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Dirk
Meet Dirk – A Resilient and Loving Companion Dirk is a 5.5-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei/Black Mouth Cur mix who recently came to us from the Lancaster An…
Melita's Dream Animal Rescue • Woodland Hills, CA
Dogs for Adoption in California
10,756 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 9,991–10,020 of 10,756 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.
10,756 dogs in California — page 334 of 359
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At Risk
Fergie
Meet FERGIE, a stunning 1.5-year-old Siberian Husky mix who was rescued just in time from Contra Costa Animal Center before facing euthanasia. Her lif…
Melita's Dream Animal Rescue • Woodland Hills, CA
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Foxy
Foxy is a year old and weighs 32 lbs. She’s playful and active, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Foxy is a stray rescue. If you would…
Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA
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Josh
Josh is a 6 year old, sweet little shy boy who is simply seeking a stable family who will love him like he deserves to be loved. He takes a moment to …
Code Red K9 Crew • Redlands, CA
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Chongers
Chongers is a 2-year-old rottweiler-doberman mix with a heart as big as his name. Despite being abandoned with 2 other siblings, this handsome boy has…
GreenDog Foundation • Lake Elsinore, CA
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Elle
Sweet Elle was rescued just hours before she was to be killed for space at Downey Shelter. Elle is a sweet girl with lots of energy and an eagerness t…
GreenDog Foundation • Lake Elsinore, CA
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Lindy
Rescue from Rosarito, Mexico, Lindy is a gentle-hearted girl with the softest, most velvety black fur you’ve ever felt— it’s like petting a cloud in a…
Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Aero
Aero is a sweet, gentle 1.5 yr old neutered male Lab mix. He's crate and leash trained, and has a calm demeanor. He has been in a condo foster home an…
Tails of the City Animal Rescue • Los Angeles, CA
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Dottie
04/14/26Meet cute girl Dottie! This love bug has been at the shelter since mid October 2025. She loves to go on calm car rides and fun sniffy walks. S…
San Jose Animal Care Center • San Jose, CA
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Dory
Read her biography below to learn what she needs in a home placement and how to apply. No out of state adoptions, we're located in CA •Name: Dory•Age:…
Animals Rule Placement Foundation • San Pedro, CA
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Shylo
Meet Shylo, named for being both shy and low-key, but underneath that timid exterior is a sweet natured, enthusiastuic puppy with a huge heart. He’s s…
Dogz In Need • Fallbrook, CA
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Buddy
Buddy is a Courtesy Post only and is not a Second Chance Dog Rescue dog. SCDR is not responsible for any ownership, behavior, health, and representati…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Tacoma
Tacoma is a 2-year-old shepherd mix rescued from Baja, and she's ready to start her next big adventure—with you! Full of energy, love, and curiosity, …
Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Banjo
Meet Banjo! Banjo is a 6-year-old Husky/Border Collie mix with striking looks and a big personality. Weighing around 60 lbs and neutered, Banjo loves …
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
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Butterball
Meet Butterball! Butterball is a 6-year-old Husky/Border Collie mix who’s as sweet as his name. This handsome 60-lb boy is neutered, affectionate, and…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
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Titus
Titus Your Next Adventure Buddy! Titus is an 18-month-old, 83-lb bundle of love and energy! This handsome boy is curious, intelligent, and full of lif…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
Urgent Need
Chance
03/02/26 18:47 Chance had his FHO surgery on his right hip at UC Davis in November of 2025. He came today for a recheck exam. He has decreased full ex…
San Jose Animal Care Center • San Jose, CA
Peter
Meet Peter of “The Brady Brunch”! Hi, I’m Peter — a fun-loving pup born July 20th! My mom is a 40 lb Boxer/Cattle Dog mix, and my dad is a purebred 80…
Angels n Paws • Alta Loma, CA
Bobby
Meet Bobby of “The Brady Brunch”! Hi, I’m Bobby — a fun-loving pup born July 20th! My mom is a 40 lb Boxer/Cattle Dog mix, and my dad is a purebred 80…
Angels n Paws • Alta Loma, CA
Charlie
Meet Charlie of “Charlie’s Angels”! Hi, I’m Charlie — a fun-loving pup born July 20th! My mom is a 40 lb Boxer/Cattle Dog mix, and my dad is a purebre…
Angels n Paws • Alta Loma, CA
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Dexter
Meet Dexter! This handsome 4-month-old Shepherd mix was found with his puppy siblings abandoned out in Riverside County. Thankfully, a kind rescuer to…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
Browse by breed in California
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.
- Spay / neuterLA County Animal Care and Control Spay and Neuter (opens in a new tab) — County voucher program and low cost mobile clinics for dogs and cats in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
- Spay / neuterSan Diego Humane Society Reduced Fee Spay and Neuter Services (opens in a new tab) — Directory of reduced fee spay and neuter providers and assistance programs throughout San Diego County.
- Spay / neuterSan Francisco SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Affordable spay and neuter surgery for cats and dogs with financial assistance for eligible San Francisco residents.
- Help paying for careEast Bay SPCA Pet Care Financial Assistance (opens in a new tab) — Veterinary care grants and spay and neuter vouchers for pet owners in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
- Spay / neuterSacramento SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Sacramento nonprofit spay and neuter clinic with a fee schedule, wait list and community cat program.
Dogs available in other states
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.
