25 deserving dogs looking for a home this Christmas

While purchasing a dog or puppy from a pet store for Christmas is a bad idea (and was just banned in Vancouver), responsible adoption is cool no matter what time of year it is.

BC shelters and local rescue groups are packed with amazing animals that are looking for a home for the holidays. By adopting, you can save a life while enriching your own. Rescue animals are the best! 

Here’s a roundup of some of the great adoptable dogs in the region.  And if you’re thinking of going the rescue group route, it’s important to note that not all groups are created equal. Here’s a great guide from Hugabull on how to source pets from an ethical rescue.

See also

• 20 kitties that need a home for the holidays
• Visit real-life reindeer at this magical farm just a few hours from Vancouver
• These Whistler dogs are having more fun than you right now (VIDEO)

Rocket

Like many of the amazing animals that end up at SAINTS, an animal sanctuary in Mission, this 12 year old Shih Tzu has lived a hard life. His back leg is slightly deformed because he was so badly matted for so long. But Rocket bears no grudges from never being properly cared for. He loves people, is very good in the car and walks politely on leash. We can’t change Rocket’s past, but we can give him a happy future. Find out more at SAINTS.

Charlie girl 

Found wandering as a stray in Edmonton, Charlie spent the last year living in a home where she was treated like a queen. But sadly, she was just surrendered to shelter when her owner could not find pet-friendly housing in B.C. This smooth collie is fine around other dogs and could do well with a canine buddy in the home. Meet Charlie at the West Vancouver BC SPCA.

Kilo 

Are you looking for a Kilopopotomas for Christmas? The Vancouver BC SPCA describes him as “the most adorable lap dog you could meet.” This affectionate pitbull-cross has become a staff and volunteer favourite and greets everyone with kisses. He loves being a couch potato.

Junior 

This four-year-old is timid and would benefit from another dog in the home to show him the ropes. He is a sun bunny, and loves to lay outside and catch some rays. If you think Junior is the bacon to your eggs, contact LEASH Saving Lives and fill out an application.

Yomi, Somi and Sugar

Rescued from a puppy mill in Korea, these three American Eskimo Spitz girls are little fluff balls. Yomi loves people and is outgoing. Somi can be a nervous girl, but is getting used to cuddles. Sugar is sensitive and loves her humans. Adopting puppy mill survivors can come with challenges. The trio are available with Carried Through rescue.

Sherman

This little bug found himself surrendered to a rescue at the ripe old age of 12. But make no mistake, Sherman has a lot of life — and love — left to give. He walks well on leash, is house trained, and is a total cuddle bug. He’s not a big fan of kids so he needs an adult-only home. He’s cool with cats and wee pups like himself, but doesn’t like large breeds. Sometimes Sherman gets the zoomies, and runs around like a young puppy. Meet Sherman through the Dhana Metta Rescue Society. 

Mickey

This eight-month-old Chihuahua Dachshund mix is very cuddly and eager to please. He gets very attached to his people and would do well with someone who is home often. Mickey is available for adoption through the Alternative Humane Society and is currently being fostered on Vancouver Island.

Waggy Maggie 

This Spaniel mix, about five years old, was picked up as a stray and never claimed. She is low to medium energy and quite quiet — suitable for apartment living. She loves nothing more than cuddling and is excellent with people of all ages. She is not, however, a big fan of other dogs, and needs an adopter that is okay with that. Maggie is available for adoption through the Alternative Humane Society and is currently being fostered in North Vancouver.

Rocky 

Looking for a running, hiking or mountain biking buddy? This one-year-old Coonhound-Labrador cross has a LOT of energy and would love a home that would keep him well-exercised and stimulated. He is a little too interested in cats, so a feline-free home would be best. Meet him at the Vancouver BC SPCA branch.

Rico

Rico is an easygoing five-year-old that ended up in rescue by no fault of his own. He loves to hang out at home, go for a leisurely walk and roll around in the yard. He currently lives with other dogs and a cat. Contact LEASH Saving Lives to meet this little gentleman.

Lady

Lady is a Pointer mix that is approximately eight years old. Staff call her a “total sweetheart.” She loves toys, but not as much as being with people! She needs a home with no small kids or cats. Meet Lady at the Delta Community Animal Shelter.

Kato

Sweet but strong, this four-year-old pitbull mix would do well in a home with older kids. Staff at the shelter say he is a sweet and loving boy who loves to be silly and will happily roll on his back for a belly rub. Meet him at the Delta Community Animal Shelter. 

Leroy Brown

It’s heartbreaking to hear, but this Chihuahua-Miniature Pinscher mix was abused in his young life. He came into the care of a local rescue completely terrified, and was fearful of humans. But he has improved in leaps and bounds and is ready for his forever home. The ideal adopters would be a single person or couple without kids that is committed to using positive training to see this wonderful pup thrive.

Spike

This tenacious, tiny terrier senior is an active guy who loves long walks and playing fetch. He loves attention from humans but is indifferent to other dogs. He enjoys meeting new people and would thrive in a social home with adult visitors. He’s not huge on little kids. He has some separation anxiety so someone who works from home, has a dog-friendly office or is retired would be best. Contact the Vancouver BC SPCA to arrange a meeting.

Harry 

This senior collie mix is a “real people lover” who enjoys naps, walks and treats. He is great on a leash, a snuggly couch potato and gets along well with most dogs. He adores attention and is good with children. He takes daily meds for arthritis but has lots of love to give. For more information, contact SAINTS. 

Stella

Sweet Stella, a nine year old purebred Setter, was an outside dog her whole life. But now living at SAINTS, she’s loving being inside. She adores people: all people, all the time. This hunting dog is dog-selective — but if you’re looking for a best friend who is eager to please and sweet as pie, this girl is for you. Visit SAINTS’ website to learn more.  

Clover 

Cute alert! This wee sweetie is good with friendly dogs and even better with cat companions! He is house and crate trained, but staff believe he may be too noisy for condo living. He would do well with a canine companion in the home. Meet Clover at New Westminster Animal Services.

Winter 

Winter is coming! This mature Pomeranian loves doing zoomies on the farm where she’s currently fostered. She gets along with other dogs. Small Dog Rescue BC says: “Won’t you be the one to show Winter that an older dog isn’t a throw away like her last owner, landing her in a high kill shelter?”

Coco 

Coco was super stressed out at the shelter and is currently staying in a foster home, where life is much more chill. He goes on lots of walks, snuggles on the couch and plays with his toys. Coco has been working on his leash manners and would do well with an experienced handler that understands bully breeds and doesn’t live in an apartment. VAS believes he would do well somewhere with no common hallways or elevators, because he gets too excited. Ditto on young kids or cats. To make an appointment to meet Coco, email Vancouver Animal Services at [email protected].

Snickers

This four-year-old wire-haired terrier cross is one in a million, and will require a special home. He is paralyzed and requires a wheelchair to get around. But don’t feel sorry for this firecracker: His disability does not define him. Snickers loves to zoom in his chair and is quite speedy. He loves walks. But most of all, he loves human affection. The ideal adopter has compassion, patience and understanding. Meet Snickers through the Dhana Metta Rescue Society.  

Daisy

Know a senior that could use a companion? Daisy might just be their girl. This Chihuahua doesn’t care much for kids, cats or larger dogs, but loves having a fenced yard and hanging with her human. Dhana Metta Rescue Society says this about the pint-sized pup: “She would make a lovely companion for a retired person who has a nice secure yard and doesn’t feel like going for super long walks to meet other dogs and people.”

Trella 

With the nicknames T and “Rella,” this 12-pound terrier sweetie has only been in the care of LEASH Saving Lives for a few months. She is approximately two-years-old and would do well with older kids and dogs in the home.

Django

Big D!  This sweet six-year-old is a bit of a mystery mix mutt. To LEASH Saving Lives, it looks like he could be a Labrador retriever or Pointer mix. He is good with other dogs, but not so great with cats. Contact LEASH to learn more about this adoptable puppo.

Leona 

Check out that sweater! Age doesn’t slow down this 10-year-old Min Pin. Leona was picked up as a stray in California and is now loving life in BC. She loves walks and is a great coffee date and lap warmer. Great with big and small dogs alike and likes meeting new people.

Molly and Matilda

These ladies were surrendered to Small Dog Rescue BC when their owner fell on hard times. Matilda’s tongue is constantly out and it doesn’t bother her a bit. It’s hoped these golden girls will be placed in a retirement home together.