Adult Dogs for Adoption in Ankeny, IA: 18 Grown-Up Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Ankeny have 36 adult dogs up for adoption. Here are the 18 newest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Adult dogs usually wait longer for homes than puppies, but their personalities are already settled, so you know just what you're getting: a couch companion, a running partner or a gentle family dog.
Not in Ankeny? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Queen
Adult (3 years 1 month) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Brittany / Mixed (medium coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny




This girl is a QUEEN and she is ready to be treated like ROYALTY!
Queen, or Queenie as we have been calling her, is a beautiful black labrador mix - we've been told that she's perhaps a Brittany Lab mix, which could account for her petite size and playful demeanor!
Read more about Queen
Queenie is a loving and friendly girl, she's never met a stranger and she's got a playful and infectious energy that is sure to make you smile when you're with her. Queenie has lived easily with other dogs and children. We find her to be a higher energy dog so she will be best suited to an active and outgoing dog owner who knows they need to earn their couch potato time after burning off the labrador energy!
Queenie's adoption fee is $250 and includes her spay, microchip, current vaccines/(4DX)heartworm testing and current monthly preventatives. Queenie is seeking a home where she can live as an indoor companion only, if you would like to meet her please submit an adoption application at Adopthope.org. Last Hope requires that adopters have a history of having kept their companion animals as indoor pets only, kept altered and current on annual vaccines and vet care. Our adoption process includes a vet history check and a home visit.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Izzy
Young · Female · Australian Shepherd / Mixed (medium coat) · 80 mi from Ankeny


Sweet girl who loves human affection. She likes toys and other dogs
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Penny
Adult (7 years 1 month) · Female · Chihuahua / Dachshund / Mixed (medium coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny




Penny is looking for a new home, and this sweet 7-year-old long-haired dachshund mix is ready to find her next cuddle buddy!
Read more about Penny
This little low rider has a lot to offer her future family! Penny is potty trained, can be trusted outside of a kennel while you're away, and walks like a dream on a leash. She's currently living in her foster home with two young kids and another small dog, and everyone is getting along wonderfully! Penny has a long and happy life ahead of her given her breed mix, so she needs someone that can offer her a stable and active home for her next chapter (which could be a great ten years!) She would love a dog companion near her size in her new home, too!
Whether you're looking for a couch companion, a walking buddy, or a little shadow to keep your lap warm, Penny might just be your girl.
Do you have room in your heart (and on your lap!) for this sweet girl?
Penny's adoption fee is $250 and includes her spay, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic obedience course with Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventative care. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Penny, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
4. Roscoe
Adult (7 years 1 month) · Male · Shih Tzu / Maltese / Mixed (short coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny



I’m Roscoe, your hunk of burning love. I have a big heart and a big smile. I get along with all my humans and furry friends. I’m looking for a home where I can get some exercise and have people or another furry friend to play with me.
I have some pounds to lose but who doesn’t right? I love belly rubs and spending time with people. I’m the entire package, potty trained, plays, doesn’t chew on your stuff, can be left alone while you’re gone and have lots of love and snuggles to give.
Read more about Roscoe
Roscoe’s adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccines, heartworm test and monthly preventatives. Roscoe is seeking a home as an indoor companion only, please submit an adoption application at Adopthope.org if you would like to meet him! Last Hope requires that adopters have a history of having kept other pets altered, as indoor pets only, and kept current on vaccines and annual wellness visits. Our adoption process includes a vet history check and a home visit.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
5. Beefcake
Young (2 years) · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 80 mi from Ankeny


Came from a hoarding situation, He is a big boy and is such a sweetheart. Loves the couch and wants nothing but love.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
6. Dora
Young (7 months) · Female · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny



Hi, I'm Dora! I'm a young, 20 pound pit mix with some seriously adorable ears and legs. I'm a curious girl who loves to explore and investigate every inch of my space. I'm always on the lookout for toys, treats, and anything else interesting, so no corner goes unexamined! I can be a little slow to warm up to new people, but once I'm comfortable, my happy, energetic, and playful personality really comes out.
Read more about Dora
I'm very food motivated, which should make training me a breeze! I can be a little too enthusiastic with my affection though, so I'd do best in a home without any small children. I enjoy playing with other dogs, but I can be a bit pushy, so a canine sibling with confidence and that is willing to set clear boundaries would be good for me.
I'm crate trained (although I do have a few opinions on that), I know how to use the doggie door and I'm currently working on my house training. I'll likely grow into a medium-sized dog when I'm all grown up so if you're looking for a fun, energetic pup who won't take up the whole couch, I'd love to get to know you!
Dora's adoption fee is $300 and includes her spay, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic obedience class with Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. Dora is seeking an indoor only home with adopters who have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventative care. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Dora, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with dogs
7. Dobby
Young (7 months) · Female · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny



Hi, I'm Dobby! I'm a young pit mix weighing around 20 pounds with an absolutely adorable underbite. We aren't quite sure what I'm mixed with, but whatever it is, it gave me a whole lot of cute!
I'm a total toy enthusiast, and I especially enjoy shredding paper. Think of me as your very own recycling assistant... I'll happily turn those old papers into confetti and decorate your house and yard at the same time! When I'm not busy with my toys, I'm happiest snuggled up under a blanket with my favorite person. I'd love nothing more than to curl up and sleep wherever you are.
Read more about Dobby
I'm very food motivated, so training should be lots of fun, and I get along well with other dogs. I'm crate trained, know how to use a doggie door, and I'm currently working on my house training. We aren't quite sure how I do around cats but I may be able to live with a very dog-savvy cat.
I'll likely grow into a medium-sized adult dog, making me a great size for plenty of adventures and plenty of cuddles. If you're looking for a sweet, playful pup with a hilarious underbite and a serious talent for snuggling, I may just be your girl!
Dobby's adoption fee is $300 and includes her spay, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic obedience course with Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. Dobby is seeking an indoor only home with adopters who have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventative care. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Dobby, please submit an adoption application for consideration on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with dogs
8. Dr. Seuss
Young (8 months) · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Labrador Retriever / Mixed (medium coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny




Oh, have you met Dr. Seuss? What a wonderful pup!
He’s nine months young and ready to jump up!
He’s bouncy and bright, with energy to spare,
A goofy young fellow with love everywhere.
He may be medium, he may grow quite large
His breed is a mystery, but he’s ready to charge!
He’ll zoom and he’ll wiggle, he’ll romp and he’ll play,
Then give you a look that just melts you away.
He’s curious, clever, and eager to learn,
With puppy adventures at every turn!
He’s looking for someone with patience and time,
Who’ll help him grow into a pup so sublime.
A home full of love, some training, and fun,
And Dr. Seuss will be your a-number-one!
Read more about Dr. Seuss
The adoption fee for Dr Seuss is $300 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccines band monthly preventatives. Dr Seuss is seeking a home as an indoor companion, if you would like to meet him please submit an adoption application at Adopthope.org. Last Hope requires that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered, as indoor pets and kept current on vaccines and annual vet visits. Our adoption process includes a vet history check and a home visit. A free training 4-week course with Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha is included in your adoption!
- Good with dogs
9. Murphy
Adult (1 year 2 months) · Male · Yellow Labrador Retriever (medium coat) · 39 mi from Ankeny


Murphy is a handsome yellow lab mix. When he first came in, he had some food/kennel aggression, but he has gotten much better! He's approximately 1 year old and weighs 75 pounds. He gets along with other dogs and kids. We think he would do best in a home with no small kids.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Toby
Adult (3 years 4 months) · Male · Labrador Retriever / Husky / Mixed (medium coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny






Meet Toby, a friendly guy who loves meeting people and is always excited to see what adventure is next! He does great on group walks with the other rescue pups and overall just enjoys getting out and about. Toby is looking for a secure, stable home with an experienced dog owner. He will need a dedicated yard or outdoor space where he can safely get his energy out and enjoy plenty of time exploring.
Read more about Toby
Toby is very food motivated, so much so that he makes checking the trash can part of his daily routine! He's also a big fan of toys, loves to play, and has an absolute blast playing in the kiddie pools. Whether he's splashing around, playing with his favorite toy, or heading out for a walk, Toby is happiest when he's having fun with his people.
Here at the adoption center, Toby can be reactive when he's on leash or behind a barrier, so his new family should be prepared to continue working with him using patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. He has shown that he enjoys walks and outing and will thrive with someone willing to help him continue building those skills. Toby does have a strong instinct to chase small animals when he is out and about, therefore he looking for a home without any cats or other small animals.
Toby's adoption fee is $250 and includes his microchip, neutered, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic obedience class at Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. Toby is seeking an indoor only home. Last Hope requires that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventative care. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and vet history check. If you would like to meet Toby, please submit an adoption application for consideration on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
11. Gus
Adult (9 years 9 months) · Male · Chihuahua · 99 mi from Ankeny



Hi, I'm Gus, a distinguished older gentleman who has perfected the art of being a professional homebody!
I like to spend my days burrowed under the covers, taking cozy naps, and enjoying the finer things in life... like a good supper prepared by my personal in-house chef. I have no teeth and cannot afford dentures, so my meals are cut into tiny pieces for me. I've even taught my chef how to make some of my favorite dishes, including steak, chicken, and pasta!
Read more about Gus
I do have allergies and, unfortunately, lost most of my hair because of them. Thankfully, I now receive allergy injections which have made a huge difference! I'll need to stay on them long-term, and my caretaker also keeps my skin feeling comfortable with a little coconut oil. I'm so used to being naked... I do not like wearing a collar... at all. Therefore, I am looking for a home with a fenced in yard so I can run out and do my business on my own terms.
I'm not much for playing or going out on the town. Honestly, I'd much rather stay home, snuggle up, and enjoy a quiet day. I'm a true homebody and I'm perfectly happy that way!
The good news is that I get along wonderfully with both humans and other four legged friends. So, if you're looking for a handsome, chill gentleman who would much rather relax at home than be the life of the party, you've found your guy.
Gus's adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic obedience course at Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventatives. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Gus, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
12. Ella Mae
Adult (2 years 2 months) · Female · Mastiff / Mixed (short coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny




Meet Ella Mae! Ella is a little shy when she first meets you, but give her just a little time and she'll come right out of her shell! Once she's comfortable, you'll see what a sweet, goofy girl she really is. At her heart, Ella is true to her breed mix (mastiff) and does have some strong personality traits.
Read more about Ella Mae
Ella Mae is still building her confidence and may startle if someone walks behind her or she steps on something crunchy, but she's making progress everyday. She loves exploring the yard and has even entertained herself with toys. Once she gets comfortable enough to play, she can get some serious zoomies and will happily give you a body slam!
Ella has done wonderfully on group dog walks and greets other dogs nicely through the fence. We think she would thrive with a confident canine companion who can help show her the ropes, however she has shown us resource guarding tendencies with possessions. She has not yet been cat tested and would do best in a home without any children as she is still learning all about this big world we live in. Positive reinforcement and a little patience will go a long way with this sweet girl.
She walks beautifully on a leash and is food motivated when it comes to learning new training cues. One important note is that Ella Mae is quite the little escape artist and can clear a 5 foot fence with ease! Her future home will need at least a 6 foot privacy fence to keep this athletic girl safely contained.
Ella Mae's adoption fee is $250 and includes her spay, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic obedience course with Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventative care. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Ella Mae, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
13. Trooper
Adult (1 year 6 months) · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny




Some dogs are happy... and then there's Trooper. This guy is pure joy and sunshine in dog form! His tail is always wagging, his smile is contagious, and he approaches every day like it's the best day ever. Trooper is the kind of dog who can make you laugh without even trying!
Although Trooper is a pitbull, he has the fun loving, larger-than-life personality of a boxer or great dane. With his goofy antics, oversized personality, and bouncy enthusiasm, Trooper is here to remind everyone that life is meant to be enjoyed.
Read more about Trooper
Trooper is wonderful with other dogs, making him a fun addition to an active family. He has shown some signs of resource guarding so would do best with separate eating spaces and a home without children. He's still a little unsure about cats, but with slow introductions, he could do well with a dog-savvy feline companion.
Like any young, exuberant pup, Trooper is still polishing up his manners. He's working on keeping all four paws on the floor instead of greeting people with enthusiastic jumps, and he's learning not to be so mouthy when excited. The good news? He is eager to interact with people and will thrive with consistent training and plenty of opportunities to burn off his energy.
Trooper's adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic training course with Cedar Run Company. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventatives. Our adoption process includes a home visit and vet history check. If you would like to meet Trooper, please submit an adoption application for consideration on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
14. Dude
Adult (3 years 5 months) · Male · Shepherd / Mixed (medium coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny




Dude is a sweet, affectionate boy with a heart as big as his smile! Gentle by nature and motivated by both treats and praise, he's always eager to make new friends. While he enjoys going for walks, his favorite thing in the world is simply spending time with his people and soaking up all the love and attention they have to offer.
Dude gets along great with other dogs, has done well with children, and could potentially live with dog-savvy cats. He's truly a happy go lucky guy who seems to find joy in everyone he meets. You'd be hard-pressed to catch him in a bad mood!
Read more about Dude
When it's playtime, Dude loves romping around the yard with his toys and breaking into adorable galloping zoomies before happily flopping over for belly rubs and pets. If you're looking for a loyal companion who will greet every day with a wagging tail and an even bigger heart, Dude is ready to be your best friend!
Dude's adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic training course with Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. Dude is seeking an indoor only home. Last Hope requires that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations, preventative care, and wellness visits. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and vet history check. If you would like to meet Dude, please submit an adoption application for consideration on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
15. Kiki
Adult (6 years 11 months) · Female · Miniature Pinscher (short coat) · 80 mi from Ankeny


Nervous of people she doesn't know but does warm up quickly. No small kids, great neighborhood watch dog. Does like to play tug and chases toys.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
16. Sonic
Adult (1 year 5 months) · Male · Husky / Shepherd / Mixed (long coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny






Meet Sonic!
Just like his name suggests, Sonic is always ready for his next adventure! This handsome 1 to 2-year-old neutered Husky mix turns heads everywhere he goes with his striking mismatched eyes -
one blue and one brown,
and his playful, energetic personality.
Read more about Sonic
Sonic is looking for an active home that understands the unique needs of northern breeds. He's smart, athletic, and full of enthusiasm, making him a great companion for someone who enjoys hiking, running, exploring, or simply keeping up with an energetic best friend. Because Huskies are known for their intelligence, independence, and drive, Sonic will do best with adopters who have previous breed experience and are committed to providing plenty of physical exercise, mental enrichment, and continued training.
If you're looking for a loyal adventure buddy with a big personality, stunning looks, and endless potential, Sonic might just be your perfect match. Come meet this blue-eyed (and brown-eyed!) boy, you'll quickly see why everyone falls in love with him.
Sonic’s adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, microchip and current vaccines/heartworm testing and monthly preventatives. Also included in the adoption is a free basic training course at Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. If you would like to meet Sonic, please submit an application through our website Adopthope.org. Sonic is seeking a home as an indoor companion with no cats. Our adoption process includes a vet history check and a home visit. We require adopters to have a history of keeping indoor pets only, who were alerted and kept current on annual vaccines and exams.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
17. Qp
Adult (1 year 2 months) · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Australian Shepherd / Mixed (short coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny





Looking for a pup who's a full meal deal? Meet Quarter Pounder, or QP for short! This lovable guy is packed with personality, extra sweetness, and a side of puppy fun.
QP is an incredibly sweet, playful pup with a personality as big as his heart! This curious guy loves to explore the world around him and is always ready for his next adventure. His favorite thing is making new puppy friends and he is always ready for a play session. He is however terrified of cats and would prefer a home without any.
Read more about Qp
While he enjoys treats, his true favorite is a good plush toy. He's also a smart cookie—he learned "sit" very quickly and is eager to keep learning with positive reinforcement.
He greets everyone with a happy tail wag and has the funniest little habit of carrying things wherever he goes. Sticks? Yep. Toys? Absolutely. His own leash? Of course! If he can pick it up, he'll proudly parade around with it. He even tries to walk himself sometimes!
QP rides wonderfully in the car, making him the perfect copilot for errands or adventures. As a young puppy, he's still working on potty training, so he'll need a patient family ready to help him learn and grow.
QP's adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic obedience course at Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. QP is seeking an indoor only home with adopters who have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventatives. Our adoption process includes a vet history check and a home visit. If you would like to meet QP, please submit an adoption application through our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
18. Taco
Adult (7 years 3 months) · Male · English Bulldog / Mixed (short coat) · 99 mi from Ankeny



Say hello to Taco, a short, stout little Bulldog with a whole lot of personality packed into a compact body!
Taco isn’t looking for a marathon training partner, he’s much more interested in short walks, feeling good, and getting back to his favorite activity: being a couch potato. He’s the perfect companion for someone who enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle and who isn't gone long days!
Read more about Taco
Taco also loves going for car rides, so he’d be happy to be your co-pilot for adventures around town or wherever the road takes you. Especially if the road takes you to a drive-thru! Because if there’s one way to Taco’s heart, it’s through his stomach. This boy LOVES his food, which makes him very easy to motivate with treats and meal time.
Taco is not a match for cats. He might be able to live with another dog, but his ideal canine roommate would be a super laid-back, easygoing dog who won’t overwhelm him. Taco takes daily meds that he will need to stay on long term. He does his best to keep from having accidents inside, however a side effect of his health condition is the need for very frequent potty breaks.
If you’re looking for a lovable little chunk who would happily spend his days snuggled up beside you, Taco might just be your guy.
Taco's adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccinations and preventatives, plus a free basic obedience course at Cedar Run Company in Hiawatha. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventatives. Our adoption process includes a home visit, background check, and vet history check. If you would like to meet Taco, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- No cats
- Special needs
Why adopt an adult dog in Ankeny
An adult dog's personality is fully formed, so the rescue can tell you how they are with people, other pets and busy households. Many have lived in foster homes and are already house-trained.
Grown dogs need less supervision than puppies and often know the basics, like sitting and walking on a leash, which suits people who work or have young children.
Rescues with adult dogs near Ankeny
- Last Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · 14 adult dogs above
- Cedar Valley Pit Bull RescueWaterloo, Ia · 3 adult dogs above
- Marion County Humane SocietyKnoxville, IA · 1 adult dog above
Questions about adopting adult dogs in Ankeny
How many adult dogs are up for adoption in Ankeny?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Ankeny, Iowa, have 36 adult dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt an adult dog in Ankeny?
The rescues with the most adult dogs near Ankeny right now are Last Hope Animal Rescue (Cedar Rapids, IA), Cedar Valley Pit Bull Rescue (Waterloo, Ia) and Marion County Humane Society (Knoxville, IA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Should I adopt an adult dog or a puppy?
It depends on your home. An adult dog's personality is already known and they need less supervision; puppies need more time and training but grow up with your family. The rescues can help you find the right match.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.