Dogs for Adoption in California

7,054 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 1,771–1,800 of 7,054 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.

7,054 dogs in California — page 60 of 236

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Photo of Caramel, adoptable Australian Kelpie in San Diego, California

Caramel

Australian Kelpie • Female • Medium • Young

Meet Caramel! DOB: August 2025Weight: 20lbsDisposition: Sweet, Affectionate, PlayfulHistory: Caramel was rescued from the street in very poor conditio…

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Lula, adoptable Fox Terrier in San Diego, California

Lula

Fox Terrier • Female • Small • Young

Meet Lula! DOB: August 2025Weight: 19lbsDisposition: Affectionate, Playful, FriendlyHistory: Lula arrived at the shelter after being rescued from the …

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Fifi, adoptable Belgian Shepherd Malinois in San Diego, California

Fifi

Belgian Shepherd Malinois • Female • Medium • Young

Meet Fifi! DOB: June 2025Weight: 41lbsDisposition: Playful, Smart, SweetHistory: Fifi came into rescue when she was just four months old. Best Home: F…

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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

Marshmallow

Labrador Retriever • Female • Small • Young

Meet Marshmallow! DOB: February 2026Weight: 18lbsDisposition: Sweet, Loving, PlayfulHistory: Marshmallow came into the shelter about four months ago f…

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Iris, adoptable Labrador Retriever in Yreka, California

Iris

Labrador Retriever • Female • Large • 2 years

Thank you for considering adopting a Rescue Ranch dog. While they are with us, each and every rescue dog receives the best of care in a loving and nur…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

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Photo of Ricco, adoptable Terrier in Yreka, California

Ricco

Terrier • Male • Medium • 6 years

Thank you for considering adopting a Rescue Ranch dog. While they are with us, each and every rescue dog receives the best of care in a loving and nur…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

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Photo of Raven, adoptable Dachshund in Yreka, California

Raven

Dachshund • Female • Small • 0 years

Rescue Ranch puppies are raised through our puppy foster program. They will have met adults, children, often other dogs, maybe cats. 16-week or older …

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

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Photo of Barrett, adoptable Doberman Pinscher in Yreka, California

Barrett

Doberman Pinscher • Male • Large • 1 year

Meet Barrett! Looking for a playful, toy-carrying bundle of joy to add some fun to your life? Barrett’s your guy! This young pup is all about love—for…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

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Photo of Colitas, adoptable Beagle in San Diego, California

Colitas

Beagle • Female • Small • Young

Meet Colitas! DOB: February 2026Weight: 20lbsDisposition: Social, Happy, Active Meet Colitas, a strikingly gorgeous girl with a sleek black-and-tan co…

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Nicky, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Sacramento, California

Nicky

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Medium • 5 years

City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA

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

Boss

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Medium • 4 years

City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA

At Risk
Photo of Gasper, adoptable Entlebucher in San Diego, California

Gasper

Entlebucher • Male • Medium • Young

Meet Gasper! DOB: December 2025Weight: 32lbsDisposition: playful, happy, adorable​Gasper’s life almost looked very different. He is one of 60 lucky do…

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Priya, adoptable Schipperke in Marina Del Rey, California

Priya

Schipperke • Medium • Baby

Meet Priya! Priya is a sweet little Schipperke with a heart of gold. She's curious, playful, and ready to explore the world! *This is a courtesy post.…

Starpaws Rescue • Marina Del Rey, CA

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Photo of Lia, adoptable Terrier in Burlingame, California

Lia

Terrier • Female • Medium • 2 years

Hey there, I'm Lia! I'm a two year old, spayed female, terrier mix who weighs around 16 pounds currently. I'm a sassy lady who knows what I like in li…

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA • Burlingame, CA

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

Maki

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 1 year

City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA

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Photo of Romeo, adoptable Labrador Retriever in Sacramento, California

Romeo

Labrador Retriever • Male • Large • 1 year

City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA

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

Ramen

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Small • 1 year

City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA

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Photo of Maybee Baby, adoptable Labrador Retriever in San Diego, California

Maybee Baby

Labrador Retriever • Female • X-Large • 6 years

This chunky girl Maybee Baby has lots of love to give! At 6 years old, she is a purebred black Lab whose previous owner could no longer care for her. …

California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, 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.