Dogs for Adoption in California

7,208 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 421–450 of 7,208 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.

218 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.

7,208 dogs in California — page 15 of 241

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

Beto

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 2 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of A1882016, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Riverside, California

A1882016

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Small • 1 year

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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

Roger

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 2 years

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riverside County Rescue Pets (@rivcorescuepets_riverside)

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Fox, adoptable Belgian Shepherd Malinois in Riverside, California

Fox

Belgian Shepherd Malinois • Male • Large • 1 year

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Thoory, adoptable Poodle (unknown type) in San Diego, California

Thoory

Poodle (unknown type) • Male • Small • est. 7–2024 yrs

Meet Thoory! DOB: December 2014Weight: 20 lbsDisposition: Chill, Relaxed, Easy goingHistory: Found as a stray in San Bernardino County. Rescued from t…

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Bogart, adoptable English Bulldog in Oakland, California

Bogart

English Bulldog • Male • Large • 6 years

Bogart – Sweet, Easygoing, and Affectionate Bogart is a 6-year-old, 65-pound English Bulldog mix who is a sweet, friendly, and easygoing companion. Ea…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

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Photo of Boomer, adoptable American Bulldog in Oakland, California

Boomer

American Bulldog • Male • Large • 3 years

Boomer – Gentle, Affectionate, and Easygoing Boomer is an American Bulldog mix under 3 years old, weighing 77 pounds, with big house hippo vibes and a…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

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Photo of Roddy, adoptable American Pit Bull Terrier in Oakland, California

Roddy

American Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 5 years

Roddy – Independent, Playful, and Eager to Learn Roddy is a 5.5-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix weighing 58 pounds. Playful and independent: Ro…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

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Photo of Karlita, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Oakland, California

Karlita

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 2 years

Karlita – Gentle, Loyal, and Thoughtful Karlita is a 2-year-old German Shepherd Dog mix weighing 65 pounds. She is a gentle, people-oriented girl who …

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

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Photo of Lupita, adoptable Chihuahua in Santa Maria, California

Lupita

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 1 year

Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Maria • Santa Maria, CA

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Photo of Hillie, adoptable Lhasa Apso in Santa Cruz, California

Hillie

Lhasa Apso • Female • Small • 3 years

Meet Hillie, the 3 year old Lhasa Apso mix. Hillie came to the Shelter as a stray with another dog, whom she could be adopted with but is not required…

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

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Photo of Jag, adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie in Santa Cruz, California

Jag

Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie • Male • Small • 4 years

Meet Jag, 4 year old neutered male Yorkie. Jag came to the Shelter as a stray with another dog, whom he could be adopted with but is not required to g…

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, 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.