Dogs for Adoption in California

7,202 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 481–510 of 7,202 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.

7,202 dogs in California — page 17 of 241

Updated recently
Photo of A1936304, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Thousand Palms, California

A1936304

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Small • 0 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Queenie, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Riverside, California

Queenie

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Medium • 5 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Ottie, adoptable Chihuahua in Riverside, California

Ottie

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 5 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Lil Mac, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Redwood City, California

Lil Mac

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Small • 0 years

Hi, I'm Lil Mac! I’m a happy-go-lucky puppy who loves making friends and is always ready to see where the day takes me. Whether we’re exploring somewh…

Pets In Need • Redwood City, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Romeo, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Lompoc, California

Romeo

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 3 years

Meet Romeo, our one-of-a-kind brindle pit bull with a heart as sweet as his name! At just around one year old, Romeo is the perfect age to bring both …

Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Lompoc • Lompoc, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Vice, adoptable Chihuahua in Riverside, California

Vice

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 4 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Califa, adoptable Chihuahua in Riverside, California

Califa

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 4 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Dante, adoptable Alaskan Malamute in Santa Cruz, California

Dante

Alaskan Malamute • Male • Large • 5 years

Meet Dante, the handsome malamute mix. Dante arrived to the Shelter after a previous guardian left him and another dog behind. A roommate brought them…

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Shadow, adoptable Maltese in Santa Cruz, California

Shadow

Maltese • Male • Small • 1 year

Meet Shadow, the 1 year old maltese mix. Shadow came into the Shelter after his previous guardian was moving and unable to take her dogs with her. Sha…

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Cliff, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Moreno Valley, California

Cliff

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 4 years

Cliff knows sit and shake with both paws* Cliff appears to be potty trained* Cliff walks well on leash* Cliff loves treats* Cliff did well on his temp…

Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Lucky, adoptable Poodle (Toy) in Moreno Valley, California

Lucky

Poodle (Toy) • Male • Small • 3 years

Lucky walks well on a leash* Lucky enjoys ear rubs* Lucky did well durig his grooming* Lucky did well on his temperament test with a male Pit Bull• Wh…

Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, 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.