Dogs for Adoption in Ocean County, NJ: 23 Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

46 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 4 rescues and shelters in Ocean County. Here are 23 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 Ocean County, 4 puppies, 3 young dogs, 27 adults and 2 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Pit Bull Terrier, Hound and Beagle, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Ocean County? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Apollo
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier (short coat)


Apollo, Pit Bull, White and Tan, Male neutered, 6 years old
Apollo can be a little nervous at first, but once you give him some time he settles down and is very loving. Apollo needs a home with a patient family that can give him the time he needs to settle in, and work on his socialization with everything around him. He seems afraid of other dogs and cats, and may do best as the only pet in the home at this time.
Read more about Apollo
This dog is at the Ocean County Animal Facility South located at 360 Haywood Rd, Manahawkin NJ (off of Garden State Parkway South Exit 63) Adoption hours 1-4 p.m. 7 days a week. Contact the facility at (609) 978-0127. All dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and have age appropriate shots.
To adopt our dogs you must come to the facility with your entire family, including dogs, to meet with our staff and the dog you are interested in.
You must also provide us with proof of home-ownership or a renter's policy that states you are allowed to have a dog.
2. Georgia
Adult · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (medium coat)




Georgia is up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
Read more about Georgia
Georgia is a gem! 7 year old Golden Retriever/Lab mix, confident, she loves walks and running around the yard exploring. No other dogs for Georgia as she doesn't like to share her food and treats. We are looking for a cozy home with a fenced in yard for Georgia who will show her understanding and kindness. We are helping Georgia with some medical needs that include the start of a weight loss journey, continued treatment for skin allergies, ear infections, renal disease which is maintained by diet, and some other issues that can be addressed after some weight loss and chill time. Despite everything, Georgia is a love.
*Updated 10/28/26 11:05am
- House-trained
3. Florence
Adult · Female · French Bulldog / English Bulldog / Mixed


Florence is an energetic fun dog. She loves to play and loves to be with her people. She tends to bark at other dogs and does not seem like she likes them too much so she needs to be an only dog home. She is spayed, housebroken and would love to spend her time with her people. We think she would be okay with older kids but because of her not caring for other dogs too much no young kids. She was dumped in a kill shelter for reasons unknown, but she is a good dog that wants to learn and spend time with a family. Exotic bully experience as we think this is what she is. She is simply adorable and a fun dog to have around.
4. Arthur
Adult · Male · Shepherd / Mixed (short coat)




This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We generally do not have much background info on them and cannot guarantee they are housebroken. They are all up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
King ARTHUR is looking for his Camelot. Arthur is a 1 year old Male, Neutered, a Shepherd Mix, approximately 60 lbs. He is stunning, handsome, physically fit, confident, knows some commands. Arthur loves his walks, running and playing. Perfect Adventure Buddy material. A fenced in yard is required for Arthur.
*Updated 10/26/26 4:25pm
5. Draco
Adult · Male · Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat)



This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We generally do not have much background info on them and cannot guarantee they are housebroken. They are all up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
Draco is 2 years old, Male, Neutered, approximately weighs 16 pounds, and is a Jack Russell Terrier Mix. He is a ball of energy, king of zoomies, always ready for play time and adventure! Once he settles into a new environment, he is confident, affectionate with people, and self assured. Draco is an exceptional boy with lots of fun and love to give.
Fenced in yard required, Kids 16+
*Updated 10/28/26 11:40am
6. Ray
Adult · Male · Australian Shepherd / Mixed (long coat)



This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We generally do not have much background info on them and cannot guarantee they are housebroken. They are all up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
Read more about Ray
Welcome Ray! We can't wait to find this boy his happily ever after. Ray is a 6 month young Aussie mix, approx 18 lbs and eager to learn! Playtime, walks, cuddle time, sign him up! Ray's a bit nervous as he adjusts to Shelter life but hopefully he won't have to wait long. We are ordering up a home with a fenced in yard and a sign up for obedience classes so he can be even more perfect than he already is.
10/13/26 11:30am
7. Pebbles
Adult · Female · Border Collie / Mixed (medium coat)


This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We generally do not have much background info on them and cannot guarantee they are housebroken. They are all up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
Pebbles is a 2 year old, Female, Border Collie Mix, approximately 48 pounds. She is beautiful, sweet, smart, dog friendly, high energy and confident. Pebbles loves to run and play, and she hopes to find an active person (or people) who will cherish her as part of the family.
Kids 8+, Fenced in Yard, Obedience Training required to help enforce good manners.
*Updated 10/26/26 3:50pm
- Good with dogs
8. Chachi
Adult · Male · Great Dane / Mixed (medium coat)




This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We generally do not have much background info on them and cannot guarantee they are housebroken. They are all up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
Chachi is a handsome 2 year old male, Great Dane mix, weighing approximately 50 lbs. This boy is tall and lanky, super fun, energetic, sweet, playful, amazing, and will be even more amazing once he has a forever home!
Kids 8+, Fenced in yard, and Basic Obedience Classes required.
*Updated 10/26/26 4:45
9. Maverick
Adult · Male · Siberian Husky (medium coat)




Maverick, Siberian Husky, Black and White, Male neutered, 7 years old
Maverick is a very sweet and gentle boy. He enjoys going for his walks and loves to be with people. He seems to get along well with other dogs, but does need a home without cats. Maverick would do best in a home with children over the age of 7 years old.
This dog is at the Ocean County Animal Facility South located at 360 Haywood Rd, Manahawkin NJ (off of Garden State Parkway South Exit 63) Adoption hours 1-4 p.m. 7 days a week. Contact the facility at (609) 978-0127. All dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and have age appropriate shots.
Read more about Maverick
To adopt our dogs you must come to the facility with your entire family, including dogs, to meet with our staff and the dog you are interested in.
You must also provide us with proof of home-ownership or a renter's policy that states you are allowed to have a dog.
10. Haze
Adult · Male · Bulldog (short coat)


This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We generally do not have much background info on them and cannot guarantee they are housebroken. They are all up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
Haze is a 2 year old American Bully mix. Haze is a big sweetie. He's also a very strong boy that will do fabulous with active humans. He is a really good boy, incredibly smart and will impress you with all of the commands he knows. Haze loves to run outside, play with his toys, go for walks, and especially looks forward to cuddle time.
No cats for this boy. Kids 16+
*Updated 10/28/26 12:35pm
- Good with kids
- No cats
11. Billy
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier (short coat)


Billy, Pit Bull mix, Tan, Male neutered, 2 years old
Billy is a fun and playful boy with lots of energy! He enjoys playing with toys, especially playing fetch with a ball! He seems to like other dogs, but his energy level may be too much for some. Billy would do best in a home without cats, and would do better with children over the age of 12, as he may be too much for younger kids.
This dog is at the Ocean County Animal Facility North located at 615 Fremont Ave, Jackson NJ (off of Hope Chapel Rd). All dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and have age appropriate shots.
Read more about Billy
To adopt our dogs you must come to the facility with your entire family, including dogs, to meet with our staff and the dog you are interested in.
We are open to the public seven days a week between the hours of 1pm and 4pm. Please call our facility at 732-657-8086 for more information about any of our pets!
12. Cookie
Adult · Female · Pit Bull Terrier (short coat)



Cookie, Pit Bull, Tan and White, Female spayed, 4 years old
Cookie is a very sweet girl who loves getting lots of attention and pets. She would do best as the only dog in the home, and seems a little unsure around cats as well.
This dog is at the Ocean County Animal Facility South located at 360 Haywood Rd, Manahawkin NJ (off of Garden State Parkway South Exit 63) Adoption hours 1-4 p.m. 7 days a week. Contact the facility at (609) 978-0127. All dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and have age appropriate shots.
Read more about Cookie
To adopt our dogs you must come to the facility with your entire family, including dogs, to meet with our staff and the dog you are interested in.
You must also provide us with proof of home-ownership or a renter's policy that states you are allowed to have a dog.
13. Troop
Young · Male · Hound / Terrier / Mixed (short coat)




This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We generally do not have much background info on them and cannot guarantee they are housebroken. They are all up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
Meet Troop. He is 8 months old, a hound terrier mix, and dog friendly.
Like any young pup, Troop is full of energy and looking for an active home that can keep up with his zest for life. A fenced yard would be ideal for all his zoomies, and he'll thrive with a family committed to continued obedience training, he's eager to learn and ready to shine!
Troop loves:Walks and running around the yardPlaytime with his dog friendsAttention, affection, and fun
He’s still learning the world around him, but with the right guidance and love, Troop is going to grow into an incredible companion.
Troop would do best with kids 12+
If you’re looking for a fun-loving, loyal best friend to share your days with, Troop just might be your boy.
*Updated 11/4/26 11:00 am
14. 9 puppies Autumn Litter
Puppy · Beagle / Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat)










9 cuties looking for forever homes. Will have two sets of shots and dewormed, also treated for a fungal infection which they had before the got to us. Sadly, in NC this is the norm. They should be small to mediums as mom was a chihuahua type and they think dad was a beagle hound type on the small side. Super cute and funny! Some have short legs and some a bit taller. This is all we know. If interested in adopting please put an application in
15. Tucker
Adult · Male · Catahoula Leopard Dog / Mixed (short coat)




Tucker, Catahoula mix, Brindle, Male neutered, 6-7 years old
Tucker can be a bit timid when you first meet him, but once he warms up he loves attention, and enjoys being pet. An experienced home with a patient family that can give him time to adjust would be best for him. He came in with his housemate, Korra, and loves her company, but does not seem fond of any other dogs. He would do best with children over the age of 12 years old, as younger children may be too much for him.
Read more about Tucker
This dog is at the Ocean County Animal Facility North located at 615 Fremont Ave, Jackson NJ (off of Hope Chapel Rd). All dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and have age appropriate shots.
To adopt our dogs you must come to the facility with your entire family, including dogs, to meet with our staff and the dog you are interested in.
We are open to the public seven days a week between the hours of 1pm and 4pm. Please call our facility at 732-657-8086 for more information about any of our pets!
16. Bailey
Female · Hound / Retriever / Mixed



Bailey and her siblings were nearly turned away from an overcrowded shelter. Our volunteers were there taking another litter of puppies and stepped into take them as well. No parent information was given. Bailey and her siblings are super sweet and have beautiful markings.
17. Brianna
Female · Hound / Retriever / Mixed


Brianna and her siblings were nearly turned away from a full shelter. Our volunteers were there at just the right time to step in and take them into rescue. No information on either parent but these pups are super sweet and spunky. Brianna loves to run and play
18. Britt
Female · Hound / Retriever / Mixed



Britt and her siblings were nearly turned away from an overcrowded shelter. Our volunteers were there taking another litter of puppies and stepped into take them as well. No parent information was given. Britt and her siblings are super sweet and have beautiful markings.
19. Bess
Female · Hound / Retriever / Mixed


Bess and her siblings were nearly turned away from an overcrowded shelter. Our volunteers were there taking another litter of puppies and stepped into take them as well. No parent information was given. Bess and her siblings are super sweet and have beautiful markings.
20. Buster
Male · Hound / Retriever / Mixed


Buster and his siblings were nearly turned away from a full shelter. Our volunteers were there at just the right time to step in and take them into rescue. No information on either parent but these pups are super sweet and spunky. Buster loves to be held and cuddled.
21. Jeffrey
Adult · Male · Mastiff / Shepherd (medium coat)






Jeffrey, Mastiff/Shepherd mix, Brindle, Male neutered, 2 years old
Jeffrey is a very handsome boy! He may take a little time to warm up, but once he does, he is very sweet and enjoys getting attention. Jeffrey is a very big boy and is very strong when being walked on a leash. He needs a family that can handle a dog of his size and is experienced with his breed. Jeffrey does not seem to enjoy the company of other animals and would do best as the only pet in the home. He also needs a home without children, as they would be too much for him.
Read more about Jeffrey
This dog is at the Ocean County Animal Facility North located at 615 Fremont Ave, Jackson NJ (off of Hope Chapel Rd). All dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and have age appropriate shots.
To adopt our dogs you must come to the facility with your entire family, including dogs, to meet with our staff and the dog you are interested in.
We are open to the public seven days a week between the hours of 1pm and 4pm. Please call our facility at 732-657-8086 for more information about any of our pets!
22. Nala
Senior · Female · Pit Bull Terrier (short coat)






Nala, Pit Bull, Black and White, Female spayed, 10 years old
Nala can be a bit anxious at first but is friendly when she greets you. Once you give her a little time to settle, she enjoys playing with toys, and especially loves to play fetch with a ball. Nala would do best as the only pet in the home, and she would do better with a family that has experience with her breed, and can give her the time she needs to adjust to her new home.
This dog is at the Ocean County Animal Facility North located at 615 Fremont Ave, Jackson NJ (off of Hope Chapel Rd). All dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and have age appropriate shots.
Read more about Nala
To adopt our dogs you must come to the facility with your entire family, including dogs, to meet with our staff and the dog you are interested in.
We are open to the public seven days a week between the hours of 1pm and 4pm. Please call our facility at 732-657-8086 for more information about any of our pets!
23. Porky
Adult · Male · French Bulldog / American Bulldog (short coat)



Porky is about a 1 year. He is very active and playful. He has lots of energy but does listen if given structure. He loves outside and loves other dogs. He gets a little fence aggressive with strangers that come near the property but its only at the fence line. Have to watch him with play time and he doesnt stop and his breed can overheat. Very active, loves people, a little crazy so we dont recommend a kid household.
Rescues and shelters near Ocean County
The rescues with the most dogs listed in Ocean County.
- No Paw Left Behind Animal RescueJackson Township, NJ · 19 dogs
How to adopt from No Paw Left Behind Animal Rescue
Applications, Phone interview, Vet and reference checks, Meet n greet with house hold, Home check, Contract, Adoption fee
- Northern Ocean County Animal FacilityJackson , NJ · 16 dogs
How to adopt from Northern Ocean County Animal Facility
Cats $55, Dogs $60; Every pet we adopt out is spayed/neutered, microchipped, up to date on age appropriate vaccinations, and receives a general health exam by our veterinarian. Adoption Requirements; must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid ID; must present proof of home ownership, or a lease/rental agreement with a clearly defined pet policy. All members of the household must come in to meet the pet prior to adoption, if looking to adopt a dog, and currently have dogs at home, dogs must come in to meet as well.
- Jersey Shore Animal CenterBrick, NJ · 8 dogs
How to adopt from Jersey Shore Animal Center
Adoption Fees: Dogs $100.00 Cats $45.00 Puppies $75 plus $50 refundable spay/neuter deposit Kittens $30 plus $50 refundable spay/neuter deposit Rabbits $35 Adoption Process Our friendly, knowledgable team of staff and volunteers would be glad to give you a tour of the shelter and discuss whether one of our furry friends is the right match for your home. Please click here for our location and visiting hours. The JSAC has careful policies on the placement of young animals, dominant breed dogs (Rottweilers, Shepherds, Akitas, etc) and we give preference to homes in the Eastern PA, New Jersey, Southern New York and Northern Delaware region (please note: we do not ship animals). We prefer homes in the region so that we can be a resource for the animals and their adopters. These policies and procedures are in place to protect everyone involved and are very common when rehoming animals, whether through a shelter or a rescue group. We do not have "same day" adoptions. Rather, an application for an animal is reviewed to ensure that 1) the home has taken good care of their other animals * 2) The animal is permitted in the home and 3) that it is the right home for the right animal (choosing dog that likes cats if cats already in household, etc..). Typically this process takes 24-48 hours. If a dog application is approved and there are other dogs in the home, we have the two (or more) dogs meet; many times if necessary.
- Southern Ocean County Animal FacilityManahawkin, NJ · 3 dogs
How to adopt from Southern Ocean County Animal Facility
Cats $55, Dogs $60; All pets available for adoption are spayed/neutered, microchipped, up to date on age appropriate vaccinations and receive a general health exam from our veterinarian. To adopt you must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid form of ID, present proof of home ownership, or a lease/rental agreement with a clearly stated pet policy. All members of the household must come in to meet the pet prior to adoption. If looking to adopt dog, and currently have dogs, they must also come in to do a meet.
Cities and towns in Ocean County
- Toms River 132
- Lakewood 167
- Point Pleasant 138
- Ocean Acres 433
- Holiday City-Berkeley 132
- Beachwood 132
- Pine Lake Park 141
- Mystic Island 171
- Crestwood Village 61
- Forked River 61
- Point Pleasant Beach 160
- Leisure Village 141
- Leisure Village East 141
- Beach Haven West 257
- South Toms River 132
- Tuckerton 242
- Holiday City South 132
- Leisure Village West 141
- Barnegat 423
- Lakehurst 141
- Seaside Heights 132
- Pine Beach 132
- Seaside Park 132
- Ocean Gate 132
- Lavallette 132
- Island Heights 132
- Surf City 235
- Ship Bottom 235
- Beach Haven 226
- Bay Head 138
- Barnegat Light 270
- Harvey Cedars 257
- Mantoloking 138
Adopting a dog in Ocean 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 Ocean County
How many dogs are up for adoption in Ocean County?
As of November 4, 2026, 46 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption in Ocean County, New Jersey, by 4 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Ocean County?
The rescues with the most dogs near Ocean County right now are No Paw Left Behind Animal Rescue (Jackson Township, NJ), Northern Ocean County Animal Facility (Jackson , NJ) and Jersey Shore Animal Center (Brick, NJ). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Ocean County?
Yes. 4 puppys are up for adoption in Ocean County.
How do I adopt a dog in Ocean 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.