Small Dogs for Adoption in Grand Rapids, MI: 8 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Grand Rapids have 8 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 8, 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, Labrador Retriever and Coton de Tulear.
Not in Grand Rapids? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Patch
Interested in adopting? Fill out an application here: https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=savethedogs&method=online_form_html&formid=3You may find me on our website under "ADOPT
2. Charlie
To apply to adopt:
Go to our website - adopt - dog - scroll to adoption application - click
Adoption fee is $250 - dogs are microchipped, spayed/neutered, and UTD on all prevention before adoption. Charlie's updates will be finalized on November 4th and we will begin reviewing applications at that time.
Charlie has been bounced around since he was a puppy. He finally had a home for the last six years of his life when his person passed away. Afterwards, Charlie was attacked by his caretakers dog and they knew that Charlie would have to find a new home.
Read more about Charlie
Charlie is a Coton de Tulear (or a mix). He is 7 years old. At 12.5lbs, Charlie is overweight and is working on potty training. He is good with cats.
Charlie needs an experienced owner as he is cautious of strangers and has never been around children. He has never been properly socialized and needs a great deal of time to warm up. Most importantly, Charlie will need lots of structure (as he is used to getting his own way) and safety. Structure and safety create stability and that is the most important requirement to adopt Charlie.
- No young kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
- Special needs
3. Buzz
Buzz came to us through no fault of his own after a change in his household. This boy may take a little time to warm up to new people, but once he feels comfortable, he becomes a devoted and loving companion.Buzz would thrive in a quiet, peaceful home where he can settle in at his own pace. He is not comfortable with children and prefers to be the only pet in the household, as he is not a fan of other dogs or cats.Buzz enjoys going for walks and snuggling in his cozy bed close to his favorite person. He is looking for someone who will be patient as he adjusts and give him the time he needs to feel safe and loved.If you're looking for a loyal companion who will reward your patience with a lifetime of love, Buzz might just be the perfect friend for you!DOB 7-10-201920.6 poundsI'm waiting for a home to call my own.
Read more about Buzz
email webmaster@petrefuge.com to learn more about me or fill out an application at https://www.petrefuge.com/adoptPet Refuge was formed in 1978 to help with cats and dogs in need of homes. We are a limited admission shelter that supports our local animals control facilities by helping take in the overflow of cats and dogs from their facilities. We also take in owner surrenders as space allows.Pet Refuge is a volunteer based shelter, learn more about us on our website - petrefuge.com or send an email to webmaster@petrefuge.com or leave a message at 574-231-1122.We are always recruiting new volunteers. Our volunteers work hard and also have family and jobs away from Pet Refuge, we ask for your patience in correspondence.
4. Bijou
Precious as they come, our senior boy Bijou is quite the charmer! This sweet gentleman is friendly, loving, and gets along wonderfully with the small dogs in his foster home. Bijou has a heart condition that requires lifelong medication, but you would never know it from his happy face and bright, cheerful disposition. He will also need regular grooming to keep him looking and feeling his best.Bijou is looking for a loving home where he can enjoy his golden years surrounded by comfort, kindness, and affection. He is available for adoption, or if you are unable to adopt, you can help support his care by sponsoring him through the Special Needs page on our website.This little charmer has so much love to give and is sure to bring joy to the lucky person who opens their heart and home to him!DOB 3-9-201317 PoundsI'm waiting for a home to call my own.
Read more about Bijou
email webmaster@petrefuge.com to learn more about me or fill out an application at https://www.petrefuge.com/adoptPet Refuge was formed in 1978 to help with cats and dogs in need of homes. We are a limited admission shelter that supports our local animals control facilities by helping take in the overflow of cats and dogs from their facilities. We also take in owner surrenders as space allows.Pet Refuge is a volunteer based shelter, learn more about us on our website - petrefuge.com or send an email to webmaster@petrefuge.com or leave a message at 574-231-1122.We are always recruiting new volunteers. Our volunteers work hard and also have family and jobs away from Pet Refuge, we ask for your patience in correspondence.
5. Slinky
This Slinky Dog has had a pretty rough start, but we’re hoping the rest of his story looks a whole lot different.Meet Slinky, a sweet 2-year-old boy who arrived at our shelter alongside his two kiddos, Woody and Bo Peep. All three came to us with fleas, scared, and unsure of the world around them. But of the three, poor Slinky was in the worst shape.The fleas had taken quite a toll on his little body, leaving him with significant hair loss. While those pesky fleas are finally gone, Slinky is still working on growing his fur back. His coat might look a little rough around the edges right now, but we think he’s pretty darn handsome anyway.And just like his kids, Slinky is still learning that people can be trusted.
Read more about Slinky
He’s a timid little guy who needs time to feel comfortable around new faces. He’s not going to be the dog who immediately runs into your arms, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want love. He’s just not quite sure how to accept it yet.He just needs someone willing to look past his shyness and patchy fur to see the wonderful little dog underneath.We’re hoping to find Slinky a family who understands that healing takes time. His fur will grow back, but building his confidence and trust might take a little longer. He deserves someone who won’t rush him, who will celebrate every little step forward, and who will love him just as much on his scared days as they do on his brave ones.His two kiddos, Woody and Bo Peep, are also searching for their forever homes. All three have a little healing left to do, but we know the right families can make all the difference.Slinky doesn’t need to have a perfect coat or a perfect personality to deserve a perfect ending. He just needs someone willing to give him oneInterested in adopting? Fill out an application here: https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=savethedogs&method=online_form_html&formid=3You may find me on our website under "ADOPT
6. Woody
Interested in adopting? Fill out an application here: https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=savethedogs&method=online_form_html&formid=3You may find me on our website under "ADOPT
7. Izzy
Visit Izzy in person on Saturday November 7 from 10 to 12 at the Holland PetSmart (12635 Felch St). No application needed - just show up and give her some love!
Izzy is a very special 13-year-old, 12 pound Miniature Schnauzer mix who has been through more than any senior dog should have to endure. Now, she’s ready for the part of her story she has always deserved: a quiet, loving home where she can be someone’s beloved companion.
Read more about Izzy
Izzy came to us after being removed from the home by animal control, where she had been living with an elderly owner and spending much of her later life confined to a crate. We can only imagine how confusing and frightening that must have been for her. But despite everything she has experienced, Izzy has shown us that she is a sweet girl who simply wants to feel safe and be close to her person.
She successfully battled a skin infection, and thankfully, she is healing, and her beautiful fur is growing back! As her skin continues to improve, we know she is going to be a very beautiful little dog. Tyson’s Place Animal Rescue will continue to support her veterinary care as she heals, so her adopter can focus on giving her the love and stability she deserves.
Izzy has limited vision due to age-related cataracts, but don’t let that fool you — her ears work wonderfully! She can hear her foster mom’s voice and will often follow the sound of the person she loves most. Izzy likes to be with her people whenever possible and is happiest simply knowing her person is nearby.
She also enjoys having a little canine friend around. Izzy does well with small dogs and cats, and she loves following the other small dog in her foster home out into the fenced yard. She enjoys exploring at her own pace, taking in all the interesting smells. She also walks on a leash, although her walks are less about going for miles and more about stopping to investigate every wonderful scent along the way.
After spending so much of her life confined to a crate, Izzy has made it clear that what she really wants now is freedom, companionship, and a soft place to belong. She would do best with someone who is home much of the time — perhaps someone who is retired or works from home — because being close to her person is where she feels happiest and safest.
And there are some wonderful things about Izzy that make her especially easy to love: she is housebroken, she enjoys a fenced yard, and she would absolutely love to sleep beside you at night.
Izzy doesn't need a busy or complicated life. She doesn't need to run or keep up with anyone. She just needs a person who wants a little shadow by their side, a warm bed to share, and a senior dog to love.
Her past may have been difficult, but Izzy is ready to look forward. Her coat is growing back, her body is healing, and her sweet personality is shining through.
We can't change the first 13 years of Izzy's life. But we can make sure the rest of it is filled with love. If you are interested, please email tysonsplacerescue@gmail.com or fill out an adoption application available here (scroll down on that page for app): https://tysonsplacerescue.org/cat-and-dog-adoptions/#adopt
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
8. Carlie-In a Foster Home
Hi! I am Carly, people tell me I am smart and beautiful! I make my foster parents smile because I am so cute in how I talk when I am asking for something. I have taught them all my languages for my needs! I can sit and wait patiently to be petted, I know to lay down and stay on command. I love to give my toys to people when I play. I live with other dogs, and am ok with most dogs, but can't play too hard. I am housebroken and crate trained, however it makes me a bit worried when I am left alone, so my perfect home should have someone who works part time,or has a hybrid schedule. I would be safer in a 6 foot fence but they may consider other options, as I do love to take long walks.
Read more about Carlie-In a Foster Home
Being an investigative hound, I could not be expected to stay in an unfenced yard! Older kids would be best. DOB 10/21/19 60 PoundsI'm waiting for a home to call my own. email webmaster@petrefuge.com to learn more about me or fill out an application at https://www.petrefuge.com/adoptPet Refuge was formed in 1978 to help with cats and dogs in need of homes. We are a limited admission shelter that supports our local animals control facilities by helping take in the overflow of cats and dogs from their facilities. We also take in owner surrenders as space allows.Pet Refuge is a volunteer based shelter, learn more about us on our website - petrefuge.com or send an email to webmaster@petrefuge.com or leave a message at 574-231-1122.We are always recruiting new volunteers. Our volunteers work hard and also have family and jobs away from Pet Refuge, we ask for your patience in correspondence.
- No cats
Adopting a small dog in Grand Rapids
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 Grand Rapids
- Noah ProjectMuskegon, mi · 3 small dogs above
- Pet RefugeSouth Bend, IN · 3 small dogs above
- Humane Society of Bay CountyBay City , MI · 1 small dog above
- Tyson's Place Animal RescueHolland, MI · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Grand Rapids
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Grand Rapids?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Grand Rapids, Michigan, have 8 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Grand Rapids?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Grand Rapids right now are Noah Project (Muskegon, mi), Pet Refuge (South Bend, IN) and Humane Society of Bay County (Bay City , MI). 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.