Adopt

Puppies and dogs in Capitola, California

Looking for a puppy or dog in Capitola, California? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Capitola, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Capitola, California. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
We'll also keep you updated on Bebe SJ's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Bebe SJ

Bebe SJ

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Bebe is a beautiful 3-year-old rescue who is embracing her new life as an indoor family pet after spending her early years outdoors. Estimated to have been born in early March 2022, she was found tied to a park bench by Animal Control officers who immediately recognized her potential. Today, this sweet girl is making incredible progress in her foster home and is eager to find a loving forever family. Bebe is already housebroken and is learning to use a crate. At night, she sleeps peacefully on a bed next to her foster mom. She’s a well-mannered girl—she doesn’t dig or bark but occasionally enjoys a good chew, so she’ll want a toy or two to keep her entertained. One of Bebe’s favorite activities is going on neighborhood walks, where her curious nature shines. She alerts to deer, birds, and squirrels but isn’t overly reactive. She also attends doggy daycare and gets along wonderfully with all the dogs in her playgroup! While we don’t know how she is around cats, her moderate prey drive suggests she’d need careful introductions. Because Bebe spent her early life without much human interaction or training, she’s still learning the basics. But she’s a blank slate, eager to learn, and food-motivated when high-value treats are involved! She’s already making amazing strides in trusting people and is becoming more affectionate each day in her foster home. Bebe is a resilient, loving pup who deserves a second chance at a life filled with love and companionship. Could you be the one to give her the forever home she’s been waiting for? If you're interested in adopting Bebe, reach out today and give this special girl the home she deserves! Bebe is a level 3 dog March 29, 2025, 6:41 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Josie C.'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Josie C.

Josie C.

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hi there, my name is  Josie , and I’m searching for my forever family.  I’m a strong two-year-old German Shepherd girl, weighing about 70 pounds, who is mature and wise for my age. My prior living situation was in a large yard with an outdoor shed and very little company. It was a scary, lonely, and uncertain time.  Now, safe in foster care, I’m learning what it means to be part of a family—and I’m blossoming every day. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure how to live inside a home. I wanted to protect my new place, so I barked at people and dogs passing by the windows. But my foster family has helped me relax, and now I mostly watch with curiosity instead of worry. I love walks and am learning not to pull on the leash. I can still get excited around other dogs, but my wagging tail shows I might just want to play. With a little more training, I know I’ll get even better. I’m housebroken, crate trained, and ride beautifully in the car. At night, I sometimes curl up in my open-door crate, but other times you’ll find me snoozing on the couch. I know my basic commands—sit, down, and come—and I’m eager to learn more since I’m very treat-motivated. I also have great manners: no digging, chewing, or jumping. Playtime is one of my favorite things! I love fetch- I’ll bring the ball back again and again, and when I’m done, I plop my big paw on it to let you know playtime is over. Indoors, I have a toy box, and I always choose my favorite one before I bring it to you. I’ve also visited ranch animals—horses, cattle, geese, and turkeys—and handled myself like a pro. My foster family describes me as affectionate, playful, curious, and eager to please. I love giving kisses and following my people around the house. Since I haven’t lived with other pets, we’re not sure how I’d do sharing a home, but I’m friendly with adults, strangers, and children. At just two years old, I’m ready to grow into the amazing companion I was always meant to be. Could I be the shepherd girl you’ve been looking for? &#226&#156&#168 From outdoor life to family life—Josie is a level 3 dog ready for her happily ever after. &#226&#156&#168September 16, 2025, 2:25 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Katara's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Katara

Katara

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
If you're looking for a super cuddly, one-year-old spayed female, Katara is your girl!  She loves to crawl into your lap, snuggle into you, lick your face, and gaze at you adoringly.  She thinks as long as her two back paws are on the floor, she's not on the furniture.  She wants to meet all people and hopes they will stop to pet her. Katara (Katy for short) walks nicely on a leash, knows how to sit for a treat or for dinner, is pretty good at come for a cookie, and is working on down.  She is really food motivated so she's really fun to train.  She loves to ride in the car to any fun destination, and would be a good walking or jogging partner. Katara is good with other dogs both male and female.  She is shy at first, and if the other dog is friendly, she'll want play.  Although she is good with other dogs, she would be fine in a home without another dog.  She's more about the people and would love if her adopters are home most of the time.   So far Katara has not made any messes in the house.  She does not know a dog toy from anything else in the house, so she needs to know what she's allowed to play with and chew, and what's out of bounds.  She is very puppy-like and is eager to please you.  She is very soft tempered, and with guidance and training will make a fabulous pet.  Katara is: Energy Level 3-Your Basic Shepherd: Needs daily exercise and play time. Some walking/hiking/training, and/or fetch will round out their day and allow them to settle in the evening. Temperament Level 3-Comfortable with most people, may be under-socialized, may have some prey drive, separation anxiety, and/or leash reactivity, and may not be suitable for small children. Takes well to training.    October 14, 2025, 1:52 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Shadow Nose's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Shadow Nose

Shadow Nose

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
My name is Shadow Nose and I just know someone is out there for me! Shadow is a perfect sized 53 lb., spayed, 3 year old well-adjusted girl who was recently diagnosed with maegosophalus*. She is friendly and comfortable around adults, strangers, children, and other dogs. To everyone's delight, not only is she adorable, but Shadow Nose is affectionate, energetic, outgoing, and curious. Check out Shadow Nose tossing her toy around! Shadow is crate trained and can be left alone without incident. She does not nuisance bark, or dig, and is happy to keep herself occupied when she has toys to play with. Our evaluator found Shadow to be relaxed while watching her in a sit, stand, and stay position as well as walking on a leash. This cutie rolled over for belly rubs before hopping up with a big smile and wagging tail hoping to entice our volunteer in a game of fetch. Shadow has some formal training and responds well to many verbal commands. Given her sweet demeanor, it should not take long to transform her from being a mildly mannered playful pup to your loyal loving companion. GSRNC and Shadow Nose knows the perfect home is out there. Is it yours? Shadow is a level 3 special needs dog. *Megaesophagus is a condition that decreases mobility in the muscles of the esophagus which interferes with proper swallowing movement. As a result, Shadow will need a special family who can feed her in a Bailey's Chair (provided by GSRNC) every time she eats. The Bailey's chair is constructed with the primary goal of positioning the dog upright during meals, allowing gravity to aid in the digestion process.  October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Ace's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Ace

Ace

German Shepherd Dog

Male, Young
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
One-year-old  Ace is fun loving and playful and has an oh so sweet temperament.  He's ready for whatever you want to do.  He'll play quietly with his toys and entertain you as he throws his Kong up in the air and tries to catch it as he bounces it around on the floor.  Or go for a 3 mile walk, let's go!  He would make a good walking or jogging partner.  Then kick back and watch TV, he enjoys that too.  He wants to join you in whatever you are doing. Ace is really food motivated which makes him fun to train, and he has learned to sit for a treat and for his meal.  He walks nicely on a leash and is not at all reactive to other people or dogs he passes.  He would like to meet them.  He played beautifully with male and female dogs in shelter play groups and loves to play chase. Ace it quiet and relaxed in his crate and kennel and has never nuisance barked.  Once you let him out, he trots over to where you taught him to do his business, and in about a minute he's finished and ready to move on to something fun. Ace is: Energy Level 3-Your Basic Shepherd: Needs daily exercise and play time. Some walking/hiking/training, and/or fetch will round out their day and allow them to settle in the evening. Temperament Level 3-Comfortable with most people, may be under-socialized, may have some prey drive, separation anxiety, and/or leash reactivity, and may not be suitable for small children. Takes well to training.October 14, 2025, 1:30 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Kendall's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kendall

Kendall

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Kendall is an eight-year-old female returned to our organization when her owner passed. The owner had adopted Kendall from us when she was a year old. Kendall is a very soft dog, taking some time to warm up to people. Once she does, she enjoys lots of pets and belly rubs. She will lie quietly by you while you work or watch TV. Kendall walks well on a leash, enjoying a stop to sniff along the way. She is not reactive to dogs or people. Kendall is getting along with her foster brother and sister, and other dogs who visit her foster home, both large and small. She previously lived with cats. Kendall showed some territorial behavior in her past home, though there has been none in her foster home. She is crate trained and potty trained, uses a dog door, and stays off the furniture. She does dig a little and will bark if left outside alone for long periods. Kendall would like a home that will take the time to help her settle in and enjoy the next part of her life.August 22, 2025, 9:18 pm

Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Capitola, California.

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Capitola, California

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in Capitola, California. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 1930, Cupertino, CA 95010

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

1001 Rodriguez Avenue, Santa Cruz, 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Freedom Ride Rescue Inc. - Santa Cruz (CA)

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Paws for Genesis

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Pregnant Mare Rescue

PO BOX 962, Aptos, CA 95001

Pet Types: dogs, horses

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Tiny Paws Pug Rescue

P.O. Box 281, Aptos, CA 95001

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Santa Cruz SPCA

2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Simpawtico

p.o. box 3371, santa cruz, CA 95063

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, horses, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

More an arrow icon

Shelter

CAPE - Center for Animal Protection and Education

P.O. Box 67176, Scotts Valley, CA 95067

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

For a comprehensive list of all shelters and rescues, try our search page. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

Image of dog

Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Capitola, California and nearby cities.

Popular dog breeds

Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Cocker Spaniel American Eskimo Dog American Hairless Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Anatolian Shepherd Aussiedoodle Australian Cattle Dog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Bearded Collie Beauceron Bedlington Terrier Belgian Laekenois Belgian Malinois Belgian Shepherd Belgian Tervuren Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Black Mouth Cur Black and Tan Coonhound Bloodhound Blue Lacy/Texas Lacy Bluetick Coonhound Bolognese Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flandres Boxer Boykin Spaniel Briard Brittany Brussels Griffon Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Canaan Dog Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Carolina Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cavachon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavapoo Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua Chinese Crested Chinook Chiweenie Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cockapoo Cocker Spaniel Collie Coonhound Corgi Coton de Tulear Curly-Coated Retriever Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Doberman Pinscher Dogo Argentino Dogue de Bordeaux Dutch Shepherd English (Redtick) Coonhound English Bulldog English Cocker Spaniel English Setter English Shepherd English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Entlebucher Feist Field Spaniel Fila Brasileiro Finnish Lapphund Finnish Spitz Flat-Coated Retriever Fox Terrier (Smooth) Fox Terrier (Toy) Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) Foxhound French Bulldog German Pinscher German Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer German Spitz German Wirehaired Pointer Glen of Imaal Terrier Goberian Golden Retriever Goldendoodle Gordon Setter Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greyhound Halden Hound (Haldenstrover) Harrier Havanese Horgi Hovawart Husky Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin Jindo Kai Dog Karelian Bear Dog Keeshond Kerry Blue Terrier Kishu Komondor Kuvasz Kyi Leo Labradoodle Labrador Retriever Lakeland Terrier Lancashire Heeler Leonberger Lhasa Apso Löwchen Maltese Maltipoo Manchester Terrier Maremma Sheepdog Mastiff Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Pinscher Morkie Mountain Cur Munsterlander Mutt Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Lundehund Norwich Terrier Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Olde English Bulldogge Otterhound Papillon Parson Russell Terrier Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) Pekingese Pembroke Welsh Corgi Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Pharaoh Hound Pitsky Plott Hound Podengo Portugueso Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pomeranian Pomsky Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy or Tea Cup) Portuguese Water Dog Presa Canario Pug Puggle Puli Pumi Rat Terrier Redbone Coonhound Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schiller Hound Schipperke Schnauzer (Giant) Schnauzer (Miniature) Schnauzer (Standard) Schnoodle Scottie, Scottish Terrier Scottish Deerhound Sealyham Terrier Shar Pei Sheepadoodle Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog Sheppit Shepsky Shiba Inu Shih Poo Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Skye Terrier Sloughi St. Bernard Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel Swedish Vallhund Texas Heeler Thai Ridgeback Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier Tosa Inu Treeing Walker Coonhound Vizsla Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Terrier Westie, West Highland White Terrier Wheaten Terrier Whippet Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless Yorkie Poo Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier