Dogs for Adoption in California

7,053 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 1,951–1,980 of 7,053 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.

7,053 dogs in California — page 66 of 236

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Photo of Milo, adoptable Mountain Cur in San Diego, California

Milo

Mountain Cur • Male • Medium • 6 years

MEET MILO — A SURVIVOR READY FOR HIS FOREVER HOME It’s hard to imagine everything Milo has been through and even harder to understand how, after all o…

The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA

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

Freddy

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Small • 0 years

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

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Photo of Sophie, adoptable Terrier in Thousand Palms, California

Sophie

Terrier • Female • Small • 0 years

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

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Photo of Socks, adoptable Belgian Shepherd Malinois in Santa Cruz, California

Socks

Belgian Shepherd Malinois • Female • Medium • 0 years

Meet Socks, the leggy mixed breed. Socks came to the Shelter after her previous guardian was unable to continue caring for her. This energetic gal is …

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

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Photo of Kuro, adoptable Labrador Retriever in Camarillo, California

Kuro

Labrador Retriever • Female • Large • 0 years

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

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Photo of Rusty, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Santa Cruz, California

Rusty

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • est. 4–11 yrs

Meet Rusty, the 4 year old German Shepherd. Rusty arrived to the Shelter after his previous caregiver was unable to continue caring for him due to his…

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

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Photo of Ziya, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Santa Cruz, California

Ziya

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 1 year

Meet Ziya, the white and brown brindle female pittie mix. Ziya originally came into a partnering Shelter as a stray in March. She had puppies in tow, …

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

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Photo of Gruffi, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Santa Cruz, California

Gruffi

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Medium • 0 years

Meet Gruffi, the brown brindle pittie mix. Gruffi came to the Shelter as a stray after being found by California Highway Patrol as a stray by the free…

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

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Photo of Misty, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Los Angeles, California

Misty

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 1 year

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

Urgent Need
Photo of Rabbit, adoptable Labrador Retriever in San Jose, California

Rabbit

Labrador Retriever • Male • Large • 1 year

09/20/26 10:42Rabbit has been placed on needs rescue URGENT because he has been showing signs of kennel stress. Rabbit does have some good days, btu t…

San Jose Animal Care Center • San Jose, CA

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Photo of Ringo, adoptable Border Terrier in Menifee, California

Ringo

Border Terrier • Male • Medium • Young

Ringo is a two‑year‑old, 50‑pound scruffy sweetheart with a big personality and an even bigger zest for life. He is smart, energetic, playful, and ful…

Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets • Menifee, CA

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Photo of Afton, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in San Bernardino, California

Afton

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Male • Medium • 1 year

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Foxy, adoptable Siberian Husky in San Bernardino, California

Foxy

Siberian Husky • Female • Small • 0 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Ralphie, adoptable Dachshund in Menifee, California

Ralphie

Dachshund • Male • Small • 2 years

Meet Ralphie! Ralphie is a 2-year-old Doxie mix with a happy little personality that is impossible not to love. He is sweet, full of joy, and has the …

Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets • Menifee, 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.