Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in St. Louis, MO: 18 Dogs Good with Children
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of St. Louis 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 St. Louis? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Jael
Jael is a beautiful little 4 month old 20lb terrier/lab mix that has lots of puppy energy.
She loves to run, jump, play, and chew on her many toys! She absolutely loves to snuggle and love on her people. The more brother and sister dogs the better! She would do well in a home with an older dog sibling to show her the ropes.
Jael is house-trained with regular outdoor breaks. Her puppy enthusiasm can sometimes lead to jumping or playful nipping, so she may thrive with older children who can gently reinforce good behavior. Any family would be fortunate to welcome her home!
Read more about Jael
If interested, please
complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Our $295 adoption fee includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
2. Saylor
Saylor and his siblings were born on 7/8/26. He is doing great with crate training, and is working on potty training
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
3. Sarge
Sarge and his siblings were born on 7/8/26. He is a short stack of a dude! Lol! He is doing great with crate training, and is working on potty training.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
4. Franswa
Meet Franswa!
Franswa is an 8-year-old Frenchton, but don't let his age fool you! This boy is still full of life and has plenty of pep in his step! He loves going for walks, taking car rides, and spending time with his favorite people. He's incredibly friendly and happily greets everyone who is willing to give him a little love and attention. He's also good with children!
Franswa does have a history of ear infections that left him with a permanently deformed cauliflower ear with significant scar tissue. But that doesn't stop this sweet boy from enjoying life!
He's ready to find a family to love him forever!
Read more about Franswa
If you are interested, complete the Adoption Application on our website at www.NeedyPaws.org and we will contact you. Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Franswa’s adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- House-trained
5. Bindi
Meet Bindi: Small Package, BIG Personality!
At 2 years old and 29 pounds, Bindi is the total package! This smart, fun-loving cattle dog mix might just be the most dog-friendly foster we've ever brought home. She loves other dogs and is great with cats, too!
Bindi is potty trained, clever, playful, and full of personality. She's always up for an adventure, but her favorite job might just be professional cuddle buddy.
Once the fun winds down, she's happy to snuggle up close and remind you just how lovable she is.
Read more about Bindi
Bindi has the brains, the charm, and the loving heart to make an amazing addition to her forever family. All she needs now is someone to choose her.
Could Bindi be your missing piece
If you are interested, complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Bindi's adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
6. Ivory
Ivory
Bully mix
Approx. 4 y/o
Approx. 45 pounds
Great with dogs/strangers/kids and said to be good with cats
Meet Ivory!
Read more about Ivory
Ivory is one of the best dogs I’ve come across, she’s the best snuggle buddy and loves to snuggle up with you on the couch, she loves to go on walks and always up for an adventure, she’s completely house broke, loves her crate, loves other dogs and would love a play mate that can help show her around her new home. She loves kids (which also means she wants to be very close to them and lick their face) with some boundaries set she will make the best family dog! She also does great with strangers coming in the house. She is said to be good with cats, although I’ve not seen this, I don’t doubt it one bit!
If you are interested, complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Ivory’s adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
7. Mabel
Mabel is a soft and gentle soul. She is not your typical hound. She is not exuberant or naughty. She is not the class clown. Instead, Mabel is a wallflower, trying her hardest to bloom.
Mabel was originally living as a stray in southern Missouri, periodically showing up on local farms. After months on the run, someone was able to catch her and she was taken in by a kind family. Mabel retreated to their basement, where she stayed for the next 2 years, interacting with them minimally. While they loved her very much, they knew she deserved more than they could give her and they reached out to us.
Read more about Mabel
Mabel currently lives in a home with two other dogs and two young children. It's pretty clear that Mabel has no idea how to be a loved member of the family, though her foster home is working diligently on teaching her. If left to her own devices, Mabel will spend all of her time alone. Her foster family is slowly encouraging Mabel to spend time near everyone else, though it will not happen overnight. Mabel has learned that solitude is safety, so she has a lot of new experiences ahead of her. She does enjoy gentle pets, kind voices and walks (it's when she's her most confident self). She has started wagging her tail more and more, and likes lifting up her paw to ask for pets. She is potty trained and crate trained, though she has never destroyed anything when left out alone. While Mabel is around 70 pounds currently, she has quite a bit to lose and is working hard on slimming down.
Her ideal family would be someone with a quiet home and a bucket full of patience. She'd thrive with someone who will continue to gently push her to be part of the family and not let her isolate one hundred percent of the time. She enjoys the company of other calm dogs and would likely do well with cats. She's gentle with the kids in her foster home, and would do fine with other respectful kiddos. A fenced in yard would be a huge plus, and she'd love a family who will take her on regular walks.
She may take some work, but the reward will be worth it.
If you are interested, complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Mable’s adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Chowy
Chowy is a 13-week-old male Lab, Chow, and Retriever mix puppy with a gorgeous light brown coat and a heart full of curiosity. Weighing around 20 lbs, this handsome little boy is friendly, playful, and loves spending time outdoors.
He is currently working on his house-training and basic puppy obedience, showing great enthusiasm for learning and exploring. He loves to play with little kids and enjoy playing with small/big dogs.
If interested, please
complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Read more about Chowy
Our $295 adoption fee includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
9. Loui
Very playfull
Loves outside
Great with dogs and little kids
If interested, please
complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Our $295 adoption fee includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
10. Brent
This is Brent and he's exactly who you think he is based on his name. Brent is an all-American dude with a love for football, beer and finance (probably). Brent is blissfully clueless that his two braincells are working overtime, and that's exactly how he likes it.
Brent originally came into the local animal control as a stray and quickly became a volunteer favorite. As time went on, Brent became more and more stressed and landed himself on the euthanasia list. Luckily for him, he had plenty of people who adored him and advocated for him. He caught his fosters eye and the rest is history.
Read more about Brent
Brent currently lives in a foster home with two female dogs and two young children. We think he'd love a dog to play with, but his canine foster siblings aren't the playing type, so he's great at coexisting with them. He's loving with his human foster siblings, and absolutely ADORES cuddling. If it was up to Brent, he'd spend his whole life snuggling with his people. Brent is a happy guy and exudes joy.
Brent can usually be found playing with toys, pretending he's a beagle and looking for food, or snuggling with his foster family. He knows "sit", "lay down" and is potty and crate trained (though admittedly he is not a fan of being crated long periods). Brent very much enjoys walks and would love to explore the outdoors with his new family. Brent has never met a stranger he didn't like (though periodically they've wished he was less enthusiastic about meeting them).
In Brent's ideal home, he'd have a fenced-in yard, be allowed on the furniture (see: cuddling), have parents that are home more than not, have someone who enjoys daily walks and have a family who is ok continuing his training. He'd be happy with or without another dog and with or without kids.
Whoever ends up with his guy is one lucky family.
Please note that Brent has recently been through heartworm treatment. He has to be kept on restricted activity until November 20 (which basically just means he has to keep his heartrate down). His foster mom is more than happy to tell you more about what this requires!
If you are interested, complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Brent’s adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
11. Chianti
~~For information on our adoption process and/or to submit an adoption application, please visit our website www.campchaospuppyrescue.org~~
Please Like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/campchaospuppyrescue
Watch our Facebook page and/or our website for locations and event details.
Our adoption fee is $300 for dogs/puppies. We only adopt to MO or IL residents. We do not ship or transport our dogs to other parts of the country.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
12. Clyde
Clyde
is a friendly playful boy who loves following his people everywhere they go. He would do best in a home where he will get lots of playtime and walks. He would do great with kids and another dog to play with.
He does require a 5 or 6ft fence.
If you are interested, complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Clyde’s adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
Read more about Clyde
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Dutton
Meet Dutton! Dutton could run a masterclass on How To Be A Good Dog. He LOVES other dogs, adores children — he seriously lights up with kids — and waits by the door when it's time to potty outside. He's been fostered with three kids between ages 5 and 7 and one temperamental female dog, and he handles it all like a champ.
Dutton isn't a fan of the crate yet, but he's learning it's a safe space. He sleeps through the night on his own dog bed, doesn't show any signs of resource guarding, and is a total snuggler. He's still building confidence and working on recall. He'll need a canine sibling in his new home and at least a 5 ft fenced yard.
Read more about Dutton
The good stuff about this good boy:
~2 years + 70 lbs
Loves dogs (requires a K9 sibling)
Obsessed with kids
Housetrained
Crate training in progress
Sleeps through the night
Total snuggler
Needs a 5 ft+ fenced yard
If you are interested, complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Dutton’s adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
14. Tango
What are you waiting for? Apply today! Click here to apply for the pet Tango is a 3‑year‑old Boxer/Pit Bull mix who came to us from a crowded shelter’s euthanasia list. He’s a tall, lean goofball with big boxer energy, very food motivated, and loves people. He’s best buddies with other playful dogs like Linus, but he’s still learning manners and impulse control, so he’ll need a home that can handle his enthusiasm and keep working on his training. Free training is included with your adoption. Fee is $150 What are you waiting for? Apply today! Click here to apply for the pet
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
15. Sweetie
What are you waiting for? Apply today! Click here to apply for the pet Sweetie is an incredibly affectionate, intelligent, and loyal dog. She loves being close to her people, enjoys cuddling, and settles down nicely in the evenings. Through her training, she has learned a great deal and is kennel trained (and is so quiet in her kennel, you may forget she's in there!), she is fully house trained, and is familiar with commands such as sit, heel, climb, bed (kennel), and does well with loose-leash walking, and several other obedience skills. One thing the trainer has consistently emphasized is just how intelligent and capable Sweetie is.
Read more about Sweetie
In fact, he recently described her as "a dog trainer's dream" and said Sweetie could be great at doing a job, or sport, like agility or dock jumping. She has energy and a vertical leap you wouldn't believe. She genuinely enjoys learning, responds best to structure, and seems happiest when she is being challenged and given opportunities to work, train, and engage with her handler. We believe she would thrive with an adopter who enjoys training dogs and would continue building on the strong foundation she already has. She's happy and... well... sweet. Sweetie gets along best with male dogs. Her adoption fee is $150. She is in a foster home, so contact us for a meet and greet. What are you waiting for? Apply today! Click here to apply for the pet
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
16. Patch
Meet Patch! This handsome, wiggly-tailed guy is about 2 years old and weighs 47 pounds of pure love. With his sweet personality and heart of gold, Patch is the kind of dog who makes friends wherever he goes. He gets along with most other dogs, cats, kiddos of all ages, and pretty much anyone he meets. And if you happen to have a treat in your hand? Congratulations—you’ve just made a best friend for life!
Read more about Patch
Patch has been patiently waiting for his forever family while completing heartworm treatment, and he is almost finished! We’re so excited for him to finally get the chance to enjoy all the fun and adventures that come with being a beloved family dog.
While we haven’t gotten to see much of Patch’s active side during treatment, we believe he would love a family who enjoys being on the go and including their dog in the fun. He’ll likely need some leash training as he gets back into his active lifestyle, but his love of treats and eagerness to please should make learning new skills a rewarding experience for everyone.
At home, Patch is a wonderful mix of playful and cuddly. He enjoys playing with dog toys, other dogs, and kids, but his favorite activities are chewing on Benebones and curling up on a cozy couch or bed. He loves being part of the family and would be thrilled to have a home where he can spend time with his people.
Patch is incredibly treat-motivated and already knows how to sit and wait for his food and treats. With his enthusiasm for snacks, we think he would have a blast learning more tricks and showing off his skills. His new family can help him continue building confidence, learning new things, and becoming the best version of himself.
One important thing to know about Patch: he has discovered that chain-link fences 4 feet or shorter are no match for his athletic abilities! For his safety, he would do best with a wooden/privacy fence or a fence that is at least 6 feet tall. A securely fenced yard would be ideal, as Patch loves spending time outside and being part of whatever his family is doing.
With his wiggly nub of a tail, gentle heart, and love for just about everyone, Patch has so much to offer his forever family. He’s ready to trade heartworm treatment for belly rubs, Benebones, and a couch to call his own.
Could Patch be your newest family member? Send us an application! We would love for you to meet this sweet boy and see if he’s the perfect match for your family.
If you are interested, complete the
Adoption Application
on our website at
www.NeedyPaws.org
and we will contact you.
Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Patch’s adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
17. Luke
Meet Luke. He is ready to be adopted. Fully vetted and on Heartowrm Prevention. He is not housebrokem, but he is crate trained. Very affectionate.He is in Cape Giradeau. Please contact the owner directly 573-339-7866.Home visit, vet check and securely fenced in yard is required.Please fill out an online application.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
18. Jace
This is Jace. He is a Terrier mix who is both potty trained and crate trained. Additionally, he gets along with dogs and kids.
He got off to a rough start the first part of his life. The people he was with didn't treat him very well and did not always give him food or water. He was found tied to a tree without shelter.
But that didn't affect his relations with people. He is very affectionate. He loves playing with dogs and or people and loves his toys. Jace would make a great addition to your home, he just wants to find his forever family.
Read more about Jace
If you are interested, complete the Adoption Application on our website at www.NeedyPaws.org and we will contact you. Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.
Jace’s adoption fee is $295.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.
We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Adopting a dog with children in St. Louis
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 St. Louis
- Needy Paws RescueSt. Louis, MO · 12 kid-friendly dogs above
- 4 Paws 4 RescueFenton, MO · 2 kid-friendly dogs above
- Spencer Pet RescueO'Fallon, IL · 2 kid-friendly dogs above
- Camp Chaos Puppy RescueImperial, MO · 1 kid-friendly dog above
- Midwest Doberman Rescue of St. LouisSt. Charles, MO · 1 kid-friendly dog above
Questions about adopting kid-friendly dogs in St. Louis
How many kid-friendly dogs are up for adoption in St. Louis?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of St. Louis, Missouri, have 18 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a kid-friendly dog in St. Louis?
The rescues with the most kid-friendly dogs near St. Louis right now are Needy Paws Rescue (St. Louis, MO), 4 Paws 4 Rescue (Fenton, MO) and Spencer Pet Rescue (O'Fallon, IL). 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.