New Brunswick, NJ

Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in New Brunswick, NJ: 25 Dogs Good with Children

Kid-Friendly Dogs up for adoption near New Brunswick, NJ

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of New Brunswick have 25 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. Here are all 25, 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.

1. Birdie

Puppy · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Birdie’s report card is in: sleeps through the night, plays nicely with her friends, and may have a slight shoe obsession. Birdie is a GORGEOUS 5 month old, 25 pound Yellow Lab mix is making herself very easy to fall for. She’s living in a foster home with three dogs, has claimed their Great Pyrenees mix as her best play buddy, and is equally happy playing or hanging on the couch with her foster siblings, or cuddling with her humans. Birdie is a very sweet and smart dog, who is going to grow into a wonderful best friend to the family who decides to adopt her and make it official! She sleeps eight quiet hours in her crate, walks nicely on leash, and is making progress with potty training.

Read more about Birdie

She’s very smart, affectionate, and still learning her puppy manners. She has been vetted and spayed, and arrived at our partner shelter very skinny, so has been gaining healthy weight in her foster home. Her foster calls her “a true joy." and she is oh so patiently waiting for someone to call her their forever pup!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Birdie fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Nov 3

2. Onyx

Puppy · Male · Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Meet Onyx! We’re learning more about this sweet 8-month-old, 45lb doodle mix as he settles into his foster home! So far, he’s a happy, friendly puppy who absolutely adores the kids in his foster family. We can’t wait to watch his personality blossom and help him find a loving forever home!Apply to adopt at rescuecity.nyc/adopt.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Onyx fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Nov 3

3. Toffee

Puppy · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

This adorable litter of 2.5 month old Lab mixes is here to make everyone swoon! Meet Toffee, Ginger, and Maple, the girls, and their brother, Cider. They have some paws to grow into, and we’re learning more about their personalities as they settle into their foster homes. They’re working on all things puppy and learning the ropes with help from their foster families. All four have been spayed or neutered and have started their age appropriate vaccines. These sweeties could fit into any home, including those with dogs, cats, or children, with proper who are eager for continued puppy training. They each can’t wait to learn, grow, and make memories with their forever families.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Toffee fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 26

4. Maple

Puppy · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

This adorable litter of 2.5 month old Lab mixes is here to make everyone swoon! Meet Toffee, Ginger, and Maple, the girls, and their brother, Cider. They have some paws to grow into, and we’re learning more about their personalities as they settle into their foster homes. They’re working on all things puppy and learning the ropes with help from their foster families. All four have been spayed or neutered and have started their age appropriate vaccines. These sweeties could fit into any home, including those with dogs, cats, or children, with proper who are eager for continued puppy training. They each can’t wait to learn, grow, and make memories with their forever families.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Maple fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 26

5. Cider

Puppy · Male · Labrador Retriever · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Meet Cider, the sweetest little shadow you’ll ever have and the perfect companion to ADOPT this fall! He is an adorable 11 week old Lab mix weighing just 15 lbs, with big puppy paws he’s still growing into and an even BIGGER heart! Cider is a professional cuddler, part time lap dog, and full time best friend in training. He loves his toys, is a quick learner, and has already mastered his puppy pads! He loves playtime, a few treats, and then using your lap as a pillow for a nap. Cider is counting down the days until he finishes his vaccines and can explore the big world outside on those adorable paws!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Cider fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 26

6. Dixie

Young · Female · Poodle (Standard) / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Dixie is a 1 year old, 48 pound Poodle mix who was found alongside the road with her mom, Dani, and littermate, Denver, by a worker from our partner shelter. These are some of the sweetest dogs we have ever met! Dixie is gentle, loving, and happiest getting all the affection and attention from people and other dogs. Dixie’s daily schedule includes walks, politely greeting new friends, and rotating between her favorite napping spots. Outside, she’s curious and eager to explore. At home, she’s a mellow companion who’s always available for a snuggle. Her foster describes her as exceptionally gentle, even her excited hellos and treat-taking are soft and sweet.

Read more about Dixie

She has been friendly with people and dogs she’s met on walks, and she’s quickly picking up “sit.” Dixie enjoys snoozing in her crate and generally sleeps through the night. She’s making good progress with potty training and learning her leash manners, though she’ll need continued guidance as she settles in. Loud city sounds can feel overwhelming, and Dixie sometimes presses close to her person for reassurance. She will blossom with an affectionate family would help her keep building confidence. Watching Dixie come out of her shell has been her foster’s favorite part of knowing her. Now this sweet girl is ready for a family who will keep showing her how good life can be. Apply to adopt Dixie at rescuecity.nyc.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Dixie fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 26

7. Ginger

Puppy · Female · Labrador Retriever · 25 mi from New Brunswick

This adorable litter of 2.5 month old Lab mixes is here to make everyone swoon! Meet Toffee, Ginger, and Maple, the girls, and their brother, Cider. They have some paws to grow into, and we’re learning more about their personalities as they settle into their foster homes. They’re working on all things puppy and learning the ropes with help from their foster families. All four have been spayed or neutered and have started their age appropriate vaccines. These sweeties could fit into any home, including those with dogs, cats, or children, with proper who are eager for continued puppy training. They each can’t wait to learn, grow, and make memories with their forever families.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Ginger fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 26

8. Winnie

Puppy · Female · Husky / Shepherd / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Winnie is the cutest, perfect sized mix breed pup! She’s a 6 month old, 27 pound Husky/Chihuahua/Lab Mix who is smart, sweet and goofy! She loves kids, giving kisses, cuddling, playing with other dogs and adventures, she loves to play but also crashes for nap time. She is housebroken, knows commands and loves treats. She’s working on her leash manners, puppy habits and enjoying her crate. She is smart and very affectionate and is super friendly with all dogs and people, and was in a home with young kids who she ADORES! She was almost adopted, but the older dog in the house was not a fan of puppy energy and it’s effecting their every day life, now she is in need of a foster or even better a foster to adopt home to welcome her in as soon as possible!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Winnie fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 17

9. Rubirosa

Young · Female · Flat-coated Retriever / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Mama Rubirosa is ready for a little mothering of her own. 1 Year Old, 39lb - This sweet girl has a playful spirit and one favorite place to be: wherever you are. She’ll follow you around the house, join you for a walk, then settle in close for cuddles. Rubirosa loves a good chew, has plenty of energy, and would thrive with someone who enjoys an active dog and can give her consistent attention, structure, and training. She’s house trained and working on leash manners, getting comfortable in her crate, and keeping her excitement from turning into nibbling. She may enjoy a similarly playful dog companion with a thoughtful introduction; her enthusiasm was a little much for her foster’s dog, who preferred more space.

Read more about Rubirosa

A home with older children or adults would be the best fit as she learns! If you’re looking for an affectionate little shadow with a big appetite for life and snacks, Rubirosa would love to meet you.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Rubirosa fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 11

10. Pumpkin

Puppy · Female · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Excuse us while we swoon over Ms. Pumpkin, who won over her foster home in less than 24 hours! This 2-month-old, 13-pound puppy was rescued with her two littermates after all three were dropped off at our partner shelter in Kentucky. They’re the sweetest pups, with a whole new life ahead of them! Pumpkin has been spayed, vetted, and has started her puppy vaccine series. Now she’s ready to find a loving home of her own. Apply to adopt Pumpkin at rescuecity.nyc/adopt.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Pumpkin fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 11

11. Blueberry

Puppy · Female · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Meet adoptable Blueberry, our 13 lb, 2-month-old Terrier mix who might just be the sweetest little girl EVER! When Blueberry first arrived in her foster home, she was a shy little thing, hiding between legs and snuggling into coats for comfort. Fast forward, and she’s blossoming into the happiest, cuddliest, most curious little puppy! She loves following her humans EVERYWHERE, playing with her toys, collecting treats for being a good girl, and cuddling with absolutely anyone willing to hold her. She’s even convinced her foster family’s not so cuddly Husky to become her snuggle buddy! Blueberry is one smart cookie, too! She’s learning commands like sit, stay, and leave it, doing great with her wee-wee pads, and sleeping through the night in her crate.

Read more about Blueberry

She’s still building confidence around unfamiliar sounds and learning all the things that come with being a puppy, but she’s making the sweetest progress! She’s dreaming of her forever home with lots of love, patience, a cozy spot to cuddle, and humans who don’t mind having a tiny shadow following them around.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Blueberry fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 11

12. Peach

Puppy · Female · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Meet Peach, the sweetest little addition to your family! This 2-month-old Shepherd/Terrier mix was rescued with her two sisters after they were dropped off at our partner shelter in Kentucky. Now she has a whole new life ahead of her! Peach is a loving, playful puppy who can learn to live with kids, other dogs, and cats with gentle introductions and guidance. At her young age, she’s ready to grow alongside a family who can give her the time, training, and love every puppy needs. Peach has been spayed, vetted, and has started her puppy vaccine series. Apply to adopt her at rescuecity.nyc/adopt.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Peach fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 11

13. Scottie

Puppy · Male · Labrador Retriever / Weimaraner / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Meet Scottie - a floppy, goofy, ridiculously lovable boy who has been busy winning over his foster humans with his good looks AND good manners. Scottie is Lab/Weimaraner - 29lbs - 6 Months Old - the perfect combination of a fun, playful puppy and professional couch potato. He loves exploring outside, making new friends, playing fetch, and taking his very important daily naps. Did we mention how smart he is? He loves his crate and spending time in there. He learned fetch AND “drop it” in about 20 minutes, is already letting his foster know when he needs to go potty as he works on potty training, and is he is an excellent listener! His foster describes him as gentle and eager to please.

Read more about Scottie

He’s got a medium energy level, the sweetest personality, and a tail that apparently never stops wagging… even when he’s asleep. Scottie is ready to bring his big puppy paws, floppy cuddles, and tail wags to a forever home. Could it be yours?Apply to adopt Scottie at rescuecity.nyc/adopt

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Scottie fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 11

14. Praline

Puppy · Female · Hound / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Praline’s foster was filling out her update when she looked down to find this sweet girl sleeping between her feet, using one as a pillow. That’s Praline. Always finding a little way to be close to someone she loves. She is 3 months old and about 20 pounds. She loves chasing a ball, wrestling with her stuffed toys, and investigating the world with her very impressive nose. But when those puppy eyes get sleepy, she’ll tuck herself beside you and settle in like there’s nowhere else she’d rather be. Praline has been sharing her foster home with a dog and two cats, and she did wonderfully with the children in her previous foster home.

Read more about Praline

She adores people, loves other dogs, and would be thrilled to have a playful canine friend. With the cats, she’s curious and respectful, perfectly happy to let them do their own thing. Praline already knows “sit” and “touch,” is learning her name, and takes her training very seriously when treats are involved. She’s making steady progress with puppy pads, getting comfortable in her crate, and learning her puppy manners with a family cheering her on. Her foster calls her “honestly a great puppy,” and we couldn’t be happier watching her grow. Praline is looking for a family who will make time for play, help her keep learning, and always leave a little room beside them for a girl who loves this much. Apply to adopt Praline at rescuecity.nyc.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Praline fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 11

15. Archie

Young · Male · Brussels Griffon / Mixed (medium coat) · 9 mi from New Brunswick

Sweet little Archie came into the shelter as a stray and we were certain someone would be missing their guy but he's still with us, so it's time to move on! He will make a great addition to any family and will most definitely appreciate the second chance at being your forever pup!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Archie fromPerth Amboy Animal ShelterPerth Amboy, NJ · listed Oct 11

16. Chestnut

Puppy · Male · Hound · 25 mi from New Brunswick

This 3 month old, 17 pound Hound/Lab Mix cutie loves toys, playtime, and being by your side. He’s a smart little guy who’s picking up commands, doing great with wee wee pads, and learning his crate routine! He’s started his puppy vaccines but is indoor only and using pads until fully vaccinated. Like any puppy, he loves to play and learn, and needs a patient foster with time to give him lots of love, treats and time to make progress on all things puppy! He has been neutered, and he LOVES other dogs.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Chestnut fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Oct 10

17. Susie

Young · Female · Unknown breed (short coat) · 13 mi from New Brunswick

Lovebug looking for a home.

Read more about Susie

Susie came to us scared and skinny not knowing how to be a dog. What she did come with was the sweetest disposition we’ve ever seen in a dog; pure love and joy. With time, patience and a lot of love from her foster family and the resident dogs, Susie is learning to trust and has blossomed into an amazing dog. Susie truly smiles when she is happy and does her squishy face when she wants to get close to you and get some pets. She has made leaps and bounds in learning how to be a dog. Susie is good with other dogs although personal space is not her thing so older/senior dogs who don’t like her puppy energy may not enjoy her company. She is good with kids but older children may be best since fast movements tend to scare her. We feel Susie is ready to find her forever family and make them as happy as she makes her foster family.

Susie likes:

Playing with dog toys (and your shoes should you leave them near where the toys are )
Cheese – she knows the morning lunch making routine and is often first there to get her cheese tax
Other dogs – she loves to play and run in the yard with other dogs. She takes her cues from them still as she still has some confidence to build
Kids – older kids preferred as quick movements make her nervous
Her crate – Susie’s crate is her safe place and her preferred place to be if there is a lot of noise or a lot of people to be around. She goes in and sleeps through the night and prefers it over even the couch most days
Looking out windows to see who else is walking by

Susie’s has a few requirements for her adoption.

A fully fenced 6 foot or higher decent size yard where she can play and run. This girl can jump! She does not like the leash so running and playing in the yard are her main source of exercise and enjoyment
At least one other dog who likes to play and will be willing to engage with her
Someone who is willing to keep a crate available to her for as long as she wants which may be forever
Someone who has patience to continue to work with her and help her be the best dog yet

If Susie, sounds like your girl, please put in application in and someone will reach out.

****Please note: Susie came to us with documentation of her name as Shiobhan. But that is a big name for a dog and her foster family felt Susie was a much better fit.

Interested in adopting me? To fill out an application visit 3 Hearts 4 Paws. Please note: we generally do not adopt out of state (NJ).

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
  • Special needs
Adopt Susie from3 Hearts 4 Paws Animal RescueMorganville, NJ · listed Oct 2

18. Hope

Senior (7 years 1 month) · Female · Bullmastiff (short coat) · 14 mi from New Brunswick

SHE’S READY FOR A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE — ARE YOU?

Meet Hope, our beautiful Bullmastiff who is fully vetted and ready for her forever family.

If personality came in extra-large, Hope would have plenty to spare. She’s funny, affectionate, easygoing, and has just enough Bullmastiff stubbornness to keep you smiling.

Despite her size, Hope is very easy to manage both on and off leash and is respectful of the things around her. She’s completely house-trained, rarely barks (although she's very alert to her surroundings), grew up around kids, and is currently living in a foster home with two other dogs and doing well.

Read more about Hope

Hope loves her walks, but she’s a lower-energy girl who doesn’t need miles of exercise and prefers walking when it is cooler outside and always enjoys having a sip of water now and then. She’s equally happy playing with you or spending the afternoon snoozing on a pillow or dog bed. On a beautiful day, give her a sunny patch of grass where she can stretch out with the cool grass against her belly and Hope is in heaven.

She also loves being very close to her people often laying right at your feet. Stop petting her too soon and you may get a good nudge reminding you that your job isn’t finished. Put a baby gate between Hope and you and she’ll make it known that she’d prefer full access, thank you very much. Once she gets her way, she’ll happily settle down beside you.

Hope is particular about a few other things, too. A walk is for walking and keeping tabs on her local territory. Bathroom business is a private backyard affair only, and Hope takes selecting the perfect spot very seriously. A fenced in back yard for her to roam and do her business is very important for a successful adoption. She does not use walks for going potty, no matter how much encouragement or distance is provided.

And then there are apples. Start cutting one and Hope will hear it from across the house and come running for her share.

Hope is loyal, loving, wonderfully laid-back, and genuinely easy to have around. She doesn’t ask for much: a comfy bed, a nice walk, some sunshine, plenty of affection, and a family to call her own.

It’s part affection, part Bullmastiff stubbornness, and 100% Hope.

Could Hope be the easygoing companion you’ve been looking for?

ADOPT HOPE AT BFDAAA.COM

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Hope fromBest Friend Dog and Animal Adoption IncCranford, NJ · listed Sep 28

19. Justin Bieber

Young · Male · Terrier / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Sometimes all you need is a 10lb scruffy little teddy bear named Justin Bieber to make life a whole lot sweeter. Our little JB has been BLOSSOMING in foster care, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come and thankful to his foster! Just a few weeks ago, this shy little guy was too scared to even step outside. Now he’s happily trotting along on morning walks, following his foster mom and doggy foster sibling around, and even starting to figure out that potty breaks happen OUTSIDE! His confidence is growing every single day, his adorable personality is shining through, and it’s hard not to be obsessed with him.

Read more about Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber is a 2 year old, 10lb terrier mix with the sweetest little face, the cutest scruffy curls, and SO much love to give. His favorite things are cozy naps, snuggling up in bed, following his favorite people around, and having a doggy friend to show him the ropes. He’s a low to moderate-energy little guy who would much rather spend his afternoons cuddling than running a marathon. JB is doing wonderfully with other dogs, has been calm around cats, and has done well with children once he warms up. He’s also crate trained and becoming quite the little walking buddy! He’s still a shy boy who needs patience with handling, being picked up, and potty training, but the progress he’s made with a little love, consistency, and routine has been AMAZING. And that’s the thing about Justin Bieber. He just needs someone to give him the time and love to become the confident, happy little dog we already know is in there. We would LOVE to see JB find a calm, loving forever home, ideally with another friendly dog to help him continue building his confidence. Someone out there is going to be SO lucky to call this little guy theirs.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Justin Bieber fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Aug 16

20. Klara

Young (2 years 3 months) · Female · German Shepherd Dog · 18 mi from New Brunswick

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
Adopt Klara fromSedona Shepherd SanctuaryMillburn, NJ · listed Jul 25

21. Wally

Young · Male · Poodle (Standard) / Wheaten Terrier / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Wally is a 2 Year Old/40 pound Poodle/Wheaten Mix who is playful, loves fetch, chew toys, and cuddling in the morning. He's house trained and settles in his crate after some initial protesting. He is very high energy and is still learning how to channel his excitement. He would do best with someone comfortable providing a consistent routine and continued training that his foster has been working on with our partner trainer! Wally enjoys other dogs and plays enthusiastically (so he's better as a single dog or with a VERY playful dog alongside him who can tolerate his always wanting to play). It takes time for him to settle in a new environment, but after some initial time settling in, he's going to be your bestest Netflix cuddle bud! He's vetted and neutered Adopt Wally: rescuecity.nyc/adopt

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Wally fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Jul 14

22. Jody

Young · Female · Golden Retriever / Poodle (Standard) / Mixed (medium coat) · 14 mi from New Brunswick

Meet Jody

Read more about Jody

. Jody is a 2–3-year-old Doodle girl with the sweetest soul and the gentlest heart. She can be a little shy when meeting new people or experiencing new things, but once she feels safe, she melts right into you and happily seeks out affection, reassurance, and snuggles. This lovely girl is still learning that the world is a safe and wonderful place. She’s making progress every day and would thrive with a patient family willing to help build her confidence and show her all of life’s adventures at her own pace. Jody absolutely loves going for walks, soaking up quiet moments, and curling up close with her people. She’s incredibly gentle and does beautifully with everyone she meets. Because she bonds deeply and will benefit from continued guidance and socialization, Jody would do best with a family who has the time to devote to her and include her in everyday life. Older children would be the best fit for her gentle and sensitive personality. If you’re looking for a sweet companion who will reward your patience with endless love and loyal snuggles, Jody may just be your perfect match. Jody is fully vetted and ready to go home. Please apply to adopt Jody at bfdaaa.com, and if your application is a possible match, a volunteer will get back to you shortly. No inquiries, please, without an adoption application.

  • Good with kids
  • House-trained
Adopt Jody fromBest Friend Dog and Animal Adoption IncCranford, NJ · listed Jun 23

23. Madison

Puppy · Female · Husky / Shepherd / Mixed · 25 mi from New Brunswick

Madison is a 5 Month Old cutie who is so patiently waiting for her forever home. This smart girl LOVES fetch, chewing on carrots, solving treat puzzles, and rearranging blankets until her nap spot is just right. And when she decides she needs a little extra attention? She’ll politely request belly rubs. Obviously. For a puppy, Madison is a pretty easygoing, medium energy girl. She gets her bursts of playtime and then is more than happy to curl up next to her person for a snooze. She’s patient, crate trained, qnd loves to explore outside. And did we mention how SMART she is? . She already knows come, sit, down AND spin, is doing great with leash training, and is working on stay! Madison is a sensitive girl who can be a little unsure in busy environments or around loud noises when overstimulated; but she’s learning every day.

Read more about Madison

She looks to her person for reassurance and has been gaining confidence with every new outing. She’s happiest when she knows she has someone safe by her side. Her forever home could include an older, relaxed dog to keep her company and show her the ropes, but she’s also been doing wonderfully as the only dog.Madison is sweet, smart, snuggly, a little sensitive, and very ready to find the person who looks at those pretty eyes and says, “Yep, you’re coming home with me.”

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Madison fromRescue CityBrooklyn, NY · listed Jun 15

24. Rose

Adult · Female · Pug / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from New Brunswick

Rose is estimated to be about 5 years old, and she is truly one of the sweetest girls you could ever meet. She is the kind of dog who simply wants to love and be loved—a devoted people dog whose happiest moments are spent close to her person, soaking up affection and giving it right back. Rose’s life changed in an instant when her owner passed away, leaving behind seven dogs. While family and friends were able to take in four of them, Rose and two others came into our rescue. After losing the person she knew and loved, Rose is looking for a home where she can feel safe, cherished, and part of a family again. Rose would do best in a home where someone is around more often, because being with her people is truly what she loves most. A fenced yard is also required for her. She is current on core vaccines, spayed, and microchipped. Rose came to us with double cherry eye and has already had surgery to correct it. Rose is currently in a foster home with other dogs and cats and gets along well with them.

Read more about Rose

Interested in adopting me? To fill out an application visit 3 Hearts 4 Paws. Please note: we generally do not adopt out of state (NJ).

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Rose from3 Hearts 4 Paws Animal RescueMorganville, NJ · listed May 25

25. Harley

Adult (2 years 8 months) · Female · Pit Bull Terrier · 24 mi from New Brunswick

This super sweet girl is Harley! She is about 2 1/2 years old and 50 lbs. Harley is good with other dogs, cats and bunnies! She is current on shots, spayed and microchipped. Harley is a courtesy post. His adoption fee is $450. If you’re interested in Harley, please complete an application at NJSHpetrescue.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Harley fromNJ South Hills Pet Rescue, IncChester, NJ · listed May 16Courtesy listing: Harley's family is rehoming her through this rescue.

Adopting a dog with children in New Brunswick

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 New Brunswick

Questions about adopting kid-friendly dogs in New Brunswick

How many kid-friendly dogs are up for adoption in New Brunswick?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of New Brunswick, New Jersey, have 25 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a kid-friendly dog in New Brunswick?

The rescues with the most kid-friendly dogs near New Brunswick right now are Rescue City (Brooklyn, NY), 3 Hearts 4 Paws Animal Rescue (Morganville, NJ) and Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption Inc (Cranford, NJ). 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.