Small Dogs for Adoption in Erie, PA: 18 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Erie have 18 small 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 is listed by their rescue as small, with breeds like Chihuahua, Dachshund and Poodle.
Not in Erie? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Bernie
Bernie is a 1-year-old, 14-pound mixed-breed pup, possibly with some Shih Tzu and Poodle in his family tree.
Bernie was found running in traffic, scared, neglected, and covered in painful mats that had clearly been growing for a very long time. The mats were so severe that he needed to be completely shaved down. It's obvious that life hadn't always been kind to him, yet Bernie has never let his past dim his spirit. From the moment he arrived in foster care, he showed everyone just how gentle, affectionate, and forgiving he truly is.
Read more about Bernie
Bernie absolutely adores people and forms strong bonds with those he loves. He is happiest when he's close to his foster mom and is the type of dog who wants to be wherever his people are. Whether he's following you from room to room, curling up nearby for a nap, or gently asking for pets, Bernie's favorite place is by your side. He is incredibly affectionate and always ready to share kisses with anyone willing to accept them. His loving nature makes it impossible not to fall in love with him.
This sweet boy gets along wonderfully with other dogs and enjoys having canine companions to play with. He loves romping around with his dog friends, but he's also perfectly content entertaining himself with toys when playtime is over. Bernie has a fun, playful side and often finds ways to keep himself busy while waiting for his next cuddle session.
Bernie has not yet been tested with children, but based on his gentle and easygoing personality, we do not anticipate any issues. He approaches life with a soft, loving demeanor and has shown himself to be a kind, patient dog.
Bernie is crate trained and walks on a leash. He is doing very well with house training when provided frequent opportunities to go outside and also uses pee pads. Because he was found as a stray and initially ran from people trying to help him get to safety, a secure, physically fenced yard is strongly preferred for his forever home. While Bernie has settled in beautifully in foster care, his adopters should understand the importance of taking extra precautions during the adjustment period to ensure he remains safe and secure. As with any newly adopted dog, accidents may happen as he adjusts to a new home and routine.
The wonderful thing about Bernie is that he is eager to learn. He is very food motivated and responds enthusiastically to positive reinforcement, making him an excellent candidate for continued training. Every day he gains a little more confidence and learns a little more about what it means to be a cherished family member.
As a non-shedding dog, Bernie will require regular grooming throughout his life. Since he likely went without proper grooming in the past, he is still getting used to the process, but he's making great progress. His future family will need to commit to routine grooming appointments to keep him healthy, comfortable, and looking handsome.
More than anything, Bernie deserves a family that will shower him with the love, patience, and attention he has been missing. After a difficult start, this happy little boy is ready to leave his past behind and begin the life he's always deserved. In return, Bernie will reward his family with endless loyalty, constant companionship, gentle kisses, and a heart overflowing with love. He has waited a long time for his happily-ever-after, and now he's ready to find it. ❤️
Bernie is neutered. up to date with vaccines, microchipped, flea/worm treated and tested neg. for heartworm. His adoption fee is $550
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
2. Suki
Meet Suki, a sweet little Bichon girl who is just beginning her journey of learning what it means to be a beloved family pet. After spending her life as a breeder dog, everything about pet life is new to her, and she is looking for a patient, understanding family that will allow her to blossom at her own pace.
Read more about Suki
Suki is a happy girl, even if she is still a bit shy. While she doesn't yet seek out affection or cuddles, she happily allows her foster family to pick her up and handle her. Her little wagging tail lets you know she is content and quietly enjoying the world around her. With time, consistency, and love, we know her confidence will continue to grow.
Because Suki has always lived with other dogs, she would do best in a home with another small, friendly dog. A canine companion will help show her the ropes and give her comfort as she learns about life in a home. She is already discovering the joys of toys, chewies, and treats, and she especially loves little snacks. While she may be hesitant at first, she will eventually take treats from your hand once she feels comfortable.
Suki is making progress every day. She knows what to do when she goes outside and can navigate stairs going up on her own. She is currently learning to go down stairs independently and continues to gain confidence with new experiences. She is not yet housetrained and has not learned leash walking, but both skills will come with patience, routine, and one-on-one guidance. Because she is not leash trained, Suki will require a securely fenced yard in her adoptive home.
Suki is respectful of cats and generally ignores them, aside from an occasional curious bark. She has recently been groomed and will need regular grooming appointments to keep her beautiful Bichon coat looking its best.
Every day brings a little more confidence and personality from this lovely girl. Suki is already showing us glimpses of the wonderful companion she's destined to become, and we believe she will truly thrive in a patient home that understands her past and celebrates her progress.
Suki is spayed, microchipped, up to date on core vaccinations, and negative for heartworm.
Adoption Fee: $500
If you're looking for a gentle soul to nurture and watch blossom, Suki may be the perfect addition to your family.
To help keep our dogs safe, we require a martingale collar at the time of adoption. If you don't already have one, Pixie Mamas has them available for $10.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
3. Gracie Lou
Meet Gracie Lou! Interesting fact about Gracie, she has never met a truck she couldn't take (at least in her mind!). She weighs 16 pounds, and she'll plant her feet and lunge at anything with wheels that dares to pass her and her human on a walk. As far as she's concerned, she's scared every single one of those bullies away!
She's a 13-year-old Cairn Terrier, a little chunky, and equal parts sweet and spicy. Gracie makes up her mind about people quickly, and you'll know pretty fast which list you're on. The vet and the groomer are on the wrong one. So is the cat. And half her foster siblings.
Read more about Gracie Lou
Gracie was very loved for a long time, but sadly, her person had to move into assisted living and Gracie couldn't make that journey with her. That's how she ended up with us, and if her terrier attitude is anything to go by, she has plenty of life left to live!
The basics:
Perfectly housebroken
Loves her walks, vehicles included
Has creaky knees, so a home without stairs would suit her best
Would rather be the only pet. She may tolerate others...or not. She's selective.
Will protest vet and grooming visits
Gracie is doing great for her age - some mild vision and hearing impairment, as expected. She would do best in a single-level home with someone who likes short daily walks, keeps a firm grip on the leash, and doesn't mind that she runs the place.
Have more questions about Gracie Lou? Contact 4leggedlayover@gmail.com
Adoption Fee: $250, which includes spay, microchip, vaccines, and current prevention. Apply at: https://pawsandprayers.org/adoption-application/
Please note that only applications submitted through our website using the link above are valid. Inquiries or applications submitted through Petfinder or other third-party sites are not accepted. Your veterinarian must have permission to speak with us. Please contact your vet as soon as you apply, as applications will not be considered without this authorization.
- House-trained
4. Kenny
Kenny is a 2-year-old, 14-pound Miniature Poodle with a gorgeous deep red coat and an even more beautiful personality. As a breeder release dog, Kenny may not have experienced life in a traditional home before, but you would never know it. From the moment he arrived in foster care, he settled in as though he had always been part of the family.
Read more about Kenny
Like many Poodles, Kenny is incredibly smart, loving, loyal, and adaptable. He quickly became his foster mom's little shadow, following her from room to room and often announcing his presence with the classic "poodle poke" of his nose against her leg. Kenny is a happy boy who absolutely thrives on attention and affection. Whether he's cuddling on the couch or simply keeping his favorite person company, he is happiest when he's close to those he loves.
Kenny gets along wonderfully with the other dogs in his foster home and enjoys snuggling up with his canine friends. He is also respectful of the resident cats, showing curiosity about their daily routines without causing any trouble. Gentle children would be a great match for Kenny as well.
He is doing an excellent job learning the ins and outs of living in a home. House training is still a work in progress but is coming along nicely, and he is making great strides with crate training too. With continued one-on-one guidance, he is sure to master both in no time. After all, he's poodle smart!
Kenny is not leash trained yet, so a securely fenced yard would be ideal while he continues building confidence and learning new skills. Given his intelligence and eagerness to please, we expect him to pick up leash walking quickly.
Kenny has been professionally groomed and looks absolutely stunning in his beautiful red coat. Like all Poodles, he will require regular grooming to keep him looking and feeling his best.
At the end of the day, Kenny is exactly what many people dream of in a companion: a sweet, loving lap dog who wants nothing more than a soft couch, a devoted family, and a forever home to call his own. ❤️
Kenny is neutered, up to date with core vaccines, microchipped, and tested neg. for heartworm. His adoption fee is $550.
To help keep our dogs safe, we require a martingale collar at the time of adoption. If you don't already have one, Pixie Mamas has them available for $10.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
5. Penny
Meet Penny: a very good girl!Penny is a sweet girl who looks like a forever puppy but always acts like a responsible adult. She loves being side by side with her person but also settles well when she is alone. She is learning how to play for the first time in her life and loves being part of a family. Likes: lap naps, riding shotgun in the car, being groomed and having belly rubs. Dislikes: being confined. She does not like being in a crate. Star qualities: excellent with kids, patient with respectful dogs, responsible enough to be left alone at home, house trained (but prefers to have puppy pads available if she is alone for 4 hours or more) sleeps through the night quietly by your side.
Read more about Penny
If you are interested in adopting, please complete an adoption application at www.sadiesrescue.org Please keep in mind there are many factors to consider when choosing the right match for a dog, so an application cannot guarantee adoption. Nor do we work on a "first come first served" basis, but rather strive to find the best match for the personality of each dog.
As part of our adoption process, references both personal and veterinarian will be checked. Sadie's also requires a home visit before we adopt any of our dogs out; therefore we only adopt to our local WNY region. Please only apply if you are serious about adopting as placing each foster dog in the best home takes time and effort by our volunteers.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
6. Sweet Shivers
If you are looking to adopt an incredibly sweet little dog, Shivers might be a good fit. She is only 15.8lbs and loves cuddling
under the covers
Read more about Sweet Shivers
in bed and doesn't make a peep all night long. She loves playing with toys, and will play fetch with a ball too. Dinner time is her favorite part of the day, and a nice nap on the couch is something she enjoys as well. She is almost potty trained, but still has pee accidents in the house if I'm not paying attention.. She is slowly warming up to being crated, but will still bark and get quite upset for the most part. I do sit near the crate with yummy treats, and when she quiets down, she gets a treat, which really works. ( I'll keep working on this....)
Please remember that adopting a smaller dog can be a 10-20 year commitment!! If you are interested in adopting Shivers, please go to pawsandprayers.org and fill out our non-obligatory application. Her adoption fee is $400, and includes spay, up to date vaccines, dewormer and flea/tick prevention, (she is heartworm negative), a microchip, and endless love from Shivers!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
7. Peanut
Peanut is a 21 lb, 1.5yr old Doxie mix of playful and cuddly. He is happiest sharing time with his people. Whether he’s snuggling with his foster sister or practicing his leash skills, he’s learning how wonderful life with a loving family can be.
He’s doing very well with leash training, has almost mastered the stairs, and sleeps through the night! He’s great with dogs, cats, men, and women, travels well in the car, and does well at the vet. He has not been tested with children.
Read more about Peanut
Peanut is still working on potty training and crate training. He wears his belly wrap comfortably, but he’s still learning to do his business outside. He can get a little jealous when sharing attention and will benefit from patient guidance as he continues learning.
He can get jealous when he is getting attention and another dog comes up for pets also. He can get growly. He has never acted further, but being an only dog in the home will solve that. He’s lacked attention and affection so long, and now he wants it all since he’s finally got it.
Looking for a walking buddy who also loves a good snuggle? Peanut might be your perfect autumn companion!
Adoption is $350 which includes his neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip and current monthly prevention. To fill out an application for this animal or a general application click HERE.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
8. Jelly
Meet Jelly—a little mix of this and that, with a whole lot of love!
Jelly is approximately 7 months old, weighs 20 pounds, and is said to be an Aussie/Doxie mix. His exact recipe may be a mystery, but the sweetness is undeniable!
He loves toys, wrestling with his foster sister, and snuggling up for kisses—which he happily returns. Loud noises can startle him, and being held and reassured helps him feel safe. He’s great with dogs, cats, men, and women, rides well in the car, and does well at the vet.
Read more about Jelly
Jelly needs a patient foster or adopter prepared for significant house-training challenges and anxiety with crating and separation. He needs more than a quick puppy refresher: a consistent routine, gentle guidance, and someone willing to help him work through these challenges. He wears a belly wrap comfortably, but he is not house-trained.
He’s also practicing leash walking and learning what’s appropriate to chew. Keep a chew toy nearby—sometimes this little guy needs help locating the approved merchandise! He has mastered the stairs, so there’s one accomplishment checked off his list. ✔️
Jelly has plenty of love to give. He needs someone who will celebrate his progress, support him through the hard parts, and help him feel secure.
Adoption is $350 which includes his neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip and current monthly prevention. To fill out an application for this animal or a general application click HERE.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
9. Max
He's doing fantastic with leash training, and we were so impressed with how quickly he caught on. Max is also fully crate trained and settles in nicely.
Read more about Max
Max is making great progress with his housetraining, but it is still very much a work in progress. As a breeder release, living in a home is a completely new experience for him, and he's learning more every day. Since being neutered, we've seen noticeable improvement, and he continues to move in the right direction. That said, his future family should be prepared to continue his housetraining routine and understand that patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement will be important to help him succeed. With continued guidance, we have no doubt that Max will keep making excellent progress.
Max has an amazing disposition and loves everyone he meets. He's the perfect mix of playful and loving, and we know you'll fall head-over-heels for this adorable boy! ❤️
Max was recently professionally groomed and looks absolutely adorable. He will require regular grooming to keep his coat healthy, soft, and looking his best.
Max is neutered, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, heartworm negative, flea treated, and dewormed.
His adoption fee is $475.
To help keep our dogs safe, we require a martingale collar at the time of adoption. If you don't already have one, Pixie Mamas has them available for $10.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
10. Dusty
Dusty is an adorable 5-month-old Puggle who is ready to find a family of his very own! Recently released from a breeding program after aging out of being sold, Dusty is discovering how wonderful life can be as a cherished family pet. He currently weighs under 20 pounds and is expected to mature into a small-to-medium-sized dog, around 25-30 pounds.
Read more about Dusty
Every day, Dusty's personality shines a little brighter. While he was initially unsure of people due to his limited exposure early in life, he is becoming noticeably braver and more confident with each passing day. He's learning that people aren't so scary after all, especially when treats are involved! Watching him build trust and seek out attention has been incredibly rewarding, and we know his new family will love being part of that journey.
Dusty is doing well with his training and is eager to learn. He is very food-motivated, which makes training sessions both fun and productive. He's become quite happy to go into his crate now because he knows good things happen there, usually in the form of treats! Crate training has become an important part of his routine and should continue in his new home.
Leash training is coming along, but it remains a work in progress. Dusty will need continued patience and practice as he learns that walks are meant for strolling rather than stopping to investigate every interesting smell. The Beagle side of this handsome boy definitely shines through when he's outside. Nose to the ground, he loves exploring the world one scent at a time.
Dusty absolutely loves being outdoors and taking in everything around him. When he's faced with something new or unexpected, he isn't afraid to give a classic "Beagley" bark to let everyone know what's happening! It's one of the many charming traits that makes him such an entertaining and lovable pup.
Dusty does well with other dogs and enjoys their company. He has always been with his brother, Sawyer, so his adopters should expect there may be an adjustment period as he learns to navigate life independently. With patience, consistency, and reassurance, we expect him to settle in nicely and continue gaining confidence.
Housetraining is improving every day, but like any young puppy learning a new routine, he will need ongoing guidance and understanding in his new home. Consistency will be key to helping him continue to succeed.
And can we talk about that face? Dusty is absolutely adorable. His sweet expression, gentle nature, and growing confidence make him impossible not to love. He may need a little extra patience as he adjusts to all the new things life has to offer, but the reward will be an incredibly loyal, loving companion. We truly believe Dusty is going to make an amazing family dog for someone willing to give him the time, understanding, and encouragement he deserves.
Dusty is neutered, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, flea treated, and dewormed.
His adoption fee is $475.
To help keep our dogs safe, we require a martingale collar at the time of adoption. If you don't already have one, Pixie Mamas has them available for $10. ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
11. Daisy
Two weeks of good foster care, and Daisy is improving big time. Gaining weight, hair is coming in nicely. Even her back legs are working better. Thank you Rose's Rescue for helping me to feel better!!
As always, Rose's Rescue is open to foster to adopt or permanent adoption of our animals
Hello world, my name is Daisy and I am a senior pug-chihuahua mix found stuck in a drainage pipe. If I could, I would tell you what happened to me, but I cannot. My rescuers say that someone had to place me in there as there was no other way I could have gotten in there. I am putting that all behind me now and moving forward.
I am 10-12 years old, weighing in at about 15lbs. My coat is a mess because of fleas, but things are much better now. I do have compressed discs in my spine, so my hind legs don't work as well as they should,
Still I am quite mobile and love to walk, investigate everything, nap, and of course eat! I am a loving and fun girl in need of a loving quiet home where I can lay in your lap for my final years.
They say my teeth are really bad and I am not spayed, whatever that is. Dental and spay are scheduled. I am looking forward to better teeth.
If you think you are the one that can give me the love and lap I need after such a traumatic experience, please fill out an online adoption application. I promise I will try to be a very good girl for you!
Read more about Daisy
If interested, you can easily fill out an adoption application by clicking here: adoption application
For those viewing on Petfinder, if you are interested in adopting this animal please click on More About Rose's Rescue, you may fill out adoption application from there. Or go to the Rose's Rescue website, www.rosesrescue.net , and click on Fees - Adoption Info - Online Application
- Good with dogs
- Special needs
12. Bobby
Our
Bobby was found on the street, so matted that he had to be shaved to the skin, but also so emaciated, so weak, so starved, he could barely lift his head. He looked more like a carcass than a dog. His body scale score was a one. Usually when it’s that low, a dog’s organs start shutting down and they don’t survive. But not Bobby! He spent a week and a half at the vet, and he came to Rose’s Rescue the day he was released from their care.
Read more about Bobby
To say he’s made a remarkable recovery is an understatement! He gained weight steadily and before long, you could no longer see his ribs. His hair is coming back in so what once was bare skin is now covered with beautiful black fur.
Now Bobby is ready for new and much better adventures! He’s ready to chase balls and snuggle and soak up all the neck rubs he can get. He’s ready to patrol the years and keep it free from pesky critters. He’s ready to go for car rides and play with all the toys, and get as many treats as he can. He is ready to live his best life and will do so with gusto!
Bobby LOVES other dogs! He would love, love, love to have another canine pal (or more) to romp with. But be warned, he can already be high energy and very playful. If he teams up with another rascally pooch, it could mean crazy, over-the-top playtime!
Bobby is a crate-trained, and sleeps in a crate at night (in view of his foster mom’s bed) and is content in his crate while she is away.
What breed is Bobby? He very much looks like a Patterdale Terrier (rough/broken coat) in every way - size, body shape, ears, and even the unusual length of his tail. What’s more, he ACTS like that terrier breed 100%. But, that is not a breed that’s known to be found in this area, so with that in mind, it’s just a guess and frankly, we
have no idea what he is. In his picture from before he was shaved, he looked like a poodle, but his hair was so matted it was hard to say. His hair, so far, isn’t coming in curly but it’s too early to see that for sure. Maybe some schnauzer? For sure a lot of terrier in there, too, as that absolutely fits his personality.
If you are interested in adopting our miracle boy Bobby, go ahead and fill out our online application and we will see if you are a good match!
You can easily fill out an adoption application by clicking here:
adoption application
.
For those viewing on Petfinder, if you are interested in adopting this animal please click on More About Rose's Rescue, you may fill out adoption application from there. Or go to the Rose's Rescue website, www.rosesrescue.net, and click on
Fees - Adoption Info - Online Application
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Freya
CAN YOU PUT A SMILE ON MS FREYA'S FACE!Freya here! One ear up and one ear down, I am a scruffy little terrier girl. Life has not been good to me in my 5 years, but things are looking up. I came to the rescue very very thin and anemic from flea infestation. I lost a lot of my beautiful blond hair across my back and tail but it is growing back now that I have good food, baths and a clean bed to sleep in at my foster home.
I was spayed on October 1st and came through that with flying colors. I'm caught up on my vaccinations and have finished my antibiotics for lyme disease disease. I have gained 4 lbs. since my rescue and am looking good.
Read more about Freya
There is a kitty here and a rabbit and a horse and a donkey. No problem with them and I would be fine with another dog as long as they mind their own beeswax!
I will be shy at first and it will take me a few days to warm up to you. Soon you will see a little tail wag from me and then we will be friends.
I'm looking for someone who wants to give a girl a low key home, would that be you?
If interested, you can easily fill out an adoption application by clicking here: adoption application
For those viewing on Petfinder, if you are interested in adopting this animal please click on More About Rose's Rescue, you may fill out adoption application from there. Or go to the Rose's Rescue website, www.rosesrescue.net , and click on Fees - Adoption Info - Online Application
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
14. Tootie
Tootie is a 1‑year‑old Shih Tzu mix weighing just 9 pounds, and she is every bit as sweet as she looks. This little lovebug is affectionate, playful, and happiest when she’s close to her people. She’s the kind of dog who melts into your arms, follows you from room to room, and lights up the moment she sees you.
Tootie did wonderfully with kids and enjoys playing with other small dogs. Big dogs can make her a little nervous at first, but once she knows she’s safe, she warms up quickly. She loves toys, chewies, and snuggle time — she’s a perfect mix of playful energy and cozy companionship.
Read more about Tootie
She’s crate trained and doing well with housetraining, though she’ll need a bit of patience and consistency as she settles into her new routine. Tootie is learning her leash skills and improving every day. A fully fenced yard (no invisible fences) is preferred so she can explore and play safely.
This little sweetheart rides beautifully in the car, was recently professionally groomed, and will need regular grooming to keep her looking and feeling her best.
Tootie is ready for a family who will adore her, spoil her, and give her the safe, loving home she deserves. She’s a gentle, joyful, loyal little girl — and she’s so ready to be someone’s whole world.
Tootie is spayed, up to date with vaccines, microchipped, flea/worm treated and tested neg. for heartworm. Her adoption fee is $550
To keep her safe, we require a
martingale collar at the time of adoption
. If you don’t already have one, Pixie Mamas has them available for
$10
.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
15. Ricky Ras
Ricky Ras was born about January 26, 2025 and weighs about 10 lbs. When a dog comes into Rochester Animal Services in poor condition or has a potential behavior issue they deem the dog "Rescue Only" and when I saw this sad looking soul come through in an email saying second request and time was running out I felt the urge to offer him a soft place to fall. It was wonderful that a RAS volunteer met me in Dansville for the tradeoff. The story goes that Ricky had been on the run in the CITY of Rochester for some time and terribly fear protective and had to be caught with a net!!! I can't imagine how frightened he was and he was acting badly upon entry to the shelter. There are notes that within 2 days he was "eating well, shy but not aggressive" so he was settling. The poor little guy had fleas so bad there was hair loss and a very itchy secondary bacterial infection and several nasty mats. This would make most of us a little snarky! He came here a couple weeks later and was easy to handle upon being removed from his transport crate. He did ride well in the car on the two hour trip not making a peep. He is doing very well with the other dogs here. House training seems to be doing well and he has learned to use the dog door. With any of these small dogs floor potty pads being available just makes life easier. He has been fine with us humans but we've given him space and time - he's been through A LOT! He did nip his foster Dad as he was picking him up to go to the vet to be neutered. Is it possible he knew where he was going and for what??? Well, this was quite the story and as he continues to heal both physically and emotionally, we look forward to an application from someone willing to give him a forever home where nothing bad will ever happen again. Update: Ricky has grown a GORGEOUS fluffy, wavey, coat of fur and enjoys being brushed. He particularly loves one person here and shows her just how much love and affection he has been starved of for however long we've no clue. When picked up and held against her chest he licks her neck, snuggles in, and wiggles and wags - ADORABLE for someone that is willing to give him the time he needs and someone that understands he may not be ok in a high stress/social environment such as a Petsmart for a very long time, if ever. The Adoption Fee for this dog is $_350.00__.
Adoptions fees vary based on adoptability. In general our fees include spay/neuter, all age appropriate vaccines, Home Again micro-chipping & registration, worming & flea control - a "complete" pet. We accept CASH or Visa/Mastercard ONLY.
Read more about Ricky Ras
Joyful Rescues has no funding except for our adoption fees and miscellaneous donations. Pet care and vet bills are expensive - you must be ready to take on this financial (as well as emotional) responsibility. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 25 YEARS OF AGE TO ADOPT A DOG FROM JOYFUL RESCUES
We keep our pet list as up-to-date as possible. As soon as a pet is adopted, it is removed from the list. If a pet is still showing, it is still available for adoption.
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Look for the Link "Special Instructions to Seller" if you want to note a particular pet
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
16. Cuddle Bug Dizzy
We did not name this little girl, but we are definitely going to roll with it for now. LOL Introducing Dizzy! New to Paws and Prayers, this sweet 23lb girl is proving to be an amazing velcro cuddle-bug lap dog! Ha! Two year old Dizzy is super sweet, and did wonderful during her medical exam, vaccines, etc today. Dizzy took about 3-5 days to get used to her new doggie brother in the home, so if you have current dogs and are interested in Dizzy, it may take a few days of introductions between a kitchen gate! (She is not a fan of being crated and will act likes she's dying in one.) lol She has been doing great with potty training, and seemed to really enjoy having a fenced in yard to run, play and go potty in!
Read more about Cuddle Bug Dizzy
If you would like to be considered to adopt this lovely girl, please fill out our application at pawsandprayers.org. Her adoption fee is $400, and includes her spay surgery, up to date vaccines, microchip, dewormer, flea, tick and hw prevention, and endless love from Dizzy!
- Good with kids
17. Gizmo Chia
Gizmo was born around August 1, 2024 and weighs about 6 pounds. The reason Gizmo is with us is very perplexing. He ended up being given away or purchased, we are uncertain, on a Facebook group by a young family with a small child and a baby about a year prior. We were told he had bitten including the woman and the child so we were very cautious at first and accepted Gizmo knowing he may be unadoptable and he'd be able to live here as a sanctuary dog. We gave him space for a couple of days and then he came to us happily desiring our attention and touch. We saw an incredibly sweet little Chia emerge and it's been a few weeks and we genuinely ADORE him! He showed no signs of aggression so we decided to send him to show and tell at Petsmart with a capable handler just in case. The report back was glowing and that he did beautifully with all humans who approached him and even the kids, although we don't want to put him in a home with little kids so nothing more negative happens to him. One thing his foster mom noticed was when she bended to pick him up he was very uncomfortable and squiggled away and was hard to "catch". This behavior has subsided and she has to believe the child was not handling Gizmo appropriately or kindly and so the problems arose. Gizmo has been wonderful with the other dogs and even plays with them, we are told he is great with cats too. He has discovered the split antlers and enjoys a good chew fest. We are told Gizmo is house-trained but be prepared for accidents with big life changes and floor potty pads are always handy for these little guys. Gizmo rides well in the car and LOVES to cuddle under blankets. Gizmo has slight luxating patellas, but they don't bother him, and he runs, plays and jumps with no issues. So, here is his story and this is what we've discovered about this tiny, tan, love bug! The Adoption Fee for this dog is $350.00
Adoptions fees vary based on adoptability. In general our fees include spay/neuter, all age appropriate vaccines, Home Again micro-chipping & registration, worming & flea control - a "complete" pet. We accept CASH or Visa/Mastercard ONLY.
Read more about Gizmo Chia
Joyful Rescues has no funding except for our adoption fees and miscellaneous donations. Pet care and vet bills are expensive - you must be ready to take on this financial (as well as emotional) responsibility. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 25 YEARS OF AGE TO ADOPT A DOG FROM JOYFUL RESCUES
We keep our pet list as up-to-date as possible. As soon as a pet is adopted, it is removed from the list. If a pet is still showing, it is still available for adoption.
Can't Adopt Me? SPONSOR ME
Look for the Link "Special Instructions to Seller" if you want to note a particular pet
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
18. Victor Alfred
Victor was born around December 1, 2025 and might top out around 15 pounds. Victor was part of an accidental litter. Victor was raised in a loving home with teenage children. Victor is still very much a puppy and has discovered what fun a split antler is. He has also become a good swimmer in a pool or the pond and enjoys floating with you when given the chance. He is an exceptional love bug and does enjoy playing with the other dogs. We feel he is doing well on house training, but encourage our small dog adopters to have potty floor pads handy as it just makes life so much easier for everyone. Victor does ride well in the car and is fine on leash. This cutie is happy go lucky and comfortable in all sorts of situtions. The Adoption Fee for this dog is $600.00
Adoptions fees vary based on adoptability. In general our fees include spay/neuter, all age appropriate vaccines, Home Again micro-chipping & registration, worming & flea control - a "complete" pet. We accept CASH or Visa/Mastercard ONLY.
Read more about Victor Alfred
Joyful Rescues has no funding except for our adoption fees and miscellaneous donations. Pet care and vet bills are expensive - you must be ready to take on this financial (as well as emotional) responsibility. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 25 YEARS OF AGE TO ADOPT A DOG FROM JOYFUL RESCUES
We keep our pet list as up-to-date as possible. As soon as a pet is adopted, it is removed from the list. If a pet is still showing, it is still available for adoption.
Can't Adopt Me? SPONSOR ME
Look for the Link "Special Instructions to Seller" if you want to note a particular pet
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
Adopting a small dog in Erie
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 Erie
- Pixie Mamas RescueBuffalo, NY · 6 small dogs above
- Paws and PrayersCuyahoga Falls, OH · 3 small dogs above
- Rose's RescueRootstown, OH · 3 small dogs above
- Joyful Rescues, Inc.Cuba, NY · 3 small dogs above
- Toby's Critter Cove RescueCuyahoga Falls , Oh · 2 small dogs above
- Sadie's Safe Harbor Canine RescueHamburg, NY · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Erie
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Erie?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Erie, Pennsylvania, have 18 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Erie?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Erie right now are Pixie Mamas Rescue (Buffalo, NY), Paws and Prayers (Cuyahoga Falls, OH) and Rose's Rescue (Rootstown, OH). 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.