Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in Cedar Rapids, IA: 18 Dogs Good with Children
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Cedar Rapids have 18 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. Here are all 18, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Every dog on this page has been marked by their rescue as good with children, usually because they've lived with kids in a foster home.
Not in Cedar Rapids? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Smoosh
This sweet bully loves other dogs, kids and cats, he loves attention and snuggling with you
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
2. Luther
Meet Luther!This handsome Hound mix came to Safe Haven as a stray, and unfortunately, no one has come forward to claim him. While we’re still getting to know Luther and learning more about his personality, what we can tell you so far is that he is a very well tempered, easygoing guy. He walks nicely on a leash and has that classic Hound bark that lets you know he has something to say! Luther has handled shelter life ok and seems ready to find the people who will give him the second chance he deserves. Since he is still new to us, we’ll continue getting to know him and will update his profile as we learn more about his likes, personality, and what he’s looking for in his forever home. If you’re looking for a sweet Hound mix and don’t mind getting to know a new best friend along the way, come meet Luther!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
3. Queen
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
4. Izzy
Sweet girl who loves human affection. She likes toys and other dogs
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
5. Oliver
Oliver is ready to share all of his love with you! Oliver is about as sweet as they come, he’s an aged to perfection senior who is so darn easy to love and easy to live with. Oliver is potty trained, eager to stick close to his people, and easy going on a leash. He’s low and lean like a dachshund, so needs your help getting up on the couch or bed to join you. While he isn’t much for snuggles, he’s a terrific at staying close by and resting quietly and will only need your help being lifted back down. Oliver does not enjoy being left home alone, at this stage of life he’s ready to be a companion to someone who has extra time to share with him. He does take a daily medication for anxiety but is otherwise very healthy for 13.5 years old! Oliver has lived very easily with dogs, cats and people of all ages.
Read more about Oliver
Oliver’s adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, current vaccines, Heartworm testing, and a microchip. If you would like to meet Oliver, 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, kept current on vaccines and annual wellness care. Our adoption process includes a vet history check and a home visit.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
6. Penny
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
7. Roscoe
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
8. Beefcake
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
9. Manwich
Manwich is a 9 month old male Dutch shepherd mix
YOUR NEW COMPANION WILL COME WITH THE FOLLOWING -- spaying or neutering (which must be done before you can take your new family member home), all up-to-date vaccinations including rabies and rabies vaccination tag.
*BREED DISCLOSURE: Due to the fact that most of our adoptable pets are strays, we can’t guarantee their breed. We list the pet’s breed as the one that best matches the physical appearance, and the pet may also be listed as a mix when it’s a purebred.
COST OF ADOPTION -- Dogs $70 and Cats $55.
Cash only please! sorry no checks or credit cards.
Read more about Manwich
ADOPTION HOURS -- Tuesday thru Sunday: Noon to 3 pm • Sorry, we're closed on Mondays and Holidays.
Jackson County Humane Society
23354 Dark Hollow Road • Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone: 563-652-5360 • email: jchs.ia.office@gmail.com
Please visit us on Facebook!
Donations are always greatly needed and appreciated.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
10. Toffee
Toffee is a 7 month old male
YOUR NEW COMPANION WILL COME WITH THE FOLLOWING -- spaying or neutering (which must be done before you can take your new family member home), all up-to-date vaccinations including rabies and rabies vaccination tag.
*BREED DISCLOSURE: Due to the fact that most of our adoptable pets are strays, we can’t guarantee their breed. We list the pet’s breed as the one that best matches the physical appearance, and the pet may also be listed as a mix when it’s a purebred.
COST OF ADOPTION -- Dogs $70 and Cats $55.
Cash only please! sorry no checks or credit cards.
Read more about Toffee
ADOPTION HOURS -- Tuesday thru Sunday: Noon to 3 pm • Sorry, we're closed on Mondays and Holidays.
Jackson County Humane Society
23354 Dark Hollow Road • Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone: 563-652-5360 • email: jchs.ia.office@gmail.com
Please visit us on Facebook!
Donations are always greatly needed and appreciated.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
11. Grumpy
Grumpy is a 5 month old male mountain cur vizsla mix.
YOUR NEW COMPANION WILL COME WITH THE FOLLOWING -- spaying or neutering (which must be done before you can take your new family member home), all up-to-date vaccinations including rabies and rabies vaccination tag.
*BREED DISCLOSURE: Due to the fact that most of our adoptable pets are strays, we can’t guarantee their breed. We list the pet’s breed as the one that best matches the physical appearance, and the pet may also be listed as a mix when it’s a purebred.
COST OF ADOPTION -- Dogs $70 and Cats $55.
Cash only please! sorry no checks or credit cards.
Read more about Grumpy
ADOPTION HOURS -- Tuesday thru Sunday: Noon to 3 pm • Sorry, we're closed on Mondays and Holidays.
Jackson County Humane Society
23354 Dark Hollow Road • Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone: 563-652-5360 • email: jchs.ia.office@gmail.com
Please visit us on Facebook!
Donations are always greatly needed and appreciated.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
12. Brutus
Brutus is a 6 month old male lab pit mix.
YOUR NEW COMPANION WILL COME WITH THE FOLLOWING -- spaying or neutering (which must be done before you can take your new family member home), all up-to-date vaccinations including rabies and rabies vaccination tag.
*BREED DISCLOSURE: Due to the fact that most of our adoptable pets are strays, we can’t guarantee their breed. We list the pet’s breed as the one that best matches the physical appearance, and the pet may also be listed as a mix when it’s a purebred.
COST OF ADOPTION -- Dogs $70 and Cats $55.
Cash only please! sorry no checks or credit cards.
Read more about Brutus
ADOPTION HOURS -- Tuesday thru Sunday: Noon to 3 pm • Sorry, we're closed on Mondays and Holidays.
Jackson County Humane Society
23354 Dark Hollow Road • Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone: 563-652-5360 • email: jchs.ia.office@gmail.com
Please visit us on Facebook!
Donations are always greatly needed and appreciated.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
13. Murphy
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
14. Charlie
Senior pup Charlie is about as happy go lucky as a guy can be! He surely isn't going to let a little old age slow him down and he's quickly become a social butterfly at doggie daycare!
Read more about Charlie
At just around 13.5 years old, Charlie is a nice "schmedium" sized dog - maybe a terrier/beagle mix, we can't say for sure what his breed mix is other than "cute"! We find Charlie to be a social dog, he's more apt to make friends with the animals in the room before he comes to new people to say hello. He isn't much of a lap pet, but is a terrific easy-going companion. Charlie was in rough shape when he first joined us, but a vet appointment to get him started on prescription allergy meds and pain management for severe arthritis have put some pep back in his step! His new owner will need to continue these prescription meds for him long-term.
Charlie's adoption fee is $250 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccines and preventatives. Charlie is seeking an indoor only home, if you would like to meet him please submit an adoption application for consideration at Adopthope.org. Last Hope requires that adopters have a history of having kept any pets altered, kept current on vaccines/annual vet visits and as indoor pets only. Our adoption process includes a vet history check and a home visit.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
15. Trooper
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
16. Dude
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
17. Qp
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. Kahlo
Kahlo is a sweet, playful little girl who is officially ready to find her forever home!
Kahlo’s story almost had a very different ending. She and her siblings found themselves in an overcrowded shelter down south where they were at serious risk simply because there wasn’t enough space. Thankfully, we were able to rescue them in time — and now Kahlo is safe, loved, and thriving in foster care. But now she’s ready for the next chapter: finding a family of her very own so her foster can open their home to save even more dogs in need.
Read more about Kahlo
Kahlo is your typical puppy — curious, silly, energetic, and still working on all the important “puppy things” as she grows. She’s learning more every day and will need a family committed to helping her continue building confidence and manners as she matures.
She’s currently living in a foster home with cats and she also loves other dogs!
Kahlo has already overcome so much at such a young age, and now all she needs is a safe, loving forever home where she can continue to grow into the amazing dog she’s meant to be.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
Adopting a dog with children in Cedar Rapids
Bring the whole family to meet the dog before you adopt, and ask the rescue how the dog behaves around children your kids' ages.
Teach children to let the dog come to them, to stroke gently, and to leave the dog alone while it's eating or sleeping. Give the dog a bed or crate of their own to retreat to, and always supervise young children with a new dog.
Relaxed adult dogs are often a better match for young children than puppies, which jump up, nip and chew while they learn.
Rescues with kid-friendly dogs near Cedar Rapids
- Last Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · 8 kid-friendly dogs above
- Jackson County Humane SocietyMaquoketa, IA · 4 kid-friendly dogs above
- Cedar Valley Pit Bull RescueWaterloo, Ia · 3 kid-friendly dogs above
- Safe Haven of Iowa CountyWilliamsburg, IA · 1 kid-friendly dog above
- Marion County Humane SocietyKnoxville, IA · 1 kid-friendly dog above
- Hero's Haven Animal RescueCoralville, IA · 1 kid-friendly dog above
Questions about adopting kid-friendly dogs in Cedar Rapids
How many kid-friendly dogs are up for adoption in Cedar Rapids?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, have 18 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a kid-friendly dog in Cedar Rapids?
The rescues with the most kid-friendly dogs near Cedar Rapids right now are Last Hope Animal Rescue (Cedar Rapids, IA), Jackson County Humane Society (Maquoketa, IA) and Cedar Valley Pit Bull Rescue (Waterloo, Ia). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
What kind of dog is best with kids?
A calm, patient dog that the rescue has seen around children. Adult dogs are often easier than puppies with young kids, since their personalities are known and they play less roughly.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.