Dogs love cookies, and so do we

Cookies for analytics and personalization. Privacy

Skip to content

Loading shelter dogs

Notes for dog people

Good advice, delivered to your inbox.

Get thoughtfully selected guides, news, and stories for a happy life with your dog.

Email address

Website

You can unsubscribe at any time. Learn more in our privacy policy

Visit our Facebook page Follow us on Instagram Follow us on X (formerly Twitter)Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Company

About us
Contact Us
FAQs
Press
Research & Development
AI assistants
Studies

Dog parents

Explore Dog Types
Education Center
Dog Diseases
Extreme breeding
How it works
Puppy Guide
Adoption Guide
Traits
Tools

Breeder

Join
Explore Breeders
Example profile
Breeder Linktree
Our standards

Shelter

Adopt a Dog
Explore Shelters
Join

© 2026 HonestDog. HonestDog GmbH. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Imprint Editorial standards

Adopt Dogs | Shelters & Rescue | HonestDog

Home
Discover Shelter Dogs

Explore dogs from shelters

We'll find you a shelter dog based on your criteria — free, anywhere in Germany. Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll be in touch as soon as a match is looking for a home.

Free, nationwide

We'll find your shelter dog — free, anywhere in Germany

Tell us your criteria — breed, size, age, region and more. We'll search shelters across Germany for you and reach out as soon as a match is looking for a home.

Yura – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Yura

Male

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Paul – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Paul

Male

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Judi – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Judi

Female

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

PONGO – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

PONGO

2 years old · Male

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Selena – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Selena

Female

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Clara – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Clara

Female

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

TAZICA – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

TAZICA

2 years old · Female

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Finn – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Finn

Male

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

EVA – Beagle, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

EVA

6 years old · Female

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Doris – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Doris

1 year old · Female

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Marianne – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Marianne

Female

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Rocky – Mischling, At shelter Animal Souls e.V.

Rocky

Male

At shelter

Animal Souls e.V.

Showing 1–12 of 161 results

Why HonestDog?

What makes HonestDog different from other platforms

Full transparency

We lay out what we have: who the breeder is, how they work, and any health records they've uploaded. So you can judge for yourself.

Responsible breeding, assured

Every breeder on HonestDog has their identity and documents checked before their profile goes live. Health records they upload are shown on the profile, so you can see exactly what has been tested.

Trust and verification

We verify breeders and buyers alike, so every conversation happens on solid ground. It's a new standard of trust in dog breeding.

Less hassle, more time

We've already checked the breeders' documents and gathered the details, so you can skip the endless research and focus on finding the right puppy for your family.

BSFZ Forschungszulage 2025

BSFZ Certified 2025

Research for Healthier Puppies

We invest in real research and development. Our BSFZ certification confirms that HonestDog operates on scientific standards – for greater transparency and trust.

Our Mission

HonestDog team members with dogs

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.

Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.

Why HonestDog?

We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your — your new companion — with confidence.

Vetted Partners

Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.

Highest Standards

Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.

Guides & Resources

Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.

Do you run a shelter or rescue organization?

List your dogs on HonestDog for free — no contract, cancel anytime. We take care of the rest.

List your shelter for free

Dog adoption and rehoming – how it works

HonestDog brings together public rehoming listings from shelters and rescue organizations across Germany, Austria and Switzerland in one place. Filter by breed, size, age and region, then contact the shelter directly – the adoption itself is always handled by the shelter or rescue organization.

Puppy or senior, purebred or mix: dogs in need are waiting for a new home. Adoption is the sustainable alternative to buying – and often the fastest way to truly help a dog.

Popular adoption searches

Adopt a mixed-breed dog Labradors in shelters Chihuahuas in shelters Dachshunds in shelters Poodles in shelters Golden Retrievers in shelters

Frequently asked questions about dog adoption

What is dog rehoming?

Rehoming means shelters and rescue organizations place dogs with new owners. For an adoption fee you take home a dog that is usually already vaccinated, microchipped and vet-checked.

How does adopting through HonestDog work?

HonestDog shows public rehoming listings from shelters and rescue organizations. You filter by breed, size or region and contact the shelter directly. The adoption process itself – from the first meeting to the adoption contract – is handled by the shelter.

How much does adopting a dog cost?

The adoption fee is usually between €200 and €400. It typically covers vaccinations, the microchip and initial veterinary care – often neutering as well.

Where can I find dogs in need near me?

Use the filters on this page to narrow down dogs in need by region. You can also browse HonestDog's shelter directory to find shelters near you – visiting in person is always worthwhile.