Dogs for Adoption in Chester, VA: 20 Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

59 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 3 rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Chester. Here are the 20 nearest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the dogs up for adoption within 25 miles of Chester, 10 puppies, 14 young dogs, 33 adults and 2 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Pit Bull Terrier, Hound and Labrador Retriever, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Chester? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Lurch
Puppy (3 months 13 days) · Male · Hound / Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 1 mi from Chester



Lurch was taken into rescue after being dumped at the shelter with his siblings. He LOVES to play with the other dogs in his foster home & is a big cuddler! He is sleeping in his crate at night & is doing well with house training. Lurch is good with cats, dogs & kids. His breed make up is just a guess as we have not had a DNA test done & he came from the shelter. The adoption fee is $375 and includes age appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip & spay or neuter. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
2. Zero
Puppy (3 months 13 days) · Male · Hound / Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 1 mi from Chester


Zero was taken into rescue after being dumped at the shelter with his siblings. He LOVES to play with the other dogs in his foster home & is a big cuddler! He is sleeping in his crate at night & is doing well with house training. Zero is good with cats, dogs & kids. His breed make up is just a guess as we have not had a DNA test done & he came from the shelter. The adoption fee is $375 and includes age appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip & spay or neuter. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Buddy
Puppy (3 months 13 days) · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 1 mi from Chester




Buddy was taken into rescue after being dumped at the shelter with his siblings. Buddy is the sweetest cuddle monster around!! He loves playing with the olther dog in his foster home then curling up as close as he can get to you for a nap. He is a spunky puppy who loves to zoom and soak up the sun! He walks well on harness & LOVES a good treat. He sleeps quietly in his crate & will even put himself to bed at night in there! He is almost fully house trained. Buddy is good with cats, dogs & kids. His breed make up is just a guess as we have not had a DNA test done & he came from the shelter. The adoption fee is $375 and includes age appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip & spay or neuter. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
4. Sage
Puppy (4 months 13 days) · Female · American Staffordshire Terrier / Dogo Argentino / Mixed (short coat) · 1 mi from Chester




Sage found herself at a local animal control as a stray. She was severely underweight & has been chowing down every meal since we took her into rescue! She is 4 or 5 months old & just a sweet baby angel!!!! She is brave on walks & likes meeting new people. Sage loves to play with the other dogs in her foster home & would thrive with another dog to blow off steam with!She is also a HUGE snuggle monster & loves to nap in close or in your lap. Sage is sleeping quietly in her crate at night & is working hard on house training. Her exact breed make up is a guess! We assume there is some pittie in there! If you haven't noticed from her pics she has ears to die for & boy does she say a lot with them!!The adoption fee is $375 and includes age appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip and spay. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
5. Moo
Puppy (2 months 29 days) · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 1 mi from Chester





These babies were found as strays with their mama & we think they were just dumped there. Since coming into rescue they have been around lots of other dogs & people! THey are little snuggle monsters!! Moo is 12 weeks old & ready for a family of his own! He sleeps quietly in his crate at night & is almost house trained. He loves to play with the other dogs & his favorite time of day is when the kids get home from school!The adoption fee is $375 and includes age appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip & spay or neuter. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
6. Jolene
Adult (3 years 1 month) · Female · American Pit Bull Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 1 mi from Chester



Jolene & her 6 babies were found as strays!!! We are pretty sure they =were just dumped. Jolene has done her mothering and is done!! Now it is time to find her a family of her very own that will never dump her & love her forever. jolene ha shown us she is house trained & will go to the door & sit when she needs to go out! Jolene is a nice medium energy dog who loves a good chew and a soft bed!! She is also a velcro dog & likes to follow you everywhere! Jolene is 3ish years old & ready for a forever family! Her adoption fee is $275. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info please email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Luna
Puppy (2 months 29 days) · Female · American Pit Bull Terrier / Hound / Mixed (short coat) · 1 mi from Chester




Luna & her 7 siblings were taken from their owner by animal control as they were not taking care of the babies. We took them into rescue and placed them in foster homes where they are loving the good life!! They are learning ALL. THE. THINGS. They love to play with other dogs and are good with kids and cats too! They are working on house and crate training and doing well with both. The adoption fee is $375 and includes age appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip & spay or neuter. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
8. Rooster
Puppy (3 months 29 days) · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier / Hound / Mixed (short coat) · 1 mi from Chester




Rooster & his 7 siblings were taken from their owner by animal control as they were not taking care of the babies. We took them into rescue and placed them in foster homes where they are loving the good life!! They are learning ALL. THE. THINGS. They love to play with other dogs and are good with kids and cats too! They are working on house and crate training and doing well with both. The adoption fee is $375 and includes age appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip & spay or neuter. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
9. Murphy
Young (1 year 5 months) · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 1 mi from Chester



Murphy was found dumped in a fenced yard of an abandoned home in Petersburg. We took him into rescue & he is settling info foster care. He has been neutered and brought up to date. He is SOOOOO sweet. He loves a good stuffy and playing with other dogs. He is really enjoying sleeping in bed with everyone! hahaHe is working hard on house training & is crate trained as well. He is good with dogs and kids. His adoption fee is $275 and includes vaccines, hw test, spay & microchip. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
10. Rory
Puppy (3 months 26 days) · Female · Labrador Retriever / American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 1 mi from Chester





Rory & her 9 siblings were taken into rescue after they were surrendered to an overcrowded shelter & were being kept in crates in the office! They are great babies!! Confident & silly & love to play then cuddle. They are working on house training and crate training and doing well with both. They are good with dogs, cats and kids. We do not know what they are mixed with. Their breed make up is just a guess. The adoption fee is $375 and includes age appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip and spay or neuter. To adopt go to www.braginc.org under forms for more info email bragincinfo@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
11. Otto in Richmond VA
Adult · Male · Beagle · 20 mi from Chester



Introducing Otto, the perfect pup! Weighing in at just 20 pounds and about 5 years old, Otto is looking for a home that is active, fun and loves to play. He is great with male and female adults, all aged kids, all sized dogs, and even cats. Otto is crate trained, house trained, and has learned how to be a snuggly indoor beagle boy, with no bad habits. Otto did not have the best start in life, so he looks a little older than he is, but he has plenty of spunk and loves to go hard, (but then go home to nap!!). Otto’s only requirement is for a person/family that will give him lots of attention and stuffies. This boy cherishes his toys!
Read more about Otto in Richmond VA
If you are interested in meeting this bubbly love bug, please contact lizmcadory@gmail.com.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
12. Jaxson
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 20 mi from Chester




Meet Jaxson — the quintessential man’s best friend.
Jaxson is looking for a human who needs him just as much as he needs them.
This boy loves with his entire soul. He’ll tuck his head between your neck and shoulder, lean in with every ounce of his being, and stay there as long as you’ll let him. There’s nothing in the world he loves more than a good snuggle. And thank goodness, because his snuggles are downright therapeutic.
Jaxson is a petite 45-pound, 6-year-old guy with a calm, easygoing personality. But every now and then, the sillies come out. He’ll roll onto his back, chomp at the air, and make the most ridiculous little gremlin noises.
His favorite things include snuggling, going for walks, chewing on bones, riding in the car, meeting people, snuggling, and, of course, more snuggling.
He absolutely adores children and has been wonderfully gentle with them.
Jaxson is a confident guy who is well-behaved in the house.
Read more about Jaxson
He prefers to be in the same room as his people, but he’s happy to settle in with a bone and entertain himself without being underfoot. He has a history of separation anxiety, but he’s made remarkable progress. He’s now perfectly comfortable relaxing in his crate while his people are away.
If you are interested in adopting Jaxson, please fill out an application today!
- Good with kids
- No cats
13. Jett in Powhatan VA
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 20 mi from Chester


Meet Jett! Your New Snuggle Buddy!
Say hello to Jett, a handsome 2-year-old boy who is ready to find a family to call his own!
Jett is as sweet and gentle as they come. This lovable boy has a soft heart and a serious love for snuggles! Whether you're looking for a buddy to spend your days with or a cuddle companion to relax on the couch with, Jett might just be your perfect match.
Read more about Jett in Powhatan VA
Jett is still waiting to find his forever home, and we would love nothing more than to see this sweet boy get his chance at a life filled with love, comfort, and all the cuddles he could ever want! He will be dog-tested to help us learn more about how he does with other dogs.
Could Jett be the missing piece of your family? Come meet this sweet boy and see for yourself!
Call or email today at (804) 598-5672 animalcontrol@powhatanva.gov
Powhatan Animal Control
4000 Old Plantation Road
Powhatan VA 23139
Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
Please call or visit us to learn more about Jett. If you have other dogs at home, a meet-and-greet will be needed.
Let's help Jett find the loving home he deserves!
14. Soren in Emporia VA
Young · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 20 mi from Chester







Soren was a stray picked up by the local animal control, so we know nothing about his prior life or lack thereof but we can take a guess. Soren came to us fur stained with urine and it was apparent that he had lived his life in a crate that was likely just big enough for him to lay down in. Since coming to us Soren has been fully vetted, microchipped, neutered, and is HW-. Soren is an energetic pup who's always looking for his next adventure. Soren is crate trained and has had no accidents in the crate. Soren becomes so excited when he sees you that sometimes he pees on your leg by accident (ask our volunteers how they know), this is easily corrected with a belly band. Soren was dog tested and did fine, although sometimes he's a little too excited to meet dog friends that we suggest a friend who has similar energy. Soren has not been cat tested. Soren is very photogenic and loves being the center of attention, but is also content being in the background. Soren is the perfect suburbian sized Pitbull, not too big and not too small. Soren knows the basic command of sit, and is actively willing to learn more commands as long as the cookies are free flowing.
Read more about Soren in Emporia VA
Contact "For the Love of Sam" at 434-535-1337 or 4loveofsam@gmail.com
15. Zeus in Hot Springs VA
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier · 20 mi from Chester



He is a very strong, affectionate, and full of personality. He loves to take walks, play with his toys, be outside, and of course be loved on. He needs to be in a structured home and with someone that will give him the proper training and attention he needs daily. We do not know if he is good with cats and he seems to be good with other dogs. However, he will have to go to a home with no children unless tested with them. He had an incident here at the shelter was one of the attendants took him out to show her brother and he jumped and nipped at him, so he does have a bite report on him. We do not believe he did this out of aggression but more out of excitement. We have tested him with a few people since and he has done fine. He has been fine with woman, men, and I personally have let him sniff my 8 month old son through a chain link fence. He didn’t care about any of them just wanted to be loved on. He is neutered and up to date on his shots. He has a scary bark but don't let that fool you, he is a goof ball that just wants a good back scratch. He does not have any food/toy aggression and honestly doesn’t care about much just wants to be with you.
Read more about Zeus in Hot Springs VA
Contact Savannah today for more details! (540) 839-7210 or savannah.fix@bathcountyva.gov
Bath County Animal Shelter
1164 Virginia Avenue
Hot Springs, VA 24484
- Good with dogs
16. Smalls in Powhatan VA
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 20 mi from Chester


Smalls is a handsome 5-year-old male Pit Bull who is just waiting for someone to give him the chance he deserves.
Smalls is a sweet guy who really wants to find his person and settle into a home where he can finally relax and feel safe. Right now, we believe Smalls would do best as the only dog in the home while he decompresses from the shelter and continues to gain confidence. That doesn't necessarily mean he can't live with another dog—we haven't seen him be outright bad with other dogs, and we believe he may be able to have a canine companion in the future with the right introduction and environment.
Smalls does have a bite record, but please don't let that automatically write him off. We would be more than happy to explain exactly what happened and answer any questions you may have. We believe understanding the circumstances is important, and we want potential adopters to have all the information they need to make the best decision for their family.
One thing Smalls will need some work on is his fence-climbing. If he sees something—or someone—he really wants to meet, he may try to climb the fence to get there! He will need a secure home and someone willing to help him work through this behavior.
Behind all of this is a sweet boy who deserves a chance to decompress, build confidence, and learn what it's like to be someone's beloved dog.
If you're willing to look past the kennel and get to know the dog underneath, Smalls would love to meet you. Come give this special guy a chance at the forever home he's been waiting for!
Read more about Smalls in Powhatan VA
Call or email today at (804) 598-5672 animalcontrol@powhatanva.gov
Powhatan Animal Control
4000 Old Plantation Road
Powhatan VA 23139
- Good with dogs
17. Buffy
Adult · Female · Pit Bull Terrier (short coat) · 20 mi from Chester



Say hello to Buffy, a delightful 50-pound bundle of joy who’s ready to find her forever home!
At around 2 years old, she’s the ideal mix of playful and cuddly.
✨ About Buffy:
•
Weight: 50 pounds
•
Age: Approximately 2 years
•
Temperament: Loving, playful, and gentle
Buffy’s favorite hobbies include snuggling up for a nap and sharing soulful eye contact that melts your heart. She adores hiking and has a knack for sniffing out box turtles—don’t worry, she’s always gentle with them! When she’s not exploring the great outdoors, you can find her chasing sticks, engaging in tug-of-war, and having a blast ripping up her stuffies.
Training & Behavior:
Read more about Buffy
Buffy is treat-motivated and a joy to train! She knows commands like sit, stay, touch, and leave it, and she’s currently working on mastering “place.” With the help of confidence-building games and tools learned, she’s blossoming beautifully. When it’s time to rest, she sleeps soundly in her crate when needed.
Good with Other Animals:
Buffy has zero interest in the four cats and free-roaming chickens she shares her space with, making her a great fit for multi-pet households.
If you’re ready to welcome this sweet girl into your life, please complete an application.
Buffy can’t wait to meet her new best friend!
If you are interested in adopting Buffy please fill out an application today!
- Good with cats
- House-trained
18. Winchester
Adult · Male · Hound (short coat) · 20 mi from Chester



Meet Winchester, a precocious hound looking for an active family. Winchester is housebroken, crate trained, and loves getting out on leash. Winchester, isn't perfect and needs a family with another dog that wants to play, he does best with structure and enjoys spending time with his people. Winchester needs either a 6 ft fence or a dedicated leash walker, he just doesn't quite get why he can't hangout on the otherside of the short fence. No cats for Winchester. Winchester is lovable, quirky, kind and fun, and with exercise which lets face it we can all use more of, he is a great companion who thrives on adventure.
Read more about Winchester
If you are interested in adopting Winchester please fill out an application today!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
19. Beckham in Roanoke VA
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 20 mi from Chester







Beckham’s Fast Facts:
Breed/Size: Pit Bull Mix, compact 42 lbs
Vetting: Neutered and 100% up-to-date on all vaccinations
Location: Roanoke, VA (willing to travel/transport)
The Ideal Home For Beckham:
Read more about Beckham in Roanoke VA
Dogs: Must be the only dog (or potentially a calm, submissive female with careful introductions). He has resource guarding/possessiveness issues with other male dogs.
Cats/Kids: He's been great with the few kids that he has met, No cats
His Best Qualities: 100% non-aggressive to humans, completely house-trained, crate-trained, walks beautifully on a leash, loves hiking, and is a wonderful couch-potato housemate when he is the sole focus of attention.
Our Situation:
We adopted Beckham 4 years ago. When living as an only dog, he completely thrived. However, when integrated with our other three dogs, his possessiveness resurfaced. To keep everyone safe, we are constantly rotating him, taking him to work, or boarding him/play care. It isn't a fair life for him; he deserves to be someone's undivided center of attention.
Contact Daniel today at (601) 967-2029 or dragsdale@bluecowicecream.com
- Good with kids
- Only dog
- No cats
20. Punch Buggy in Verona VA
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 20 mi from Chester


Punch Buggy is an active, fun-loving fella, who loves to learn new tricks and is super food motivated. He was actually adopted from SAWAS (then SVASC) previously, but his owners couldn't take him where they moved so he's here again, looking for his permanent family!
Punch Buggy outgoing, playful and loves to show off. He is about 3 years 8months old. His favorite activities include walkies and good old fashioned backyard romps. Older kiddos would be best, and he's been good with other pups so far! Kitties are a no-go!
Fill out an adoption application to set up a meet & greet today!
Read more about Punch Buggy in Verona VA
Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Animal Shelter (formerly Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center)
1011 Lee Hwy
Verona, VA 24482
(540) 943-5142
svasc@co.augusta.va.us
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
Rescues and shelters near Chester
The rescues with the most dogs listed within 25 miles of Chester.
- Henrico Police Animal ShelterGlen Allen, VA · 31 dogs · 22 mi from Chester
How to adopt from Henrico Police Animal Shelter
$25 intact, $10 if altered New owner must pay for the spay/neuter at the vet of their choice.
- Ring Dog RescueRichmond, VA · 16 dogs · 20 mi from Chester
- Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · 12 dogs · 1 mi from Chester
How to adopt from Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.
We check vet & personal references, perform a home visit & utilize a trial period prior to finalizing an adoption. Prior to placement all animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchiped. Adult dogs adoption fee is $150 Puppies adoption fee is $200.
Adopting a dog in Chester
Most rescues ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip. Many are foster-based, so you'll often meet your dog in a volunteer's home rather than a shelter.
Senior dogs are often the calmest companions and the slowest to find homes. If you'd like a settled, affectionate dog, ask the rescues about their older residents.
Puppies go quickly, so if you've fallen for one, contact the rescue soon. Ask how big they're expected to grow, and plan for plenty of house-training and training in the first few months.
Questions about adopting a dog in Chester
How many dogs are up for adoption in Chester?
As of November 4, 2026, 59 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 25 miles of Chester, Virginia, by 3 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Chester?
The rescues with the most dogs near Chester right now are Henrico Police Animal Shelter (Glen Allen, VA), Ring Dog Rescue (Richmond, VA) and Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc. (Chester, va). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Chester?
Yes. 10 puppys are up for adoption within 25 miles of Chester.
How do I adopt a dog in Chester?
Pick a dog and contact the rescue or shelter looking after them. Most ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.