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Dogs for Adoption in California
6,845 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 4,981–5,010 of 6,845 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.
6,845 dogs in California — page 167 of 229
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Hendrix
Read his biography below to learn what he needs in a home placement and how to apply. Name: HendrixAge: 1- 2 yrsSex: male, neuteredBreed: Shih Tzu, Po…
Animals Rule Placement Foundation • San Pedro, CA
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Jimmy
Read his biography below to learn what he needs in a home placement and how to apply. Name: JimmyAge: 2 yrsSex: male, neuteredBreed: ShihTzu, Poodle m…
Animals Rule Placement Foundation • San Pedro, CA
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Claire
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
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Milo
Milo has been through a lot, probably a lot more than we will ever know. Because of that, he needs time to warm up to people on his own time. Once he …
Friends of the Seal Beach Animal Care Center • Seal Beach, CA
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Truman
Meet Truman! This handsome 2-year-old Husky has truly come into his own since arriving at the shelter. While Truman was a little reserved when he firs…
Hayward Animal Services Bureau • Hayward, CA
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Lyric
Lyric is a playful dog. She is working on leash skills, and requires lots of walks. She is happy to see people and would likely get along well with ch…
Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA
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Mariana
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
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Tycho
Tycho is a fun-loving, social young dog with a playful personality and a sweet, affectionate side. He enjoys spending time with people, following his …
Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA
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Andromeda
Andromeda is a sweet, social girl with a gentle heart and an easygoing personality. She loves spending time with people, enjoys exploring on walks, an…
Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA
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Ethan
Ethan is 4 months old and weighs 12 lbs. He’s playful and active, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Ethan was born at BAS along with s…
Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA
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Maggie
Humane Society of Imperial Valley • El Centro, CA
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Peggy
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
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Raneera
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Browse by breed in California
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.
- Spay / neuterLA County Animal Care and Control Spay and Neuter (opens in a new tab) — County voucher program and low cost mobile clinics for dogs and cats in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
- Spay / neuterSan Diego Humane Society Reduced Fee Spay and Neuter Services (opens in a new tab) — Directory of reduced fee spay and neuter providers and assistance programs throughout San Diego County.
- Spay / neuterSan Francisco SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Affordable spay and neuter surgery for cats and dogs with financial assistance for eligible San Francisco residents.
- Help paying for careEast Bay SPCA Pet Care Financial Assistance (opens in a new tab) — Veterinary care grants and spay and neuter vouchers for pet owners in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
- Spay / neuterSacramento SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Sacramento nonprofit spay and neuter clinic with a fee schedule, wait list and community cat program.
Dogs available in other states
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.
