Dogs for Adoption in California

11,119 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 6,811–6,840 of 11,119 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.

221 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.

11,119 dogs in California — page 228 of 371

Updated recently
Photo of Harley, adoptable English Bulldog in La Verne, California

Harley

English Bulldog FemaleMedium3 years

Meet Harley There are some dogs who walk into your life and immediately make you smile, and Harley is absolutely one of them. This short, stout, snort…

Our Underdog Rescue Squad • La Verne, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Damaris, adoptable Jack Russell Terrier in San Diego, California

Damaris

Jack Russell Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Damaris is 6 months old and weighs 21 lbs, and has a short tail. She’s playful, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Damaris is a stray r…

Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA

Photo of Sapphire, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Paso Robles, California

Sapphire

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler FemaleMediumYoung

Meet Sapphire. Sapphire is a 16 week old Australian Cattle Dog mix. Hard to know what the mix is, but Sapphire is really small. Sapphire was found in …

Central Coast Herding Dog Rescue • Paso Robles, CA

Photo of Maggie, adoptable Dachshund in Menifee, California

Maggie

Dachshund FemaleSmallBaby

Say hello to Maggie! Maggie is one of those puppies who is almost impossible to look at without smiling. She’s adorable, sweet, and just the right siz…

Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets • Menifee, CA

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

Hunter

German Shepherd Dog FemaleSmall0 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Buggy, adoptable American Pit Bull Terrier in Riverside, California

Buggy

American Pit Bull Terrier MaleLarge1 year

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

Photo of Daliah, adoptable Australian Shepherd in San Jose, California

Daliah

Australian Shepherd FemaleMedium1 year

09/08/26 14:28Notes from the foster: Dalia settled into our home surprisingly quickly and has been such a sweet companion to have around. At home, she…

San Jose Animal Care Center • San Jose, 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.