Dogs for Adoption in Essex County, NJ: 12 Dogs Looking for a Home
14 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 3 rescues and shelters in Essex County. Here are 12 of the newest arrivals, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the dogs up for adoption in Essex County, 1 puppy, 6 young dogs, 5 adults and 1 senior. The breeds you'll see most are Maltese, German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Essex County? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Belle
Belle Female, Maltese 5 y/o Fully Vetted Rescued Puppy Mill mama ready to start the life she deserves.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Cookie
URGENT FOSTER OR ADOPTER COOKIE – 45 lbs of LOVE! A friendly, 4-year-old Shepherd/Pittie mix who needs a new home due to housing issues. She has only TWO WEEKS! RHF will cover her spay if a committed foster or adopter is secured.
- House-trained
3. Magnolia
URGENT FOSTER OR ADOPTER MAGNOLIA (Maggie) – 45 lbs of FUN! A playful, spunky 3–4-year-old mix who loves people. No female dogs; a compatible large male may be possible with proper introductions.Currently in a city shelter hoping for her 2nd chance.
- House-trained
4. Tuti
Tuti had been left behind when her family moved. She us now safe with us and looking for a loving furever home.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Giselle
Giselle is a 5 year old female Cotton de Tulear saved from a puppy mill.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
6. A Cassandra
Cassandra is available for adoption.
She is 18 months old and weighs 10 lbs.
Her adoption fee is $850.00.
Meet Cassandra a sweet little pup who was found as a stray, searching for someone to love her. Thankfully, she is now safe and receiving the care she deserves, and is ready to find her forever family. Cassiandra is approximately 18 months old and currently weighs about 10 pounds. She is underweight right now, but has a great appetite and is eating very well. Once she reaches a healthy weight, she is expected to weigh around 12–15 pounds.
Read more about A Cassandra
Cassandra is a loving little girl who enjoys cuddling and being close to her people. She walks beautifully on a leash and loves going for walks. She is friendly with other dogs, great with kids, and seems to sleep well through the night. She can be a little shy when meeting new people, but she warms up quickly. Once she trusts you, she happily accepts affection, pets, and all the love you have to give.
Cassandra is still working on potty manners, so her new family will need to be patient and continue helping her learn. She is currently waiting to be spayed and to receive some dental care before being ready for adoption.
After everything this little girl has been through, Cassandra deserves a home where she can finally feel safe, loved, and wanted. She has so much love to give and is simply waiting for someone to give her the forever family she has been searching for.
Cassandra is staying with Jessica in South Orange, NJ.
- Good with dogs
7. Miley and Oreo
FOSTER OR ADOPTER NEEDED!BONDED PAIR Oreo & Miley need a home together.Woof-Facts Name: Miley and Oreo Breed: Yorkie and Shih Tzu Age: 6 and 7 Gender: Female and Male Health: goodForever home recommendations: Miley and Oreo are sweet and playful dogs and love everyone and dog they meet. Miley is sweet and sassy and a little bossy and likes to be the center of attention. Oreo is more reserved but also sweet and goofy and lets his sister do the talking. Miley and Oreo would do best in a home with people that are home most of the time. They love to be around their people and snuggle up with them.
Read more about Miley and Oreo
They both love to play with toys and other dogs but also just love curling up on the couch with you. They would do best in a home with a fenced in yard, they love to leisurely walk and explore. Kids: unsure Dogs: great with other dogs Cats: unsure Crate trained: yes but don’t love it. Prefer gated room or exercise pen House trained: mostly, will go to the door to go out and go on pee pad. Occasional accidents Leash manners: good on leash Personality: both friendly with people and dogs Miley – playful, loves new people and dogs. Can be bossy as a yorkie often is Oreo – more reserved, sweet, also likes people and dogs. Let’s his sister be the center of attention.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
- Adopt together
8. Tata
Ruxpin (13) and Tata (7) would ideally find a home together, but we understand that’s a big ask. We are willing to consider separating them if necessary, but please consider both before making a decision. They’ve already lost so much, and keeping them together would give them some comfort and familiarity during an incredibly difficult transition.Tata is looking for a new home through RHF Safe Passage Responsible Rehoming Initiative due to a very difficult situation her owner is in.About: Name: Tata Breed: Pocket Bully Weight: 40 lbs Age: 7 years Gender: Female Health: Fully vetted/healthyForever home recommendations: Tata would do best with a loving home where she can be the center of attention and enjoy being pampered.
Read more about Tata
She is a sweet little lady who loves her people and would do best as the only dog in the home or with Ruxpin.Kids: Good with kids 12 yrs+Dogs: Best as the only dog in the home or with RuxpinCats: Unknown/No.Crate trained: Yes.House trained: Yes.Leash manners: Tata enjoys her walks from the comfort of her stroller!Personality: Tata is a sweet, affectionate little lady with a big personality. She is an attention seeker who loves being around her people and enjoys being pampered. She’s crate trained, loves canoeing, and considers herself a human infant who deserves to be treated accordingly!A Special Note About Tata & Ruxpin:Tata and Ruxpin have always lived together, and they would absolutely love to find a home together. It’s all they’ve ever known. We understand that taking on two dogs isn’t possible for everyone, which is why we are posting them separately. If you would consider opening your home to both of them, it would be ideal and truly special for them.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
9. Ruxpin
Ruxpin (13) and Tata (7) would ideally find a home together, but we understand that’s a big ask. We are willing to consider separating them if necessary, but please consider both before making a decision. They’ve already lost so much, and keeping them together would give them some comfort and familiarity during an incredibly difficult transition.Ruxpin is looking for a new home through RHF Safe Passage Responsible Rehoming Initiative,due to a difficult situation his owner is facing. Breed: Pitbull Weight: 70 lbs Age: 13 yrs. Old Gender: Male /NeuteredRuxpin is a 13 year old, 70 lb American Pitbull who is ready to find his forever home and enjoy his golden years surrounded by love.Kids: People friendly and best with older children who respect and interact appropriately with dogs.Dogs: Best in a one-dog home (or with Tata) Cats: UnknownHousetrained: YesCeate trained He does not require a crate.
Read more about Ruxpin
Leash manners: Good on leash.Personality: Ruxpin is easy going, sweet-natured, and would love curling up beside you on the couch, however he enjoys short daily walks. He would do best as the only dog in the home or with TataConsider giving this senior boy a loving home and all the attention he deserves.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
10. Henry
Henry is looking for a new home through RHF Safe Passage Responsible Rehoming Initiative due to family time/illness.About: Name: Henry Breed: Pit Bull Weight: 60 lbs Age: 4½ years Gender: Male neutered Health: Fully vetted/healthyForever home recommendations: Henry would do best with an experienced, loving family who can give him a calm, stable home. Since he has not been exposed to other dogs, a dog-free home is recommended at this time.Kids: People-friendly. Best suited for respectful older children who understand how to interact appropriately with dogs.Dogs: Has not been exposed to dogs. A one-dog household is recommended.Cats: Unknown.Crate trained: Yes.House trained: Yes.Leash manners: Good on leashPersonality: Henry is an affectionate, quiet, people-loving boy who enjoys being around his humans.
Read more about Henry
At 4½ years old, he is past the puppy craziness and is looking for a loving home where he can settle in and be someone's loyal companion
- No young kids
- Only dog
- House-trained
11. A Beckett
Beckett is available for adoption. He is 2 years old and weighs 11 pounds. His adoption fee is $850.00.Hi! I'm Beckett. I was found as a stray in Harrisburg, PA but luckily SAY Rescue pulled me out of the shelter and brought me to my new foster family in Livingston, NJ! I am around 11 lbs and estimated to be around 2 years old.
Read more about A Beckett
My favorite activities are:
1. Cuddling and being close with my foster mom or foster doggy brother
2. Short walks (I'm great on a leash!)
3. Rolling around on my back and digging imaginary holes
4. Sleeping in bed between my foster mommy and daddy
My foster mommy says I'm the cutest thing ever. Just look at me! I'm not a fan of being in my crate but I will tolerate it after some whining. I am learning to play fetch and to ring the bell when I want to go outside. I get along great with my foster brother and love to chase and follow him around the yard. I do like getting all the attention, though. Whenever my foster mommy pets my foster brother, I try to wiggle in to get in on the action. I am very good at doing all my business outside but I occaisionally like to mark my territory so my foster mommy sometimes puts me in a belly band. With some consistent training, I should get over this pretty quickly and am doing much better already.
I am a playful, spunky guy that also enjoys relaxing and cuddling. I love being close and am looking for a forever home to give me all the love and attention I deserve. Could that be you?
Beckett is staying with Maryanne in Livingston, NJ.
- Good with dogs
12. Klara
KLARA - ALWAYS WITH A SMILE
Age: 2 to 3 Years
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Good With Dogs: Yes
Good With Cats: No
Good With Children: Older Children
One thing is for sure, Klara always has a smile. No matter how many pictures she took, she was always happy and playful. This fun-loving and happy girl loves people and is playful with dogs her own size. It is hard to believe based on her friendly temperament that Klara was found wandering as a stray. She arrived at Bergen County Shelter prior to coming to Sedona Shepherd, where she’s shown our volunteers what an incredible dog she truly is.
Read more about Klara
Klara has a good balance of playfulness and affection, making her an easy dog to fall in love with. She loves to play ball, enjoys cuddling, and is eager to learn. She’s highly trainable and responds well to positive reinforcement. Her puppy mouthiness has all but disappeared, and with continued basic obedience training, she’ll only continue to gain confidence in new environments.
One of Klara’s most endearing qualities is that she’s on the smaller side for a German Shepherd, making her an excellent fit for someone looking for all the loyalty and intelligence of the breed in a more compact package. Her medium energy level, playful spirit, affectionate nature, and willingness to work with her person will truly make her standout.
If you would like to meet Klara in person, please reach out to us at contact@sedonashepherd.com and fill out an online adoption application.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Rescues and shelters near Essex County
The rescues with the most dogs listed in Essex County.
- Rescue Haven FoundationCaldwell, NJ · 11 dogs
How to adopt from Rescue Haven Foundation
Application (free) Adoption- Adult (Altered) $300 Adoption- Puppy (Un-Altered) $350
- Save A Yorkie Rescue, Inc.Allentown,, PA · 2 dogs
How to adopt from Save A Yorkie Rescue, Inc.
We ask for a $25 processing fee. We require people to have a vet history, dog experience, and time to work with a dog.
- Sedona Shepherd SanctuaryMillburn, NJ · 1 dog
How to adopt from Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary
Adoption Application Interview Home Visit Contract
Cities and towns in Essex County
- Newark 233
- East Orange 242
- Short Hills 243
- Upper Montclair 249
- Caldwell 207
- Brookdale 249
- Glen Ridge 207
- North Caldwell 207
- Roseland 207
- Silver Lake 212
- East Newark 234
- Essex Fells 207
Adopting a dog in Essex County
Most rescues ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip. Many are foster-based, so you'll often meet your dog in a volunteer's home rather than a shelter.
Senior dogs are often the calmest companions and the slowest to find homes. If you'd like a settled, affectionate dog, ask the rescues about their older residents.
Puppies go quickly, so if you've fallen for one, contact the rescue soon. Ask how big they're expected to grow, and plan for plenty of house-training and training in the first few months.
Questions about adopting a dog in Essex County
How many dogs are up for adoption in Essex County?
As of November 4, 2026, 14 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption in Essex County, New Jersey, by 3 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Essex County?
The rescues with the most dogs near Essex County right now are Rescue Haven Foundation (Caldwell, NJ), Save A Yorkie Rescue, Inc. (Allentown,, PA) and Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary (Millburn, NJ). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Essex County?
Yes. 1 puppy is up for adoption in Essex County.
How do I adopt a dog in Essex County?
Pick a dog and contact the rescue or shelter looking after them. Most ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.
