Small Dogs for Adoption in Harrisonburg, VA: 13 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Harrisonburg have 13 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 13, 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, Beagle and Shih Tzu.
- All dogs 284
- Puppies 23
- Adult Dogs 220
- Senior Dogs 18
- Kid-Friendly Dogs 59
- Cat-Friendly Dogs 26
- Large Dogs 54
Not in Harrisonburg? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. PR 50 Elvira
Young · Female · Terrier · 91 mi from Harrisonburg




The Henrico Police Animal Shelter is accessible by appointment only. Animals available for adoption can be viewed online at petfinder.com or adoptapet.com. Please contact the Animal Shelter at (804) 727-8807, Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm to schedule an appointment for adoption. Thank you.
2. Taz
Adult · Male · Chihuahua · 45 mi from Harrisonburg




Taz is in foster care! His foster wrote a bio describing him: Taz is part cuddle-bug and part energizer bunny. Some of his favorite things are playing fetch, going on walks (or runs!), getting belly rubs, and cuddling with his humans. He has bursts of high energy but also enjoys long naps in sunspots. He would do well as an only dog! He also likes playing with other small dogs, but he can play hard and rough and has a tendency to steal toys and beds, so that would need to be managed. Taz is super affectionate. He wants to love and be loved and craves lots of attention. He will stay close to your side and remind you if you forget to pet him.
Read more about Taz
He doesn’t like being home alone for too long—he’d rather be with you! Someone who works remote/hybrid or is retired may be a great fit. Taz is doing awesome with house training and doesn’t have accidents when on a regular schedule. He walks great on a leash and learns new things very quickly.
3. Otto in Richmond VA
Adult · Male · Beagle · 94 mi from Harrisonburg



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
4. Leo
Adult (2 years) · Male · Bichon Frise / Mixed (long coat) · 82 mi from Harrisonburg


Leo arrived as a stray, wearing a collar, and sporting a microchip. Unfortunately, the registration is not updated and we have not been able to reach his registered owner. We will dig a little deeper and contact the facility that inserted his microchip to see if we can find out where mom might be.
Leo appears to be house trained, but he is not neutered, snd he does like to lift his leg to mark.
Read more about Leo
although it appears he’s been recently groomed, his tummy fur is stained with the appearance of a belly band being used to control his marking. At 3 1/2 years old, even with a neuter which is required by Virginia code for all adoptions, it is possible he will always be a marker, and they never learn not to pee inappropriately. We feel this is an important note for a prospective adapter to know upfront. Although he is adorable, when humans reach for him, he can be nippy and skittish, so we feel a home with no children will be best as he could easily be in a skate artist and takeoff running again.The microchip information lists him as a bichon frise mix. He was recently trimmed or clipped, but we don’t know if his family did it or if it was a professional groomer. We have no way of knowing where his origin might be, but we know he would like to get home!
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- House-trained
5. Pin Pin
Adult (7 years 11 months) · Female · Chihuahua / Miniature Pinscher / Mixed (short coat) · 82 mi from Harrisonburg


PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
- Special needs
6. Marty and Niko
Adult · Male · Shih Tzu / Chihuahua / Mixed (medium coat) · 83 mi from Harrisonburg


Marty (Shih Tzu mix) and Niko (Chihuahua? mix) are ready for adoption together.
They are 8 and 4 years old. Been together since 2021. They do well with older kids, not with toddlers. They are good with other dogs. We don't know how they feel about cats. They are leash and crate trained and are both sweet boys. Both have been neutered and vaccinated.
If you already have a dog, bring them with you for a 'meet and greet' ! Adoption fee... $175, each, cash or credit card, includes spay/neuter, first shots and microchip.. Mon.-Sat. 10-4
- Good with dogs
- Special needs
- Adopt together
7. Aj
Puppy · Female · American Staffordshire Terrier / Eurasier / Mixed · 51 mi from Harrisonburg



Meet AJ 5 Months Old and Ready to Take on the World! Hi there! I'm AJ, a 5-month-old Pit Mix with a whole lot of love, a little puppy mischief, and a lifetime of fun just waiting to happen! I'm still just a baby, which means I'm learning all about this big, exciting world! I'll need a family willing to help me learn my manners, understand boundaries, and grow into the amazing, well-rounded girl I'm meant to be. Bonus points if you have another friendly dog who can show me the ropes and teach me the proper way to dog! A dog test will be required for any canine siblings.Interested in adopting? Fill out an application at www.humanesocietywarrencounty.org For more information email info@humanesocietywarrencounty.org Stop by the shelter today to visit with our adoptable dogs and cats! Adoption fees: Dogs $140 Cats $85 Humane Society of Warren County 1245 Progress Dr.
Read more about Aj
Front Royal, VA 22630 540-635-4734 Open 10-4 Thursday-Tuesday. Closed Wednesday
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
8. Clint
Adult (2 years) · Male · Beagle (short coat) · 82 mi from Harrisonburg


Clint came in as a stray and he is not a fan of being at the shelter. He's very afraid of all the strange sounds and barking. Plus, he's not figured out that volunteers are his friends. We have no doubt he'll come around with lots of gentle attention. He's already made it outside which is a huge step forward.
Read more about Clint
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
9. Pollux
Young (4 months 29 days) · Male · Shih Tzu / Mixed (long coat) · 82 mi from Harrisonburg







One of two sweet little puppies brought to the shelter along with their mother, due to a housing issue. The puppies are loving time with their foster canine siblings, love lap time with their Foster Mom, and are learning to use the doggie door, making house training much easier for them. Pollux is neutered, microchipped, and current with his rabies vaccine. Adoption fee $400.
Read more about Pollux
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Buddy
Adult (3 years) · Male · Chihuahua / Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 78 mi from Harrisonburg







Buddy is such a fun little dude searching for his best friend. He’s silly and playful but also loves some good scratches and a snuggle in a blanket, lap included is even better! He is still learning a lot about the world and how to be the best boy he can, but he is so quick and eager to learn. He loves to be outside and his personality comes out quickly if there’s sunshine and grass involved. Buddy also does really well inside and enjoys crate time. His adoption fee is $250.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
11. Lenny
Adult · Male · Chihuahua / Rat Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 57 mi from Harrisonburg




Meet Lenny, the world’s cutest little sausage! This 8–10 year old chihuahua–rat terrier mix (we think!) is small in size but huge in love. His favorite hobbies include: sitting on your lap, sitting next to you, and going on calm evening walks like a tiny gentleman.
Lenny is great with cats, dogs, and kids, and he absolutely melts when you pick him up. He’s the perfect companion for someone who wants a loyal shadow, a snuggle buddy, and a sweet pup who enjoys exploring the neighborhood.
https://fierceloverescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
12. Gigi
Adult (8 years 11 months) · Female · Boston Terrier / Miniature Pinscher / Mixed (short coat) · 100 mi from Harrisonburg





Gigi is a loving, affectionate, and often cuddly dog who wants nothing more than to snuggle next to you all curled up in a ball and to be where you are at all times. She will thrive with a person or family who can give her a bit of room to roam, regular long walks, and attention. Gigi is so calm in her snuggly state that she has even sat in a ball up on someone’s desk, and a recliner or couch or bed or floor are all equally fine to her.
Gigi does well with older children, say 6 and older. She has allowed herself to be dressed up to play with them.
Read more about Gigi
When around other dogs or outside she is an active explorer and can be very enthusiastic about where she wants to go (note: this translates to pulling that can be quite sudden or hard, so she should only be walked be someone experienced who can manage a sudden strong jerk on the leash.)
Gigi has only occasionally made a play for food around the house, mostly when bored, though be aware that she is very capable of thrusting so strongly with her tiny legs that she can make it up to a dining room table! This only happened 1-2 times but I have to share so no one loses their dinner unaware! She can also be an excellent guard dog as she is alert to noises outside and will bark back accordingly; as a result she would probably do better in a neighborhood or community with some space for quiet.
We're still evaluating her around cats.
Gender: Spayed Female
Approx. DOB: 8/9/2017
Weight: about 20 pounds
- Good with kids
- House-trained
13. Sybbie aka Sybil
Adult (5 years 5 months) · Female · Australian Shepherd / Mixed (long coat) · 82 mi from Harrisonburg





Five year old Sybbie is a mini-Australian Shepherd mix whose family was not equipped to handle her high energy needs after two toddlers joined the family. Sybbie is in a foster home where her foster mom observed: “
Sybbie wants to be your loyal companion. This high energy girl will fetch a tennis ball and drop it at your feet. She's learning to not try to attack cars that pass or the vaccuum. Her instincts to protect and herd moving objects away from her human jump in. Sybbie should not be with cats, as she is too rough when trying to corral them. But she enjoys playing with the other dogs in her foster home.”
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- Special needs
Adopting a small dog in Harrisonburg
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 Harrisonburg
- Friends of Campbell County Animal ControlRustburg, VA · 5 small dogs above
- Henrico Police Animal ShelterGlen Allen, VA · 1 small dog above
- Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson CountyLovingston, VA · 1 small dog above
- Ring Dog RescueRichmond, VA · 1 small dog above
- Berkeley County Humane SocietyMartinsburg, WV · 1 small dog above
- Humane Society of Warren CountyFront Royal, VA · 1 small dog above
- Central Virginia Regional RescueForest, VA · 1 small dog above
- Fierce Love RescueStephens City, Va · 1 small dog above
- SPCA of Northern VirginiaArlington, VA · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Harrisonburg
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Harrisonburg?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Harrisonburg, Virginia, have 13 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Harrisonburg?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Harrisonburg right now are Friends of Campbell County Animal Control (Rustburg, VA), Henrico Police Animal Shelter (Glen Allen, VA) and Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County (Lovingston, VA). 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.