Dogs for Adoption in Jackson County, IL: 17 Dogs Looking for a Home
20 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 2 rescues and shelters within 50 miles of the middle of Jackson County. Here are 17 of the newest arrivals, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the dogs up for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Jackson County, 15 young dogs and 5 adults. The breeds you'll see most are American Pit Bull Terrier, Terrier and Boston Terrier, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Jackson County? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Pearl
D2026-226.
Pearl is a 2-year-old Terrier mix weighing in at a perfectly portable 28 pounds. She's rocking the short-leg look and has a happy-go-lucky personality that is absolutely contagious!
This girl is all about enjoying life, making friends, and spreading smiles wherever those little legs take her.
If you're looking for a best friend with a big heart, a fun personality, and absolutely no shortage of charm, Pearl might just be your girl!
✨ 2 years old
✨ Terrier mix
✨ 28 pounds
✨ Adorably short legs
✨ Happy-go-lucky personality
Pearl is ready to trade shelter life for a couch, a family, and a lifetime of adventures!
Read more about Pearl
Don't let those short legs fool you — Pearl has a HUGE amount of love to give! ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
2. Jax
Jax is a sweet sweet boy who refuses to be left alone without a debate. He loves people and is has been diagnosed as a stage 15 clinger.
3. Jojo
JoJo is a sweet young man with a deep old man bark, honestly he sounds like a 4 pack a day smoker lol. JoJo loves his toys, and enjoys a good scratch on his bum!
- No cats
4. Xela
D2026-211
❤️ Meet Xela ❤️
Sometimes the dogs who need us the most are the ones who just need someone to show them that the world can be a pretty wonderful place. Xela is one of those girls.
Xela is around 1 year old and 28 pounds, and she is said to be an Aussie mix. She came to us from animal control after being signed over because there were simply too many dogs and the living conditions were not what any dog should have to experience.
Because of her past, Xela can be a little nervous when she first meets you. But once she starts to feel safe, you get to see the fun, playful girl underneath that initial shyness. ❤️
Read more about Xela
Xela gets along with other dogs, cats, and children, and she is currently learning all the things a young pup needs to know — leash skills, potty training, and basic commands. She may not have had the easiest start, but she's ready to learn, grow, and finally have the life she deserves.
And when Xela decides it's time to have fun… WATCH OUT! She loves to run and play and gets the most adorable zoomies. One minute she's being a little shy, and the next she's flying around like she just discovered she has four legs and absolutely no speed limit!
What Xela needs most is a patient family who will give her time to settle in, build her confidence, and show her what it feels like to be loved and safe.
She didn't get the start she deserved, but her story doesn't have to end there.
Xela is ready for the next chapter — one filled with a soft bed, a loving family, plenty of playtime, and someone who will promise her that she is finally home. ❤️
She may need a little time to trust you, but once she does, you'll have a goofy, playful girl who will be worth every second.
Will be available after her spay on October 26th, 2026
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
5. Tickles
D2026-206
Meet Tickles!
Apparently, when Giggles was born, someone thought, “You know what this family needs? MORE CHAOS!” And along came her sister, Tickles!
Tickles is a 7-month-old, 34-pound black and white merle girl with a smooth coat and a personality that is every bit as entertaining as her name suggests. We’re not exactly sure what breed mix she is — possibly some kind of doodle-ish mystery mix — but we do know she is 100% adorable and 100% fun!
Read more about Tickles
Tickles is a social little sweetheart who gets along with other dogs, cats, and kids. She absolutely LOVES attention and would be perfectly happy being the center of your universe. If you're sitting down, she's probably wondering why she isn't sitting with you. If you're petting her, she's wondering why you ever stopped. And if you're not paying attention to her… well, she may simply have to fix that.
Like her sister, Tickles is still working on her potty training and leash skills. She also hasn't quite mastered the concept that greetings don't require all four feet to leave the ground. Yep… she's still a jumper! But she's young, eager to learn, and ready for a family willing to help her become the best version of herself.
Tickles is playful, affectionate, goofy, and just the right amount of ridiculous. She's looking for a forever family who will give her plenty of love, patience, training, and, most importantly, lots and lots of attention!
Come meet Tickles — because life is just more fun when you have a little Tickles in it! ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
6. Scotch
D2026-205
Meet Scotch!
They say Scotch gets better with age… and we're pretty sure that applies to this Scotch too!
Scotch is a 5-year-old, 30-pound neutered brindle male who may be a Frenchie/Terrorist mix — and honestly, that second part might explain a few things. He’s got the adorable squishy looks of a Frenchie with just enough terrier attitude to make sure everyone knows he has OPINIONS.
Scotch is a fun-loving guy who LOVES to play and absolutely LOVES attention. He knows his basic commands, walks nicely on a leash, and keeps his kennel clean — so clearly he has some manners… he just likes to save a few of them for special occasions.
Read more about Scotch
When it comes to roommates, Scotch is a little particular. He's great with female dogs, but he's selective about his male canine friends. Cats? Absolutely afraid of them. Scotch doesn't want to chase them, play with them, or even make eye contact with them. In his mind, cats are simply a hard NOPE.
Because Scotch is a confident little dude with a strong personality, he would do best with older, respectful children who understand that dogs have boundaries and know how to interact with them appropriately.
If you're looking for a dog who will make you laugh, keep you entertained, shower you with attention, and occasionally remind you that he has his own rules, Scotch might just be your guy!
He's got the brindle stripes, the personality, the charm, and just enough terrorist attitude to keep life interesting. ❤️
Come meet Scotch — he's ready to find someone who appreciates a little spice with their snuggles!
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
7. Carl Dean
D2026-186
CARL DEAN – LOOKING FOR HIS FOREVER BACKSTAGE CREW!
Meet Carl Dean, a 8-month-old Boston Terrier mix… we think. His DNA apparently decided to keep a few secrets. He weighs around 23 pounds and is basically a professional lap warmer and cuddle enthusiast.
Carl Dean is the kind of guy who may look at you at first and think, “Ummm… I don't know about this.” Give him a few minutes, though, and he'll decide you're pretty awesome. ❤️ He's a little shy when meeting new people and just needs some time to warm up and feel comfortable.
Once he knows you're safe? GAME OVER. He's climbing into your lap for snuggles!
Read more about Carl Dean
Carl Dean:
Loves to snuggle
Loves his toys
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
Good with kids
Doing GREAT with his potty training
♂️ Working on leash training — a harness is definitely his preferred fashion accessory!
This sweet boy is looking for a family who understands that sometimes the biggest thing a puppy needs isn't more training… it's a little emotional support and someone willing to tell him, “You've got this, buddy.” ❤️
Carl Dean would love a patient family who will give him time to build confidence, plenty of reassurance, lots of lap time, and of course, a ridiculous number of toys.
He's sweet, cuddly, playful, and just waiting for someone to become his person.
Carl Dean is ready to find the family that will make him feel safe, loved, and like the superstar he already thinks he is. ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
8. Dolly
D2026-187
DOLLY – THE PERFECT BLEND OF SWEET & SPICY!
If Carl Dean and Jolene had a sister who decided to take the best parts of both personalities, you'd get Dolly!
Dolly is a 8-month-old Boston Terrier mix… we think—because apparently this family likes to keep us guessing! She’s around 22 pounds and has the perfect combination of snuggly sweetheart and curious little adventurer.
She may not be quite as shy as Carl Dean or quite as adventurous as Jolene. Dolly is more of a “let me check things out first, then I'll decide if I want to climb into your lap” kind of girl. ❤️
Read more about Dolly
Dolly is:
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
Good with kids
Loves toys
Loves attention and cuddles
Doing well with potty training
♀️ Working on leash training — and a harness is definitely more her style!
She's still a puppy and has plenty to learn, but Dolly is smart, playful, affectionate, and ready to experience all the good stuff life has to offer.
She's got enough adventure in her to keep things interesting and enough snuggle in her to make sure you always have a furry little buddy to curl up with afterward.
Basically, Dolly is the Goldilocks of her siblings—not too shy, not too wild… just the right amount of puppy chaos!
Dolly doesn't need much—just a loving family, some toys, a few adventures, a comfy lap, and someone willing to accept that their personal space is officially no longer personal. ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
9. Frankie
This playful girl with the gorgeous eyes is Frankie! With her eye color and love of yodeling Frankie is most definitely part husky, but I'm super curious what else is lurking in there! Frankie has the best personality; she loves people, loves other dogs, she's active but also sooo cuddly. Come meet Frankie during our open hours on Saturdays and Sunday from 2-4PM!!
10. O'Reilly
2026171
Meet O'Reilly!
Looking for a sweet boy with a little puppy energy and a softer side? Meet O'Reilly! This handsome 10-month-old, 34-pound neutered male may be a Mountain Feist mix, and he’s ready to find someone who will help him blossom into the amazing dog we know he can be. ❤️
O'Reilly is a little more on the shy side, so he may need some time to feel comfortable and show you his true personality. Once he warms up, he’s a fun-loving young pup who enjoys being around his people. He also does well with other dogs, which can help give him a little extra confidence.
Read more about O'Reilly
Like any young dog, O'Reilly is still working on his potty training and leash skills, so his new family will need to be patient and willing to keep working with him. He has plenty of energy and would love a family ready for walks, playtime, and lots of positive encouragement.
10 months old
34 lbs
Neutered male
Possible Mountain Feist mix
Good with other dogs
Not good with cats
A little shy at first
Lots of puppy energy
Working on potty & leash training
O'Reilly may not be the first dog to run up and introduce himself, but give this sweet boy a little time and patience, and you just might earn yourself a loyal best friend for life.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
11. Napa
2026172
Meet Napa!
Say hello to Napa, a handsome 10-month-old, 38-pound neutered boy who may be a Mountain Feist mix—and boy, does he have some pep in his step!
Napa is a fun-loving, energetic young guy who would love an active family ready to keep him busy and help him learn all the important grown-up dog skills. He gets along well with other dogs and would make a great playmate. ❤️
He’s still working on his potty training and leash manners, so his new family will need to be patient and willing to continue his training. He’s young, smart, and ready to learn!
Read more about Napa
10 months old
38 lbs
Neutered male
Possible Mountain Feist mix
Good with other dogs
Not good with cats
HIGH energy
Working on potty & leash training
Napa is ready to find a home where his energy, goofy personality, and puppy antics will be appreciated. If you're looking for a fun adventure buddy who will keep you on your toes, Napa might just be your guy!
Come meet Napa and let him add a little excitement to your life! ❤️
- Good with dogs
- No cats
12. Diva
D2026-169
Meet Diva!
Diva is looking for her forever person!
At just 11 months old and 48 pounds, Diva is a beautiful German Shepherd/Husky mix with a BIG heart and a personality to match her name!
Diva is an incredibly smart, loving, and highly trainable girl. She is what we lovingly call a Velcro dog—if you're moving, she wants to know where you're going! She absolutely loves being glued to your side and soaking up attention from her favorite person.
Read more about Diva
Diva does have some anxieties, so she needs someone who understands that she may need time, patience, consistency, and training while she learns what it means to live in a home. She previously lived outside, so she is not potty trained yet and will need someone willing to teach her the basics of being a house dog.
A few things to know about Diva:
Learning how to play and interact with other dogs — she needs time to adjust and someone willing to work with her.
Not cat friendly
Not potty trained yet
Very smart and highly trainable
❤️ Extremely loving and affectionate
Total Velcro girl who wants to be by your side
Needs someone committed to helping her build confidence and learn
Diva isn't looking for someone who expects her to be perfect on day one. She's looking for someone who will give her a chance, put in the work, and let her blossom at her own pace. With the right person, this gorgeous girl has the potential to be an amazing companion. ❤️
If you're looking for a loyal best friend who will happily follow you everywhere, Diva may be your girl!
- No cats
13. Athena
. Athena is everything a mastiff is supposed to be; Large, sweet, slow, and large.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
14. Greyson
This sweet man has an underbite, upturned nose, and the most relaxed personality you can ask for. Greyson is a giant heart wrapped in a big old pittie body. His only flaw is that he thinks cats are snacks.
- No cats
- House-trained
15. Piggy
Piggy! Sister of Hambone, Mistress of Sass! You will not need an alarm system with this girl's big dog BARK. Her brother is a bit on the whiney side, Piggy is the sibling with the voice! She's young, sweet, soooo loveable! And her ears look like little pigtails!!
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
16. Hambone
Hambone is a big soft baby. He came here with his sister, Piggy. He enjoys a good snack and a good butt scratch!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
17. Zero
Zero is a 2 1/2 year old mixed breed who lived with a loving family until they had to move away and were unable to take him with them. He is young, playful, sweet, and smart as a whip! He's such a loving soul, the staff here have affectionately nicknamed him Boyfriend.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
Rescues and shelters near Jackson County
The rescues with the most dogs listed within 50 miles of the middle of Jackson County.
- Perry County Humane Society of IllinoisDuQuoin, IL · 10 dogs
How to adopt from Perry County Humane Society of Illinois
Applicants must apply and pass a thorough screening process, which includes vet and personal reference checks. They must sign contracts and pay an adoption fee.
- Randolph County Humane SocietySteeleville, IL · 10 dogs
How to adopt from Randolph County Humane Society
Background Check, Vet Refer.& Adoption Contract, & Adoption Fees
Cities and towns in Jackson County
- Carbondale 20
- Murphysboro 20
- De Soto 20
- Elkville 20
- Ava 20
- Makanda 20
- Grand Tower 20
- Dowell 20
- Campbell Hill 33
- Vergennes 20
- Gorham 20
Adopting a dog in Jackson County
Most rescues ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip. Many are foster-based, so you'll often meet your dog in a volunteer's home rather than a shelter.
Questions about adopting a dog in Jackson County
How many dogs are up for adoption in Jackson County?
As of November 4, 2026, 20 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Jackson County, Illinois, by 2 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Jackson County?
The rescues with the most dogs near Jackson County right now are Perry County Humane Society of Illinois (DuQuoin, IL) and Randolph County Humane Society (Steeleville, IL). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Jackson County?
Not right now. Rescues within 50 miles of the middle of Jackson County have no puppies listed today, but new dogs arrive every day, so check back soon.
How do I adopt a dog in Jackson County?
Pick a dog and contact the rescue or shelter looking after them. Most ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.