Dogs for Adoption in Nelson County, VA: 10 Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

11 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 1 rescue or shelter in Nelson County. Here are 10 of the newest arrivals, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the dogs up for adoption in Nelson County, 3 young dogs, 7 adults and 1 senior. The breeds you'll see most are Pit Bull Terrier, Beagle and Bluetick Coonhound, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Nelson County? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Lily
Adult · Female · Bluetick Coonhound



Lily is a 4-year-old Bluetick Coonhound who is ready to find her forever home! She is already spayed and ready to start her next chapter. If you love hounds, Lilly might just be the girl for you! Come meet her and see if she is the perfect addition to your family! ❤️
2. Taz
Adult · Male · Chihuahua




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. Gizmo
Adult · Male · Husky / Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler / Mixed




Get ready to meet Gizmo, a 2-year-old FUN BOY who is one seriously cool dude! This handsome guy is possibly a Husky/German Shepherd mix (our best guess!), and he’s ready to find a family to call his own. At 40 lbs he's a great size! Gizmo came to a shelter after his previous owners welcomed a new puppy and decided that three dogs were just too many. Now, this awesome boy is hoping someone will give him the second chance he deserves! Gizmo has lived with other dogs and kids, so he has some experience being part of a family! We’re not sure how he feels about cats just yet, so that would be something to explore.This fun-loving dude has so much life ahead of him, and all he needs is someone willing to give him a chance. Could Gizmo be the missing piece to your family?
4. Tj
Young · Male · Cattle Dog / Terrier / Mixed




Meet TJ! This 8 month old cattle dog mix is just as sweet as he can be. He's a regular at Camp Merricks and has never caused one bit of trouble. He loves to play and does great with other dogs. He was recently at the Overland Expo event at Oak Ridge Estate and met people nicely, without jumping. When he was tired, he went right to the crate available to him and took a nap. TJ is crate trained and does well on a leash, but needs a little practice. He is learning good manners and is eager to learn more. Sweet, gentle personality Knows “sit” Takes treats nicely Very dog-friendly and loves having canine buddiesTJ is a happy go lucky boy that's a great size to go anywhere with you. At only 41 lbs. he's capable, willing, friendly, and ready to Go! Come meet TJ today.
5. Dollar
Young · Male · Pit Bull Terrier




Meet Dollar! He's a ten month old boy who has spent the majority of his short life in the shelter system. He's been really fortunate to first have been in the Amherst shelter with their kind folks and three times a week visits to Camp Merricks to play, and now waiting with us for his forever family to find him! Dollar is good with other dogs and enjoys playing. He has suffered some shelter stress that resulted in him chewing his tail. He's getting better and his tail is healing. Dollar is a pretty chill guy. He is gentle and sweet. He can be a little timid in new situations, but warms up with the a bit of encouragement and patience.
Read more about Dollar
He has been to events and was a little shy, but warmed up as he realized people wanted to love on him. He's wears a sharp tuxedo coat and has a handsome smile. At only 35 lbs. he's a great size too! Stop in and meet Dollar and maybe take home your BEST friend!
6. Tia
Young · Female · Pit Bull Terrier




This pretty girl is Tia! She lived with three other dogs. When all four dogs got out and brought to Amherst Animal Control, their owner surrendered all but one, understanding four dogs was just too much. We snatched Tia up when we had some empty rooms so we could help them with their overcrowded shelter. Tia has a beautiful black & white coat and a distinguished blue eye making her easy to identify. Tia walks nicely on a leash and was wonderful when she recently attended the Overland Expo event at Oak Ridge Estate. She is learning basic commands, but still has some learning to do. Tia is only 1 year old & has plenty of time to learn new commands to be the best dog she can be in her future.
Read more about Tia
She's a nice size at 48 pounds. Tia is dog friendly. She spent a couple days at Camp Merricks and had no issues with play groups with all kinds of dogs. At the shelter, she seemed like she wanted to be friends with the cats. If you have cats we can spend more time cat testing her. Come meet this beautiful, sweet, girl! She's sure to be a perfect family friend.
- Good with dogs
7. Abby
Adult · Female · American Bulldog / Terrier / Mixed



Meet Abby! She's the sweetest House Hippo you will ever come across. Abby is a BIG girl at 87 lbs. but she is so sweet. She has spent a lot of time at Camp Merricks and has never been a problem in any of the play groups she has been in. She was a momma dog for a long time, and she's now very happy to never have puppies again. Abby LOVES water. She will roll around and splash in tubs and small pools... just like a hippo! What Abby REALLY wants is to be inside, on the couch, snoozing or spending time with you. Even when she is at Camp, she is always looking for an opportunity to go inside.
Read more about Abby
Abby's only fault is she pulls like a train on leash. She wants to go where she wants to go, which is back inside. If you don't need to walk your dog everywhere, and just want a house companion who will take up a little space, Abby might be your girl. She's just SO loveable. Meet Abby today and see if she's the House Hippo you didn't know you needed!
- Good with dogs
- No cats
8. Panda
Adult · Male · Great Pyrenees / Pointer / Mixed




Panda is a Great Pyrenees/Pointer mix (we are guessing!) weighing around 80 pounds. He is stressed in the shelter environment and doesn’t show well in his kennel, so anyone interested in meeting him should plan to meet him outdoors.Panda walks very well on a leash and does not pull. He also enjoys having his belly rubbed! He can play roughly with other dogs, so he may do best with a dog who is comfortable with a more rowdy play style. A proper introduction would be important.Panda is having a hard time adjusting to shelter life, and we hope to find him a home where he can settle in and show more of his personality. If you’re interested in meeting Panda, please ask to spend some time with him outside!
9. Miley
Adult · Female · Hound




Miley is a sweet 3-year-old hound with a gentle heart and a whole lot of love to give. She’s currently going through heartworm treatment, but thanks to the incredible generosity of a wonderful donor, her treatment has been sponsored! Despite everything she’s been through, Miley continues to show just how sweet and loving she is. She’s the kind of hound who reminds you that a little patience, kindness, and love can make all the difference.Miley is taking things one day at a time while she finishes her treatment and gets ready for the happy, healthy life she deserves. We are so grateful to her amazing sponsor for giving Miley this chance and helping her on her journey to brighter days. Keep cheering for Miley as she heals — this sweet girl has so much love left to give! If you are interested in adopting Miley, submit an application.
10. Aki
Senior · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Husky / Mixed




Aki is a sweet, easygoing 9-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix who is looking for a quiet home where he can spend his golden years being someone’s devoted companion.Aki is affectionate, loving, and wonderfully low maintenance. He doesn’t need much to be happy — a comfortable place to relax, some attention from his people, and the companionship of someone who enjoys having a loyal friend by their side. He would be especially well suited for an older couple or someone who spends a lot of time at home and is looking for a calm, loving pet.There is one very important thing to know about Aki: he does not like other dogs or cats.
Read more about Aki
He needs a home where he will be the only pet and, most importantly, where interactions with other dogs will not happen. His ideal home would be a quiet environment without regular exposure to other animals.If you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate companion who is perfectly content to simply be by your side, Aki may be your guy. ❤️Aki is ready to find his person and enjoy the simple things in life — love, comfort, companionship, and a place to finally call home.Stop in anytime between 11:00 and 6:00 daily to meet Aki.
- Only dog
- No cats
Rescues and shelters near Nelson County
The rescues with the most dogs listed in Nelson County.
- Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson CountyLovingston, VA · 11 dogs
How to adopt from Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County
Dogs: $150 - Includes Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlichia Test, DHLPP and Rabies Vaccination, Dewormings, flea and tick treatment (if needed), and Spaying/Neutering. Puppies (0-6 months): $200 - Includes 3 DHLPP Vaccinations, 3 Dewormings, a Certificate for a Rabies Vaccination, flea and tick treatment (if needed), and Spaying/Neutering by a participating veterinarian. Cats: $80 (or 2 for $120) Includes Feline Leukemia/Aids test, 2 RCP Vaccinations, Rabies Vaccination, 2 Dewormings, flea and tick treatment (if needed), and Spaying/Neutering. Kittens (0-6 Months): $120 (or 2 for $160) includes a Feline Leukemia/Aids test, 3 RCP Vaccinations, 3 Dewormings, Certificate for a Rabies Vaccination, flea and tick treatment (if needed), and Spaying/Neutering by a participating veterinarian.
Adopting a dog in Nelson County
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.
Questions about adopting a dog in Nelson County
How many dogs are up for adoption in Nelson County?
As of November 4, 2026, 11 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption in Nelson County, Virginia, by 1 rescue or shelter. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Nelson County?
The rescues with the most dogs near Nelson County right now are Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County (Lovingston, VA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Nelson County?
Not right now. Rescues in Nelson County have no puppies listed today, but new dogs arrive every day, so check back soon.
How do I adopt a dog in Nelson County?
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.