Small Dogs for Adoption in Harrisburg, PA: 10 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Harrisburg have 10 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 10, 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 Shih Tzu, Pomeranian and Pit Bull Terrier.
Not in Harrisburg? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Rosie
Rosie is the sweetest girl out there! She is a lap dog and the best companion! She loves to lay with you on the couch, in the bed or wherever you please! She is other small dog friendly and cat friendly as well.
Rosie is fully vaccinated, up to date on vaccines and will require being groomed every 2 months. She is a Yorkie and ShihTzu mix, with the sweetest personality. She is very calm and good with kids over the age of 8.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
2. Hazel
Hey there, I’m Hazel! A beautiful gray Pitty mix, 9 years young, with a heart full of love and a story that just might tug at yours. ❤️
Ya see, after giving my human 9 years of unconditional love, I slipped outside one rainy night. Instead of coming out to get me, he just shut the door. Yep, left me out in the rain! When found, my owner was contacted. He said he just didn’t have time for me anymore as d signed me away to a shelter.
OUCH! Talk about a broken heart! Nine years of loyalty, snuggles and devotion, and suddenly I was yesterday’s news. I was one depressed little gal, wondering what I’d done wrong.
Read more about Hazel
But the folks at the pound saw something my owner had forgotten. I’m SWEETER THAN SWEET! I still have a spring in my step, a twinkle in my eye and a whole lotta LOVE to give!
When I caught my Freedom Ride to Molly’s Place, I had a few young bucks along for the trip. Good grief, those whippersnappers got on my last nerve at first! But I’ve loosened up, joined in playtime, soaked up some sunshine and even learned to enjoy hanging out with the youngsters. No issues with other doggies here! Guess this old gal still knows how ta have a good time!
And don’t let my age fool ya! No senior moments here! I know how to SIT, take treats ever so GENTLY and walk pretty darn well on a leash. B
Now, I will admit, I’m a bit of a Velcro gal. After being left behind once, I’d much rather tag along with my family than sit home wondering where everybody went. I’m a people-loving, lap-warming, snuggle-bug kinda girl!
And with winter right around the corner, WHO NEEDS AN ELECTRIC BLANKET WHEN YA GOT HAZEL? I’ll keep ya warm n toasty! I also understand that the BEST things in life are love, loyalty and a comfy place beside my human.
So COME ON! Get off yer duff and come get this girl! Nine years old doesn’t mean my story is over. It just means I’m ready for the BEST CHAPTER YET!
I’m Hazel, and I may be a senior, but my LOVE has NO EXPIRATION DATE! ❤️
Kennel License #7198 To submit an adoption application, visit mollysplacerescue.org. Fill the form out completely, print, scan and email back to mollysplace@verizon.net. You must obtain pre-approval prior to visiting the dog or cat. Adoptions fees include the following: spay/neuter surgery, microchip and registration, age appropriate vaccinations, initial dewormings, Activyl for fleas, tested for FeLV and FIV (cats only), bubble bath prior to going home (dogs only) WE do not "HOLD" animals without an approved application and a non-refundable/non-transferable paid adoption fee. Adoptions are on a first come, first serve basis. We can not send extra pictures. WE do not ship, you must pick up the pet. Kitties must be transported in a secure cat carrier. Pooches require a "martingale" collar and a non-retractable leash.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
3. Bahama
Meet Bahama, available for adoption. He is a 9 years old, 18 pound, Pug Pom mix who is sweet as can be! Bahama is housetrained, leash trained, crate trained, great in a car, great with grooming, and great at the vet! Bahama is good with other small dogs, and cats too. He looks like a tiny lamb with a Pom tail and paws instead of hooves..... This handsome guy is in need of some more weight loss, but is making great progress already. Don't let this cute, perfect furball slip away from making your heart and home full of love!
To adopt Bahama, please complete an adoption application at peacelovepoms.rescuegroups.org. The $350 adoption donation ($250 for senior citizens 65+) includes core vaccines (Rabies, Parvo/Distemper, and Bordatella), Accuplex (Heart worm and Lyme test), fecal, microchip, bloodwork, neuter, dental, and all the love you can handle!
PA Kennel License 17652
Lebanon, PA
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
4. Pig Pen
Did ya ever see a person/dog who's name was just so so perfect? Well, That's me. I'm known as "Pig Pen"! Like in the cartoon Charlie Brown, Dirt, mud puddles in my case. seems to pull me in! SPLASH!!!
As a 5 year old gale, small PURE Boston Terrier I've paid my dues being and have been surrendered to Molly's Place by a breeder. I'm done being a machine for money. Now good with some dogs once acclimated, I really love people and older kids. I do need a fenced in yard to allow me the freedom I never had.
Read more about Pig Pen
After all those years, who's going to deny me my pleasures in life.. loving people and "loving to bask in a puddle of mud"! Surely someone out there is ready and willing to love, have some good laughs and enjoy giving me bubble baths as I gladly smile ear to ear.
I'm working really hard on my house training and ALMOST there. So, you can teach an older dog new tricks! Hey, maybe you can teach me to enjoy walking past a puddle without trying to jump in! Ok, I do admit I can stay clean, but don't tell anyone....
Anyway, I'm Pig Pen, a gal with attitude, love to give and ready to make the world a funnier place for whoever adopts me!
Kennel License #7198 To submit an adoption application, visit mollysplacerescue.org. Fill the form out completely, print, scan and email back to mollysplace@verizon.net. You must obtain pre-approval prior to visiting the dog or cat. Adoptions fees include the following: spay/neuter surgery, microchip and registration, age appropriate vaccinations, initial dewormings, Activyl for fleas, tested for FeLV and FIV (cats only), bubble bath prior to going home (dogs only) WE do not "HOLD" animals without an approved application and a non-refundable/non-transferable paid adoption fee. Adoptions are on a first come, first serve basis. We can not send extra pictures. WE do not ship, you must pick up the pet. Kitties must be transported in a secure cat carrier. Pooches require a "martingale" collar and a non-retractable leash.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Woody
I'm Woody, almost a year old, big dog in a little tiny/winy doggie's body! Yep, just look at my mug shot!
I came to Molly's Place as an owner surrender. No one, including me, can figure out why!? I'm cute (VERY), Playful, Cuddly, Great with people and other dogs! No little kids at this time please and working to improve house training and felt could be acclimated to live with cats! (Heck, most are bigger than me anyway!!
Just 11 months old, I'm merle colored and a "Maltipoo"! Designer dog!
I've got all my vaccinations, have had "that snip-snip thing done" and ready for a home.
Read more about Woody
My bestie buddies here at Molly's Place is a mini poodle, "Alfie". If anyone wants a pair, we are the cutest besties on earth!
Get your applications in, I'm not going to hang in here too long fur sure!
Kennel License #7198 To submit an adoption application, visit mollysplacerescue.org. Fill the form out completely, print, scan and email back to mollysplace@verizon.net. You must obtain pre-approval prior to visiting the dog or cat. Adoptions fees include the following: spay/neuter surgery, microchip and registration, age appropriate vaccinations, initial dewormings, Activyl for fleas, tested for FeLV and FIV (cats only), bubble bath prior to going home (dogs only) WE do not "HOLD" animals without an approved application and a non-refundable/non-transferable paid adoption fee. Adoptions are on a first come, first serve basis. We can not send extra pictures. WE do not ship, you must pick up the pet. Kitties must be transported in a secure cat carrier. Pooches require a "martingale" collar and a non-retractable leash.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
6. Rusty & Luna
Meet Rusty & Luna! These senior gals are looking for a soft landing together. They are bonded sisters and need to go to their furever home together.
They are very laid back and easy going, love to eat, love treats and are other small dog friendly. They are good with children over the age of 8. They are not cat friendly.
These girls are fully vetted and ready to go. Could they be your new family members? Apply for them at www.castawaycritters.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
- Adopt together
7. Zuri
Welcome, Zuri! This sweet girl joins us from Parkersburg, WV, where she was an owner surrender. We believe she is a possibly a Jack Russell Terrier mixed with border collie?? She is somewhere between 6 and 7 months old and weighs 21 pounds. We don't think she will get too much bigger (maybe wider...lol).
Zuri is a social dog and has done well meeting new people. She may be hesitant for a couple of seconds, but then she's happy to meet you with a wagging tail! She has been around all sorts of sizes of dogs and has done well with all of them. She loves to play with other dogs, especially ones more her size, but she loves her people, too! The shelter has children volunteers who strictly come to play with the puppies, and Zuri was great with them.
Read more about Zuri
She also lived with a 3 year old child in her original home.
Being that she came from a home, she is well behaved in the house and will jump right into your car! She has had no accidents and seems to be housetrained, and does okay on a leash. The crate is not her favorite place, but most puppies don't seem to enjoy it in the beginning...lol.
We have also found she seems to be drawn to men. She follows her foster dad around the house and whimpers when he leaves. She is fine with women though!
Overall, Zuri is a very good pup! She is not a high-strung dog and is actually pretty chill. If she is allowed to sleep in bed, she will sleep all night long! She would much rather be snuggled up with her people than stuck in a crate. ❤️
Zuri is a sweet, fairly social, easygoing puppy who is ready to find her forever family. She has so much to offer and would make a wonderful addition to the right home! Zuri is spayed, microchipped, current on vaccinations and preventatives. Her adoption fee is $450. If you are interested in the little cutie, please submit an application on our website at https://worthytails.rescuegroups.org. For any questions, please send an email to jessie.wilson@comcast.netThank you for your interest in a rescue pup!PA Kennel License #18991
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Chance
Meet Chance, an adorable 6 year old, Apricot mini poodle available for adoption. Chance may have lived life in a puppy mill, but he is sweet, social, and outgoing. Chance loves everyone he meets, does well in the car, does well for grooming and vetting, is almost leash trained (does need a fenced yard), loves being out and about with his humans, and does well with other small dogs in the home. He is working on potty habits, but accepts a belly band while he perfects potty training. Chance would be great as an only dog or with some furry friends. This mini poodle is a true gem and will make a great addition for a lucky family!
To adopt Chance, please complete an adoption application at peacelovepoms.rescuegroups.org.
Read more about Chance
The $350 adoption donation ($250 for senior citizens 65+) includes core vaccines (Rabies, Parvo/Distemper, and Bordatella), Accuplex (Heart worm and Lyme test), fecal, microchip, bloodwork, neuter, dental, and all the love you can handle! PA Kennel License 17652, Lebanon, PA
- Good with dogs
9. Kai
PLEASE READ ENTIRE BIO BEFORE APPLYING! Meet Kai, a gorgeous 2 year old, 8 pound Pomeranian looking for a particular forever home. This little guy was crated 23 hours a day the first 2 years of his life before coming to rescue, and it left some lasting effects that a new owner must understand. He has some neurological issues like high stepping, excessive spinning, and dramatic vocal responses to unwanted handling. He also has some behaviors that need patience and delicate approach when it comes to grooming and vetting that includes using some calming medication before hand. Kai does not allow a harness or collar to be applied so a fenced yard is required.
Read more about Kai
He thrives with other small dogs his age to play with and show him the ropes. Kai will attach to his adult people once he trust you and that involves giving him some space to figure things out, providing him a crate for security, and understanding he will come around in his own time. Kai is a comical, affectionate boy once he settles in, does well in a dog carrier for car rides, is house trained to use pee pads or potty outside, and is doing well learning how to be a dog now. Kai is on anxiety medication that have literally saved his life, allowed him to break barriers, and be a dog again. These medications should be continued for life for his physical and mental health. Kai would not be a good match to live full time with children, but visits and short exposure would be okay with supervision. This little guy will need time to settle into a new home, space, and patience from a new family, but once he does, he will bring joy to a new home.
To adopt Kai, please complete an adoption application at peacelovepoms.rescuegroups.org. The $350 adoption donation ($250 for senior citizens 65+) includes core vaccines (Rabies, Parvo/Distemper,and Bordatella), Accuplex (Heart worm and Lyme test), fecal, microchip, bloodwork, neuter, dental, and all the love you can handle! PA Kennel License 17652, Lebanon, PA
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Socks
Meet Socks the 4 year old, 11 pound sweet heart looking for his happily ever after! Socks is a red Pomeranian, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua mix who is sweet, gentle, playful, loves other dogs, and his humans to snuggle. He does need a fenced yard since he doesn't know the first thing about walking on a leash, but he does well in a car, does well for grooming, and does well at the vet too! He is working on housetraining, but accepts a belly band while he gets it down 100%. He is truly a perfect little man with lots of love to give! To adopt Socks, please complete an adoption application at peacelovepoms.rescuegroups.org.
Read more about Socks
The $350 adoption donation ($250 for senior citizens 65+) includes core vaccines (Rabies, Parvo/Distemper, and Bordatella), Accuplex (Heart worm and Lyme test), fecal, microchip, bloodwork, neuter, dental, and all the love you can handle! PA Kennel License 17652 Lebanon, PA
- Good with dogs
Adopting a small dog in Harrisburg
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 Harrisburg
- Peace Love and Poms RescueLebanon, PA · 4 small dogs above
- Molly's Place RescueMechanicsburg, PA · 3 small dogs above
- Castaway Critters, the James A. Hueholt Memorial FoundationHarrisburg, PA · 2 small dogs above
- Worthy Tails Animal RescueMechanicsburg, PA · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Harrisburg
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Harrisburg?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, have 10 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Harrisburg?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Harrisburg right now are Peace Love and Poms Rescue (Lebanon, PA), Molly's Place Rescue (Mechanicsburg, PA) and Castaway Critters, the James A. Hueholt Memorial Foundation (Harrisburg, PA). 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.