Dogs for Adoption in California

7,165 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 1,261–1,290 of 7,165 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.

218 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.

7,165 dogs in California — page 43 of 239

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Photo of Bella, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in San Bernardino, California

Bella

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 3 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Clint, adoptable Chihuahua in Burlingame, California

Clint

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 5 years

Hello there everyone, my name is Clint! I am a 5 year old, tan, neutered male chihuahua who weighs about 12lbs. I am a confident, social gentlemen who…

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA • Burlingame, CA

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Photo of Peter, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Sacramento, California

Peter

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 2 years

City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA

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Photo of Boomer, adoptable Queensland Heeler in Riverside, California

Boomer

Queensland Heeler • Male • Medium • 0 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Bluey, adoptable Queensland Heeler in Riverside, California

Bluey

Queensland Heeler • Female • Medium • 1 year

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Cisco, adoptable Queensland Heeler in Riverside, California

Cisco

Queensland Heeler • Male • Large • 4 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Violet, adoptable Poodle (Miniature) in Corona, California

Violet

Poodle (Miniature) • Female • Small • 1 year

If you are looking for a dog who is going to be completely obsessed with you, pick Violet! She is the ultimate playful Velcro dog and once she decides…

I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA

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Photo of Recon, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Santa Rosa, California

Recon

Australian Shepherd • Female • Small • 0 years

Recon is a delightfully engaging cattle dog mix who is always ready for her next adventure! She’s eager to learn, picks things up quickly, and loves h…

Sonoma County Animal Care and Control • Santa Rosa, 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.