Dogs for Adoption in California

10,736 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 9,661–9,690 of 10,736 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.

10,736 dogs in California — page 323 of 358

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Photo of Storm, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Storm

German Shepherd Dog MaleLarge3 years

Storm is a gorgeous sable German Shepherd and a very affectionate 3-year-old who is already making a wonderful impression on our kennel team and volun…

Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of River, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

River

German Shepherd Dog MaleLarge3 years

River is a beautiful 3-year-old black and tan German Shepherd who recently rejoined our rescue. He previously lived in a home with three other dogs—bo…

Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Julie, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Julie

German Shepherd Dog FemaleLargeYoung

Julie is a sweet a black and tan German Shepherd who’s is a recent addition to our pack at the Ranch. While at the shelter, she also did well when a d…

Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Hudson, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Hudson

German Shepherd Dog MaleLarge3 years

Hudson is a gorgeous black and tan German Shepherd. He is a very affectionate 2–3-year-old who’s already making a great impression with our kennel tea…

Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Gru, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Woodland Hills, California

Gru

German Shepherd Dog MaleLarge2 years

Meet GRU ❤️ A true miracle boy Just minutes away from losing his life, GRU sat quietly in a kennel at Contra Costa Animal Services, not knowing his ti…

Melita's Dream Animal Rescue • Woodland Hills, CA

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Photo of Olive, adoptable Retriever in Newport Beach, California

Olive

Retriever FemaleMediumYoung

Meet Olive, she was rescued from wrongly being dumped in the middle of nowhere left to try and survive with one of her puppies. She is a hidden gem wh…

Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA

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Photo of Thornton, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Newport Beach, California

Thornton

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleLarge3 years

Thornton is new to the rescue. He is currently in a foster home with two other dogs (females) and he is doing great. He is extremely sweet & loving. H…

Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA

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Photo of Spritz, adoptable Terrier in Newport Beach, California

Spritz

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

Meet Spritz! Spritz is a spunky little roughly 20-pound terrier/beagle mix with the perfect blend of playful energy and snuggly sweetness. Rescued wit…

Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA

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Photo of Paloma, adoptable Terrier in Newport Beach, California

Paloma

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Meet Paloma! Paloma is an adorable roughly 20-pound terrier/beagle mix with the sweetest little face and an even sweeter personality. She was rescued …

Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA

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Photo of Dorothy, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Thousand Palms, California

Dorothy

Pit Bull Terrier FemaleLarge2 years

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

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Photo of Spring, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Thousand Palms, California

Spring

Pit Bull Terrier FemaleLarge1 year

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

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Photo of Gibson, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Long Beach, California

Gibson

German Shepherd Dog MaleMedium1 year

INFO: This pet is currently being fostered but is available for adoption! Please email petadopt@longbeach.gov for more information.

Long Beach Animal Care Services • Long Beach, CA

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Photo of Nancy, adoptable Terrier in San Diego, California

Nancy

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

This little crew looks like they were painted by different brushes but stitched together by the same heart. Some are bouncy comedians who chase toys l…

Recate Fenix aka Rescue Fenix • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Nelson, adoptable Terrier in San Diego, California

Nelson

Terrier MaleSmallBaby

Meet Nelson! This little crew looks like they were painted by different brushes but stitched together by the same heart. Some are bouncy comedians who…

Recate Fenix aka Rescue Fenix • San Diego, CA

At Risk
Photo of Violet, adoptable Labrador Retriever in San Diego, California

Violet

Labrador Retriever FemaleLarge1 year

Forever home wanted, meet Violet. This poor sweet, beautiful girl who found herself in the San Bernardino shelter. where it was discovered, she was pr…

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Midas, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Van Nuys, California

Midas

Pit Bull Terrier MaleLarge1 year

East Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Van Nuys, CA

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Photo of Naia, adoptable American Staffordshire Terrier in San Juan Capistrano, California

Naia

American Staffordshire Terrier Female0 years

Naia is a stunningly beautiful 7-month-old female American Staffordshire terrier mix puppy that is shy and a little timid upon first meeting, but open…

Doggie Bonez Inc • San Juan Capistrano, CA

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Photo of Angel, adoptable Bulldog in Los Angeles, California

Angel

Bulldog FemaleMedium4 years

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

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Photo of Tamale, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in McKinleyville, California

Tamale

Pit Bull Terrier MaleMedium2 years

There is never a wrong time to have a Tamale! Tamale is a happy guy who is eager to get up and go. He is more interested in discovering new smells tha…

Humboldt County Sheriff's Animal Shelter • McKinleyville, CA

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Photo of Remy, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Pedro, California

Remy

German Shepherd Dog MaleLarge4 years

Harbor Animal Care and Control Center • San Pedro, CA

At Risk
Photo of Chock, adoptable Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Chock

Chihuahua FemaleSmall2 years

Meet Chock! DOB: February 2024Weight: 13 lbsDisposition: Friendly, Easygoing, SweetHistory: Relinquished to an LA shetler with her sibling, Chock. Res…

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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

Thaddeus

Labrador Retriever MaleLarge6 years

Forever Home Wanted: Meet Thaddeus! Thaddeus is a 4–6-year-old Labrador Retriever mix who recently got his second chance at life after surviving on th…

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Diesel, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Thousand Palms, California

Diesel

German Shepherd Dog MaleMedium5 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.