Dogs for Adoption in California

7,052 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 2,101–2,130 of 7,052 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.

7,052 dogs in California — page 71 of 236

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Photo of Milo, adoptable Chihuahua in San Juan Capistrano, California

Milo

Chihuahua • Male • 2 years

Meet this handsome 10-pound, approximately 2-year-old little gentleman, Milo! With his beautiful, warm honey-colored coat, soulful honey-colored eyes,…

Doggie Bonez Inc • San Juan Capistrano, CA

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Photo of Buster, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Buster

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 0 years

Meet Buster! Buster is an adorable 8-month-old, 50-pound German Shepherd/Great Dane mix with the perfect balance of playful energy and an easygoing pe…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Mike, adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dog in Oroville, California

Mike

Catahoula Leopard Dog • Male • Small • 0 years

Mike is sweet and friendly, but may start out a little shy. He is a pleaser and wants to have a job to keep him busy and entertained. Do you have a lo…

Northwest SPCA • Oroville, CA

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Photo of Lorraine, adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dog in Oroville, California

Lorraine

Catahoula Leopard Dog • Female • Small • 0 years

Lorraine may not have the classic coloring as her siblings, but she is still stunning! She is just as strong, smart and beautiful as the others - and …

Northwest SPCA • Oroville, CA

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Photo of Charlie, adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dog in Oroville, California

Charlie

Catahoula Leopard Dog • Male • Small • 0 years

Adorable Charlie is looking for his forever human. The perfect match would be an adventure loving active human who wants to give Charlie a job to do..…

Northwest SPCA • Oroville, CA

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Photo of Sarah, adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dog in Oroville, California

Sarah

Catahoula Leopard Dog • Female • Small • 0 years

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are energetic, independent, and muscular working breed dogs originating from Louisiana, famous for striking leopard-like spotte…

Northwest SPCA • Oroville, CA

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Photo of Pumpernickel, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Tracy, California

Pumpernickel

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Small • 0 years

THIS PET IS A FOUND PET**Date Found: 8/30/26Location Found: Tracy AirportStatus of Pet: In FINDERS HomeMicrochip Status: unknown**This pet is with the…

City of Tracy Animal Services • Tracy, CA

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Photo of Marie, adoptable Belgian Shepherd Malinois in Long Beach, California

Marie

Belgian Shepherd Malinois • Female • Large • 2 years

Long Beach Animal Care Services • Long Beach, CA

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Photo of King, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Riverside, California

King

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 3 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Micro, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Riverside, California

Micro

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Medium • 3 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Chester, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Chester

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Medium • 0 years

Meet Chester! He is an 8 month old, 50-pound German Shepherd mix who is friendly, handsome and sweet. This young guy has quickly proven what a wonderf…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Biscuit, adoptable Terrier in San Diego, California

Biscuit

Terrier • Male • Small • 0 years

Meet Biscuit! Biscuit is a 10-month-old, 12-pound Terrier mix with a silly, playful personality and so much love to give. Biscuit can be a little nerv…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Topo, adoptable Cane Corso Mastiff in Van Nuys, California

Topo

Cane Corso Mastiff • Male • Medium • 1 year

East Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Van Nuys, CA

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Photo of Stella, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Bernardino, California

Stella

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Small • 0 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Judy, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Bernardino, California

Judy

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Small • 0 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Greg, adoptable Labrador Retriever in San Bernardino, California

Greg

Labrador Retriever • Male • Large • 2 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Shimmy, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in San Francisco, California

Shimmy

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Medium • 0 years

Get your shimmy on! Dog, dance partner, and professional wiggle worm Shimmy arrived at SFACC with a serious case of wiggling booty syndrome. Shimmy's …

San Francisco Animal Care & Control • San Francisco, 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.