Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in Charleston, SC: 10 Dogs Good with Children
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Charleston have 10 kid-friendly 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 has been marked by their rescue as good with children, usually because they've lived with kids in a foster home.
Not in Charleston? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Sissy
Sissy is an adorable 9-week-old female mixed-breed puppy with a big heart and lots of puppy love to share!
This sweet girl is off to a great start! She sleeps through the night in her crate like a champ and is working hard on her potty training. She’s already figured out how to use the doggie door, too! Sissy is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on all age-appropriate vaccinations, so she’s ready to find her forever family.
Sissy loves her toys, enjoys the company of other dogs, and is always up for a little playtime. But when her batteries run low, she transforms into a champion snuggler who loves nothing more than cuddling up with her favorite humans.
Like any young puppy, Sissy is still learning about the world and will need a family ready to continue her training, provide plenty of love, and help her grow into the amazing dog she’s meant to be.
Read more about Sissy
Her adoption fee is $450. Please use this link for the application to be approved for adoption: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=SGVJMGQY
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
2. Coyote
Meet Coyote!
Say hello to Coyote, a 9-week-old Shepherd mix puppy with a big heart and a happy-go-lucky personality! This sweet boy loves everyone he meets and is always ready to make a new friend. Whether he’s soaking up attention, playing with his favorite people, or simply being his adorable puppy self, Coyote is sure to bring plenty of love, laughter, and puppy kisses to his forever home.
Coyote’s mom is Ladybird, who you can find on our website! Now it’s his turn to find a family of his very own. At this age, he’s ready to learn all about the world, grow into his personality, and make lots of wonderful memories with his new family.
Read more about Coyote
Coyote is neutered, microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, dewormed, and on preventative care. He’s off to a great start and ready to find the people who will love him for a lifetime!
If you’re looking for a sweet, social, happy little companion to add to your family, Coyote might just be your perfect match. ❤️
Adoption Fee: $450. Please fill out the link found here to be approved for adoption: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=SGVJMGQY
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
3. Ladybug
❤️ Ladybug Is Ready to Land in Your Lap! ❤️
Stop scrolling… your lucky little lovebug is HERE!
Meet Ladybug, a 4-year-old, 30-pound shepherd mix with a whole lot of love to give and a whole new chapter waiting to begin!
Ladybug has officially retired from her mama duties (her babies are all grown up!), and now it’s time for this sweet girl to be somebody’s BABY! She’s ready for a life full of snuggles, playtime, yummy treats, cozy naps, and being told how pretty she is approximately 47 times a day. Okay, maybe 100.
Read more about Ladybug
Friends? She LOVES them! Big dogs, little dogs, and everything in between! Ladybug is a social butterfly who enjoys making furry friends.
Tiny humans? Yes, please! Ladybug loves kids and would be happy to have little people to share her love with.
Cats and other small critters? Not her cup of tea! Ladybug would prefer a home without cats, bunnies, or other small animals.
A smart cookie, too! She already knows her “sit” command, and she’s ready to learn all the fun things her new family wants to teach her!
✨ The grown-up stuff is DONE! Ladybug is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and heartworm-negative. She’s all ready to pack her little bags and head HOME!
After raising her babies, it’s finally Ladybug’s turn to be spoiled rotten, loved endlessly, and reminded every single day that she’s somebody’s special girl.
Could you be the one to give this little lovebug her happily-ever-after? She’s ready to wiggle her way right into your heart… and probably your spot on the couch, too! ️
Ladybug is READY TO MOVE! Don't let this sweet girl wait any longer for her forever family. Come meet your new bestie!
Her adoption fee is $350. Please use this link for the application to be approved for adoption: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=SGVJMGQY
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
4. Zora
Zora… a name meaning dawn or morning light, symbolizing new beginnings and hope. And that’s exactly what this sweet girl deserves. ❤️
Unrecognizable from the day she arrived, Zora has blossomed into a beautiful, happy girl who is ready to enjoy her retirement years surrounded by love. As with many seniors, she has a few ongoing medical needs, but they certainly don't dim her light or slow her down from enjoying all the little things life has to offer.
Read more about Zora
Zora is currently looking for a foster-to-adopt home while she awaits removal of her remaining smaller mammary masses. She also has a history of bladder stones and will need to remain on a prescription urinary stone dissolution diet, such as Hill’s c/d or Royal Canin Urinary SO, for life to help manage her condition.
We know her perfect home is out there! Zora's happily ever after should include:
☀️ Long, leisurely naps
Cozy blankets and comfy beds
Slow, peaceful mornings
️ Early dinners
❤️ A family who will love her through her golden years
Zora has already overcome so much. Now it's her turn to experience the comfort, security, and unconditional love of a home of her own.
Can you be the new beginning she's been waiting for?
Adoption fee: $350. She is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, on heartworm and flea prevention and has had recent labwork.
Zora is ready to trade shelter life for soft beds, warm snuggles, and a forever family to call her own. Please use this link for the application to be approved for adoption:
https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=SGVJMGQY
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
5. Shelby
Shelby is a lovely
10-year-old, 68-pound Shepherd mix
(or at least that’s our best guess but we do have her DNA test pending!), and she is the definition of a good girl. She’s incredibly sweet, loves
dogs and kids
, and would happily spend her days soaking up affection from her people.
Read more about Shelby
Don’t let her age fool you — Shelby has plenty of pep left in her step and a
very impressive brain!
In fact, she’s so smart that she has figured out how to open gates. Because of her clever escape-artist abilities, Shelby will need to be supervised whenever she’s outside in an unsecured area. Think of her as a furry little engineer who is always looking for her next project!
And here’s another bonus:
Shelby could be an amazing apartment dog!
She doesn’t need a huge yard to be happy. What she really wants is a loving person or family, some walks and enrichment, a cozy place to nap, and plenty of companionship.
Shelby is
spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, and had normal labwork on 8/27/26.
She’s ready to leave the shelter and start her next chapter with someone who will love her as much as she deserves.
If you’re looking for a loyal, loving, smart-as-a-whip girl who has mastered the art of opening gates,
Shelby may just be your perfect match!
❤️
Come meet Shelby — she’s ready to meet her people! Her adoption fee is $250. Please use this link for the application to be approved for adoption:
https://libbyandmacesplace.org/get-involved/adopt-a-furry-forever-friend/
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
6. Bump
Meet Bump!
This handsome 5 year young, 80 lb boy is as sweet as they come and just wants the simple things in life: a comfy place to lay his head, some good food, and a human to love. Bump is friendly, affectionate, and gets along wonderfully with dogs of all sizes and ages. He’s also great with both men and women and does well with kids. Basically, Bump is ready to be your best friend and fit right into your family. He doesn’t ask for much, just a safe, loving home where he can relax, feel loved, and give that love right back.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a big heart, Bump might be your guy!
Read more about Bump
Bump is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, heartworm positive but undergoing treatment using Advantage Multi provided by the rescue and ready to roll! His adoption fee is $200. Please use this link for the application to be approved for adoption:
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
7. Anya
Anya is a beautiful 3-year-old, 91 lbs Great Pyrenees with all the qualities you hope for in a livestock guardian—and the gentle heart to match.
She is currently protecting horses, pigs, goats, and sheep, and does an excellent job with every member of her herd. Anya gets along wonderfully with all of her livestock, respects fencing, and takes her guardian duties seriously while remaining calm and dependable.
Read more about Anya
Beyond the pasture, Anya is an incredibly sweet girl who enjoys spending time with her people. While she has been living as a working livestock guardian, we believe she could also thrive as an indoor companion with patient guidance and a family willing to help her adjust to house life. Like many Great Pyrenees, she'll appreciate clear expectations, consistency, and a little time to settle into a new routine.
Anya is currently working on her leash manners and continues to make progress. She's eager to learn and would do best with a family that understands the independent but loyal nature of the breed.
If you're looking for a devoted livestock guardian or a gentle giant to become part of your family, Anya may be the perfect match. She has a loving personality, a strong work ethic, and so much to offer the right home.
She is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, on heartworm and flea prevention, heartworm negative and ready to move in! Her adoption fee is $250. Please use the link found here for the adoption application to be approved for adoption: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=SGVJMGQY
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
8. Roxie
If you’re looking for a dog who’s traded zoomies for naps, chaos for cuddles, and drama for peaceful companionship, then Roxie is your girl.
At 10 years young and 45 pounds, Roxie is the definition of easygoing. She’s the kind of dog who’s happiest simply being near her people—whether that’s snoozing by your feet while you watch TV, joining you for a leisurely stroll, or politely supervising dinner preparations in hopes of a snack or two.
Roxie is wonderfully well-mannered. She’s
housetrained
,
crate trained
, and gets along beautifully with
dogs, cats, and kids
Read more about Roxie
. That said, she’s reached the age where she appreciates a little peace and quiet. She’d love a canine companion who’s equally laid-back, but she’d politely like to decline living with any young, rambunctious whippersnappers who think every hour is playtime.
She is currently
heartworm positive
, but don’t let that scare you away. Heartworm disease is treatable, and she’ll need a family willing to help her through the treatment process so she can enjoy many more happy years ahead.
Roxie has the sweetest soul and the kindest eyes. She’s not asking for much—just a soft bed, a loving family, and a home where she can spend her golden years knowing she’s safe and cherished.
Sometimes the best dogs aren’t the youngest—they’re the ones who’ve already mastered how to love.
Roxie is ready to steal your heart. Could you be the happy ending she’s been waiting for?
Her adoption fee is $250. She is up to date on vaccines, on heartworm treatment, microchipped, had recent labwork that was overall good with elevated values due to her heartworm disease that should resolve once she is heartworm negative and spayed. Please fill out the application found here: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=SGVJMGQY
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
9. Rocky
YOUR NEXT BEST FRIEND HAS ENTERED THE CHAT
Meet
Rocky
: part puppy, part comedian, part aspiring lifeguard.
At
5 months old
, this happy-go-lucky boy loves everyone he meets and approaches life with one question:
“Can we make this a game?”
He’s goofy, playful, and always ready to splash around. If you’re looking for a buddy for adventures and daily laughs, Rocky is taking applications!
His résumé:
✅ Neutered
✅ Fully vaccinated
✅ On prevention
✅ Expected to be
35–45 lbs fully grown
✅ Self-appointed Baywatch lifeguard—known to save lives and steal hearts
✅ Adoption fee:
$450
All he’s missing?
A family to call his own.
Read more about Rocky
To be considered for adoption, please complete an adoption application at:
https://libbyandmacesplace.org/get-involved/adopt-a-furry-forever-friend/
Once approved, you'll be one step closer to welcoming Rocky into your forever family!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
10. Pippa
Meet Pippa!
If you’re looking for a playful, smart, slightly chaotic, and very lovable best friend… Pippa would like to introduce herself!
Pippa is a house-trained, crate-trained, and leash-trained girl who is ready to find her forever family. She’s an absolute sweetheart once she gets to know you, but she can be a little shy with new people at first. Give her a little time to warm up, and you’ll discover a total love bug who just wants to be your best friend.
Read more about Pippa
Pippa is very playful, obedient, and eager to please—with just a tiny bit of herding-dog “ADHD energy” mixed in. She’s a busy girl who loves having something to do and would thrive with a family that enjoys keeping her mind and body entertained.
She’s friendly with other animals, although her herding instincts definitely kick in when something runs… because apparently Pippa has a job to do! For that reason, she’d probably do best with larger, playful dogs who can keep up with her energy and enthusiasm.
She may take a little patience at first, but once Pippa decides you’re her person, prepare for maximum wiggles, affection, and unconditional love. ❤️
✨ Pippa is looking for a forever home that will love her big personality, appreciate her goofy herding-dog ways, and give her all the playtime and cuddles she deserves.
Could Pippa be your new best friend?
She is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, heartworm and flea prevention and heartworm negative. Her adoption fee is $250. Please use this link for the application to be approved for adoption: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=SGVJMGQY
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
Adopting a dog with children in Charleston
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 Charleston
- Libby and Mace's PlaceMcclellanville, SC · 10 kid-friendly dogs above
Questions about adopting kid-friendly dogs in Charleston
How many kid-friendly dogs are up for adoption in Charleston?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Charleston, South Carolina, have 10 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a kid-friendly dog in Charleston?
The rescues with the most kid-friendly dogs near Charleston right now are Libby and Mace's Place (Mcclellanville, SC). 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.