Dogs for Adoption in California

11,109 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 7,411–7,440 of 11,109 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.

11,109 dogs in California — page 248 of 371

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Photo of Surf Pup - Swell, adoptable Spaniel in San Diego, California

Surf Pup - Swell

Spaniel FemaleMedium0 years

Surf's up with the Surf puppies! These beach bums around 3 to 4 months old. They were born to mama Surf who is a petite 30-lb Spaniel, Dachshund and C…

California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Lyric, adoptable Labrador Retriever in San Diego, California

Lyric

Labrador Retriever MaleMedium0 years

Lyric is a handsome little Baja rescue with a serious case of the wiggle butt! Rescued from Mexico with his three siblings, this mini Lab mix has been…

Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Dash, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Paso Robles, California

Dash

Australian Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

Meet Dash. A one year old Mini Aussie/Queensland mix/ Dash is about 30lbs. Dash and his brother Splash come from Merced. Both came in cautious, but tr…

Central Coast Herding Dog Rescue • Paso Robles, CA

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Photo of Malone, adoptable Belgian Shepherd Malinois in Camarillo, California

Malone

Belgian Shepherd Malinois MaleLarge1 year

This dog is on the call to action list due to his fearful behavior. We are still working on helping him build confidence, but at this point he is scar…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

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Photo of Tobago, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Sacramento, California

Tobago

German Shepherd Dog MaleMedium0 years

Tobago has participated in shelter playgroups and may enjoy a compatible canine friend in his new home. He's also sharing his shelter kennel with a fr…

Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, 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.