Dogs for Adoption in California

6,837 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 3,811–3,840 of 6,837 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.

219 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.

6,837 dogs in California — page 128 of 228

Photo of Bear, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Roseville, California

Bear

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Medium • 0 years

Bear is one of the most snuggly, cuddly, confident, loyal, sweet and chill puppies I have ever had the pleasure of fostering and rescuing. He learns s…

Second Chances Red Listers • Roseville, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Portobello, adoptable Maltese in Mission Viejo, California

Portobello

Maltese • Male • Small • 2 years

At just two years old, this adorable Maltipoo may be small, but his personality is anything but! He’s a loyal little guy with a big heart and an even …

Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid • Mission Viejo, CA

Photo of Squashy Nice, adoptable French Bulldog in Carlsbad, California

Squashy Nice

French Bulldog • Female • Small • 3 years

This funny mug belongs to Squashy Nice! We call her Squash, Squish, Squoosh, Smoosh, Shorty McSnorty, Speed Bump, or Buzzsaw ;) There’s probably more.…

Wagging Dog Rescue • Carlsbad, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Maple, adoptable Pug in Thousand Palms, California

Maple

Pug • Female • Small • 3 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Lucky, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Burbank, California

Lucky

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Small • 2 years

Lucky is the best dog. She was so easy to leash up and didn't jump and left the kennel like a dignified lady. When taking her to the yard she wasn't r…

Burbank Animal Shelter • Burbank, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Shilo, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Los Angeles, California

Shilo

German Shepherd Dog • Male • 1 year

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

At Risk
Photo of Millie, adoptable Boxer in San Juan Capistrano, California

Millie

Boxer • Female • est. 3–10 yrs

Millie is a 3-year-old Boxer-American Staffie mix adult female. She is a Mama who was rescued from a high-kill shelter, along with her six 2-week-old …

Doggie Bonez Inc • San Juan Capistrano, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Moochis, adoptable Poodle (unknown type) in San Diego, California

Moochis

Poodle (unknown type) • Male • Small • est. 1–7 yrs

Meet this cutie Moochis a 1 year old Poodle/Terrier who has a wire coat, very sweet personality and weighs in at 10 pounds. Moochis is a Velcro dog wo…

Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Charro, adoptable Carolina Dog in Inglewood, California

Charro

Carolina Dog • Male • Large • est. 7–2020 yrs

Meet Charro Breed: Carolina Dog / Pit Bull mix Sex: Male Birthday: 7/25/2020 Weight: 55 pounds Health: Healthy and neutered Personality Charro is a fr…

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Aunt May Pawrker, adoptable Chihuahua in Oakley, California

Aunt May Pawrker

Chihuahua • Female • Small • est. 2–7 yrs

Aunt May Pawrker Aunt May is a super sweet silly young Chihuahua, likely under 2 years old, who needs a very patient, gentle home that understands sen…

K9 Paw Print Rescue • Oakley, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Balu, adoptable Black Mouth Cur in Inglewood, California

Balu

Black Mouth Cur • Male • Medium • est. 7–2023 yrs

Meet Balu: The Joyful Black Mouth Cur Carolina Dog Mix Introduction Meet Balu, an exuberant male Black Mouth Cur Carolina Dog mix born on August 23, 2…

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Mia, adoptable Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Mia

Chihuahua • Female • Small • est. 5–7 yrs

Meet Mia – 5 year old sunbathing queen with sass and opinions. ☀️ This 5-year-old Chihuahua is the queen of catching rays and judging you from her sun…

The Heroic Tail • San Diego, 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.