Dogs for Adoption in California

6,894 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 4,231–4,260 of 6,894 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.

6,894 dogs in California — page 142 of 230

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Photo of Chato, adoptable Pug in San Diego, California

Chato

Pug • Male • Small • Young

WHERE ARE MY PUG PEEPS?! Meet Chato — the young Pug who will entertain you for DAYS! This little guy is full of personality and absolutely LOVES treat…

Recate Fenix aka Rescue Fenix • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Auto, adoptable Labrador Retriever in Fairfield, California

Auto

Labrador Retriever • Male • Large • 5 years

Meet Auto! Auto is a handsome 5-year-old Lab mix who has already shown us just how much a little patience and kindness can change a life. Found wander…

Solano County Sheriff's Office Animal Care Division • Fairfield, CA

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Photo of Laila, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Moreno Valley, California

Laila

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Small • 0 years

Laila enjoys chasing toys* Laila likes crunchy treats* Laila plays in the pool* Laila did well on her temperament test with a female Pit Bull**if adop…

Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA

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Photo of Greta, adoptable Miniature Schnauzer in Fallbrook, California

Greta

Miniature Schnauzer • Female • Small • 2 years

Courtesy post for Alpha Dog Pet Rescue. Please contact AlphaDogPetRescue@yahoo.com for more information and an adoption application. Greta is an adora…

Dogz In Need • Fallbrook, CA

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Photo of Sweetie, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Riverside, California

Sweetie

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 4 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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

Rocky

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 3 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Valero, adoptable Labrador Retriever in San Clemente, California

Valero

Labrador Retriever • Male • Large • 3 years

I LOVE TO: Be around people, go for long walks, and run around and play in the yard. I HAVE: A confident and active disposition, and a goofy personali…

Coastal Animal Services Authority • San Clemente, CA

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Photo of Star C, adoptable American Pit Bull Terrier in Inglewood, California

Star C

American Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • Young

Meet Star ⭐ Sweet, Social, and Ready to Shine—Star Is Looking for Her Forever Family ❤️ Breed: Pit Bull / Blue Nose Pit Bull Mix Gender: Female | Age:…

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

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Photo of Monique, adoptable Rat Terrier in San Diego, California

Monique

Rat Terrier • Female • Small • Young

Monique is 2-3 years old and weighs 22 lbs. She’s playful, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Monique was found near a gas station in T…

Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA

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

Tucker

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Medium • 2 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Spice, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in San Bernardino, California

Spice

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Small • 0 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Antonio, adoptable Boxer in Camarillo, California

Antonio

Boxer • Male • Large • 3 years

This boy is on our call to action list as he has an injury to his hip that requires surgery. If you are interested, please reach out for more informat…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

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Photo of Bambee, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Camarillo, California

Bambee

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 3 years

This dog is on our `Call to Action` list because she has been exhibiting fearful behavior in the kennel, and has attempted to bite during routine hand…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, 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.