Johnson City, TN

Small Dogs for Adoption in Johnson City, TN: 8 Little Dogs Looking for a Home

Small Dogs up for adoption near Johnson City, TN

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Johnson City 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 Chihuahua, Terrier and Rat Terrier.

1. Roxy

Senior · Female · Rat Terrier / Mixed · 99 mi from Johnson City

Meet Roxy! 15 years young and still full of love to give!Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, and through no fault of her own, sweet Roxy finds herself looking for a new place to call home. Roxy was surrendered by a family who loved her dearly, and while starting over at 15 years old isn’t easy, she has so much love left to give to the right family.Roxy is a sweet, affectionate girl whose favorite place to be is right by your side. She’s happiest simply being near her people, soaking up all the love and attention she can get. Don’t let her age fool you, though! She still enjoys the occasional play session with her favorite toys, but what she especially loves is spending time with her dog friends.Roxy gets along wonderfully with both dogs and cats, making her a lovely addition to a home with other furry companions.

Read more about Roxy

She’s more of a homebody and can be nervous in unfamiliar environments or out in public. Car rides aren’t exactly her idea of a good time either! She isn’t difficult in the car, but she does tend to shake and sometimes whine throughout the ride. A cozy home and a predictable routine are much more her speed.When meeting new people, Roxy can be a little shy and skittish at first. She just needs some time, patience, and reassurance to feel comfortable. But once she lets you into her heart, get ready for a little shadow! She becomes incredibly attached to her people and would happily spend her days following you from room to room.As far as her medical history goes, Roxy has an asymptomatic grade 2 heart murmur and mild arthritis. Otherwise, she’s doing wonderfully for a girl her age! She also has a little skin tag on her face, which is purely cosmetic and causes her no medical issues. And honestly, Roxy knows she’s adorable with or without it!Roxy may be 15, but she still has plenty of cuddles, companionship, and love to offer. She’s not looking for grand adventures or a busy lifestyle. She just wants a soft place to land, a family to call her own, and someone who will let her spend her golden years feeling safe, loved, and cherished.Applications can be filled out at www.piedmontanimalrescue.com/adopt! Petfinder and Adopt-A-Pet does NOT send us Applications. We receive many applications and many never respond after processing GREATLY delaying the pets forever home. Please only apply if you are serious about adopting. Please also make sure your pets are up to date on you species applicable Vaccines (rabies, Distemper/Parvo, FVRCP, Bordetella), spayed/neutered, and on Heartworm prevention if a canine. The adoption fee includes their age appropriate vaccinations(DA2PP and Bordetella), Dewormer, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm test as well as the registration of their microchip information to you.The first step to adopting is to fill out an application for adoption. Once approved we will arrange a time for you to meet the animal you are interested in. If it is a match the adoption can then be completed and you can take home your new furry family member. If it is not a match we will file your approved application and you can wait till you find the perfect match.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Roxy fromPiedmont Animal RescueMooresville, NC · listed Nov 4

2. Rizzo

Adult · Female · Terrier · 60 mi from Johnson City

Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact kellyapplegate.advocates@gmail.comfor more information or to adopt the pet.Sadly, I'm rehoming my sweet, female, small, terrier mix Rizzo. I've been fostering her for 2 1/2 months, and she has come a long way but she really needs a friend. She's potty-trained, leash-trained, and takes a bit to warm up to people but once she does she is so snuggly and will follow you everywhere. She loves other dogs and animals too.

Read more about Rizzo

She's about 3 years old and weighs 12 lbs. She is spayed, and she has had all of her initial shots and comes with vet records.She must be placed with someone with another dog in the house because she has a lot of energy and needs a buddy (preferably another small dog). She doesn't like being left alone but does not mess with anything when she is. She's always ready for long hikes and playing. Having a fenced in yard would be great too. Asking for a $300 rehoming fee for vet expenses, and she will come with her toys, bed and harness.Please let me know at kellyapplegate.advocates@gmail.com if you are interested, and we can schedule a meet and greet! I'm hoping to get her settled into her new home as soon as possible as I want her to bond with her new family.Also, If cost is a barrier, I'm sure there's something we can work out as long as it's a good fit!

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Rizzo fromMountain Pet Rescue AshevilleCandler, NC · listed Nov 4

3. Ziggy

Puppy · Male · Terrier / Mixed · 99 mi from Johnson City

Ziggy is a sweet, intelligent boy who has quickly settled into foster life and made himself right at home. He loves going for walks, keeping an eye on squirrels in the backyard, and curling up for snuggles on the couch. Ziggy is incredibly gentle with his foster brother and enjoys meeting new dogs during neighborhood walks.One of Ziggy's favorite outings is walking to school pickup, where he happily soaks up attention from the kids. He has wonderful manners, calmly accepting pets without jumping. At home, he's quiet and content in his crate through the night and is fully house-trained. Ziggy is a loving, well-behaved companion who is ready to bring joy to his forever family.Applications can be filled out at www.piedmontanimalrescue.com/adopt! Petfinder and Adopt-A-Pet does NOT send us Applications.

Read more about Ziggy

We receive many applications and many never respond after processing GREATLY delaying the pets forever home. Please only apply if you are serious about adopting. Please also make sure your pets are up to date on you species applicable Vaccines (rabies, Distemper/Parvo, FVRCP, Bordetella), spayed/neutered, and on Heartworm prevention if a canine. The adoption fee includes their age appropriate vaccinations(DA2PP and Bordetella), Dewormer, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm test as well as the registration of their microchip information to you.The first step to adopting is to fill out an application for adoption. Once approved we will arrange a time for you to meet the animal you are interested in. If it is a match the adoption can then be completed and you can take home your new furry family member. If it is not a match we will file your approved application and you can wait till you find the perfect match.

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Ziggy fromPiedmont Animal RescueMooresville, NC · listed Nov 2

4. Mira

Young · Female · Chihuahua / Terrier / Mixed · 72 mi from Johnson City

If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org

Adopt Mira fromHeart of the Foothills Animal RescueRutherfordton, NC · listed Oct 22

5. Sonny

Puppy · Male · Boxer / Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 72 mi from Johnson City

If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Sonny fromHeart of the Foothills Animal RescueRutherfordton, NC · listed Sep 30

6. Nacho

Adult (5 years 5 months) · Male · Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat) · 71 mi from Johnson City

Nacho was origionally rescued from a bad hoarding situation along with several others and had NO socialization (they lived like wild animals). Nacho was one of the lucky ones who was adopted into a great home butt sadly his owner became unable to care for him & we were asked to take him. Nacho has anxiety issues in new situations that he is unfamiliar with. When it becomes an every day thing, he is more comfortable with it. He pees just about every time he gets excited about anything. New people, being scolded, a new venue, greeting us when we come home, even waiting for me to fix his food! He does not like getting his feet wet or cold and does not like being rained on.

Read more about Nacho

Noises still bother him, like thunder, the planes that fly over, motorcycles, loud cars, and any beeping sound like microwave or oven. Nacho is really good on a leash and he and Max will walk together side-by-side. He loves for us to go out with him in the yard. Nacho is very sweet and now lets us get close to him, give him a kiss and put our hands over his head to hook his leash without cowering. He loves being rubbed and snoozing on a lap. He now sleeps very soundly and likes to be covered with a blanket at night. Nacho has not been exposed to children while with us but I don’t think small children would be a good idea because of his suspected breed (Chi mix) and jealousy. Nacho seems to like a companion and had to be taught that Max was here and there was no room for jealousy. He has learned tolerance, manners, and to slow down his eating. Nacho’s new adopter will need to understand and be willing to invest time to ensure that he adapts to a new household, acclimates to a new life and is given time to learn new routines without being punished for not meeting whatever standards they have set ahead of time.

  • No young kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Nacho fromLost Fantasy RescueCeres, VA · listed Sep 29

7. Jasmine

Senior · Female · Chihuahua / Mixed · 99 mi from Johnson City

Meet Jasmine!Jasmine is a quiet, gentle senior girl with the sweetest soul. She came to PAR after being picked up as a stray by Animal Control, where it was discovered that she had injuries believed to be from an animal attack. She required surgery, but her wounds have healed and she is now ready to find a loving home of her own.Jasmine can be shy at first and needs a little time to feel comfortable, but as she begins to trust, her sweet personality starts to shine. She is more confident around women and can be a little more timid with men. She does well with other dogs and enjoys the simple things in life, especially soft blankets, comfy dog beds, and a warm spot to relax.One of Jasmine’s favorite things is spending time outside.

Read more about Jasmine

She loves slowly exploring the yard, sniffing all the interesting smells, and soaking up the sunshine on a beautiful day. A home with a fenced yard would be ideal for her so she can safely enjoy her outdoor time.Like many super seniors, Jasmine does have some medical needs, and she is still working on her house manners. Frequent bathroom breaks help her stay on track.After everything Jasmine has been through, she deserves a peaceful home where she can feel safe, loved, and spoiled. She may take a little time to give you her trust, but this gentle girl still has so much love to give. Applications can be filled out at www.piedmontanimalrescue.com/adopt! Petfinder and Adopt-A-Pet does NOT send us Applications. We receive many applications and many never respond after processing GREATLY delaying the pets forever home. Please only apply if you are serious about adopting. Please also make sure your pets are up to date on you species applicable Vaccines (rabies, Distemper/Parvo, FVRCP, Bordetella), spayed/neutered, and on Heartworm prevention if a canine. The adoption fee includes their age appropriate vaccinations(DA2PP and Bordetella), Dewormer, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm test as well as the registration of their microchip information to you.

Adopt Jasmine fromPiedmont Animal RescueMooresville, NC · listed Sep 25

8. Teddy

Young · Male · Hound / Feist / Mixed · 72 mi from Johnson City

If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Teddy fromHeart of the Foothills Animal RescueRutherfordton, NC · listed Aug 12

Adopting a small dog in Johnson City

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 Johnson City

Questions about adopting small dogs in Johnson City

How many small dogs are up for adoption in Johnson City?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Johnson City, Tennessee, have 8 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a small dog in Johnson City?

The rescues with the most small dogs near Johnson City right now are Piedmont Animal Rescue (Mooresville, NC), Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue (Rutherfordton, NC) and Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville (Candler, NC). 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.