Small Dogs for Adoption in Columbus, IN: 9 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Columbus have 9 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 9, 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, Dachshund and Miniature Pinscher.
Not in Columbus? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. The Doxies
Adult · Female · Dachshund / Mixed · 32 mi from Columbus



Meet Our Sweet Little Dachshund Mix family! Meet Dolly! Small in size, big in sweetness! This adorable little girl is a Dachshund mix who came into our care from a hoarding case, and she’s ready for a fresh start and a brighter future. She’s a cute little sweetheart with so much potential, and we can’t wait to learn more about her as she settles in. While we’re still getting to know her personality, one thing we already know is that she’s a very sweet girl who deserves a loving home of her very own! Could you be the fresh start she’s been waiting for? She’s hoping someone will look past her past and see the precious little pup she is.
Read more about The Doxies
If you’re looking for a small companion to welcome into your heart, this cutie might just be the one for you! If you would like to meet any of our pets, they are available for viewing, every single day from noon until 3:30pm. If you have other dogs a meet and greet is required. Calling before a long drive is recommended to confirm availability. Ripley County Humane Society, 1202 W County Rd 150 N, Osgood, IN 47037. 812-689-3773 You can fill out an application online at this link - https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/57789/generic .
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
2. The Doxies
Puppy · Female · Dachshund / Mixed · 32 mi from Columbus


Meet Our Sweet Little Dachshund Mix family! Meet Delta! Small in size, big in sweetness! This adorable little girl is a Dachshund mix who came into our care from a hoarding case, and she’s ready for a fresh start and a brighter future. She’s a cute little sweetheart with so much potential, and we can’t wait to learn more about her as she settles in. While we’re still getting to know her personality, one thing we already know is that she’s a very sweet girl who deserves a loving home of her very own! Could you be the fresh start she’s been waiting for? She’s hoping someone will look past her past and see the precious little pup she is.
Read more about The Doxies
If you’re looking for a small companion to welcome into your heart, this cutie might just be the one for you! If you would like to meet any of our pets, they are available for viewing, every single day from noon until 3:30pm. If you have other dogs a meet and greet is required. Calling before a long drive is recommended to confirm availability. Ripley County Humane Society, 1202 W County Rd 150 N, Osgood, IN 47037. 812-689-3773 You can fill out an application online at this link - https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/57789/generic .
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
3. Scrappy
Adult · Male · Miniature Pinscher · 32 mi from Columbus



Meet Scrappy & Lulu! Double the Love, Double the Cuddles! An adorable pair of 4-year-old Miniature Pinschers who are looking for a forever home together! These tiny little sweethearts found themselves in our care when their owner needed some help, and now they’re hoping to find a family who will give them the love, comfort, and security they deserve. Scrappy and Lulu are siblings who have been together since birth, and their bond is incredibly special. They are a package deal and must be adopted together! These little loves are happiest snuggled up together on their bed or tucked under a cozy blanket.
Read more about Scrappy
If you’re looking for two tiny companions to fill your home with love, these babies might be just what you need! Both Scrappy and Lulu are super sweet and friendly, although they may need a little time to warm up to new people and settle into unfamiliar places. Once they feel comfortable, their loving personalities shine through! They would love a calm, cozy home where they can relax, cuddle up together, and enjoy all the little comforts of life. They are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped, so they’re ready to find their next chapter! These two little shadows have spent their whole lives together, and we can’t imagine separating them. They may be tiny, but the love they have to give is HUGE! Could you be the forever family Scrappy and Lulu have been waiting for? Give these precious siblings a cozy place to call home, and you’ll get double the snuggles and double the love! If you would like to meet any of our pets, they are available for viewing, every single day from noon until 3:30pm. If you have other dogs a meet and greet is required. Calling before a long drive is recommended to confirm availability. Ripley County Humane Society, 1202 W County Rd 150 N, Osgood, IN 47037. 812-689-3773 You can fill out an application online at this link - https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/57789/generic .
4. Lulu
Adult · Female · Miniature Pinscher · 32 mi from Columbus


Meet Lulu & Scrappy! Double the Love, Double the Cuddles! An adorable pair of 4-year-old Miniature Pinschers who are looking for a forever home together! These tiny little sweethearts found themselves in our care when their owner needed some help, and now they’re hoping to find a family who will give them the love, comfort, and security they deserve. Lulu and Scrappy are siblings who have been together since birth, and their bond is incredibly special. They are a package deal and must be adopted together! These little loves are happiest snuggled up together on their bed or tucked under a cozy blanket.
Read more about Lulu
If you’re looking for two tiny companions to fill your home with love, these babies might be just what you need! Both Lulu and Scrappy are super sweet and friendly, although they may need a little time to warm up to new people and settle into unfamiliar places. Once they feel comfortable, their loving personalities shine through! They would love a calm, cozy home where they can relax, cuddle up together, and enjoy all the little comforts of life. They are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped, so they’re ready to find their next chapter! These two little shadows have spent their whole lives together, and we can’t imagine separating them. They may be tiny, but the love they have to give is HUGE! Could you be the forever family Lulu and Scrappy have been waiting for? Give these precious siblings a cozy place to call home, and you’ll get double the snuggles and double the love! If you would like to meet any of our pets, they are available for viewing, every single day from noon until 3:30pm. If you have other dogs a meet and greet is required. Calling before a long drive is recommended to confirm availability. Ripley County Humane Society, 1202 W County Rd 150 N, Osgood, IN 47037. 812-689-3773 You can fill out an application online at this link - https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/57789/generic .
5. Buffy and Tina
Young (2 years 9 months) · Female · Maltese / Mixed (medium coat) · 1 mi from Columbus




Buffy and Tina are buddies who need to find a home together. Buffy is a maltese and Tina is a chihuahua. Their owner was a homeless woman so these two little dogs were very dependant on each other. They were frequently left alone for long periods of time. Buffy is a little skittish around strange people at first but warms up quickly to anyone with a lap for her to snuggle on. Tina is a little more nervous and is frightened of men. Both love their walks and sniffing out all the new smells. Both are crate, leash and potty trained and love treats and snoozing on the couch. Both are UTD on shots, spayed and on flea preventatives. Neither has ever been around small children. The perfect home would be a quiet husehold with a patient loving lady and a fenced yard to play in.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
- Adopt together
6. Sunshine
Adult · Female · Chihuahua / Mixed · 32 mi from Columbus




Meet Sunshine! Sunshine is a three year old sweet little Chihuahua mix who is ready to find her forever home! Sunshine came to the Ripley County Humane Society from the Dog Warden. When she arrived, she was dealing with Canine Papillomavirus. Thankfully, it has since gone down, but adopters should be aware that it can flare up again in the future. This little girl has a personality that lives up to her name! Sunshine loves to wag her tail, and she absolutely loves getting attention. She'll happily jump up for pets and soak up all the affection she can get. We aren't sure yet how Sunshine feels about other dogs, cats, or children, so those introductions will need to be handled carefully and patiently.
Read more about Sunshine
Sunshine is spayed, fully vaccinated, and microchipped, so she's ready to start her next chapter with a family who will love her. Sunshine is sure to brighten your day-and maybe your whole life! If you would like to meet any of our pets, they are available for viewing, every single day from noon until 3:30pm. If you have other dogs a meet and greet is required. Calling before a long drive is recommended to confirm availability. Ripley County Humane Society, 1202 W County Rd 150 N, Osgood, IN 47037. 812-689-3773 You can fill out an application online at this link - https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/57789/generic .
7. Zara
Adult · Female · Chihuahua / Mixed · 32 mi from Columbus



Meet Zara & Zariah! These two sweet souls are looking for a special family who will give them the time, patience, and love they need to feel safe. Zara and Zariah are very scared and timid, and trust doesn’t come easily for them. They’re still learning that they can feel safe around us, and they’re slowly getting used to some of our staff. Two hearts, one bond! Zara and Zariah are a bonded pair and MUST be adopted together. Zara gets especially scared when she’s away from Zariah, and he helps comfort her and calm her nerves. Having each other gives them a little extra courage as they navigate a world that can feel pretty overwhelming.
Read more about Zara
These two will need a patient, understanding home that allows them to open up at their own pace, without rushing them. They may take some time to trust, but with kindness, consistency, and a family willing to give them a chance, we hope they’ll discover just how wonderful life can be. Both Zara and Zariah are fully vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered, so they’re ready to find their forever home together! Could you be the safe place these two have been waiting for? They may need a little extra time to let their walls down, but all they need is someone willing to give them that chance. Please consider opening your heart and home to Zara & Zariah! If you would like to meet any of our pets, they are available for viewing, every single day from noon until 3:30pm. If you have other dogs a meet and greet is required. Calling before a long drive is recommended to confirm availability. Ripley County Humane Society, 1202 W County Rd 150 N, Osgood, IN 47037. 812-689-3773 You can fill out an application online at this link - https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/57789/generic .
- Good with dogs
8. Zariah
Adult · Male · Chihuahua / Mixed · 32 mi from Columbus




Meet Zariah and Zara! These two sweet souls are looking for a special family who will give them the time, patience, and love they need to feel safe. Zariah and Zara are very scared and timid, and trust doesn’t come easily for them. They’re still learning that they can feel safe around us, and they’re slowly getting used to some of our staff. Two hearts, one bond! Zariah and Zara are a bonded pair and MUST be adopted together. Zara gets especially scared when she’s away from Zariah, and he helps comfort her and calm her nerves. Having each other gives them a little extra courage as they navigate a world that can feel pretty overwhelming.
Read more about Zariah
These two will need a patient, understanding home that allows them to open up at their own pace, without rushing them. They may take some time to trust, but with kindness, consistency, and a family willing to give them a chance, we hope they’ll discover just how wonderful life can be. Both Zariah and Zara are fully vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered, so they’re ready to find their forever home together! Could you be the safe place these two have been waiting for? They may need a little extra time to let their walls down, but all they need is someone willing to give them that chance. Please consider opening your heart and home to Zariah & Zara! If you would like to meet any of our pets, they are available for viewing, every single day from noon until 3:30pm. If you have other dogs a meet and greet is required. Calling before a long drive is recommended to confirm availability. Ripley County Humane Society, 1202 W County Rd 150 N, Osgood, IN 47037. 812-689-3773 You can fill out an application online at this link - https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/57789/generic .
- Good with dogs
9. Jimmy
Adult · Male · Boston Terrier / Mixed · 32 mi from Columbus



Meet Jimmy! This 5-year-old black and white Boston Terrier mix is a sweet, gentle boy who is slowly learning to trust and feel safe. When he first arrived, he was very shy and scared, but he is beginning to come out of his shell and gain confidence. He does well with kids and other dogs, though his behavior around cats is unknown. He is up to date on vaccinations, fixed, microchipped, and has tested negative for heartworm. Despite his timid start, he has a soft, loving side. He does well during baths and enjoys being held, where he feels secure and comforted. With patience and kindness, he is sure to continue blossoming into a wonderful companion.
Read more about Jimmy
If you would like to meet any of our pets, they are available for viewing, every single day from noon until 3:30pm. If you have other dogs a meet and greet is required. Calling before a long drive is recommended to confirm availability. Ripley County Humane Society, 1202 W County Rd 150 N, Osgood, IN 47037. 812-689-3773 You can fill out an application online at this link - https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/57789/generic .
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
- Ripley County Humane SocietyOsgood, IN · 8 small dogs above
- Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE)Columbus, IN · 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 50 miles of Columbus, Indiana, have 9 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 Ripley County Humane Society (Osgood, IN) and Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) (Columbus, IN). 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.