Small Dogs for Adoption in Joliet, IL: 10 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Joliet have 10 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 10, 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 Terrier, Pomeranian and Chihuahua.
Not in Joliet? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Oliver bonded with Cookie
A Cookie and a little bear cub. Your home might be missing both.
Meet Cookie (F) and Olly (M), a bonded pair of little fluffballs, estimated to be 5–7 years old, looking for their furever home—together.
These two follow each other everywhere. Wherever one goes, the other is never far behind.
Cookie is the playful girl who gives hugs with her paws. Yes, actual little Cookie cuddles. Good luck getting anything done when she’s offering those.
Read more about Oliver bonded with Cookie
Olly is like a tame little bear cub. I’m convinced there’s some Corgi in there somewhere, although that is purely my very unofficial foster-mum assessment. He’s just such a happy boy—and Cookie is a happy girl, too.
They’re good with kids, okay with cats, and fine with other dogs. Very easy pups who would make wonderful city companions. You don’t need a sprawling estate for this double act—just room in your home and heart for both.
They just need their own people, their own sofa, and a lifetime of staying side by side
If you are interested in adopting/meeting this pup, please complete our online adoption application that you can find here: https://www.starfishanimalrescue.com/adopt/dog-adoption-application. Our team will review your application, and if it is a good fit, we will be in touch!
The $600 adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate/required vaccinations, heartworm treatment, and any other necessary medical care to ensure a healthy new pup for your family.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Although we do our best to describe the breed, since our pups all come from shelters, we can not and will not make any guarantee on breed or size. We can tell you that they are 100% RESCUED! And that is the BEST breed! *Please note that we are a foster home-based rescue, and we do home visits as part of the adoption process - we are unable to adopt to families who live outside of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Thank you for your understanding.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Tinker
Meet Tinker – A Sweet Senior Looking for Her Soft Place to Land
Breed: Chihuahua mix
Sex: Female
Age: About 14 years old
Activity level: Low
Tinker is truly a sweetheart. This gentle senior girl tries so hard to please and would love nothing more than a quiet, loving home where she can spend her golden years being adored.
Tinker has been a wonderful houseguest in her foster home. She gets along well with other dogs and has had no problems living with a cat. She also took an instant liking to her foster family’s grandkids, ages 7 and 9, and the feeling is mutual. They love her!
Read more about Tinker
While Tinker is a low-energy girl who enjoys her downtime, she still has a curious side. Give her a safely fenced space and she’ll happily potter around, sniffing and exploring at her own pace.
Home requirements: Tinker must have a fenced-in yard. She will not potty on a leash, so a secure, fenced area where she can go outside comfortably is essential for her.
Tinker would thrive with:
A calm, loving home with a fenced yard, someone who appreciates the quiet joys of a senior dog, and a cozy spot on the couch to call her own. She does well with other dogs, cats, and kids who are gentle with her.
If you have room in your heart (and your yard) for this sweet senior, please fill out an adoption application today. Tinker is ready to show you just how much love a little dog can give.
If you are interested in adopting/meeting this pup, please complete our online adoption application that you can find here: https://www.starfishanimalrescue.com/adopt/dog-adoption-application. Our team will review your application, and if it is a good fit, we will be in touch!
The adoption fee of $200 will include spay/neuter, microchip,
age-appropriate/required vaccinations, treatment for heartworm, and any other necessary medical treatment to ensure
a healthy new pup for your family. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Although we do our best to describe the breed, since our pups all come from shelters, we can not and will not make any guarantee on breed or size. We can tell you that they are 100% RESCUED! And that is the BEST breed!
*Please note that we are a foster home-based rescue and we do home visits as part of the adoption process - we are unable to adopt to families who live outside of the Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Thank you for your understanding.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Pugsley
Pugsley is a 2 year old male Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix who weighs in at 10 pounds. This dog's adoption fee is $400. If you are still interested, please read more below.
Here is what Pugsley and Radar would like you to know about them:
Radar and Pugsley are brothers who came to ARF together. Although they are biological brothers, they are not bonded. Both boys are quick to bond with new people and will likely do best split up. (Radar can be a bit bossy with Pugsley).
They are learning to walk on leash and sleep in a crate. They have mastered going outside to pee. They are looking forward to their next chapter with a loving home and family!
Read more about Pugsley
Pugsley is microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations, housebroken, and neutered. This dog's family will be required to complete a basic obedience course of their choosing. A meeting will not be scheduled until you have an approved application, so if you are interested in adopting this dog, fill out an Online Application today! Once your application has been approved, an ARF volunteer will contact you to arrange a meeting.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
4. Radar
XXX is a 2 year old male Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix who weighs in at 10 pounds. This dog's adoption fee is $400. If you are still interested, please read more below.
Here is what Pugsley and Radar would like you to know about them:
Radar and Pugsley are brothers who came to ARF together. Although they are biological brothers, they are not bonded. Both boys are quick to bond with new people and will likely do best split up. (Radar can be a bit bossy with Pugsley).
They are learning to walk on leash and sleep in a crate. They have mastered going outside to pee. They are looking forward to their next chapter with a loving home and family!
Read more about Radar
XXX is microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations, housebroken, and neutered. This dog's family will be required to complete a basic obedience course of their choosing. A meeting will not be scheduled until you have an approved application, so if you are interested in adopting this dog, fill out an Online Application today! Once your application has been approved, an ARF volunteer will contact you to arrange a meeting.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Ella
Ella is a 3 year old female blue poodle who weighs in at 16 pounds. This dog's adoption fee is $450. If you are still interested, please read more below.
Meet Ella!
Ella is a sweet, curious girl with a heart full of love and a happy little spirit. She enjoys exploring the world around her and absolutely lights up whenever she sees another dog. Big or small, she loves them all!
Read more about Ella
Ella is settling into her routine beautifully. She is eating her meals well and has enjoyed some tasty treats, too! She sleeps quietly through the night, and during the day, she often chooses to retreat to her open crate for a peaceful nap. She seems to appreciate having a cozy space of her own where she can relax and recharge.
Ella is a gentle girl and she will likely be good with children, however, her foster does not have young children. She does enjoy cuddling on her foster mom's lap!
Ella is now potty trained, walks very well on a leash, and enjoys going to the park.
One of Ella’s most endearing qualities is her love for other dogs. She truly lights up when she sees them, and she would do best in a home with another friendly canine companion. Whether her new friend is big or small, having a dog buddy to share her world with would bring Ella so much happiness.
With her gentle nature, curious personality, and sweet disposition, Ella has so much love to give. She is looking for a loving forever home where she can continue to learn, feel safe, and enjoy the companionship of both her people and a special dog friend.
Could Ella be the little companion your heart has been waiting for?
Ella is microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations, housetrained, and spayed. This dog's family will be required to complete a basic obedience course of their choosing. A meeting will not be scheduled until you have an approved application, so if you are interested in adopting this dog, fill out an Online Application today! Once your application has been approved, an ARF volunteer will contact you to arrange a meeting.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
6. Hazel
Hazel is a 6 year old female Pomski who weighs in at 25 pounds. This dog's adoption fee is $450. If you are still interested, please read more below.
Read more about Hazel
Hazel is a beauty. She is an even tempered friendly girl. She is not too energetic, but no couch potato either. She likes looking out the window. She barks every now and then, but it never lasts long. Hazel knows her name, will come when called and will "sit" on command. She walks nicely on a leash. Hazel gets along with everyone. She plays nicely with the resident dog in her foster home. She has a beautiful tan coat that will require brushing. She settles into her bed at night by herself. Hazel is a pleasure to have as a companion to both human and dog.
Hazel is microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations and spayed. She is mostly housetrained with the occasional accident. This dog's family will be required to complete a basic obedience course of their choosing. A meeting will not be scheduled until you have an approved application, so if you are interested in adopting this dog, fill out an Online Application today! Once your application has been approved, an ARF volunteer will contact you to arrange a meeting.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
7. Tilly
Meet Tilly!
Tilly is a 6-month-old orange and white terrier (born mid-March 2026) who is 8 pounds of pure delight! This charming, bright, and wonderfully silly girl is the definition of social. She loves other dogs and thrives on playful interaction, but she's also quite independent and happy to entertain herself with toys or a good game of fetch. Tilly is a bundle of energy — she loves car rides, exploring the backyard, and those glorious moments of running full-speed zoomies — but she knows how to balance her busy days with cuddle time. Once she's played her heart out, she'll happily curl up for snuggles until the next adventure calls.
Read more about Tilly
Tilly will thrive best in a supervised home with a gentle canine sibling or pack, where she can play and learn with other dogs. A fenced yard is recommended — she's small, fast, and absolutely fearless, which means she needs a secure space to safely burn off that terrier energy. She's currently working on house training, so she'll need patient, consistent guidance as she continues to learn.
If you're ready for a delightful, playful girl who will bring joy and laughter to your home and your pack, Tilly is ready to meet you!
If you are interested in adopting/meeting this pup , please complete our online adoption application that you can find here: https://www.starfishanimalrescue.com/adopt/dog-adoption-application . Your application will be reviewed by our team and if it is a good fit, we will be in touch!
The adoption fee of $450 will include spay/neuter, microchip,
age-appropriate/required vaccinations, treatment for heartworm, and any other necessary medical treatment to ensure
a healthy new pup for your family. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Although we do our best to describe the breed, since our pups all come from shelters, we can not and will not make any guarantee on breed or size. We can tell you that they are 100% RESCUED! And that is the BEST breed!
*Please note that we are a foster home-based rescue and we do home visits as part of the adoption process - we are unable to adopt to families who live outside of the Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Thank you for your understanding.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
8. Sassy
Are you looking for a small-sized companion with a big heart? Meet adorable Sassy!
Sassy is a
12lb
Terrier mix, approximately two years old. She
will
be shy and jittery when meeting new people, so she’ll need time, patience, and understanding to feel comfortable. Sassy has some fears and insecurities to overcome, but once she learns to trust you, her loving personality truly shines.
Read more about Sassy
This sweet girl is affectionate, playful, and absolutely loves playing fetch. Throw the ball, and she’ll happily bring it right back—and even drop it when asked!
Playing fetch is the best way to introduce Sassy to new people. It provides her with comfort. Her little ball is her warmth.
When she isn’t playing, Sassy enjoys snuggling, chewing her favorite toy, and staying close to her favorite person.
She will follow her person room to room. She has the saddest look when her person leaves the room.
Sassy gets along well with other dogs and cats, but she
prefers to be the
one-and-only. She would do best in a calm home with older children and adopters who understand the needs of shy or sensitive dogs. With time, consistency, and trust, Sassy will become the most lovable and devoted companion.
If you’re ready to help this special little girl come out of her shell, Sassy may be the perfect match for you!
If you are interested in adopting/meeting this pup , please complete our online adoption application that you can find here: https://www.starfishanimalrescue.com/adopt/dog-adoption-application . Your application will be reviewed by our team and if it is a good fit, we will be in touch!
The adoption fee of $350 will include spay/neuter, microchip,
age-appropriate/required vaccinations, treatment for heartworm, and any other necessary medical treatment to ensure
a healthy new pup for your family. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Although we do our best to describe the breed, since our pups all come from shelters, we can not and will not make any guarantee on breed or size. We can tell you that they are 100% RESCUED! And that is the BEST breed!
*Please note that we are a foster home-based rescue and we do home visits as part of the adoption process - we are unable to adopt to families who live outside of the Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Thank you for your understanding.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
9. Michelle
Michelle is a 6 year old female Frenchie who weighs in at 20 pounds. This dog's adoption fee is $400. If you are still interested, please read more below.
Meet Your New Sweetheart
This sweet lady is a gentle soul who may be a little shy at first, but give her some patience and a little time, and you’ll see her personality blossom. She’s the kind of girl who quietly follows her favorite person around, happy just to be near you.
Read more about Michelle
She does best with soft, calm affection and would love a cozy space of her own where she can retreat and feel safe. She doesn’t need long to open up when she knows she’s in a patient, loving home. Once she does, you’ll have a devoted little companion by your side.
She’s potty trained as long as she gets regular potty breaks, and she walks very nicely on leash. She enjoys short walks and exploring at her own pace. Loud, fast-moving cars can still make her nervous, so she’ll appreciate a little reassurance and understanding while she continues building confidence.
She is wonderfully friendly with children, as well as both dogs and cats, making her a great fit for a home with furry siblings.
Michelle has been treated for heartworm and will have no lasting negative health effects.
If you’re looking for a sweet, gentle companion who will happily follow you from room to room and become your little shadow, this girl is your gal. Give her the patience to come out of her shell, and she’ll reward you with a whole lot of love.
Michelle is microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations and spayed. This dog's family will be required to complete a basic obedience course of their choosing. A meeting will not be scheduled until you have an approved application, so if you are interested in adopting this dog, fill out an Online Application today! Once your application has been approved, an ARF volunteer will contact you to arrange a meeting.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Buddy
Small, spunky, and full of personality, this 1-1/2year-old possible Jack Russell mix male pup is ready to wiggle his way into your heart! Buddy loves toys, zoomies, making new friends, and soaking up attention from everyone he meets. Whether it's a game of fetch or a fun training session, Buddy is excited to be part of the action.
Read more about Buddy
Buddy is house trained; crate trained; and knows the sit command. He sleeps through the night quietly in his crate. He’s working on not jumping when greeting people and walking on a leash. Buddy has been diagnosed with early arthritis in his front leg from an old injury; however, that doesn't stop him from enjoying life. Keeping Buddy at a healthy weight (27 lbs.); on a joint supplement; and balancing activity with rest will help him stay comfortable and happy.
He may not be training for the Dog Olympics, but he's absolutely going for gold in cuddling, making you laugh, and stealing your spot on the couch. If you're looking for a pint-sized comedian with a huge heart, this little guy is ready to be your favorite sidekick. Buddy is dog/cat friendly. He would do best in a household with older respectful kids, if any and a secure fenced-in yard.
If you are interested in adopting/meeting this pup , please complete our online adoption application that you can find here: https://www.starfishanimalrescue.com/adopt/dog-adoption-application . Your application will be reviewed by our team and if it is a good fit, we will be in touch
The adoption fee of $400 will include spay/neuter, microchip,
age-appropriate/required vaccinations, treatment for heartworm, and any other necessary medical treatment to ensure
a healthy new pup for your family. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Although we do our best to describe the breed, since our pups all come from shelters, we can not and will not make any guarantee on breed or size. We can tell you that they are 100% RESCUED! And that is the BEST breed!
*Please note that we are a foster home-based rescue and we do home visits as part of the adoption process - we are unable to adopt to families who live outside of the Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Thank you for your understanding.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Adopting a small dog in Joliet
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 Joliet
- Starfish Animal RescuePlainfield, IL · 5 small dogs above
- Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF-IL)Wheaton, IL · 5 small dogs above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Joliet
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Joliet?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Joliet, Illinois, have 10 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Joliet?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Joliet right now are Starfish Animal Rescue (Plainfield, IL) and Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF-IL) (Wheaton, 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.