Dogs for Adoption in California

7,005 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 2,731–2,760 of 7,005 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.

7,005 dogs in California — page 92 of 234

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Photo of Theodore Seville, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Martinez, California

Theodore Seville

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 1 year

Theodore is a sweet, active guy who loves spending time with canine friends. He is happiest when he gets to get outside and have some fun. Theodore ca…

Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA

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Photo of Mailman, adoptable Siberian Husky in Martinez, California

Mailman

Siberian Husky • Male • Large • 3 years

Mailman is a curious guy with places to go and things to investigate! He loves taking in his surroundings, spending his time exploring the yard, and k…

Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA

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Photo of Rocky Road, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Martinez, California

Rocky Road

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 1 year

Rocky Road may be a little unsure when she first meets you, but give her a moment and you’ll start to see her personality emerge. She’s a curious girl…

Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA

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Photo of Shenzi, adoptable Chow Chow in Sunnyvale, California

Shenzi

Chow Chow • Female • Medium • Young

Personality: affectionate, smart ​​​Breed: chow mix Age: est DOB 6/21/26 ​​Weight: 30lbs ​​Sex: female Petite, athletic and full of life Loves playtim…

Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA

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Photo of Otis, adoptable Terrier in Corona, California

Otis

Terrier • Male • Small • 1 year

Meet Otis! Otis is a terrier mix about 1 year old and a 16 pound bundle of happiness with an affectionate, playful personality and a whole lot of love…

I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA

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Photo of Luna, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Santa Barbara, California

Luna

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 4 years

Luna came to us after losing one owner and then being abandoned by another. She was slow to trust — sitting frozen in her kennel for days. But once sh…

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

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Photo of Dusty, adoptable Lhasa Apso in Sunnyvale, California

Dusty

Lhasa Apso • Male • Small • 5 years

Personality: friendly, playful Breed: lhasa apso mix Age: 5 years ​​Weight: 30lbs ​​Sex: male Very sweet and loving Affectionate and gentle Perfect co…

Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA

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Photo of Petra, adoptable Border Collie in Sunnyvale, California

Petra

Border Collie • Female • Medium • 6 years

Personality: gentle, sweet ​​​Breed: border collie mix Age: 6 years ​​Weight: ​​Sex: female Loves spending time with both people and other dogs Born w…

Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA

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Photo of Rowan, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Sunnyvale, California

Rowan

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Medium • Young

Personality: fun, loving ​​​Breed: pit mix Age: est DOB 8/13/26 ​​Weight: 45lbs ​​Sex: male ​​ Sweet boy who adores people and other dogs Gentle when …

Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA

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Photo of Mercury, adoptable American Staffordshire Terrier in Camarillo, California

Mercury

American Staffordshire Terrier • Female • Large • est. 6–7 yrs

Update 9/14: Mercury has been added to our Call to Action List due to high levels of arousal and stress that has resulted in incidents such as biting …

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

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Photo of Gumball, adoptable Carolina Dog in Sacramento, California

Gumball

Carolina Dog • Female • Medium • 1 year

The Sweetest Little SoulSome dogs steal your heart the moment you meet them. Gumball takes a little longer—but once she chooses to trust you, it's unf…

Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA

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Photo of Freeman - Adopt Me, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Lake Forest, California

Freeman - Adopt Me

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 2 years

Freeman is a handsome 2-year-old German Shepherd who was rescued from a heartbreaking situation, living outside on a 3-foot chain in the heat. Thankfu…

The Little Red Dog, Inc • Lake Forest, CA

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Photo of Bubba & Pal, adoptable Terrier in Apple Valley, California

Bubba & Pal

Terrier • Male • Small • Baby

Two wee brothers - about a year young - rescued by driver who saw them about to be snagged by a big dog near the highway. They've now been vaccinated …

Beagles and Buddies • Apple Valley, CA

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Photo of Bonnie, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Apple Valley, California

Bonnie

German Shepherd Dog • Female • X-Large • 2 years

Bonnie is a very pretty German Shep - about 60 lbs, 2 years old. Attractive girl and much loved by her peeps who are trying to get housing for themsel…

Beagles and Buddies • Apple Valley, CA

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Photo of Padma, adoptable Terrier in Apple Valley, California

Padma

Terrier • Medium • 0 years

Padma is a puppy, about 7 months old. @30-35 lbs and growing. She came with sister Parvati, who looks similar but is brindle. She is a nice girl- she …

Beagles and Buddies • Apple Valley, CA

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

Dre

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 3 years

Doggie Day Out 8/15/26:Dre is a very friendly dog, he is still a bit tentative on walks sometimes needing a pause but he will pick right back up to wa…

City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA

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

Tiara

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 1 year

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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

Jack

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 2 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, 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.