is a neutered, potty-trained, crate-trained Rat Terrier who is sweet, laid-back, and simply wants to love his person and be loved in return. He has a wonderfully calm nature and thrives in a peaceful environment with a person who enjoys having a loyal little shadow by their side.Rocky is very well house-trained and has never had an accident in the house. He has a great routine and will come to you when he needs to go outside. He LOVES going out and enjoys taking his time to investigate all those important neighborhood smells.
Read more about Rocky
His ideal walks aren't about rushing, they're about stopping to smell EVERYTHING!He's still working on his leash manners, but he responds beautifully to a calm voice and positive reinforcement. In fact, Rocky absolutely soaks up a good "Good Boy!" after a walk or when he does something right. Rocky loves most people and other dogs and has shown that he can handle unexpected situations calmly. When he encountered an aggressive dog while out walking, he simply redirected and did wonderfully. His foster has found that keeping things calm and low-key after walks and when returning home helps Rocky settle in nicely.And then there's Rocky's favorite place in the whole house… the couch. He is absolutely the King of the Couch and will happily wait there for his favorite head and back scratches. After a walk, there's nothing he enjoys more than having his head and back gently stroked.Rocky is also comfortable in a crate when needed, although he's so well behaved that his foster eventually gave him free run of the house. He would love a home where his person is around much of the time because, more than anything, Rocky wants to be wherever you are. Rocky's favorites: Walks & exploring Being with his person Head & back scratches Being King of the Couch Hearing what a good boy he is! Rocky's boundaries:Rocky doesn't enjoy having his stomach or underside touched, and he doesn't like being picked up. His forever family should respect these boundaries and let him enjoy affection in the ways he prefers.Rocky has so much love left to give. He's not looking for a busy, complicated life—he's looking for his person, a comfortable couch, leisurely walks, gentle affection, and a calm place to spend his golden years.If you're looking for a loyal companion who will happily follow you around the house and then save you a spot on the couch, Rocky might just be your perfect match. Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person.Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Turnip
Turnip’s story is one of the most incredible transformations we’ve seen.Turnip came into rescue alongside Rhubarb after suffering from one of the worst cases of skin issues and neglect we had seen in a very long time. He was uncomfortable, neglected, and desperately needed help. Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our rescue community, Turnip received the medical care, love, and attention he needed—and the transformation has been AMAZING. Now that Turnip is feeling so much better, he’s ready for the next chapter of his life: finding the family who will show him what being loved forever really means.Turnip is an affectionate, cuddly, medium-to-high-energy boy who LOVES his people.
Read more about Turnip
He is definitely a Velcro dog and wants to be wherever his humans are. If you move to another room, there’s a good chance Turnip will be right behind you—or letting you know that he would very much like to come along! He loves following his people around, playing with toys, and having fun with his favorite canine friends.Turnip is still working on his potty training, puppy manners, and leash skills, but he is making progress. He is also learning that boundaries are a good thing, and his future family will need to be willing to continue that work with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.Turnip is good with children, but he is dog selective. New dogs need to be introduced slowly and carefully, with supervision. Turnip tends to be a dominant personality and can bully more submissive dogs, so he does best with dogs who are confident and comfortable setting appropriate boundaries with him. Because of this, another dog in his forever home would need to be a good match, and introductions are a very important part of finding that fit.And one thing we want to be very honest about: Turnip needs an adopter who is comfortable setting boundaries and calmly correcting unwanted behaviors. He is a wonderful dog, and is still learning how to be the best version of himself. He needs someone who will lovingly show him what is expected while also giving him the time and consistency to learn.Turnip would thrive with an active family who enjoys getting outside and keeping their dog busy. A fenced yard would be a wonderful bonus, especially for a boy with his energy level, but an active family who enjoys walks and adventures could also be a great fit.Most importantly, Turnip needs someone who will see the dog he is today—not the neglected dog who first arrived at rescue—and give him the chance to continue becoming the happy, healthy, loved dog he was always meant to be. He has already overcome so much. Now he just needs his person.If you're looking for a goofy, affectionate, energetic Velcro dog who will happily follow you from room to room, play with his toys, cuddle up with his people, and keep you laughing along the way, Turnip may be your guy. He isn’t perfect—and he doesn't need to be. He just needs the right person willing to love him, guide him, set boundaries, and give him the forever he has waited so patiently for. Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person. Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
14. Sami
BIO
Hello! My name is Sami. I am house trained and crate trained. It is best to crate me when you cannot supervise me. Although I have been left alone with the other dogs in my foster home and I was a good girl. When strangers come to the house, I will announce their presence and go right up to them wagging my tail. Sometimes I lay down and roll over for a belly rub. I love to be petted and I love to snuggle.I live with a smaller dog and a larger dog with no problems. I have also met smaller dogs out on our walks with no problems. I just want to play all the time. I did not do so good when I met a cat so no cats for me. I love my squeaky ball and balls of any kind. I like to play tug-o-war. I destuff stuffies and pull the squeaker out and then I play with the unstuffy. I will toss it in the air and play with it. I do not know how to play fetch. I am sure I could learn. I like going for rides in the car. I pull on the leash when I see people or other dogs. We are working on that. I just want to go make friends. I know some commands and I am learning manners.I would like to find a home that already has another canine companion, I really like to play. I enjoy laying in the sun, a fenced backyard would be great. I could be an only dog if you are home more often than not. I would really like to go to obedience classes or even agility would suit me fine. You know what they say great things come in little packages. Don’t I sound like fun?
Read more about Sami
Follow me on Facebook: #EchoDogSami
For more information, please contact adoptions@echodogs.org.
Echo Dogs fosters dogs in many states. Visit www.echodogs.org/available-dogs to see more of our dogs. Transportation for the adopted dog IS available. Remember, we are an all-volunteer foster rescue organization - we DO NOT have a physical shelter to visit. Our minimum adoption donation is $350. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and micro-chipped. Puppies under 6 months old may not be spayed/neutered. This would be the responsibility of the adopter at their own expense. Proof of spay/neuter will be required!
To review our adoption procedure and submit an online application, visit: www.echodogs.org/procedure
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
Adopting a small dog in Evanston
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 Evanston
- REACH Rescue, IncMundelein, IL · 13 small dogs above
- Echo Dogs White Shepherd RescueHoffman Estates, IL · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Evanston
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Evanston?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Evanston, Illinois, have 14 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Evanston?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Evanston right now are REACH Rescue, Inc (Mundelein, IL) and Echo Dogs White Shepherd Rescue (Hoffman Estates, IL). 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.