Adult Dogs for Adoption in Portsmouth, VA: 30 Grown-Up Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Portsmouth have 91 adult dogs up for adoption. Here are the 30 newest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Adult dogs usually wait longer for homes than puppies, but their personalities are already settled, so you know just what you're getting: a couch companion, a running partner or a gentle family dog.
Not in Portsmouth? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. PR 54 Barrett
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. Tank
Edgecombe County Animal Shelter is open Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30. The adoption fee is $40 for dogs and cats. This is a mandatory spay/neuter shelter. Options will be reviewed at the time of adoption.
3. Annie
Edgecombe County Animal Shelter is open Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30. The adoption fee is $40 for dogs and cats. This is a mandatory spay/neuter shelter. Options will be reviewed at the time of adoption.
4. DA 10 Kahina
Does not do good with cats.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.
- No cats
5. Paulie
Edgecombe County Animal Shelter is open Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30. The adoption fee is $40 for dogs and cats. This is a mandatory spay/neuter shelter. Options will be reviewed at the time of adoption.
6. PR 50 Elvira
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.
7. Sophie
Meet Victoria and Sophia! These two beautiful girls are 4 months old and have quite a story.
They were rescued as tiny babies from the streets of Puerto Rico. Their rescuer had originally planned to trap, spay, and release all four puppies because there simply aren't enough homes on the island. She released two, but when it came time to let Victoria and Sophia go, she just couldn't do it. Instead, she brought them home, raised them, and gave them the chance to find loving families of their own.
Read more about Sophie
Victoria looks like a tiny little (currently 12 lb) Shepherd and is expected to stay under 40 pounds full grown. Sophia has a beautiful brindle coat and is currently 16 pounds, so she may grow closer to 45 pounds.
Both girls are spayed, vaccinated, and on NexGard and Interceptor Plus. They walk nicely on a leash and are already learning their basic manners, including sit and stay. Their rescuer also speaks English, so we can share more about their time in her home and answer questions.
These girls were lucky enough to get a second chance. Now they just need families to make their futures complete!
Apply to adopt: https://caribbeanpaws.rescuegroups.org/forms/form?formid=7208
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
8. Victoria
Meet Victoria and Sophia! These two beautiful girls are 4 months old and have quite a story.
They were rescued as tiny babies from the streets of Puerto Rico. Their rescuer had originally planned to trap, spay, and release all four puppies because there simply aren't enough homes on the island. She released two, but when it came time to let Victoria and Sophia go, she just couldn't do it. Instead, she brought them home, raised them, and gave them the chance to find loving families of their own.
Read more about Victoria
Victoria looks like a tiny little (currently 12 lb) Shepherd and is expected to stay under 40 pounds full grown. Sophia has a beautiful brindle coat and is currently 16 pounds, so she may grow closer to 45 pounds.
Both girls are spayed, vaccinated, and on NexGard and Interceptor Plus. They walk nicely on a leash and are already learning their basic manners, including sit and stay. Their rescuer also speaks English, so we can share more about their time in her home and answer questions.
These girls were lucky enough to get a second chance. Now they just need families to make their futures complete!
Apply to adopt: https://caribbeanpaws.rescuegroups.org/forms/form?formid=7208
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
9. Otto in Richmond VA
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
10. DA 42 Sherlock
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.
11. Bianca
Edgecombe County Animal Shelter is open Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30. The adoption fee is $40 for dogs and cats. This is a mandatory spay/neuter shelter. Options will be reviewed at the time of adoption.
- Good with dogs
12. DA 15 Juno
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.
13. DA 19 Dr. Pepper
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.
14. Audrey
Audrey is a sweet submissive girl adjusting to life in a foster home versus the shelter she came from in PR. 5 months old 20 lbs female She is very comfortable outside and loves other respectful dogs. She is currently in foster with a cat and other dogs. She could learn to navigate kids. She may keep a healthy distance from kids at first until she gets used to them. Audrey will be spayed when the vet says she is old enough. (Probably next month) and her spay is included in her $395 adoption fee. She is enjoying getting love and is happy to have a a bowl of food all to herself for the first time in her life. She loves squeaker toys and hasn't discovered bones yet.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
15. Jaxson
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
16. Jett in Powhatan VA
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!
17. DA 5 Poe
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.
18. DA 46 Kanga
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.
19. Duke
Edgecombe County Animal Shelter is open Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30. The adoption fee is $40 for dogs and cats. This is a mandatory spay/neuter shelter. Options will be reviewed at the time of adoption.
20. Sari
❤️ SARI AND SAM ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR ADOPTION OPPORTUNITY! ❤️
Two beautiful 5-month-old puppies are waiting for that family to open the doors of their home and, above all, their heart.
Sari: 5 months, 23 lb, female (FS).
Sam: 5 months, 24 lb, male (MS).
Both have their vaccinations up to date.
They deserve to grow surrounded by love, care, and a family that considers them part of it.
Would you like to give them a chance?
Adoption saves lives. Help us share so that Sari and Sam can find their forever home!
- Good with dogs
21. Sam
❤️ SARI AND SAM ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR ADOPTION OPPORTUNITY! ❤️
Two beautiful 5-month-old puppies are waiting for that family to open the doors of their home and, above all, their heart.
Sari: 5 months, 23 lb, female (FS).
Sam: 5 months, 24 lb, male (MS).
Both have their vaccinations up to date.
They deserve to grow surrounded by love, care, and a family that considers them part of it.
Would you like to give them a chance?
Adoption saves lives. Help us share so that Sari and Sam can find their forever home!
- Good with dogs
22. Junior
Apply to adopt through Caribbean Paws Adoption Network:
https://caribbeanpaws.rescuegroups.org/forms/form?formid=7208
Please share her story and help us find Paulina her forever home!
Caribbean Paws Adoption Network
Bringing Island Hearts to Mainland Homes.
- Good with dogs
23. Jacky
Apply to adopt through Caribbean Paws Adoption Network:
https://caribbeanpaws.rescuegroups.org/forms/form?formid=7208
Please share her story and help us find Paulina her forever home!
Caribbean Paws Adoption Network
Bringing Island Hearts to Mainland Homes.
- Good with dogs
24. DA 22 Tweedle Dee
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.
25. DA 35 Debow
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.
- No young kids
26. DA 6 Carver
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.
27. Chloe
Chloe is a cute, fun, affectionate little girl. She is an 10 month old 19 lb spayed female seeking an active family to call her own. She would love to run and play with her people or another dog. She enjoys the company of other dogs and children. This sweet thing shares toys and food nicely with
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
28. DA 25 Nyota Uhura
Nyota enjoys walks, adventures and spending time with her trusted human. She also takes her guarding job very seriously.She does have a history of reactive biting and will need an experienced, committed owner who understands the seriousness of her reactivity. She is basket muzzle trained and will require ongoing professional behavior modification and training. Nyota will need an adult only home willing to prioritize safety and make a long-term commitment to her management and training. To meet Nyota, an appointment is required with one of the following persons:Brittney WhiteheadClaire Vance Dr. Jessica SummersMelaine DoyleCall 804-727-8807, Monday - Saturday between 10am - 4:30pm to schedule an appointment.
29. Amber
Edgecombe County Animal Shelter is open Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30. The adoption fee is $40 for dogs and cats. This is a mandatory spay/neuter shelter. Options will be reviewed at the time of adoption.
30. DA 31 Nina
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.
Why adopt an adult dog in Portsmouth
An adult dog's personality is fully formed, so the rescue can tell you how they are with people, other pets and busy households. Many have lived in foster homes and are already house-trained.
Grown dogs need less supervision than puppies and often know the basics, like sitting and walking on a leash, which suits people who work or have young children.
Rescues with adult dogs near Portsmouth
- Henrico Police Animal ShelterGlen Allen, VA · 13 adult dogs above
- Island Dog Adoption NetworkVirginia Beach, VA · 8 adult dogs above
- Edgecombe County Animal ShelterTarboro, NC · 6 adult dogs above
- Ring Dog RescueRichmond, VA · 3 adult dogs above
Questions about adopting adult dogs in Portsmouth
How many adult dogs are up for adoption in Portsmouth?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Portsmouth, Virginia, have 91 adult dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt an adult dog in Portsmouth?
The rescues with the most adult dogs near Portsmouth right now are Henrico Police Animal Shelter (Glen Allen, VA), Island Dog Adoption Network (Virginia Beach, VA) and Edgecombe County Animal Shelter (Tarboro, NC). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Should I adopt an adult dog or a puppy?
It depends on your home. An adult dog's personality is already known and they need less supervision; puppies need more time and training but grow up with your family. The rescues can help you find the right match.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.