Iowa City, IA

Cat-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in Iowa City, IA: 11 Dogs Good with Cats

Cat-Friendly Dogs up for adoption near Iowa City, IA

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Iowa City have 11 cat-friendly dogs up for adoption. Here are all 11, 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 cats, so they're a good fit if you already share your home with one.

1. Apollo

3 Years 6 Months · Male · Rottweiler / Hound / Mixed · 25 mi from Iowa City

Meet Apollo!

Apollo is a handsome Rottweiler and Hound mix with a big heart and plenty of love to give! This sweet boy came to Safe Haven as an owner surrender, and we're still getting to know him, but so far, he's showing us just how lovable he truly is. Apollo loves people, gets along with other dogs, and is also good with cats! Whether he's making new friends or spending time with his favorite humans, Apollo is happiest when he has companionship. He could make a wonderful addition to a home looking for a canine friend or a devoted companion of their own.

Read more about Apollo

Apollo is a strong boy, so his future family should be prepared to continue working with him on leash manners, basic obedience, and training. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, Apollo has so much potential to become an amazing lifelong companion.

  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Apollo fromSafe Haven of Iowa CountyWilliamsburg, IA · listed Oct 15

2. Smoosh

Puppy (9 months) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 67 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Smoosh fromCedar Valley Pit Bull RescueWaterloo, Ia · listed Oct 5

3. Izzy

Young · Female · Australian Shepherd / Mixed (medium coat) · 67 mi from Iowa City

Sweet girl who loves human affection. She likes toys and other dogs

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Izzy fromCedar Valley Pit Bull RescueWaterloo, Ia · listed Sep 4

4. Oliver

Senior (13 years 6 months) · Male · Dachshund / Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat) · 20 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Oliver fromLast Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · listed Sep 3

5. Roscoe

Adult (7 years 1 month) · Male · Shih Tzu / Maltese / Mixed (short coat) · 20 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Roscoe fromLast Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · listed Sep 2

6. Murphy

Adult (1 year 2 months) · Male · Yellow Labrador Retriever (medium coat) · 85 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Murphy fromMarion County Humane SocietyKnoxville, IA · listed Jul 24

7. Gus

Adult (9 years 9 months) · Male · Chihuahua · 20 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Gus fromLast Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · listed Jul 23

8. Charlie

Senior (13 years 7 months) · Male · Terrier / Beagle / Mixed (short coat) · 20 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Charlie fromLast Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · listed Jul 10

9. Trooper

Adult (1 year 6 months) · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 20 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Trooper fromLast Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · listed Jul 10

10. Dude

Adult (3 years 5 months) · Male · Shepherd / Mixed (medium coat) · 20 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Dude fromLast Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · listed Jul 10

11. Kiki

Adult (6 years 11 months) · Female · Miniature Pinscher (short coat) · 67 mi from Iowa City

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
Adopt Kiki fromCedar Valley Pit Bull RescueWaterloo, Ia · listed Jul 9

Bringing a dog home to your cat

Tell the rescue about your cat: their age and how they react to dogs. A dog who has lived calmly with one cat may still want to chase a cat that runs.

Introduce them slowly. Keep them apart for the first few days and swap bedding so they get used to each other's scent, then let them meet with the dog on a leash, rewarding calm behavior.

Make sure the cat can always get somewhere the dog can't reach, like a high shelf or a room behind a baby gate, and keep the litter box and cat food out of the dog's way.

Rescues with cat-friendly dogs near Iowa City

Questions about adopting cat-friendly dogs in Iowa City

How many cat-friendly dogs are up for adoption in Iowa City?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Iowa City, Iowa, have 11 cat-friendly dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a cat-friendly dog in Iowa City?

The rescues with the most cat-friendly dogs near Iowa City right now are Last Hope Animal Rescue (Cedar Rapids, IA), Cedar Valley Pit Bull Rescue (Waterloo, Ia) and Safe Haven of Iowa County (Williamsburg, IA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.

How do I introduce a dog to my cat?

Slowly. Keep them apart for a few days so they get used to each other's scent, then let them meet with the dog on a leash, rewarding calm behavior. Always give the cat an escape route the dog can't follow.

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