Dogs for Adoption in California

10,892 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 8,671–8,700 of 10,892 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.

10,892 dogs in California — page 290 of 364

Updated recently
Photo of Hendrix, adoptable Shih Tzu in San Pedro, California

Hendrix

Shih Tzu MaleSmallYoung

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

Updated recently
Photo of Jimmy, adoptable Shih Tzu in San Pedro, California

Jimmy

Shih Tzu MaleSmall2 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Claire, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Thousand Palms, California

Claire

German Shepherd Dog FemaleMedium2 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Stew, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Stockton, California

Stew

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleLarge2 years

Animal Protection League/SASF • Stockton, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Theo, adoptable American Bulldog in Los Angeles, California

Theo

American Bulldog MaleMedium4 years

South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Milo, adoptable Poodle (unknown type) in Seal Beach, California

Milo

Poodle (unknown type) MaleMedium2 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Truman, adoptable Siberian Husky in Hayward, California

Truman

Siberian Husky MaleLarge2 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Lyric, adoptable Collie in Lindsay, California

Lyric

Collie FemaleMedium0 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Mariana, adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dog in Baldwin Park, California

Mariana

Catahoula Leopard Dog FemaleMedium1 year

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Tycho, adoptable American Bulldog in Martinez, California

Tycho

American Bulldog MaleLarge1 year

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

Updated recently
Photo of Andromeda, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Martinez, California

Andromeda

Pit Bull Terrier FemaleLarge5 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Ethan, adoptable Rottweiler in San Diego, California

Ethan

Rottweiler MaleMedium0 years

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

Updated recently
Photo of Micah, adoptable Black Labrador Retriever in San Diego, California

Micah

Black Labrador Retriever MaleMedium0 years

Micah is 4 months old and weighs 12 lbs. He’s playful and active, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Micah was born at BAS along with s…

Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Lydia, adoptable Black Labrador Retriever in San Diego, California

Lydia

Black Labrador Retriever FemaleMedium0 years

Lydia is 4 months old and weighs 11 lbs. She’s playful and active, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Lydia was born at BAS along with …

Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA

Photo of Lobster Roll, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Woodland, California

Lobster Roll

Pit Bull Terrier MaleLarge2 years

The only thing similar between a lobster roll and our Lobster Roll is the hot dog bun, cuz this guy is hot! Big lug of a sweetheart. He was at an adop…

Yolo County Animal Services Shelter • Woodland, CA

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

Pip

German Shepherd Dog MaleLarge1 year

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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

Peggy

Pit Bull Terrier FemaleLarge2 years

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