Washington

Dogs for Adoption in Whatcom County, WA: 8 Dogs Looking for a Home

Dogs up for adoption near Whatcom County, WA

9 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 3 rescues and shelters within 50 miles of the middle of Whatcom County. Here are 8 of the newest arrivals, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.

Of the dogs up for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Whatcom County, 2 puppies, 1 young dog and 4 adults. The breeds you'll see most are Italian Greyhound, Siberian Husky and Dachshund, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.

1. Momo

Puppy · Male · Poodle (Miniature) / Lhasa Apso / Mixed

Meet Momo!Momo is a handsome, approximately 1-year-old, 25-pound Poodle/Lhasa Apso mix who is full of love and personality! He is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations.Momo is an incredibly affectionate and loving little guy. He tends to bond very closely with his person and is a loyal, protective companion. Once he trusts you, he’ll happily shower you with affection and love being by your side.He enjoys going for walks, spending time with his favorite human, and getting lots of attention. He does okay with other dogs, although proper introductions are important. His experience with cats is unknown, as he has never been around them.Momo does have a protective side and can be selective about who he feels comfortable around.

Read more about Momo

He isn’t always comfortable with children, so a home without young children would likely be the best fit for him.Since Momo is still young, he would benefit from basic obedience training to help him continue developing good manners, confidence, and social skills. His future family should be willing to invest the time and patience needed to help him succeed.Momo would thrive with a patient, loving adopter who understands that he may need a little time to settle in and build trust. In return, you’ll have a devoted, affectionate companion who will love being your little sidekick.Could Momo be your new best friend?If you are interested in Momo, please go to our website and fill out a statement of Interest.

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Momo fromThe Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom CountyBellingham, wa · listed Oct 31

2. Magnus

Male · Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Meet Magnus, the charming adult gentleman who is ready to bring warmth and love into your life! This affectionate and gentle boy thrives on human companionship and is eager to shower his new family with unconditional love. He is 3 years old, does great with people and good with children, other dogs and cats, housebroken. He is a big boy; he weighs 97 pounds. He lives to play ball. He will make a great hiking partner for sure! He is current on vaccinations, neutered and Mirco chipped. His adoption fee is $400.00

Adoption applications can be found at https/: rocketrescue.org/info/adoption

Read more about Magnus

Submitting this application does not obligate applicant to adopt, nor does it obligate RR to approve application

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Magnus fromRocket RescueBow, WA · listed Oct 29

3. Shylo a Jack Russell-Italian Greyhound mix

Young (7 months) · Male · Italian Greyhound / Jack Russell Terrier / Mixed (short coat)

Title: Meet Shylo! Part Jack Russell, Part Greyhound, 100% Chaos Coordinator ️

Age:
8 Months young

Mix:
Jack Russell Terrier + Italian Greyhound

Vibes:
Einstein-level smart, Velcro-level sweet, and powered by pure joy

About Me:

Are your dog toy boxes looking a bit too neat? Is your couch feeling a little too peaceful? Meet
Shylo
! He is an 8-month-old "Jiggy-Jack-Greyhound" whirlwind who is ready to upgrade your daily routine from "standard" to "maximum adventure" mode! He truly got the absolute best of both worlds: the lightning-fast speed of a sighthound combined with the unstoppable, puzzle-solving brain of a terrier. ⚡

Personality & Quirks:

Read more about Shylo a Jack Russell-Italian Greyhound mix

Social Butterfly:
He gets along beautifully with other dogs, accepts all animals, and absolutely adores kids!

Toy Bin Destroyer:
His absolute favorite hobby is meticulously dumping every single toy out of his basket so that you have a full inventory to play with him. ⚽

Personal Bubble? Never heard of it:
Crates are a hard "no" from Shylo. He firmly believes that wherever you are sitting, standing, or walking is the exact legal territory he should occupy. ️❤️

️ The Perfect Match:

Shylo is incredibly bright and high-energy, with "Future Agility Champion" written all over him! He needs an active, dedicated adopter with a secure yard to help him master his harness and lead training. If you have the time, the stamina, and a passion for outdoor adventures, Shylo is ready to pack his bags! ️

How To Adopt This Beautiful Boy:

Rescue:
Senior Dogs and Friends Rescue (Arlington, WA)

Phone:
360-386-2393

Apply Online:
www.smallpupsrescue.org
[1]

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Shylo a Jack Russell-Italian Greyhound mix fromRompin Paws RescueArlington, WA · listed Oct 27

4. Lorenzo

Adult · Female · Chihuahua / Mixed

Meet LorenzoLorenzo is a 2-year-old, 13-pound Chihuahua mix searching for a very special home.Lorenzo hasn't had the easiest start in life, but despite his challenges, he has worked incredibly hard and made tremendous progress in foster care. He is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, and recently had a dental cleaning where he lost several teeth. He also has allergies and does best on a hydrolyzed protein diet.Lorenzo is a smart, well-trained little dog who loves being included in daily life. He knows commands such as sit and come, walks nicely on leash, enjoys car rides, and absolutely loves playing with other small dogs.

Read more about Lorenzo

In fact, a home with another well-adjusted small dog could be a great fit for him.Lorenzo is looking for an experienced adopter who understands fearful dogs and behavior management. He has a history of biting when frightened, startled, or suddenly awakened. While he has completed extensive training and has learned many coping skills, his future family must be committed to continuing the management and structure that helps him feel safe and successful.Because of his history, Lorenzo needs: • An adult-only home (or one without young children)• No cats• A calm, predictable environment• Separate feeding areas if other dogs are present due to resource guarding around food• An adopter willing to respect his boundaries and continue building his confidenceThe people who know Lorenzo best will tell you that beneath his fears is an incredibly loyal dog. Once he trusts you, he becomes a devoted companion who wants nothing more than to curl up in your lap, shower you with affection, and be by your side. He truly wants to please and thrives with patience, consistency, and understanding.Lorenzo isn't the right dog for everyone, but for the right person, he will be an incredibly rewarding companion.If you're interested in giving Lorenzo the forever home he deserves, please fill out a Statement of Interest.#AdoptLorenzo #AdoptDontShop #RescueDog #SpecialNeedsDog #ForeverHomeWanted #SecondChances

  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Lorenzo fromThe Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom CountyBellingham, wa · listed Oct 6

5. Cleo, a small 1-year-old Jiggy

Adult (1 year 6 months) · Female · Italian Greyhound / Jack Russell Terrier / Mixed (short coat)

THE VIP EXPERIENCE: Are You Ready to Be Cleo’s "Chosen One"?

If you love a dog who makes you work just a little bit for her affection—knowing the payoff is a fiercely loyal, snuggly best friend for life—Cleo is looking for you!

Read more about Cleo, a small 1-year-old Jiggy

Meet Cleo, a breathtakingly unique, pocket-sized "Jiggy" (Jack Russell Terrier / Italian Greyhound mix). Cleo isn't a dog who hands out her love to just anyone on day one. She doesn't do superficial greetings or fake enthusiasm for strangers. Cleo is an exclusive-membership kind of girl. But once you earn her trust and cross that velvet rope into her inner circle? A completely different side of her blooms, and she will shower you with her entire heart!

We’ve leaned a bit too much into her "independent, cat-like" description in the past, but make no mistake: Cleo is a deeply loving, velcro-loyal dog once she knows she's safe. She is ready to find that one special soul person who appreciates a sensitive, brilliant little dog.

✨
The Cleo VIP Perks (Once You're Selected):

The Ultimate Snuggle Buddy:
When she decides you are her safe haven, Cleo transforms into an absolute lovebug. She will curl up as tightly as possible against you, shower you with kisses, and soak up every bit of one-on-one couch time.

The Terrier Spark:
She has that fun, confident Jack Russell personality wrapped in an elegant, sensitive Italian Greyhound body. She loves structured games and dedicated quality time with her favorite human.

Polite & Family-Friendly:
Cleo does really well with children! They just need to understand her VIP status: introductions should be calm and quiet, allowing Cleo to approach them at her own elegant pace.

Cleo's Perfect Sanctuary:

A Peaceful Household:
Because of her sensitive Italian Greyhound roots, she thrives in a low-traffic home. Her behavior consultant recommends giving her a designated "safe suite"—a cozy crate with plush bedding or a quiet corner where she can take uninterrupted royal naps.

Dog Dynamics:
She happily coexists with dogs her own size, but she does have that confident Terrier leadership spark and prefers to be the dominant female queen of her castle.

The "Staycation" Lifestyle:
Cleo gets a little carsick and nervous at the vet, so she prefers a homebody lifestyle. She’s looking for a family who will keep car trips short, use natural calming wraps, and plan fun activities right at home or in the yard.

Cleo is healthy, spayed, and waiting for the right patient match to change her life. If you want the deep, unmatched reward of being a sensitive dog's absolute favorite person in the world, apply for Cleo today!

Adoption Fee:
$450.00 (Includes spay, microchip, and up-to-date vaccines)

Location:
Senior Dogs and Friends Rescue, Arlington, WA

How to Apply:
www.smallpupsrescue.org

Tech Tip:
Please submit your application using a desktop or laptop computer to avoid mobile submission glitches!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Cleo, a small 1-year-old Jiggy fromRompin Paws RescueArlington, WA · listed Sep 23

6. Cassian a/k/a Onyx

Puppy · Male · Siberian Husky / Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed

Meet Onyx! | 4-Month-Old Husky / Pitbull / Shepherd MixOnyx is a bright, playful, and affectionate puppy on the lookout for his forever family! With his mix of breeds, he’s got equal parts brains, enthusiasm, and puppy charm.Quick Stats Age: 4 months Weight: 36 lbs Vaccination Status: Core vaccinations on-going Breed: Husky / Pitbull Terrier / German Shepherd Mix Personality: Friendly, eager, intelligent, food-motivated Training Status: House, crate and exercise pen trained Onyx considers every human and dog he passes on walks an immediate potential friend. He has previously lived with young children and is very interested in them on his walks.

Read more about Cassian a/k/a Onyx

Some neighbourhood cats peak his interest but not enough to chase or do anything but look. He loves an engaging game of tug and thrives when his brain is working. He is a quick learner who responds well to treats during training. Onyx already knows an impressive number of commands including: Sit, Down, & Stay, Touch, Look, & Leave It and Drop It.There are some opportunities for Onyx's growth going forward! Because Onyx is so excited to make friends, he is actively practicing keeping all four paws on the ground instead of jumping up to say hello. As well, Onyx has shown some resource guarding around his food and a new toy. His foster family is proactively working with a veterinary behaviorist to manage this safely and set him up for long-term success. His ideal adoptive family will be comfortable continuing this structured, positive-reinforcement plan.Onyx will do best in an active, engaged home ready for the fun and responsibility of raising a smart, energetic puppy. A commitment to continuing his positive training routine and maintaining consistent boundaries will ensure this sweet boy grows into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.If you're ready for games of tug, puppy antics, and a loyal sidekick, Onyx is ready to meet you!Interested in adopting Onyx? He's currently living in Vancouver, British Columbia and would love to meet! Please submit an application or contact reach out to walther.will@gmail.com

Adopt Cassian a/k/a Onyx fromThe Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom CountyBellingham, wa · listed Sep 17

7. Sai

Adult · Male · Siberian Husky

Ever imagine having your own dreamboat by your side? Well look no further, Sai is available for the job! He is a gorgeous Siberian Husky with piercing ice-blue eyes, about 3 years old, and weighs approximately 65 pounds. Sai is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines.Sai is a big, goofy, affectionate guy who absolutely adores his people. He loves being close to his family, soaking up attention, and showing off his playful personality. He loves cuddles and a good belly rub makes him super happy! Sai enjoys zoomies, running and hopping about and needs a fenced yard to do this! Beneath that silly exterior is a loyal companion who forms strong bonds with the people he trusts.Sai enjoys slow introductions to people but with patience and yummy treats, you can win him over quickly! He would probably do well with a dog of similar size - and again slow introductions would be needed.Sai is a typical husky and has herding instincts, as well as a prey drive.

Read more about Sai

Due to this, it is unknown how he would do with cats, smaller dogs and animals. A home with older, dog-savvy children would be the best fit for this guy.Sai’s family will need to continue providing structure, exercise, ongoing training, and an understanding of his behavioral needs as a husky. And let’s not forget about the grooming!Sai is incredibly loving, loyal, and full of personality. With the right person or family, he has so much companionship, joy, and unconditional love to offer. If you think your family is a perfect fit, please fill out a statement of interest on our website to make him part of your family forever!a#FosterDog #AdoptDontShop #ForeverHomeWanted #RescueDog #AdoptSai #DogAdoption #RescueDogsRock

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Sai fromThe Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom CountyBellingham, wa · listed Aug 31

8. Cody a Daschshund-Corgi mix male

Adult (1 year 6 months) · Male · Dachshund / Pembroke Welsh Corgi / Mixed (medium coat)

️♂️ MEET CODY: The Sweet, Quiet Explorer Ready to Bloom! ️♂️

He is a gentle, low-riding soul who shows his love through quiet curiosity. If you have a soft spot for the sensitive ones, Cody is waiting to find his ultimate life guide!

Meet Cody, an 18-month-old, 15-pound "Dorgi" (Dachshund & Corgi mix) with a heart of absolute gold. While his brother Charlie does the loud talking, Cody is the thoughtful, quiet observer of the duo. He missed out on early puppy socialization, but he has an intense curiosity about the world and a deep desire to connect with humans. He is looking for a patient soul to show him that life is one big, safe adventure!

Read more about Cody a Daschshund-Corgi mix male

We want to make sure Cody’s gentle nature shines through—there is nothing sweeter than watching a quiet dog learn to trust you, especially when he starts taking treats right from your fingers!

✨
The Cody Experience (The Perks of a Sensitive Soul):

Fiercely Curious:
Cody loves a good routine! He loves listening to a gentle voice, sniffing out new areas, and figuring out how things work from a safe distance.

A Total Sweetheart:
He is incredibly gentle. He has already learned to love hands-on touch from his trusted rescue family and will happily lean in to let you stroke his face.

The Perfect Shadow:
Cody is a "follow-the-leader" type of guy. He uses his canine friends as a security blanket, copying their good behavior and using their confidence to build his own.

Cody's Blueprint for the Perfect Life:

A Built-In Mentor:
Cody absolutely must live with another dog. He relies heavily on a confident dog friend to show him the ropes. You can adopt him with his brother Charlie for an instant package deal, or he can join a home with your existing friendly dog!

A Securely Fenced Yard:
Because Cody is still learning how a leash and harness work, a fenced yard is essential so he can safely explore, sniff, and play while his confidence grows.

An Adult-Only Sanctuary:
Cody prefers a peaceful, quiet household without children so he can decompress at his own pace.

No Small Pets:
Thanks to that classic Dorgi prey drive, Cody needs a home with no cats or pocket pets, please!

To make sure you hit the ground running, the rescue team will be right by your side with specialized training guides, tips, and ongoing phone and email support to ensure your transition is a beautiful success.

Package Deal Pricing (Double the Short-Legged Love!):

Cody Solo:
$450 (Must have another similar-sized dog at home to mentor him)

Bonded Brother Pair (Cody & Charlie):
$595 total!

How to Apply:
www.smallpupsrescue.org

Rescue Contact:
Senior Dogs and Friends Rescue, Arlington, WA (360-386-2393)

  • No young kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Cody a Daschshund-Corgi mix male fromRompin Paws RescueArlington, WA · listed Aug 23

Rescues and shelters near Whatcom County

The rescues with the most dogs listed within 50 miles of the middle of Whatcom County.

  • The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom CountyBellingham, wa · 5 dogs
    How to adopt from The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County

    1. Submit Application . We will only be calling applications that are a possible match for the dog 2. Interview The case manager of that dog will contact you by phone or email to set up a meet and greet,if you are a possible match for that dog. 3. Meet the Pet If you think you all are a good match, we may set up a home visit or the case manager will request pictures of your home. 4. Sign Adoption Contract DUE TO COVID 19- ALL ADOPTIONS AND MEET AND GREETS ARE BY APPOINMENT ONLY. WE CAN NOT ADOPT TO CANADA AT THIS TIME. 5. Pay Fee 6. Take the Pet Home All pets have a 10 day adjustment period for a home visit. AHS does not do same-day adoptions. We provide a form called a “Statement of Interest” for potential adopters to fill out. When completed, this form is reviewed by an AHS volunteer (the animal’s Case Manager) who will contact the potential adopter with any additional questions and arrange a meeting if it looks like a good match. those who look like a good match. Adoption fees for DOGS are: Puppies (up to age 18 months): $330 (plus $170 spay/neuter deposit) Adult (18 months - 8 years old): $250 Seniors (8 years and up): $190 (There is an additional $170 spay/neuter deposit for Adults/Seniors not already neutered/spayed.) Adoption fees for CATS are: $190 for kittens up to one year Adult cats over 1-7 year. $130 Seniors cats-8 and up. $100 Fee includes basic shots, spay or neuter, and microchip All cats are FIV/FELV tested

  • Rompin Paws RescueArlington, WA · 3 dogs
    How to adopt from Rompin Paws Rescue

    Please submit an adoption application. There will be an interview, home check, and meet-and-greet at the rescue. Adoption fees range from $ 395 to $ 550.00. spay/neuter/vaccinations included. contract if not already fixed

  • Rocket RescueBow, WA · 1 dog
    How to adopt from Rocket Rescue

    Application Required Adoption Contract Required Adult Cats - $110 Kittens - $120 Adult Dogs - $175 Puppies - $200

Cities and towns in Whatcom County

Adopting a dog in Whatcom 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.

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 Whatcom County

How many dogs are up for adoption in Whatcom County?

As of November 4, 2026, 9 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Whatcom County, Washington, by 3 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a dog in Whatcom County?

The rescues with the most dogs near Whatcom County right now are The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County (Bellingham, wa), Rompin Paws Rescue (Arlington, WA) and Rocket Rescue (Bow, WA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.

Are there puppies for adoption in Whatcom County?

Yes. 2 puppys are up for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Whatcom County.

How do I adopt a dog in Whatcom 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.