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!

Penelope

Sex: Female
Breed: Shepherd
Age: 1 years, 7 months

Weight: 47Lbs Penelope is what happens when pure sunshine gets put into a dog suit. She is super sweet, wildly goofy, and 100% committed to making sure no one in her vicinity is having a normal, boring day. Sad? Not on her watch. Penelope will gently boop you, dramatically flop over for belly rubs, or present you with a toy like she’s making a very important business proposal. Playtime is her full-time job. She doesn’t just chase toys — she performs. Expect surprise zoomies, joyful hops that defy physics, and the occasional “did she mean to do that?” moment (she did not, but she stands by it). Loving? Oh, absolutely. Penelope doesn’t just cuddle — she commits. When she leans in, she leans in with her whole heart (and probably her whole body weight). Personal space is optional. Affection is mandatory. If you’re looking for a best friend who will adore you endlessly, make you laugh daily, and occasionally trip over her own feet in the most charming way possible, Penelope is ready to clock in. Sweet. Silly. Slightly chaotic. Completely perfect. 💛🐾 Dogs: No, Thank you! Cats: Unknown Kids: Loves kids!!

Axel

Sex: Male
Breed: Mixed Breed (Medium)
Age: 11 months

Meet Axel, a goofball who approaches every day with the confidence of a celebrity and the attention span of a squirrel. Axel is the kind of dog who walks into a room like he has an important announcement to make... and then immediately gets distracted by a leaf, a toy, or literally nothing at all. He's sweet, playful, and always ready for an adventure, even if he has no idea where he's going. One minute he's showing off his impressive "sit" like the good boy he is, and the next he's making everyone laugh with his goofy antics and larger-than-life personality. Despite his occasional moments of chaos, Axel has a heart of gold. He loves people, enjoys attention, and is always happy to hand out kisses and tail wags. He's still young, still learning, and still convinced that every person he meets is his new best friend. If you're looking for a dog who will keep you smiling, keep you guessing, and keep your life just a little more entertaining, Axel is ready to clock in for the job. Dogs: Yes, although we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Unknown, we rec, a meet and greet!

Milo

Sex: Male
Breed: Terrier, Pit Bull
Age: 2 years, 5 months

🐶 Meet Milo! 🐶 Milo wakes up every morning with one goal: make today more fun than yesterday. So far, his strategy involves zoomies, happy tail wags, stealing hearts, and acting like every toy is the greatest invention of all time. This handsome goofball is equal parts athlete, comedian, and professional people-lover. Whether he's bouncing around the yard, and investigating absolutely everything. Milo has a talent for making everyone around him smile. He's still polishing his manners (Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are perfect pups!), but he's eager to learn and loves having a job to do—especially if treats and praise are involved. Underneath all that playful chaos is an incredibly sweet boy who just wants a family to call his own. If your house feels a little too quiet, a little too tidy, or simply lacks a daily source of laughter, Milo is ready to fix all three. He promises a lifetime supply of goofy moments, endless love, and the occasional reminder that socks are best kept off the floor. Come meet Milo—you'll leave wondering how one dog can have this much personality packed into four paws. ❤️🐾 Dogs: Must meet all pups in the home! Cats: Unknown Kids: Must meet everyone in the home!

Mavis

Sex: Female
Breed: Poodle/Retriever, Labrador
Age: 3 years, 4 months

💕 Meet Mavis — Your New Favorite Snugglebug! 🐾 Mavis is the kind of girl who makes it very easy to fall in love. 💗 She is super sweet, loving, and cuddly, and if there’s a lap available, you can bet she’ll be interested! Mavis absolutely adores attention and would happily spend her days soaking up pets, giving gentle kisses, and staying close to her people. This fluffy girl does have one important request: regular grooming is a must! ✂️🛁 Keeping her coat brushed and maintained will help Mavis stay comfortable, happy, and as fabulous as she deserves to be. If you’re looking for a loving companion who will shower you with affection and make every cuddle session better, Mavis might just be your girl! 🥰🐶💕 Dogs: Unknown, we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Unknown, we rec. the entire family coming in to meet this gal!

Oscar

Sex: Male
Breed: Terrier, American Pit Bull
Age: 7 months

🌟 Meet Oscar! 🌟 Forget Oscar the Grouch—this Oscar didn’t get the memo about being grumpy! 😂💚 At just 7 months old, Oscar is a certified professional in being sweet, goofy, and ridiculously lovable. Oscar is basically a walking, wiggling ray of sunshine. He loves people, loves attention, and is always ready to show off his silly puppy personality. If you’re looking for a pup who will greet you like you’ve been gone for 47 years—even if you only went to the bathroom—Oscar is your guy. 🥹🐾 He’s still a puppy, which means he’s got plenty of zoomies, curiosity, and “I wonder what happens if I put this in my mouth?” energy. But underneath all that puppy chaos is the sweetest boy who just wants to be loved and included. 🗑️ Oscar the Grouch: Lives in a trash can. 🐶 Oscar the Good Boy: Lives for belly rubs, cuddles, and making you laugh. If you’re ready for a 7-month-old bundle of sweetness with a side of silly, come meet Oscar! ❤️ Dogs: Yes, we recommend a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: must meet all kiddos in the home

Penny

Sex: Female
Breed: Shepherd, Australian
Age: 5 years, 3 months

PLEASE NOTE: I AM PTA DUE TO MEDICAL REASONS, MUST BE A RESIDENT OF ALLEN COUNTY TO TAKE ME HOME! They didn’t grow up knowing love—only survival. These Australian Shepherd mixes came from a home with 43 dogs, where overcrowding meant they were often overlooked, under-socialized, and left to navigate a confusing world on their own. Some arrived matted and unsure, flinching at sudden movements, not because they’re broken—but because no one ever showed them they were safe. This is the quiet reality of puppy mill–like situations: dogs who never learned what it means to be someone’s dog. And yet… they still hope. In the smallest moments—a hesitant tail wag, a gentle step forward—you can see it. The desire to trust. The willingness to try again. They will need patience. They will need kindness. But in return, you’ll witness something rare and beautiful: a heart learning to love for the very first time. They’ve survived. Now they’re waiting—for someone to finally choose them. Dogs/kids: Must meet everyone in the home! Cats: Unknown

Chico

Sex: Male
Breed: Mountain Cur
Age: 2 years, 8 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

Frieda

Sex: Female
Breed: Shepherd, German
Age: 7 years, 2 months

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, 1 months

🐾 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: Would prefer to be the only dog Cats: Unknown Kids: 12+ Must meet all kiddos in the home!

Galena

Sex: Female
Breed: Terrier, Pit Bull
Age: 10 months

🐾 Meet Galena: part Pit Bull, and 100% certified goofball with a heart so big it probably needs its own zip code. She’s the kind of dog who greets every day like it’s the best day ever—even if it’s literally just Tuesday and you dropped a spoon. Sweet, playful, and proudly ridiculous, Galena believes personal space is a myth and that every lap was designed specifically for her. Her daily schedule includes intense zoomies for no reason, dramatic toy squeaking performances, and offering “help” with everything you’re trying to do (especially if it involves food, laundry, or sitting down). She is equal parts cuddle expert and professional chaos coordinator, often switching between the two without warning. Despite her goofy antics, Galena is pure sweetness wrapped in wagging tail energy. She gives hugs like she’s trying to absorb your soul and looks at you like you hung the moon (especially if you have snacks). Warning: prolonged exposure may result in excessive smiling, laughter, and a dog-shaped shadow following you everywhere you go. Dogs: Yes, although we rec, a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Unknown, we rec. the whole family meeting this sweet heart before adopting!

Jamey Jasta

Sex: Male
Breed: Shepherd/Carolina Dog
Age: 6 months

🎸 Meet Jamey Jasta! 🎸 Named after the legendary frontman, this Shepherd mix is ready to rock your world! Jamey may not be starting a mosh pit, but he will have you headbanging with laughter thanks to his goofy personality and lovable charm. His greatest hits include tail wags, happy zoomies, and soaking up all the attention he can get. He's searching for a forever family to join his fan club and give him the VIP treatment he deserves. So crank up the love, drop the leash, and let Jamey Jasta become the newest rock star in your home! 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.

Louis

Sex: Male
Breed: Shih Tzu
Age: 1 years, 8 months

🎩🐾 Meet Louis! 🐾🎩 Allow us to introduce Louis, a tiny gentleman with a big personality and absolutely no idea that he is not, in fact, the mayor of wherever he goes. This goofy little Shih Tzu is outgoing, sweet, and always ready to make new friends. Louis believes strangers are just friends who haven't met him yet, and he takes his job as a professional greeter very seriously. Expect tail wags, silly antics, and plenty of "look at me!" moments from this charming little guy. Louis may be small, but his personality is larger than life. He has mastered the art of being adorable while also being just the right amount of ridiculous. Whether he's strutting around like he owns the place or making you laugh with his goofy little expressions, Louis is guaranteed to bring some fun into your day. Of course, every fabulous Shih Tzu needs a little upkeep. Louis' handsome coat will need regular grooming to keep him looking less like a fluffy mop with opinions and more like the dapper little superstar he truly is. If you're looking for a companion who is sweet, social, and always ready to put a smile on your face, Louis is ready to be your new best friend. Come meet this little guy—he's got a big heart, a silly personality, and a lifetime supply of love to give. ❤️🐶 Dogs: Yes, but we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Unknown, we rec. a meet and greet!

Finn

Sex: Male
Breed: Retriever, Labrador/Poodle, Standard
Age: 1 years, 7 months

🐾 Meet Finn! 🐾 If you've ever wanted a best friend who looks like he just rolled out of bed, gave his hair a quick shake, and said, "Yep, that's the look," then Finn is your guy. This scruffy brown gentleman has mastered the art of looking adorably disheveled 24/7. Don't let the messy hair fool you—Finn is a very good boy! He's full of playful energy, always ready for an adventure, a game of fetch, or zooming around the yard like he's training for the Puppy Olympics. When the fun is over, he's happy to show off his manners, too. Ask him to sit, and he'll proudly prove he's got both brains and good looks (well... "scruffy charm" might be more accurate). Finn has a heart as big as his personality and is always ready to hand out tail wags, kisses, and goofy smiles. Whether you're looking for a hiking buddy, a backyard playmate, or just someone to make you laugh every single day, Finn is ready to fill the position. Come meet this lovable little fuzzball—you'll quickly discover that the best things in life are a little scruffy. ❤️ Dogs: Unknown, we rec, a meet and greet. Cats: Unknown Kids: Unknown, must meet all kiddos in the home!

Monarch

Sex: Female
Breed: Terrier, Jack Russell/Pinscher, Miniature
Age: 9 months

🦋 Meet Monarch! 🦋 Just like the incredible butterfly she's named after, Monarch is on a journey of her own. This sweet Jack Russell Terrier mix may be a little shy when you first meet her, but with a little patience and a lot of love, you'll get to watch her transform into a devoted companion. Monarch likes to take her time getting to know new people and new places. She isn't the type to rush in—but once she realizes she's safe, her gentle, loving personality begins to shine. Before you know it, those cautious little looks turn into happy tail wags, quiet cuddles, and a best friend who never wants to leave your side. Like the Monarch butterfly's remarkable migration, every step of Monarch's journey is worth it. She simply needs a family willing to let her move at her own pace and celebrate each little victory along the way. If you have a kind heart, a little patience, and room for one very special girl, Monarch is ready to spread her wings and make your home her forever landing place. Some of the most beautiful friendships don't happen in an instant—they grow, and they're worth every moment. 🧡🦋 Dogs: Yes, although we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Must meet all kiddos int he home!

Painted Lady

Sex: Female
Breed: Terrier, Jack Russell
Age: 9 months

🦋 Meet Painted Lady! 🦋 Just like the beautiful butterfly she's named after, Painted Lady is a little work of art. This sweet Jack Russell Terrier mix may flutter by quietly when you first meet her, but give her a little time, patience, and kindness, and you'll watch her confidence bloom. Painted Lady can be a bit shy at first, preferring to take in the world before diving in. Once she realizes she's safe, though, her gentle personality begins to shine. She'll trade those cautious first glances for happy tail wags, soft cuddles, and a heart full of love. Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, Painted Lady simply needs someone willing to let her blossom at her own pace. The reward is a loyal companion who will remind you that some of life's most beautiful things are worth waiting for. If you're looking for a sweet soul to watch grow more confident every day, Painted Lady is ready to spread her wings in a loving forever home. All she needs is someone to believe in her—and she'll fill your life with beauty, joy, and unconditional love. 🩷🦋 Dogs: Yes, although we rec. a meet and greet! Cats: Unknown Kids: Must meet all kiddos int he home!

Found Your New Dog?

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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