Dogs for Adoption in California

10,689 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 1–30 of 10,689 below.

Every dog in California deserves a forever home — from puppies taking their first steps to adult dogs who are calm, house-trained, and ready to bond right away. All listings shown here are real dogs currently available for adoption from shelters and rescues in California. Availability changes daily, so confirm directly with the organization before making plans.

221 shelters and rescues in California currently list dogs on Every Dog's Chance.

How adoption works in California

California's listings are numerous and come from a broad mix of municipal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups, with a large share from around San Bernardino, Bakersfield and Riverside. A municipal or county shelter usually lets you walk in during open hours, while rescue groups tend to place dogs from foster homes and begin with an application.

When you find a dog you like, open the profile and reach the organization listed there. You can expect an application or a conversation, a meet and greet, and an adoption fee that the organization sets, often covering spay or neuter and vaccinations. Because listings cluster in a few cities, many groups help arrange transport within the state. The organization on the dog's profile keeps that dog's history, requirements and availability.

10,689 dogs in California — page 1 of 357

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Photo of Azula, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Pasadena, California

Azula

German Shepherd Dog FemaleLargeest. up to 9 yrs

#A5684114 Meet Azula , an 8-month-old German Shepherd puppy with gorgeous elegance and grace! With her lush, silky black coat, long narrow snoot, brig…

United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA

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Photo of Daisey, adoptable Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Daisey

Chihuahua FemaleSmallest. up to 8 yrs

Daisey (Kailetta) is an 8yrs young Dachshund/Chihuahua mix currently weighing 13 pounds. Daisey was rescued in Puerto Nuevo, Mexico and taken to a loc…

Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Photo of Jaxon, adoptable American Staffordshire Terrier in San Diego, California

Jaxon

American Staffordshire Terrier Maleest. 1–8 yrs

Forever Home Wanted!!! Jaxon is FABULOUS!! He knows SO many commands it is amazing! Jaxon is a very well mannered fella who is ready to get into a hom…

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Scamp, adoptable Pug in Newport Beach, California

Scamp

Pug MaleSmallest. 3–7 yrs

Meet Scamp, he's an approx 10 year old Puggle/terrier mix but don't let that age fool you because he's got the personality and energy of a 3 year old.…

Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA

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Photo of Lola, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Sacramento, California

Lola

Pit Bull Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA

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Photo of Dorian, adoptable Staffordshire Bull Terrier in Santa Cruz, California

Dorian

Staffordshire Bull Terrier MaleLargeest. 2–7 yrs

Meet Dorian, the senior staffie! Dorian arrived to the Shelter after his previous guardian was unable to continue caring for him. Dorian has lived wit…

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

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Photo of Bambi, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Bernardino, California

Bambi

German Shepherd Dog FemaleLarge1 year

View this post on Instagram A post shared by City of San Bernardino Department of Animal Services (@sbcitypets)

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Nova, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Riverside, California

Nova

German Shepherd Dog FemaleSmall0 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Winchester, adoptable Hound in Menifee, California

Winchester

Hound MaleMedium0 years

Winchester is about 6 months old and 35 pounds. The most adorable puppy ready for a home. FOCHP.org for application. Lkclem@sbcglobal for more informa…

Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets • Menifee, CA

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Photo of Buggy, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Los Angeles, California

Buggy

Pit Bull Terrier MaleLarge2 years

South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA

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Photo of A1937270, adoptable Siberian Husky in Thousand Palms, California

A1937270

Siberian Husky FemaleLarge2 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA

Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in California

Programs that help California adopters keep a dog healthy on a budget. Each page was checked on 2026-09-10; confirm current hours and eligibility with the organization.

Adopting a dog in California — FAQ

How do I adopt a dog in California?

Open any dog's profile to see which shelter or rescue is caring for them in California, then follow the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find — the adoption itself happens through the local shelter or rescue.

Are the dog listings in California up to date?

Listings are refreshed regularly from participating shelters and rescues. Because dogs are adopted and new ones are added constantly, availability can change between updates — always confirm a specific dog is still available with the shelter or rescue before making plans.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog in California?

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

Can I adopt a dog from another city in California?

Yes. Most shelters and rescues in California welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport for the right match. Open a dog's profile to see the organization's contact details and ask them how their process works.

Can I foster a dog in California instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in California offer foster programs, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering gets a dog out of a kennel and into a calm home while they wait for their forever family. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is available.

Are the dogs in California good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than anything else. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them 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.