Richmond, VA

Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in Richmond, VA: 18 Dogs Good with Children

Kid-Friendly Dogs up for adoption near Richmond, VA

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Richmond have 18 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. Here are all 18, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.

Every dog on this page has been marked by their rescue as good with children, usually because they've lived with kids in a foster home.

1. Lurch

Puppy (3 months 13 days) · Male · Hound / Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Lurch fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Nov 1

2. Zero

Puppy (3 months 13 days) · Male · Hound / Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Zero fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Nov 1

3. Buddy

Puppy (3 months 13 days) · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Buddy fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Nov 1

4. Otto in Richmond VA

Adult · Male · Beagle · 7 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Otto in Richmond VA fromRing Dog RescueRichmond, VA · listed Oct 27Courtesy listing: Otto in Richmond VA's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

5. Sage

Puppy (4 months 13 days) · Female · American Staffordshire Terrier / Dogo Argentino / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Sage fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Oct 27

6. Jaxson

Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 7 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Jaxson fromRing Dog RescueRichmond, VA · listed Oct 24

7. Moo

Puppy (2 months 29 days) · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Moo fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Sep 18

8. Jolene

Adult (3 years 1 month) · Female · American Pit Bull Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Jolene fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Sep 18

9. Luna

Puppy (2 months 29 days) · Female · American Pit Bull Terrier / Hound / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Luna fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Sep 4

10. Rooster

Puppy (3 months 29 days) · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier / Hound / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Rooster fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Sep 4

11. Murphy

Young (1 year 5 months) · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Murphy fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Sep 1

12. Winchester

Adult · Male · Hound (short coat) · 7 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Winchester fromRing Dog RescueRichmond, VA · listed Aug 5

13. Beckham in Roanoke VA

Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 7 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Beckham in Roanoke VA fromRing Dog RescueRichmond, VA · listed Aug 2Courtesy listing: Beckham in Roanoke VA's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

14. Punch Buggy in Verona VA

Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 7 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Punch Buggy in Verona VA fromRing Dog RescueRichmond, VA · listed Jul 18Courtesy listing: Punch Buggy in Verona VA's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

15. Rory

Puppy (3 months 26 days) · Female · Labrador Retriever / American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Richmond

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
Adopt Rory fromBully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.Chester, va · listed Jul 11

16. Abbie in Chesapeake VA

Young · Female · Pit Bull Terrier · 7 mi from Richmond

Meet Abbie! She's a 3 year old Pitbull Terrier who's about 50 pounds, spayed, and up to date on all her vetting! Abbie went through my training program at Wag More Dog Training almost 2 years ago and was a dream to work with! Unfortunately, she was in a home environment that was a little rough and broke down her confidence, so we've been focusing on re-socializing and building her back up while also getting her physically healthy again.
She is unsure and shy of new people, but warms up quickly if you're patient and have some treats! She absolutely loves children, she grew up with several and has done well around the infant in our home.

Read more about Abbie in Chesapeake VA

She does well at the vet and the groomer even though she starts out nervous. As far as dogs, she can be a little awkward with her social skills since she spent so long without much canine interaction. She slowly came around to our playful male cattledog, and now they're absolute besties! She hit it off with a 6 month old Pitty pup immediately and has also been coexisting with several other dogs in her foster home after slow introductions. She would likely enjoy a canine companion so long as it's the right fit!
Abbie walks well on a leash, has awesome recall, knows Sit, Down, Place, Break, Drop It (loves her ball!), is non-reactive to other people or dogs on walks, and is overall extremely eager to please and is a quick learner! She's a medium energy dog who's happy to cuddle on the couch on rainy days, but also plays hard and has an athletic build that can get her moving! She can self entertain with a toy or chewy, loves a good walk, and would be a great casual hiking buddy! She's your typical wiggly, affectionate, goofy, playful, loyal, and do-anything-for-food kind of Pibble!
Overall, she's a wonderful dog and I adore her. She's currently being fostered in Chesapeake, VA. Reach out directly to Britt for any questions or inquiries at brittanyjas13@gmail.com or (209) 217-6572
ARCBCR
413 Pines Court
Chesapeake, VA 23323

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Abbie in Chesapeake VA fromRing Dog RescueRichmond, VA · listed Jun 28Courtesy listing: Abbie in Chesapeake VA's family is rehoming her through this rescue.

17. Waffles in The Woodlands TX

Young · Male · Bulldog · 7 mi from Richmond

Meet Waffles! Waffles is a very sweet boy, plain and simple. We estimate he’s around two years old and already showing what a wonderful companion he’ll make. Waffles came into our rescue after being found abandoned in a crate outside of a PetSmart in Spring. Despite this rough start, he has remained gentle, trusting, and full of love. During his time at a boarding facility, Waffles has been an absolute gentleman. He’s quick to learn, eager to please, and clearly enjoys positive attention and guidance. His sweet nature and willingness to learn make him a joy to be around and a great candidate for continued training. Waffles is ready for a fresh start with a family who will give him the love and stability he deserves. If you’re looking for a young, affectionate pup with a heart of gold, Waffles might just be your perfect match. Waffles gets along well with other dogs.

Read more about Waffles in The Woodlands TX

Contact Crystal today! (425) 308-9396 or csalas@operationpetsalive.org

Operation Pets Alive
PO BOX 132104
The Woodlands, Texas 77393

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Waffles in The Woodlands TX fromRing Dog RescueRichmond, VA · listed Jun 28Courtesy listing: Waffles in The Woodlands TX's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

18. Bear in The Woodlands TX

Adult · Male · Bulldog · 7 mi from Richmond

Bear aka Xander Bear is a very sweet, two-year-old bully breed who truly just wants to be a loved household companion. He is house-trained, adores people (including kids!), and is a complete gentleman both in the car and on walks. Bear isn’t looking for trouble—he’s looking for a family. Bear originally came into our rescue as a puppy after suffering severe injuries that appeared to be the result of a dog attack. Despite this traumatic start, he has grown into a gentle, loving boy. He spent over a year with a wonderful family, but was sadly returned when their older dog decided he no longer got along with Bear. Through no fault of his own, Bear found himself back in rescue and is now hoping for a second chance. If you have room in your home—and your heart—please consider adopting this sweet, resilient boy. Bear has so much love to give and is ready to be someone’s loyal companion.

Read more about Bear in The Woodlands TX

Contact Crystal today! (425) 308-9396 or csalas@operationpetsalive.org

Operation Pets Alive
PO BOX 132104
The Woodlands, Texas 77393

  • Good with kids
  • Only dog
  • No cats
Adopt Bear in The Woodlands TX fromRing Dog RescueRichmond, VA · listed Jun 28Courtesy listing: Bear in The Woodlands TX's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

Adopting a dog with children in Richmond

Bring the whole family to meet the dog before you adopt, and ask the rescue how the dog behaves around children your kids' ages.

Teach children to let the dog come to them, to stroke gently, and to leave the dog alone while it's eating or sleeping. Give the dog a bed or crate of their own to retreat to, and always supervise young children with a new dog.

Relaxed adult dogs are often a better match for young children than puppies, which jump up, nip and chew while they learn.

Rescues with kid-friendly dogs near Richmond

Questions about adopting kid-friendly dogs in Richmond

How many kid-friendly dogs are up for adoption in Richmond?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Richmond, Virginia, have 18 kid-friendly dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a kid-friendly dog in Richmond?

The rescues with the most kid-friendly dogs near Richmond right now are Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc. (Chester, va) and Ring Dog Rescue (Richmond, VA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.

What kind of dog is best with kids?

A calm, patient dog that the rescue has seen around children. Adult dogs are often easier than puppies with young kids, since their personalities are known and they play less roughly.

Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.