Dogs for Adoption in California

7,025 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 2,611–2,640 of 7,025 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.

7,025 dogs in California — page 88 of 235

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Photo of Fiji Pup - Rewa, adoptable Spaniel in San Diego, California

Fiji Pup - Rewa

Spaniel • Female • Large • Baby

The Fiji puppies are absolutely adorable! Born to sweet mama Fiji, these cuties are each unique and full of personality. We believe Fiji is a Lab and …

California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Fiji Pup - Nadi, adoptable Spaniel in San Diego, California

Fiji Pup - Nadi

Spaniel • Female • Large • Baby

The Fiji puppies are absolutely adorable! Born to sweet mama Fiji, these cuties are each unique and full of personality. We believe Fiji is a Lab and …

California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Fiji Pup - Suva, adoptable Spaniel in San Diego, California

Fiji Pup - Suva

Spaniel • Female • Large • Baby

The Fiji puppies are absolutely adorable! Born to sweet mama Fiji, these cuties are each unique and full of personality. We believe Fiji is a Lab and …

California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Fiji Pup - Lovo, adoptable Spaniel in San Diego, California

Fiji Pup - Lovo

Spaniel • Female • Large • Baby

The Fiji puppies are absolutely adorable! Born to sweet mama Fiji, these cuties are each unique and full of personality. We believe Fiji is a Lab and …

California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Jinx, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Oakland, California

Jinx

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 2 years

Jinx – Affectionate, Gentle, and People-Oriented Jinx is a 2-year-old German Shepherd Dog mix weighing 59 pounds. She’s a sweet, affectionate girl who…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

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Photo of Chucky, adoptable Poodle (Toy) in Santa Maria, California

Chucky

Poodle (Toy) • Male • Small • 3 years

?Meet Chucky (A547069) a 2½-year-old 11lb survivor with a heart that’s ready to trust again. This little guy didn’t get the easiest start in life, and…

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

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Photo of Brownie, adoptable American Staffordshire Terrier in San Diego, California

Brownie

American Staffordshire Terrier • Male • Medium • 2 years

Hi, I just arrived at It's The Pits. ITP is still getting to know me and will write my bio soon. Check back to read more about me or email adoptions@i…

It's The Pits • San Diego, CA

At Risk
Photo of Sugar (Male), adoptable Labrador Retriever in San Diego, California

Sugar (Male)

Labrador Retriever • Male • Large • 0 years

Foster or forever home wanted, meet Sugar!! Sugar is another head scratcher. How does a handsome, sweet, young pup just land in one of the highest vol…

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Dolly, adoptable Chihuahua in Fremont, California

Dolly

Chihuahua • Female • Small • Baby

Five 3 week old bottle puppies were dumped at a park without their mother. They ended up the shelter that contacted us to rescue them on 8/28/26. All …

Furry Friends Rescue • Fremont, CA

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Photo of Carl, adoptable Chihuahua in Fremont, California

Carl

Chihuahua • Male • Small • Baby

Five 3 week old bottle puppies were dumped at a park without their mother. They ended up the shelter that contacted us to rescue them on 8/28/26. All …

Furry Friends Rescue • Fremont, CA

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Photo of Leyve, adoptable Husky in Pasadena, California

Leyve

Husky • Female • 3 years

#A5791879 Meet Leyve , a gorgeous 3-year-old Husky mix with a soft cream-and-apricot coat, perfectly perky ears, and the cutest little curly-Q tail yo…

United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA

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Photo of Marshall, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Chula Vista, California

Marshall

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Male • Large • 4 years

Hi, I'm the kind of dog who believes everyone is a friend I just haven't met yet! I absolutely love people and greet every new face with a happy heart…

Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA

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Photo of Chili, adoptable Labrador Retriever in Chula Vista, California

Chili

Labrador Retriever • Male • Large • 2 years

Hi there! I’m Chili! A happy-go-lucky guy with endless energy and a big heart. If you've got a ball, a squeaky toy, or just five spare minutes, I’m yo…

Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA

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Photo of Liona, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Martin, California

Liona

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 3 years

Santa Clara County Animal Care & Control • San Martin, 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.