Small Dogs for Adoption in Syracuse, NY: 8 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Syracuse have 8 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 8, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Every dog on this page is listed by their rescue as small, with breeds like Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and French Bulldog.
Not in Syracuse? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. French Toast
French Toast came to us from Manhatten ACC after being brought in with a painful and horrible ulcer in her eye and ear infections. She was seen by our vet right away and put on medications for both her eye and ear and is doing much, much better and we are pretty hopeful she can keep her eye! We were so worried she would lose it and it’s now looking just so much better.
Read more about French Toast
She is just over 1 year old and currently hanging out in an upstate NY foster home and doing great. She is getting along well with the resident dogs, and is also super spunky and playful with the resident kitties.
She is a sweet little girl, just around a year and can’t wait to find her forever home.
All of our animals receive comprehensive veterinary care prior to adoption, including a full exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spay or neuter, heartworm testing, and any necessary medical treatment.
A vet reference, home and/or family visit, and an adoption fee are required.
Transport options are available within our operating region, including Pennsylvania, the tri-state area, and New England. We do not adopt animals to Canada.
For more information or to submit an application, please visit www.pmarinc.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
2. Georgia
Meet Georgia, 9 months old & 16 lbs of sweetness! A little girl with a big heart who’s ready to find her forever family!
Georgia is a professional snuggler who loves being with her people and soaking up ALL the pets.
She may be a little timid when meeting new people, but give her some time and a gentle hand, and watch her melt like BUTTER!
A few things to love about Georgia:
Plays well with other dogs and she’d love a forever family with another playful dog
Food motivated (treats are the way to her heart!)
Great sniffer who loves exploring the world
Walks nicely on a leash without pulling
Knows how to sit
Loves snuggles and ALL the pets!
Read more about Georgia
Georgia is still working on her potty training and learning to navigate stairs, so she’ll need a family willing to help her build confidence and continue learning. She’s a smart girl with so much potential!
Are you looking for a sweet little sidekick who will happily stick by your side and melt into your arms once she trusts you? Georgia might just be your girl!
Filling an application is the first step to meet her -
www.RochesterRASCALS.org/dogs
- Good with dogs
3. FiFi
THERE’S NO FALSE ADVERTISING WITH FIFI!
She’s every bit as sweet, affectionate, and fun as she looks!
At just 2 years old and 12 lbs, FiFi is a little white creampuff of pure sweetness. She’s crate trained, fully housebroken, and about as easy to love as they come!
FiFi adores people AND other dogs, and she'd really love a home with other young, playful pups to run around the yard with, goof off in the house, and generally make life more fun.
Read more about FiFi
When it comes to her people, FiFi is a professional snuggler. She wants to be close, soak up all the affection she can get, and will absolutely let you know if she thinks you’re falling short on your cuddle duties.
She sleeps happily in her crate at night, but if you’re willing to share your bed, she’d be DELIGHTED to moonlight as your personal body warmer!
FiFi loves her walks and is excellent on a leash. She does have an adventurous side, though, so if she’s going to enjoy off-leash time in the yard, a securely fenced yard is a must. This little explorer likes to see what’s out there!
Honestly, what’s not to love?
If FiFi sounds like your kind of girl, filling an application is the first step to meet her -
www.RochesterRASCALS.org/dogs
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
4. Big Mama
Big Mama: Big Personality, Bigger HeartIf you're looking for a dog who will fill your home with laughter, love, and endless entertainment, please read on!Still very much a baby at heart, Big Mama approaches life with enthusiasm and joy. She loves her walks, especially when she can collect her favorite treasures along the way: fallen leaves, interesting sticks, or anything else that catches her eye. Every outing is an adventure when Big Mama is involved.This sweet girl is incredibly people-oriented and forms bonds quickly. People tend to adore her with that cute little body and winning personality.
Read more about Big Mama
If there are kids in the home, she would do best with those who are older and dog savvy. She's affectionate and playful, always ready to make new friends and share her zest for life.Big Mama is also a smart cookie. She's food motivated, eager to engage, and has all the ingredients needed to become an amazing companion. She wants to make good choices and would thrive with a patient adopter willing to guide her through the last stages of puppyhood and help channel her energy into learning.When she's not showing off her impressive vertical leap -- this girl loves to go airborne when she's excited -- you'll find her running, playing, and making the most of every moment. And did we mention she's the perfect pocket size?Big Mama is looking for an only-pet home where she can be the center of attention. She'll do best with someone who understands that she's still young, still learning, and has so much potential waiting to be unlocked. Big Mama isn't looking for perfection. She's looking for someone willing to invest a little patience now in exchange for a lifetime of love, laughter, and loyalty. Come meet Big Mama and see why everyone who spends time with her falls in love. You can contact HumaneCNY at (315) 457-8762 or info@humanecny.org to set up a meet and greet; or stop in Monday through Saturday 12 through 4:30; or you can begin the adoption process for her right now by filling out an application on our website, www.humanecny.org.Contact HumaneCNY if interested in this animal. You can fill out application to adopt at the shelter.
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
5. Douglas
Meet Douglas!At just 1 year old and 17 pounds, Douglas is a pint-sized bundle of charm with a heart big enough to fill a castle! This super-cute little fellow loves people and is generous with his affection. Looking for a furry sidekick who will make you smile, keep you moving, and sprinkle a little magic into your everyday life? Douglas is ready for his starring role!When he’s not busy handing out love, Douglas enjoys running, playing, going for rides in the car, walks on leash and making the most of his adventures. He’s been excited and playful with other dogs, and he’s shown a calm, cool, and collected side around cats.
Read more about Douglas
Quite the versatile little gentleman!Douglas does best with gentle handling, so he’s looking for a home with children ages 12 and up who understand how to treat their four-legged friends with calm energy.Could your home be Douglas’s happily-ever-after? If you’re ready for cuddles, playtime, and a whole lot of adorable, this little dreamboat is waiting to meet you.Current Weight: 17 lbsAdoption Fee: $250To apply: fcrspca.org/adopt
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
6. Shadow
Introducing Shadow!Shadow is a sweet, 19-pound, 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix. She’s currently (as of October 7) being treated for a kidney infection and UTI; but the meds are working well, she’s perked right up, and is back on the go! As of now she is looking for a medical forever foster! Shadow loves being close to her people and enjoys the company of dog friends, too. She settles nicely in a kennel overnight or while you run errands. In addition to being good with other dogs, she does nicely with kids and cats, too. To set up a meet & greet, you can contact HumaneCNY at (315) 457-8762 or info@humanecny.org; or you can begin the adoption process for her right now by filling out an application on our website, www.humanecny.org.Contact HumaneCNY if interested in this animal. You can fill out application to adopt at the shelter.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
7. Percy
Hi, I’m Percy! I’m proof that you can be ridiculously adorable and still make your humans question every life decision that led them to you.
Think training a Yorkie mix means you’re getting a cute little purse dog? HAHAHAHA. Nope! Have you seen The Hunger Games? More like that!
May the odds be ever in your favor.
I’m 11 pounds, 2 years old, possibly a Yorkie mix or terrier mix, and I come equipped with BIG energy, BIG personality, radar-dish ears, and ABSOLUTELY ZERO CHILL (well unless I’m the center of your love and attention!).
The rescue is genuinely worried I’ll never get adopted because I’m such a knucklehead. (Honestly?! Yup - Fair!)
Read more about Percy
I love people, toys, playtime, walkies, attention, and cuddles. I really am the sweetest boy!
But do I have manners? HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE .
I’m working on my leash skills, potty training, and general understanding of how to function in polite society. Think less purse accessory, more tiny chaos agent with absolutely no impulse control.
I need a family with consistency, commitment to training, a great sense of humor, and the patience of 47 saints. I’m a work in progress. A VERY cute, occasionally infuriating work in progress.
But underneath all that chaos is a genuinely sweet boy who wants to love his people with his whole heart.
PERCY IS LOOKING FOR:
A family ready for BIG personality
Continued potty training and leash-manners boot camp
Lots of love, patience, playtime, and cuddles
Someone who understands that CUTE DOES NOT MEAN EASY!
Come for the ears. Stay because you’ve fallen in love with the little shit.
Think you can handle Percy? The rescue has concerns. The odds are questionable. But someone out there is brave enough for this tribute!
Apply here -
www.RochesterRASCALS.org/dogs
MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR.
*Percy is not a good candidate for an apartment
- Good with dogs
8. Luna
Luna is a 9-year-old spayed female looking for a patient family who will give her the time she needs to feel safe. While her past wasn’t always kind to her, once she trusts you, her sweet and silly personality shines through.
Luna loves leisurely walks, lounging on the back of the couch to keep an eye on everything, and surprising her favorite people with a gentle ear lick when she wants some attention. She’s happiest spending quiet time with the people she loves.
Read more about Luna
Because Luna can be nervous in new situations, she’ll need an adopter who understands that trust takes time. Once she settles in, she’s affectionate, loyal, and full of personality. She would thrive in a calm, quiet home. She would likely do best as the only dog or with a calm, older dog who will respect her space and let her adjust at her own pace.
If you’re looking for a companion who will reward your patience with unwavering love and plenty of quirky moments, Luna may be the perfect match. She just needs someone willing to give her the chance she deserves.
Is your heart ready to open to sweet Luna?
Filling an application is the first step to meet her! -
www.RochesterRASCALS.org/dogs
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
Adopting a small dog in Syracuse
Small dogs suit apartments and smaller homes, are easy to take along, and many live well into their teens.
They still need daily walks, play and training. Small dogs can be fragile, so ask the rescue how they are with young children, who can easily drop or step on them.
Rescues with small dogs near Syracuse
- Rochester Rascals Pet Rescue IncRochester, NY · 4 small dogs above
- Humane Association of CNYLiverpool, Ny · 2 small dogs above
- Pibbles & More Animal RescueBinghamton, NY · 1 small dog above
- Regional SPCAGloversville, NY · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Syracuse
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Syracuse?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Syracuse, New York, have 8 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Syracuse?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Syracuse right now are Rochester Rascals Pet Rescue Inc (Rochester, NY), Humane Association of CNY (Liverpool, Ny) and Pibbles & More Animal Rescue (Binghamton, NY). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are small dogs good for apartments?
Often, yes. Many small dogs are happy with a smaller space and short walks, but energy matters more than size: ask the rescue how active the dog is and whether they bark when left alone.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.