Humane Fort Wayne operates entirely on the generosity of animal lovers in our community. Humane Fort Wayne is a no-kill shelter! Humane Fort Wayne is 100% donor-funded.
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Adoptable Dogs

New dogs are typically posted in the evenings. If a pet is on our website, they are still available. There can be about a 30 minute lag for our website to update so please call our shelter at 260-744-0454 during business hours for the latest info on a specific dog.

Adoptions are on a first come, first served basis for pre-approved adopters and an approved app is good for 6 months!

Don’t miss any of our adoptables!

Rumi

Sex: Female
Breed: Boxer
Age: 8 months

Meet Rumi: a loving, affectionate angel wrapped around the soul of a tiny outlaw. Rumi's hobbies include giving kisses, making friends, zooming at unsafe speeds, and carefully evaluating every fence for structural weaknesses. She loves people, loves attention, and loves adventure—especially the kind she invents herself. This sweet girl has enough energy to power a small city and approaches every day like she's just had six espressos and received excellent news. Whether it's walks, playtime, or following you around the house, Rumi is all in. A quick note on security: Rumi does not believe in captivity. She views leashes as a negotiation, fences as a challenge, and closed gates as an intriguing mystery that deserves further investigation. If left unattended in a yard, she may decide she has important business elsewhere. We're pretty sure if Rumi had thumbs, she'd have escaped three times already. Her ideal family will appreciate her loving heart, her hilarious personality, and her commitment to living life at maximum speed. In return, she'll provide endless entertainment, unconditional love, and a daily reminder to double-check the gate latch. Dogs: Unknown, we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: I have lived with a kitty, but slow intro needed! Kids: Unknown, we rec. a meet and greet!

Martin

Sex: Male
Breed: Pinscher, Doberman/Mix
Age: 9 months

🦒 Martin: 90% Legs, 10% Common Sense 🐾 Have you ever watched a baby giraffe learn to walk? Congratulations—you already know Martin. At just 9 months old, this big goofy lug is still trying to figure out what to do with his extra-long legs. He can run, zoom, bounce, and somehow trip over absolutely nothing... all in the span of 30 seconds. Grace isn't exactly his strong suit, but entertainment definitely is. Martin is the definition of a lovable goofball. He lives life at full speed, greets everyone with a wagging tail and a giant smile, and believes every toy, every stick, and every human is the best thing he's ever seen. His enthusiasm is unmatched, even if his coordination is... still a work in progress. He's got a heart as big as his paws and enough goofy charm to keep you laughing every single day. If you've been looking for a best friend who's equal parts comedian, cuddle bug, and oversized puppy, Martin is ready to stumble his way right into your heart. Warning: Side effects of adopting Martin may include laughing daily, finding oversized paw prints everywhere, and wondering how one dog can have that many legs. 🩵🐶 Dogs: Yes but we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Keep in mind that this 73.6lbs puppy can be a little scary to younger kiddos!

Skrimp

Sex: Male
Breed: Terrier, Pit Bull
Age: 2 years, 1 months

Skrimp 🦐 The kind of person who can make an entire room laugh without even trying. He's goofy in the best way, always saying something ridiculous, doing something random, or accidentally becoming the funniest part of the day. He's short enough to get roasted constantly, but sweet enough that nobody can help loving him anyway. Under all the chaos, he's got one of the biggest hearts around. He's the friend who checks on people, makes everyone feel included, and somehow turns bad days into good ones. Equal parts menace and sweetheart, Skrimp is living proof that personality takes up way more space than height ever could. Dogs: Yes but we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Unknown, we rec. a meet and greet!

Frieda

Sex: Female
Breed: Shepherd, German
Age: 7 years

Frieda: Proof That Age Is Just a Number (and Apparently a Suggestion) Meet Frieda, the senior citizen who somehow missed the memo about slowing down. While other dogs her age are clipping coupons and settling in for afternoon naps, Frieda is busy making plans, chasing adventures, and reminding everyone that "old lady" is simply a state of mind. This energetic gal still has plenty of pep in her step and is always ready to see what fun the day has in store. Because she's a social butterfly with opinions, Frieda would like to meet all the people in the home before packing her bags and moving in. If you're looking for a dog who combines the wisdom of a senior with the enthusiasm of a puppy who just discovered coffee, Frieda is ready to prove that the golden years can be pretty golden—and a little chaotic. ❤️🐾 Dogs: NO THANK YOU! Cats: Unknown Kids: Must meet everyone in the home!!!

Frannie

Sex: Female
Breed: Boxer
Age: 9 years

🐾 Meet Frannie: a Boxer mix with strong opinions, expressive eyebrows, and the undeniable belief that she is qualified to judge everyone’s life choices. She will look at you like you’ve personally offended her ancestors… and then immediately ask for belly rubs. It’s a confusing but lovable system. Frannie’s daily routine includes supervising the household with intense side-eye, sighing dramatically at human incompetence (like not opening treats fast enough), and repositioning herself for maximum dramatic effect. If you drop food, she saw it happen. If you don’t drop food, she will question your intentions. Despite her resting “I’m disappointed in you” face, Frannie is pure sweetness underneath the sass. She loves her people fiercely, just with commentary. Think of her as your tiny emotional support critic who also demands pets as payment. Frannie is part elegance, part goof, and entirely unforgettable—a fluffy little courtroom judge who rules every room… but always rules with love. Dogs: Unknown, we rec. a meet and greet Cats: Unknown Kids: Must meet all kiddos in the home

Christina Waguilera

Sex: Female
Breed: Bulldog/Mixed Breed (Medium)
Age: 2 years

Introducing Christina Waguilera: singer, dancer, snorter, wiggle enthusiast. Christina may not have a Grammy, but she does have an impressive collection of bulldog sound effects. Her greatest hits include The Snortening, Wiggle Me Baby One More Time, and the chart-topping classic I Saw a Snack and Lost My Mind. This bulldog mix communicates primarily through snorts, grunts, happy huffs, and enthusiastic full-body wiggles. In fact, when Christina gets excited, her entire rear half seems to operate independently from the rest of her body. Christina approaches life with the confidence of a superstar and the grace of a potato rolling down a gentle hill. She loves people, loves fun, and believes every day should include snacks, cuddles, and at least one dramatic entrance. If you've ever wanted a dog who sounds like a tiny piglet, moves like a bowl of Jell-O during an earthquake, and loves with her whole goofy heart, Christina Waguilera is ready to headline your home. Dogs: Yes, although we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Unknown, we rec. a meet and greet!

Delaware

Sex: Male
Breed: Boxer
Age: 1 years

Meet Delaware — professional good boy, and certified butt-scratch enthusiast. Delaware is the kind of dog who believes life’s greatest joys are simple: sunshine, snacks, and exactly the right angle of butt scratches. If you find it, congratulations—you’ve unlocked his full happiness mode. He’s easygoing, affectionate, and Delaware is proudly ready for adventure at a moment’s notice. While he enjoys walks and exploring, his real passion is people. Delaware is happiest leaning in close, soaking up attention, and politely reminding you (with his whole body) that yes, you absolutely missed a spot… right there… on the butt scratch zone. He’s goofy in the most endearing way, loyal to the core, and guaranteed to make you laugh with his dramatic appreciation of very specific pets. If you’re looking for a sweet, easygoing companion who lives for affection and specializes in butt scratch supervision, Delaware is your guy. Dogs: Yes, although we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Unknown, we rec. a meet and greet!

Tiger Shark

Sex: Female
Breed: Mixed Breed (Medium)
Age: 4 months

Meet Tiger Shark 🦈🐯 The shelter’s Bark Week legend in the making… currently starring in the critically acclaimed series “I Would Like To Socialize But Also I Would Like To Not Perish From Perceived Awkwardness.” At first introduction, she does not simply feel shy—she enters full stealth mode. We’re talking soft steps, cautious glances, and the dramatic belief that every human might be mildly suspicious until proven otherwise. She is politely convinced that attention is a trap and eye contact may require paperwork. But introduce other pups? The transformation is immediate and borderline cinematic. Suddenly she’s like, “Oh, we are doing a group activity? I understand the assignment.” Confidence unlocked. Tail up. Zoomies activated. She follows her dog friends like they’re seasoned tour guides through the Wild Lands of Fun, gradually revealing that underneath the dramatic intro is a sweet, playful girl who just needed a confident co-star. Give her time, give her a dog buddy, and she’ll go from “mysterious shadow creature avoiding perception” to full Bark Week breakout personality. The one thing we all can agree on is that puppies are adorable. They're ready to give you unconditional love and all the snuggles your heart can handle. We really want to make sure that you've thought beyond their undeniable cuteness. Puppies need structure and training. They only know what we teach them. When you adopt from Humane FW, you'll receive two group setting puppy training classes that will teach you basic puppy manners. This will give you and your new best friend a head start on bonding.

Whale Shark

Sex: Female
Breed: Mixed Breed (Medium)
Age: 4 months

Meet Whale Shark 🦈🐳 The shelter’s Bark Week gentle giant in training, currently starring in the emotional saga “I Would Love to Participate… Once I Have Fully Verified That Nothing Weird Is Happening.” At first introduction, she is not just shy—she is in full ceremonial caution mode. Slow blinks, careful pauses, and the unmistakable energy of a pup who believes every new situation should be observed from a safe emotional distance of approximately “very far away, thank you.” She does not rush trust. She schedules it for later. Maybe next week. Possibly after snacks. But bring in other pups, and the transformation is almost mythical. Suddenly she remembers she is, in fact, part of the group. She softens, follows the canine crowd like they’re trusted guides, and starts to emerge into gentle play—subtle zoomies, polite curiosity, and the quiet realization that the world might actually be fun. She’s the type who doesn’t explode into confidence—she unfolds into it. Give her a calm dog friend and time, and Whale Shark goes from “careful observer of existence” to a sweet, social Bark Week co-star with a very big heart and very soft chaos. The one thing we all can agree on is that puppies are adorable. They're ready to give you unconditional love and all the snuggles your heart can handle. We really want to make sure that you've thought beyond their undeniable cuteness. Puppies need structure and training. They only know what we teach them. When you adopt from Humane FW, you'll receive two group setting puppy training classes that will teach you basic puppy manners. This will give you and your new best friend a head start on bonding.

Chico

Sex: Male
Breed: Mountain Cur
Age: 2 years, 7 months

Hi, I'm Chico, and I'd like to file a formal complaint. As a Mountain Cur mix, I have a LOT of energy. Running, exploring, sniffing, investigating suspicious squirrels—these are all very important parts of my job description. So imagine my surprise when I was informed that because I'm heartworm positive, I have to "take it easy" while I recover. Take. It. Easy. Apparently, zooming around like a maniac is now "not recommended." According to the humans, heartworm disease is treatable, but until then, I need to stay calm. I disagree with this decision, but unfortunately, nobody asked me. The good news is that I'm available through a Pathway to Adoption or Foster-to-Adopt program while I complete treatment. I'm sweet, goofy, and always excited to see my people. One other rule I've been told to mention: I MUST wear a harness. Allegedly, my enthusiasm sometimes exceeds my judgment. I have no comment on these accusations. If you're looking for a fun-loving sidekick who's temporarily grounded by his doctor, come meet me. I'll be the one dramatically staring out the window, dreaming of zoomies. Dogs: Unknown — a meet & greet is recommended Cats: Unknown Kids: 10+ REQ

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All of our adoptable dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, current on all age-appropriate vaccines and ready to go home with you. Check out our adoption requirements and fill out an application! You must be at least 21 years old in order to adopt. Please note that we do run a criminal background check as part of your application.

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Hours & Locations

SHELTER:
The Sharon Bodenhafer
Critter Center
901 St. Francis Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-744-0454

SHELTER HOURS:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday–Friday: 11AM–6PM
Saturday–Sunday: 11AM–4PM

WELLNESS CLINIC:
1333 Maycrest Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: 260-420-7729

WALK-IN WELLNESS HOURS:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday–Friday: 10AM–6PM
Saturday: 8AM–4PM
Sunday: CLOSED

SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC:
1333 Maycrest Drive
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805
Phone: 260-420-7729

BUSINESS HOURS:
Monday–Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday–Sunday: CLOSED

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