Dogs for Adoption in California

7,144 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 1,441–1,470 of 7,144 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.

7,144 dogs in California — page 49 of 239

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Photo of Nova, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Norco, California

Nova

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 3 years

City of Norco Animal Control Division • Norco, CA

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Photo of Falcao, adoptable American Pit Bull Terrier in Oakland, California

Falcao

American Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • Young

This dog is available to meet by appointment only. Please submit an adoption questionnaire to meet him.

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

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Photo of Wiley, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Oakland, California

Wiley

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Male • Medium • Young

This dog is available to meet by appointment only. Please submit an adoption questionnaire to meet him.

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

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

Surf Pup - Choppy

Spaniel • Female • Medium • 0 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 Surf Pup - Glassy, adoptable Spaniel in San Diego, California

Surf Pup - Glassy

Spaniel • Female • Medium • 0 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 Maverick, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Santa Barbara, California

Maverick

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 5 years

Maverick came in stray barely a month ago and man what a transformation in the weeks since then. Shutdown, anxious have now been replaced by happy exc…

Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA

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Photo of Odin, adoptable Chow Chow in Visalia, California

Odin

Chow Chow • Male • Large • 4 years

I'm in a foster home. Please contact TCAS to meet me. 559-636-4050 or tcanimalservices@tularecounty.ca.govOdin is a handsome, approximately 4-year-old…

Tulare County Animal Control • Visalia, CA

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

Panda

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 5 years

A Little Bouncy, A Lot of LoveMeet Panda—Sweet, Smart & Full of Personality! Panda is the kind of guy who makes a great first impression—and then keep…

Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA

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Photo of Jiminy, adoptable Shepherd in Yreka, California

Jiminy

Shepherd • Male • Large • 0 years

Gentle Jiminy loves everyone he meets and is surprisingly calm for such a young pup. Soft-natured and obedient, he loves to learn and is very easy to …

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

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Photo of Dalton, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Camarillo, California

Dalton

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 1 year

Dalton is about a year and a half and came in as a stray in April. He is a high energy boy who loves treats, playing fetch and going for walks with vo…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

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

Goomba

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 5 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.