Jack Russell Terrier Dogs for Adoption

220 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 220 below.

About adopting a Jack Russell Terrier

Pound for pound, a Jack Russell may be the most energetic dog in the shelter. Bred to bolt foxes from their dens, the breed carries drive, nerve, and a stubborn streak far larger than its body. Many Jack Russells land in rescue because a family expected a small lapdog and got a small athlete.

They need vigorous daily exercise and a mind kept busy. Fetch, agility, scent games, and long walks all help, and a bored Jack Russell digs, barks, and escapes. Small animals trigger the hunting instinct, so cats, hamsters, and rabbits need careful management or a different home. Puppies are fearless and mouthy and require early, consistent training. Adults may have learned to bark at fences or chase bikes, and those habits take patience to undo.

Kneecaps, eyes, and deafness are the themes to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about. Jack Russells tend to be healthy and long-lived, which means a young adult is still a long commitment. They suit active people who enjoy training and can laugh at mischief. Ask the shelter or rescue how this dog has done with children, cats, and other dogs, and what training he already has.

220 Jack Russell Terrier dogs available — page 1 of 8

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Photo of Pippi Longstocking, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Germantown, Ohio

Pippi Longstocking

Jack Russell Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

Hi, I’m Pippi Longstocking, a 4-month-old little lady who is mostly Jack Russell Terrier weighing about 10 pounds. And while I may be small, I’ve got …

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

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Photo of Pepper, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) in Corona, California

Pepper

Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) FemaleMedium2 years

Corona Animal Services • Corona, CA

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Photo of J.E., adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Inglewood, California

J.E.

Jack Russell Terrier MaleSmallest. 2–7 yrs

Meet J.E. Playful, Curious, and Cat Friendly Ready to Grow Up With His Forever Family Breed: Terrier Mix Gender: Male | Age: 2/22/2026 Weight: 13 lbs …

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

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Photo of Paolo, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Inglewood, California

Paolo

Jack Russell Terrier MaleSmallYoung

Meet Paolo A Happy Little Puppy Ready to Grow Up With His Forever Family Breed: Jack Russell Terrier Mix Gender: Male | Age: 03/24/2026 Weight: 9 lbs …

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

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Photo of Pebble Marie, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Pebble Marie

Jack Russell Terrier FemaleSmallYoung

Currently located at our Owensboro, KY location Can you open your heart and home to this adorable rescue dog? Fostering is a rewarding experience that…

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN

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Photo of Little Dude, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Columbia, Tennessee

Little Dude

Jack Russell Terrier6 years

Is daddy passed awsy and has now home now. About 5/6 yoAvailable dogs are met by appointment only and pre-approved adopters ONLY.Our dogs are currentl…

Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN

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Photo of Lexie, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in San Diego, California

Lexie

Jack Russell Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Lexie is 4.5 months old and weighs 12 lbs. She’s playful, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Lexie and her sisters, Myisha and Raven, a…

Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Scotty, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) in Lodi, California

Scotty

Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) MaleSmall0 years

Lodi Animal Services • Lodi, CA

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Photos coming soon

Ghost

Jack Russell Terrier Male5 years

#A5793825 Ghost is a 5-year-old, 30 lb neutered male Jack Russell Terrier mix who was surrendered due to owner problems. Shelter life has left him fee…

United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA

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Photo of Pete (AL), adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in New York, New York

Pete (AL)

Jack Russell Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Pete (AL), possibly a Jack Russell Terrier mix, is just two months old, but he’s already lived through more than any puppy ever should. Found limping …

Rescue Dogs Rock, Inc • New York, NY

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Photo of Rolly, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) in Baytown, Texas

Rolly

Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) FemaleSmall0 years

Baytown Animal Care and Control • Baytown, TX

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Photo of George, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) in Decatur, Illinois

George

Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) MaleSmall6 years

Macon County Animal Control and Care Center is open and running operations as normal. While social distancing is still recommended in the smaller room…

Macon County Animal Control and Care Center • Decatur, IL

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Photo of Damaris, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in San Diego, California

Damaris

Jack Russell Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Damaris is 6 months old and weighs 21 lbs, and has a short tail. She’s playful, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Damaris is a stray r…

Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Tula, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Grovertown, Indiana

Tula

Jack Russell Terrier FemaleSmall2 years

This dog is one of 32 we rescued from Louisiana, where animal welfare protections are almost nonexistent. Puppies there are often born into neglect — …

Save A Dog Rescue • Grovertown, IN

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Photo of Tommy, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Grovertown, Indiana

Tommy

Jack Russell Terrier MaleMediumBaby

This puppy is one of 32 we rescued from Louisiana, where animal welfare protections are almost nonexistent. Puppies there are often born into neglect …

Save A Dog Rescue • Grovertown, IN

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Photo of Rory, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Phoenix, Arizona

Rory

Jack Russell Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Background: Rory and his littermates arrived in rescue with their mom, Beans, after their owner sought help finding them loving forever homes. Raised …

Help A Dog Smile • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Rowan, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Phoenix, Arizona

Rowan

Jack Russell Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Background: Rowan and his siblings came to rescue with their mom, Beans, from an overcrowded off-grid home in the desert. Their owner loved them deepl…

Help A Dog Smile • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Rocky G, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Inglewood, California

Rocky G

Jack Russell Terrier MaleMedium6 years

Meet Rocky ❤️ Three Little Paws, One Very Big Heart—Rocky Is Ready for His Forever Family Breed: Jack Russell Terrier / Poodle Mix Gender: Male | Age:…

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

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Photo of Hannah, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in PIPE CREEK, Texas

Hannah

Jack Russell Terrier FemaleSmall2 years

This dog is in a foster home in San Antonio, TX. Prospective adopters must be able to travel to San Antonio to complete the adoption process. Please a…

San Antonio Great Dane Rescue • PIPE CREEK, TX

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Photo of Hondo, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Eastman, Georgia

Hondo

Jack Russell Terrier Male2 years

If you're interested in adopting, please visit https://fhanimalshelter.com/adoption-application/ to fill out an adoption application, or call (478) 23…

Faithful Hearts Animal Shelter, Inc • Eastman, GA

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Photo of Chester, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in Mundelein, Illinois

Chester

Jack Russell Terrier MaleSmallYoung

Chester is a little over a year old Jack Russell mix who is neutered, potty trained, crate trained, and ready to find his forever people! This sweet b…

REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL

Adopting a Jack Russell Terrier — FAQ

Are Jack Russell Terriers good with cats?

Often not. The hunting instinct that made them useful on farms makes many Jack Russells chase small animals, including cats. Some individuals raised with cats do fine, but it should not be assumed. Ask the shelter whether the dog has been tested with cats and be honest about the risk.

How much exercise does a Jack Russell Terrier need?

More than most small dogs by a wide margin. An hour or more of active exercise plus mental work is a reasonable daily target for a young adult. Without it, the energy turns into barking, digging, and destruction. Adults slow down a little but remain busy dogs who want a job.

Are Jack Russell Terriers good with children?

With older, respectful children, yes. They are playful, tough, and fun. Small toddlers who grab or fall on a dog can provoke a snap, and Jack Russells do not tolerate rough handling well. Supervision and teaching kids to give the dog space make the difference.

How do I adopt a Jack Russell Terrier?

Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.

Are Jack Russell Terrier dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Jack Russell Terrier dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.

How much does it cost to adopt a Jack Russell Terrier?

Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.

Are Jack Russell Terrier dogs good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.

Can I foster a Jack Russell Terrier instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Jack Russell Terrier gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.

What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Jack Russell Terrier?

Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.