Adopt

Puppies and dogs in El Cajon, California

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in El Cajon, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in El Cajon, 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 Sunny's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sunny

Sunny

Coonhound (Unknown Type)

Female, Puppy
El Cajon, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sunny is a rescue. She is afraid of big dogs. Very playful and active dog. Needs to be trained she runs off.
We'll also keep you updated on Rillo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Rillo

Rillo

Labrador Retriever American Staffordshire Terrier

Male, Young
El Cajon, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet this sweet boy! He was adopted from a shelter and is now looking for a loving forever home. He is very playful and full of personality, though a bit shy at first. Once he feels comfortable, he becomes a total lovebug who adores attention, cuddles, and being close to his people. He has a big appetite and would happily eat three bags of food if you let him! He does have some separation anxiety, so he would do best in a home where someone is around often or willing to help him feel secure. He loves to nap, cuddle, and soak up all the love he can get. He has a truly unique personality and will make a wonderful, loyal companion for the right family.
We'll also keep you updated on Lamoe (Moe)'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Lamoe (Moe)

Lamoe (Moe)

German Shepherd Dog Mutt

Female, Young
El Cajon, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Lamoe (Moe) is a spayed female Shepherd mix, about 62 lbs, with beautiful black-and-tan coloring, white toes, a white chest, and softly brindled legs and face. Crate trained (comes with her crate), and has rattle snake avoidance training. Moe is the mellow soul of her siblings. She’s calm, gentle, and incredibly sweet — the kind of dog who’s happiest curled up beside you on the couch, soaking up quiet companionship. When Moe wants affection, she politely comes and sits in front of you, patiently asking for pets. She’s affectionate without being demanding and has a naturally easygoing, thoughtful presence that makes her a joy to have around. Moe is highly food-motivated, which makes her very easy to train. She’s smart, eager to please, and responds quickly to consistency and positive reinforcement. With normal household food management (as most dogs require), she thrives. Moe is truly kind-hearted, loving, and steady, and she’s ready to be someone’s sidekick and loyal best friend.
We'll also keep you updated on Buddy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Buddy

Buddy

German Shepherd Dog

Male, Young
El Cajon, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
About 60 lbs, with a gorgeous, ultra-soft black and golden-brown sable coat. Crate trained and rattlesnake avoidance trained. Buddy always has a smile on his face. With the sweetest little waddle, which only adds to his charm, we lovingly call him our surfer dude because of his laid-back nature taking life as it comes and happily bouncing beside you. He lives for affection. Belly rubs, pets, and cuddles are his favorite, and he bonds deeply with people who offer him gentle attention and reassurance. Buddy, a sensitive, thoughtful dog who appreciates a slow, kind approach to new situations, is the type who likes to take his time; checking out a new environment or deciding if a treat is good enough to eat. Accustomed to rural living, he'd appreciate an adopter who understands that adjusting to leash walks and busier surroundings can take time; and who sees that process as part of building trust, not a setback. With love and kindness, he will become your true best friend.
We'll also keep you updated on Arlo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Arlo

Arlo

Anatolian Shepherd

Male, Young
El Cajon, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Arlo Arlo is a handsome, approximately 16-month-old Anatolian Shepherd, believed to be purebred (though a bit smaller than typical for the breed). He was rescued from Carlsbad Animal Services in May of last year and has grown into a loving, loyal companion. Arlo is very affectionate and generally calm around the house, but like most young guardian breeds, he has bursts of energy and needs room to run and regular exercise to stay happy and balanced. He does well around other dogs, though he may become defensive if approached by aggressive dogs. Arlo is: ✔ house trained ✔ crate trained ✔ comfortable in the car ✔ leash trained He does have a strong prey drive and may chase rabbits or small animals, so a secure yard and attentive handling are important. Because of his size, strength, and occasional reactivity, Arlo will do best with an experienced dog owner who can confidently manage a large, powerful dog and provide the structure, space, and activity he needs to thrive.
We'll also keep you updated on Bachoy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Bachoy

Bachoy

German Shepherd Dog

Male, Young
El Cajon, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Due to personal and mental health reasons, I’ve made the difficult decision to return home to Guam to be with my family and get the support I need. As much as it pains me, I wont be able to take Bachoy with me, and I know i am no longer in a position to give him the time, energy, and care he deserves. Bachoy is a half German Shepard half Pitbull, 2 years old, and has been a loyal and loving companion. He is playful, good with kids, house trained. He is up to date on all vaccinations, not neutered. I am hoping to find someone or a family who can love and care for Bachoy as much as I have. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for considering giving Bachoy a new beginning.

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in El Cajon, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Southwestern Rottweiler Club of San Diego

P.O.Box 1865, El Cajon, CA 92022

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Lots of Love for Animals Rescue

spring valley, CA 91978

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

San Diego Mastiff Rescue / Wendy Humphrey

5004 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

K.O.R.A.L.

San Diego, CA 92019

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Pitties and Company

El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Border Collie Rescue Inc.

718 Waterloo Ave, El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Fido Foster

El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Poochie Momma

Rancho San Diego, CA 92019

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Rosedale Animal Rescue

El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Little Rascals Rescue

San Diego, CA 91941

Pet Types: 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 El Cajon, 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