Puppies for Adoption in Joliet, IL: 21 Puppies Looking for a Home

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Joliet have 24 puppies up for adoption. Here are the 21 newest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.

Puppies are usually the first to be adopted, so if one catches your eye, get in touch with the rescue soon.

Not in Joliet? Find dogs near your zip code.

1. Willow

Puppy (2 months 25 days) · Female · Boston Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Willow, a female Boston Terrier puppy up for adoption

Meet Willow – A Petite Pup with a Big, Bright Spirit!

Breed: Boston Terrier mix
Sex: Female
Approximate date of birth: Late July 2026
Current weight: About 5 lbs
Energy level: Medium to high

Willow may be small, but she’s packed with personality! This little sweetheart is curious, clever, and ready to take on the world one tiny paw at a time.

Willow is a quick learner who already understands mealtime manners. Hold her bowl up by your chest and she’ll sit nicely and wait for her food. She’s coming along well with house training too. She uses her pee pad and is going outside more often to potty, especially after she eats.

2. Freya

Puppy (2 months 25 days) · Female · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Freya, a female Terrier puppy up for adoption

Meet Freya – A Bright, Bouncy Boston Terrier Mix Ready for Adventure!

Breed: Terrier mix
Sex: Female
Approximate date of birth: Late July 2026
Current weight: About 8 lbs (and growing fast!)
Energy level: Medium to high

Freya is a smart, spunky little girl with a big personality and plenty of enthusiasm for life. She’s growing quickly and learning just as fast!

3. Ava

Puppy (5 months 9 days) · Female · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Ava, a female Terrier puppy up for adoption

Meet Ava! Ava is so sweet and affectionate, loves to cuddle, and incredibly smart. At just five months old and around 35 lbs, she’s already eager to learn and picks up new commands incredibly quickly. She is potty trained and has down all the basic commands, and is eager to learn more. She loves making her people proud. She loves to play fetch and explore, but is happy to lay down and snuggle with her people too. Like any puppy, Ava has a few typical puppy behaviors and is still learning about the world around her. She has playful energy but also has an incredibly affectionate side. Because Ava didn’t have the opportunity to be properly socialized early in life, she’s still learning that new people and new experiences are safe. She’s making wonderful progress every day and is looking for a patient, loving family who will continue building her confidence with positive reinforcement and gentle guidance. The best part? Ava has all the ingredients to become an incredible lifelong companion. With continued love, consistency, and socialization, she’s going to grow into an amazing dog. If you’re looking for a loyal best friend who’s smart, affectionate, fun, and ready to blossom, Ava might just be your perfect match.

4. Bonnie

Puppy (2 months 6 days) · Female · Terrier / Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Bonnie, a female Terrier puppy up for adoption

Meet Bonnie! Bonnie is an adorable, tiny terrier mix with an estimated birthday of August 29, 2026.

This sweet little girl spends most of her days eating, sleeping, and growing! When she’s not busy with those important puppy activities, she loves playing with her brother or cuddling with her foster parents.

5. Barkley

Puppy (2 months 6 days) · Male · Terrier / Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Barkley, a male Terrier puppy up for adoption

Meet Barkley! Barkley is an adorable, tiny terrier mix with an estimated birthday of August 29, 2026.

This sweet little guy is busy doing what puppies do best—eating, sleeping, and growing! When he's not catching up on his beauty sleep, he enjoys playing with his sister Bonnie or snuggling up with his foster parents.

6. Charlie

Puppy (4 months 5 days) · Female · Terrier / Border Collie / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Charlie, a female Terrier puppy up for adoption

Charlie
is a 4-month-old puppy who has been through more in her short life than most dogs face in a lifetime. When she was only a few weeks old, she was attacked by another dog, and her front leg had to be amputated.

Through all of it,
Charlie
has stayed the sweetest, most gentle puppy you will ever meet. She doesn't let anything slow her down. She gets around well on her remaining front leg, though she tires easily, so long walks aren't her thing. She's more of a "patio princess" who loves soaking up the sun outside, then settling in for a cuddle.

Key Facts

7. Dorothy

Puppy (3 months 6 days) · Female · Chihuahua / Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Dorothy, a female Chihuahua puppy up for adoption

Smart, steady, and oh-so-sweet, Dorothy is the biggest of our Golden Girls litter at 12 lbs! She was born around August 1, 2026. Dorothy is a mixed breed expected to reach a medium size, and she's already showing she'll be a sturdy, solid companion.

Dorothy does well with cats, other dogs, and respectful children, so she'd fit into many different family setups. She's a sweet girl who's ready for a family committed to positive-reinforcement training and all the fun of puppyhood. If you want a dependable best friend to share your days with, Dorothy is waiting to meet you

The adoption fee of $550 will include spay/neuter, microchip,

8. Nyx

Puppy (2 months 14 days) · Male · Shih Tzu / Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Nyx, a male Shih Tzu puppy up for adoption

Nyx is a, 7 pound Shih Tzu mix puppy born around July 29th. He is a playful little sweetheart with an adorable laid-back side. He loves joining in on the fun, but he’s also perfectly content sitting back, taking everything in, and watching the world go by. With his gentle nature, adorable personality, and endless supply of puppy snuggles Nyx is going to make one lucky family very happy. Get that application in before someone else scoops up this special little boy.

9. Raven

Puppy (2 months 27 days) · Female · Shih Tzu / Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Raven, a female Shih Tzu puppy up for adoption

Raven
is an adorable 7 pound Shih Tzu mix puppy born around July 29th. With her

soft black coat, irresistible little face, and personality packed with love, it’s nearly impossible not to fall for her.
Raven

is the perfect mix of adventure and affection. She loves exploring and playing, but when the fun is over, she’s more than happy to curl up in your arms for some serious cuddle time. Get that application in before this special girl is gone.

The adoption fee of $550 will include spay/neuter, microchip,

age-appropriate/required vaccinations, treatment for heartworm, and any other necessary medical treatment to ensure

10. Kanga

Puppy (3 months 15 days) · Female · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Kanga, a female Terrier puppy up for adoption

Kanga is a sweet, playful girl looking for a canine mentor

Born at the beginning of July, Kanga is currently in a foster home where she is learning all about the world around her. Kanga is expected to grow into a beautiful girl weighing around [40–50] lbs.

Kanga loves other dogs and does her best when she has a confident canine friend to follow. She looks to the other dogs in her home for guidance, and she thrives with a dog who will gently set the rules, show her the ropes, and let her know what's what. With a steady, playful buddy leading the way, Kanga's confidence grows every day and her fun, silly puppy side really comes out to play.

11. Tigger

Puppy (3 months 15 days) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Tigger, a male Terrier puppy up for adoption

Tigger is a bouncy, happy-go-lucky boy ready for fun

Born at the beginning of July, Tigger is currently in a foster home where he is soaking up new experiences every day. Tigger is expected to grow into a handsome boy weighing around [40–50] lbs.

True to his name, Tigger has a bounce in his step and a zest for life! He loves to play, explore, and check out everything going on around him. Tigger gets along great with other dogs and enjoys a good romp with his canine friends, but he doesn't need another dog in the home to be happy. He would do just as well as an only dog, as long as his people are ready to be his favorite playmates.

12. Pooh Bear

Puppy (3 months 14 days) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Pooh Bear, a male Terrier puppy up for adoption

Pooh Bear is one happy, cuddly pup!

Born at the beginning of July, Pooh is currently in a foster home with his sister, Roo. His foster family has three dogs ranging from 10–80 lbs, children ages 10 and 14, and even a cat, so he is getting lots of experience with different people and pets. Pooh is expected to grow into a handsome, stocky boy weighing around 50–60 lbs.

13. Piglet

Puppy (3 months 28 days) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Piglet, a male Terrier puppy up for adoption

Piglet is a sweet, lovable pup with a heart of gold

Born at the beginning of July, Piglet is currently in a foster home where he is getting a great start on puppyhood. Piglet is expected to grow into a wonderful companion weighing around [40–50] lbs.

Piglet may be small for now, but he has a big, loving heart! He is a friendly, easygoing pup who enjoys playtime, exploring the yard, and following his people from room to room to see what they're up to. He is curious and eager to please, and he loves to be included in whatever the family is doing.

14. Pineapple

Puppy (4 months 11 days) · Male · Labrador Retriever / Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Pineapple, a male Labrador Retriever puppy up for adoption

Meet Pineapple Upside Down Cake – "Pineapple" for short!

Estimated date of birth: mid-May 2026

Weight: 18 lbs (and still growing!)

Pineapple is as sweet as his name! This handsome boy is sleek black with a white chest, white toes, and a little white tip on his tail. He's all long legs and a long, happy tail, so he may have some growing left to do.

Pineapple is a super sweet pup who loves other dogs. Playtime with his canine friends is one of his favorite things, so he would do best in a home with another playful dog to keep him company and help teach him good manners.

15. Marcie

Puppy (2 months 28 days) · Female · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Marcie, a female Pit Bull Terrier puppy up for adoption

Meet Marcie, a 10-12 week old Pitt/ Hound mix, currently weighing in at 24#. Marcie hitched a ride on the freedom van just in time before being pulled for euthanasia. She has been adjusting to life in a home and learning how to be a dog. Marcie has been in a foster home with kids age aged 12 - 15 years old, a 100# dog, 2 cats and a guinea pig. Marcie is a social butterfly and loves humans of all ages. She also thrives on the companionship and direction of another dog and is learning how to play appropriately during her teething era. She is pleasantly curious about cats, but has been respectful and takes their cues. As a puppy, Marcie has been doing great with potty training and is slowly adjusting to a crate, which will need to be continued in her forever home. We are also working on her learning to use her inner voice instead of barking when she wants something. This has been improving with exercise outdoors, enrichment toys and working with her on practicing patience! If you are ready for all things puppy, then Marcie is your gal!

16. Mickey

Puppy (3 months 23 days) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Mickey, a male Terrier puppy up for adoption

Meet Mickey!

Mickey is a 13-week-old terrier mix boy (born mid-June 2026) with a sweet and playful spirit that's just beginning to shine. He spent his early weeks living under a porch with no human interaction, so he comes to us a little timid at first — but here's the wonderful part: he warms up quickly once he realizes he's safe and loved. Watching Mickey bloom as he discovers what it means to have a family and a home is truly special.

17. Mookie

Puppy (3 months 6 days) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Mookie, a male Terrier puppy up for adoption

Born in mid-July, Mookie is a small terrier mix boy who arrived on 9/5/26 weighing in at just about 4 lbs. He has now grown to 13 lbs as of Oct 9th.

He is currently in a foster home where he is learning all about the world around him. Mookie is expected to grow into a compact little guy weighing at approx 20-30 lbs.

Mookie is as cute as they come, with a beautiful brindle coat that makes him stand out from the crowd. He is curious, sweet, and full of that classic terrier spirit, always ready to explore and see what's going on. Even though he's small, he has plenty of personality packed into his little frame!

18. Bandit

Puppy (2 months 22 days) · Male · Hound / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Bandit, a male Hound puppy up for adoption

Bandit is a spunky, free-spirited, goofy little Hound Mix, estimated to have been born on May 29, 2026, who is always ready for one more round of play! He is 100% puppy and absolutely embraces it. He loves to wrestle and chase his brother, run around the yard, and explore. He’s wonderful with our young kids and is learning how to channel all of that puppy enthusiasm appropriately.

19. Cobb Salad

Puppy (3 months 24 days) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (medium coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Cobb Salad, a male Terrier puppy up for adoption

Cobb Salad is a 3-month-old, approximately 6-pound terrier mix with a BIG personality packed into a tiny body! This playful little guy is full of classic puppy energy—he loves to romp, explore, and have fun. When playtime is over, Cobb Salad is more than happy to curl up for some serious snuggles and a cozy puppy nap.

He’s wonderful with kids and other dogs, making him a fun and friendly addition to a family. Cobb Salad is still just a baby, so he’ll need a loving home ready for all the joys (and puppy antics!) that come with raising a young pup.

20. Ella

Puppy (7 months) · Female · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Ella, a female Terrier puppy up for adoption

Ella may have the big dog look, but she’s all heart in her petite frame! At just seven months old, this adorable terrier mix is ready to steal your heart. Sweet and gentle by nature, Ella has a spirit that shines brightly, even after overcoming significant challenges in her young life.

Ella is eager to learn and grow, making her an ideal companion for someone willing to teach her the ropes. With her playful energy and affectionate demeanor, she’s sure to bring joy to any home.

If you’re looking for a loving pup who embodies resilience and warmth, Ella is waiting for you! Come meet her and see how she can fill your life with an abundance of love

21. Rowlf

Puppy (6 months) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Joliet

Rowlf, a male Terrier puppy up for adoption

Rowlf is a sweet, energetic Terrier mix born around mid-April 2026. Bursting with love, curiosity, and tail wags, he enjoys exploring his foster’s yard, playing with toys, and soaking up attention. This social butterfly loves spending time with people and other dogs!

Rowlf needs a playful, friendly resident dog to share his adventures and help him burn off his puppy energy. He’ll do best with an active family and a fenced-in yard where he can run and play. We prefer children ages 8 and older.

Adopting a puppy in Joliet

Puppies usually go to their new homes from about eight weeks old, once they're weaned and have had their first vaccinations. Most rescues spay or neuter them before adoption, or include it in the fee.

Ask the rescue how big the puppy is expected to grow and which breeds they think are in the mix, so you can plan for the dog they'll become.

Puppies need a lot of your time: house-training, a few minutes of training every day, several small meals, and someone home often enough to let them out. A puppy class is a good way to start.

Rescues with puppies near Joliet

Starfish Animal RescuePlainfield, IL · 21 puppies above

Questions about adopting puppies in Joliet

How many puppies are up for adoption in Joliet?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Joliet, Illinois, have 24 puppies up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a puppy in Joliet?

The rescues with the most puppies near Joliet right now are Starfish Animal Rescue (Plainfield, IL). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.

How old are puppies when they can be adopted?

Usually eight weeks or older, once they're weaned and have had their first vaccinations. Rescues often keep puppies with their mother or in foster care until then.

Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.