Appleton, WI

Adult Dogs for Adoption in Appleton, WI: 30 Grown-Up Dogs Looking for a Home

Adult Dogs up for adoption near Appleton, WI

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Appleton have 87 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.

1. Loco

Adult · Male · Dachshund / Mixed · 58 mi from Appleton

This is Loco! He really doesn't even need a bio because his name says it all. He is full of energy and has so much love to give. He loves to be up on your lap and in your space. Loco doesn't mind the dogs here at the shelter but seems a little too interested in the cats. He would be an excellent family dog. We believe he is a long-haired dachshund! Loco is a clingy guy, so he would love a family that could give him a lot of attention! If you are interested in adopting Loco, please fill out an application at www.hspcwi.org/adopt. Loco is up to date on his vaccines, neutered, heartworm negative, and microchipped. His adoption fee is $300+ tax. If you are a resident of Portage County a dog license will be issued at the time of adoption!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats

2. Tortilla

Adult · Female · Boxer / Mixed · 58 mi from Appleton

This interesting looking girl is Tortilla. Lovingly named after her tortilla chip shaped ears. She could be in the running for the world record of "Smallest Ears on a Dog". We really don't know what breed she is, but she has the body of a boxer and the face of a greyhound. She is long, leggy, smooth, sleek, and looks great in a sweater. On top of her good looks, she has quite the personality. She loves to run, play and receive attention. Tortilla would be a great dog to take out on the trail to do some hiking or playing fetch in the back yard. When she is all done with that, she would like to fall asleep on the couch with a bunch of blankets.

Read more about Tortilla

Tortilla is 37lbs and ready to go home! She is a little nervous, so we don't recommend small children for her. She would do better with older children that are respectful of boundaries. She seems to do well with male dogs and does not seem to mind cats. Tortilla's adoption fee is $200 + tax. She is fully vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and heartworm negative. If you are interested in adopting this house noodle, you can fill out an application on our website!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Tortilla fromHumane Society of Portage CountyPlover, WI · listed Nov 3

3. Laverne

Adult · Female · Terrier / Mixed (medium coat) · 21 mi from Appleton

Name: LAVERNE

Age: 4years

Breed: Terrier mix

Gender: Female

Weight: 7lbs

Good with kids: Yes Respectful Ones

Good with dogs: Yes

Good with cats: Not fostered with

Current on vaccinations: Yes

Fixed: Yes

Adoption also includes Certified Vet Inspection, and Prior vetting paperwork.

Foster location: Appleton

Application & Website: https://www.ourpackanimalrescue.com/adoption.html

Bio:

Meet Laverne

This sweet girl came to us from MADACC in Milwaukee. We don't know much about her past but her future is going to be great!!

Read more about Laverne

Her first day in foster she was already comfortable with the other dogs. She is all about walks and being outside if the weather is nice. Where does see sleep? Well, we tried the kennel but she wasn't a fan. Instead Laverne used the doggie steps and found her way to foster mom's bed. She is so sweet and snuggly we don't mind at all.

We never have to ask where is Laverne because she is always right by your side or near your feet. She's doing great with potty training and she's a good little eater.

Let's talk about her cutest feature those ears. Man she tells stories with them. One time there both up. Sometimes one is high and one is low. So adorable!!!

Apply for Laverne today. You will be glad you did!!! She's the total package!!

Our Pack Animal Rescue, Inc. Is an all foster based 501c3 rescue. License #487823.

Meet and greets are arranged after an application has been approved. An approved application does not mean you must adopt the dog of interest, if it isn't a good fit.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Laverne fromOur Pack Animal Rescue, Inc.New London, WI · listed Nov 3

15. Charlie

Adult · Male · Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie / Mixed (long coat) · 69 mi from Appleton

Updated: 11/1/26
Dog Name: Charlie
Sex: Male
Estimated Breed: Yorkie Mix
Approximate Age: 3 years
Approximate Weight: 9lbs
Spay/Neuter Status: Not yet
Adoption Fee: $650
Description:
This handsome little guy is ready to find a family who will give him all the love and attention he deserves! Charlie is a 3-year-old Yorkie Terrier mix who is as sweet as they come. He’s up to date on all his vaccines and is potty trained. He gets along with kids, dogs, and cats, making him a wonderful addition to a variety of families!
Charlie is a pretty laid-back guy. He loves car rides and is happy just hanging out with his people.

Read more about Charlie

When meeting new dogs, he appreciates a slow introduction to warm up, but once he’s comfortable, he does just fine! His previous family had young children, another dog, and a cat, but unfortunately, life got too busy for them to give Charlie the time and attention he deserves. Now, this sweet boy is looking for a fresh start with a family who can make him a priority.
If you're looking for a loving, low-key little companion to add to your family, Charlie might just be your guy!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Charlie fromTail Waggers 911Grafton, WI · listed Nov 2

16. Pugsly

Young · Male · Pug (medium coat) · 93 mi from Appleton

Please go to our website,
http://www.hoovershausealldogrescue.com/ to complete the adoption application.
MUST BE 24 YEARS TO ADOPT!!
Once your application is approved, the WI manager will call you to discuss adoption, answer questions and set up a private meet and greet if you are interested.
This process can take up to 7 days.
WE DO WEEKLY APPOINTMENTS FOR ADOPTIONS AFTER APPLICATION APPROVAL!
OUR LOCATION: S47 W30760 HWY 59, NORTH PRAIRIE, WI (corner of 59 and 83)
CALL 262-968-3858 FOR INFORMATION
EVERY DOG IS UP TO DATE ON VACCINES FOR THEIR AGE. RABIES VACCINE IF OLD ENOUGH.
SPAYED OR NEUTERED (regardless of age)
HEARTWORM and FLEA/TICK PREVENTATIVE
MICROCHIPPED
CERTIFIED VETERINARIAN INSPECTION CERTIFICATE
WE ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ADOPTIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

Read more about Pugsly

Name: Pugsly
Age: 1yr old
Breed: Pug
Gender: male
Weight: 21 lbs

Meet Mr Personality! Pugsly came to us from Oklahoma where he was picked up lost. No one ever stepped forward to claim him, which is surprising as he is the friendliest dog you will meet.

House trained: Doing good
Crate trained: Yes
Social Skills: Great with all ages
Dog Friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Unknown

Personality
Pugsly is ready to manage your social calendar. There isn't a person or dog he wants to be best friends with. His happy go lucky demeanor puts a smile on everyone's face. He adores kids, is a rock star in doggy play groups and wins the gold star for cuteness. According to Pugsly, every day is a ray of sunshine. He enjoys going for walks, chasing grasshoppers and exploring new scents. He will make a great addition to any style family. Did we mention he likes car rides as well?

Ideal Home:
Pugsly is a great size for those looking for a smaller breed dog. He does love to romp and play but does not require a lot of exercise. This boy is ready to be your partner in crime and cuddle bug all in the same day.

We are located at S47 W30760 State Road 59, North Prairie, WI

As always, we never guarantee the breed OR the size they'll be as an adult.
MY ADOPTION FEE is $500.00
We thank you for ADOPTING A HOOVERS HAUSE RESCUE DOG..... every dog adopted allows us to open our homes to save another!
WI DATCP license number 468162

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Pugsly fromHoovers Hause All Dog RescueGenesee, WI · listed Nov 2

17. Woody

Young · Male · Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever / Mixed (medium coat) · 93 mi from Appleton

Please go to our website,
http://www.hoovershausealldogrescue.com/ to complete the adoption application.
MUST BE 24 YEARS TO ADOPT!!
Once your application is approved, the WI manager will call you to discuss adoption, answer questions and set up a private meet and greet if you are interested.
This process can take up to 7 days.
WE DO WEEKLY APPOINTMENTS FOR ADOPTIONS AFTER APPLICATION APPROVAL!
OUR LOCATION: S47 W30760 HWY 59, NORTH PRAIRIE, WI (corner of 59 and 83)
CALL 262-968-3858 FOR INFORMATION
EVERY DOG IS UP TO DATE ON VACCINES FOR THEIR AGE. RABIES VACCINE IF OLD ENOUGH.
SPAYED OR NEUTERED (regardless of age)
HEARTWORM and FLEA/TICK PREVENTATIVE
MICROCHIPPED
CERTIFIED VETERINARIAN INSPECTION CERTIFICATE
WE ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ADOPTIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

Read more about Woody

Name: Woody
Age: 2yr old
Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mix
Gender: male
Weight: 48 lbs

This handsome boy came to us from Oklahoma where he was in a foster home and doing great.

Training and Manners
House trained: Housebroken
Crate trained: Yes
Social Skills: Great with all ages
Dog Friendly: Yes, but prefers calmer dogs that won't jump at him.
Cat Friendly: Unknown, but no interest in the foster family chickens

Personality
Woody is an outstanding boy that is ready to show love and affection to a new forever family. He is a complete gentleman on walks, is up for belly rubs and content to chew on his bone on his dog bed. Woody is good with kids and enjoys dog play groups with the "less hyper" type dogs. Woody is definitely a people pleaser boy and enjoys the company of his humans. He will make a great camping, hiking partner. He is up for some adventures and on warm days, he is up for a visit at the lake.

Ideal Home:
Woody is a happy boy looking for a happy, loving home. He knows his house manners and is eager to please, so any additional training will be a breeze. Woody is not high energy so he will be perfect for a chill family.

We are located at S47 W30760 State Road 59, North Prairie, WI

As always, we never guarantee the breed OR the size they'll be as an adult.
MY ADOPTION FEE is $500.00
We thank you for ADOPTING A HOOVERS HAUSE RESCUE DOG..... every dog adopted allows us to open our homes to save another!
WI DATCP license number 468162

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Woody fromHoovers Hause All Dog RescueGenesee, WI · listed Nov 1

29. Pepper

Young (6 months) · Male · Maltese / Shih Tzu (medium coat) · 59 mi from Appleton

Pepper is a sweet little boy looking for his forever home. This little guy loves to play and snuggle. He has not had stability in his young life until now. Pepper is working on house training and doing well. He gets along with other dogs, we have not had him around cats. Pepper is eager to meet everyone and loves to run in the yard! If you are looking for a small little buddy this might be your boy. Apply at Littleorphans.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Pepper fromLittle Orphan's Animal Rescue, Inc.Montello, WI · listed Oct 30

30. Winnifred

Adult · Female · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Appleton

Meet Winnifred, your very own personal cheerleader!

Whatever your plans are, Winnifred is your biggest supporter! Taking a nap? She's in. Going for a run? LET'S GO! Laying on the floor? Sounds amazing. Doing laundry? BEST DAY EVER!

Honestly, she doesn't care what you're doing, as long as she's doing it with you!

Winnifred loves EVERYONE, including kids, and firmly believes personal space is completely unnecessary.

She's still working on her leash manners because apparently "going for a walk" translates to "FULL SPEED AHEAD!" in Winnifred's world. She does ride nicely in the car, though. Being a Passenger princess is her second job.

Read more about Winnifred

This sweet girl came to us from Milwaukee. We don't know much about her past, but it appears she's recently had puppies and somehow found herself without a home.

Right now, we're working on putting some much-needed weight on her, which means extra meals, plenty of snacks, and all the love she can soak up!

Whatever her past looked like, we're determined to make sure her future is filled with everything she deserves.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Winnifred fromOur Pack Animal Rescue, Inc.New London, WI · listed Oct 30

Why adopt an adult dog in Appleton

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 Appleton

Questions about adopting adult dogs in Appleton

How many adult dogs are up for adoption in Appleton?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Appleton, Wisconsin, have 87 adult dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt an adult dog in Appleton?

The rescues with the most adult dogs near Appleton right now are Tail Waggers 911 (Grafton, WI), Humane Society of Portage County (Plover, WI) and Our Pack Animal Rescue, Inc. (New London, WI). 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.