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Puppies and dogs in Escondido, California

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

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Adopt a dog in Escondido, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Escondido, California. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
Photo of Rocky

Rocky

Cocker Spaniel Papillon

Male, Adult
Escondido, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Meet Rocky – Your Loyal Best Friend and Adventure Partner! ❤️ Rocky is a handsome 2-year-old dog with a heart as big as his smile. This sweet boy is incredibly affectionate, friendly, and eager to be part of a loving family. He loves spending time with his people and is happiest when he's included in everyday activities, whether that's going for a car ride, exploring a new trail, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or simply relaxing by your side. Rocky's story is one that will tug at your heartstrings. Before coming into our rescue, he was left to roam the streets on his own. When we found him, he was desperately approaching strangers and begging for food. He was hungry, thirsty, and covered in fleas and ticks. Our hearts broke seeing him in such a neglected condition. The saddest part was that Rocky actually had owners. When we brought him home and attempted to reunite him with them, they simply shrugged and said, 'You can take him.' While it was heartbreaking to see him so easily discarded, part of me was relieved because I knew this precious boy deserved so much more. Rocky is an absolute gem. He is affectionate, obedient, loyal, incredibly friendly and loves kids. He walks beautifully on a leash, has excellent recall, and loves being with his people. Rocky is the kind of dog that quickly becomes your shadow and your best friend. His gentle nature and eagerness to please make him a joy to have as a companion. Rocky does wonderfully with older, considerate children and enjoys the company of other friendly dogs. In fact, he would love a canine companion in his forever home—another friendly dog to play with, bond with, and share adventures with. However, Rocky would do best in a home without cats or a very dog friendly cat because he's just scared of them. This amazing boy is looking for a forever family that will cherish him the way he deserves to be cherished. A secure fenced yard would be ideal, along with a family that will include him in their daily lives and never let him wonder where his next meal, kind word, or loving touch will come from. If you live in Southern California, San Diego County, have a home with a secure fenced yard, and would love to welcome Rocky into your family, please complete an adoption application at www.tlck9rescue.org. Not ready to adopt? Rocky is also looking for a foster home while he waits for his forever family. If you'd like to help this wonderful boy, please submit a foster application through our website as well. After everything he's been through, Rocky hasn't lost his faith in people. He still greets every day with a wagging tail, a happy heart, and endless love to give. Now all he needs is a family who will love him forever. ❤️Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.October 3, 2026, 6:23 pm
Photo of Moka

Moka

Rottweiler Australian Shepherd

Female, Adult
Escondido, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Meet Mocha ❤️ Please meet Mocha, a beautiful 1-year-3-month-old Rottweiler/Australian Shepherd mix weighing approximately 65 pounds. Mocha was adopted from Helen Woodward Animal Center when she was just 4 months old. She has grown into a beautiful, loving, playful young dog with a big personality and an even bigger heart. She is spayed, healthy, current on all vaccinations, crate trained, and potty trained. Mocha is affectionate, silly, energetic, and loves spending time with her people. She enjoys playing, exploring, and sharing her toys. With her humans, she is incredibly loving and sweet and truly enjoys being part of the family. ❤️ As Mocha matured, she developed into a confident, dominant female. At times, particularly during high-energy situations, she may assert herself toward the family's other, more submissive female dog. Because of this, her family believes Mocha would be happiest and most successful as the only dog in the home, where she can relax, feel secure, and receive all the love and attention she deserves. An active family with a secure yard and room to run, play, and explore would be ideal for this energetic girl. She would also benefit from continued positive-reinforcement training, particularly with her leash manners. Mocha is truly a wonderful dog who has been loved by her family since she was a puppy. They want more than anything to find her the right forever home where she can thrive and be the happy girl they know and love. ❤️ Adoption fee: $100 COURTESY POST — Mocha is not in the care of TLC K9 Rescue. For more information or to inquire about Mocha, please contact her owner directly: Melissa Mgspooner78@gmail.comVisit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.October 3, 2026, 6:23 pm
Photo of Jag

Jag

Corgi Poodle (Miniature)

Male, Young
Escondido, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Hi, I'm Jag! ❤️ I'm a 10-month-old Corgi Mix. You know... I've lived through things no puppy should ever have to endure. I was left to wander the streets of Tijuana. Thankfully, I found another dog who was bigger than me, and we stuck together. He made me feel safe. We were starving and so thirsty, so we wandered to a gas station, begging for food... just hoping someone would notice us... hoping someone would care. Thankfully, a kind woman working with TLC K9 Rescue did notice us. She couldn't leave me behind. And because I kept running back to my doggy friend, she couldn't leave him behind either. She knew a puppy like me wouldn't survive much longer on the streets. She saved my life... and my friend is safe too with another rescue. Now I finally get to be what I was always meant to be—a happy puppy! I love to play, but I'm actually pretty calm for my age. I adore people, children, and friendly dogs of all sizes. Cats still make me a little nervous, but if they leave me alone, we're just fine. Everyone tells me I'm the sweetest boy and that I'd make an amazing addition to any family. Now I'm just waiting for my forever family to find me. I dream of a home where I'll never have to wonder where my next meal is coming from... or whether anyone loves me. I don't need much—just a family to love, a warm bed, and a home where I'll be cherished forever. Could that family be yours? Love, Jag Apply to adopt me at www.tlck9rescue.org.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.October 3, 2026, 6:23 pm
Photo of Pippin

Pippin

Maltese Poodle (Miniature)

Male, Young
Escondido, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Hi... I'm Pippin! I'm only about 10 months old, and I've already learned that life isn't always fair. Not long ago, I was wandering the streets all alone. I was hungry, dirty, and so matted that people could barely tell what kind of little dog I was. Every day I searched for food and hoped someone would notice me. Then TLC K9 Rescue found me... and everything changed. Now I know what a full tummy feels like. I know what toys are, how fun it is to run and play, and how wonderful it feels when someone scratches behind my ears and tells me I'm a good boy. I'm a playful, happy little Maltipoo with lots of puppy energy! I love people, children, and other friendly dogs. I even like cats if they'll be my friend. But there's one thing I'm still missing... A family to call my own. I promise to make you laugh, keep you on your toes, and love you with my whole heart for the rest of my life. I've waited long enough... Will you be my forever family? Apply to adopt me at www.tlck9rescue.org. ❤️ Love, PippinVisit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.October 3, 2026, 6:23 pm
Photo of Bluebell

Bluebell

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Adult
Escondido, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.I can't say enough about Blue Nova. Just look at this precious girl, she's not only beautiful and sweet she's smart and oh so loving❤ Her foster mama says "when she loves you she loves you hard" Blue Nova, is professionally trained so she needs an experienced owner that is willing to keep up her skills. She's a wonderful playmate with the puppies that come into our rescue, but as all dogs proper intro is required. Blue Nova, thrives on love and attention so we would prefer her to be with someone that can provide her with unconditional love. She wants to be your cuddle bug and protector, she loves her people immensely. She's a big strong dog who doesn't realize her size. Because of her strength she would do best in a home with no young children. She loves hiking, playing fetch and loves to swim. Are you a pack leader, who can provide Blue Nova with love and structure? Because this is what Blue Nova needs to thrive! If you live in San Diego County or surrounding areas, have a home with a yard and a minimum of a 6ft fence and would love to meet this awesome girl then please complete our adoption application at www.tlck9rescue.org Thank you TLC K9 RescueVisit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.October 3, 2026, 6:23 pm
Photo of Val

Val

Beagle

Female, Puppy
Escondido, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.❤️ Meet Val — A Little Miracle Who Deserves a Forever Family ❤️ Sweet little Val was only two weeks old when someone threw her into a stranger’s yard in Tijuana, Mexico. She was all alone, without her mom or siblings, and far too young to survive on her own. Thankfully, by the grace of God, a kind Good Samaritan found her and reached out for help. Val was bottle-fed with love and dedication until she was old enough to eat soft food. ❤️ Today, Val is 3 months old, fully potty trained, smart and lready learning some basic commands. Val, is such an easy puppy, she's calm and has such a sweet disposition! She is absolutely adored by everyone who meets her. Val has been dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped. We will be completing her spay very soon. Now, this beautiful little girl is ready for a family to call her own ❤️ If you’re already smitten with Val—and honestly, how could you not be?—please complete our adoption application at www.tlck9rescue.org. We’re looking for the special family who will love this little miracle for the rest of her life. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.October 3, 2026, 6:23 pm

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Dog shelters and rescues in Escondido, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

San Diego Humane Society - Escondido Campus

3500 Burnet Drive, Escondido, CA 92027

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

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Rescue

Angels n Paws Rescue - Escondido

Escondido, CA 92027

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Ernie's Hope

Escondido, CA 92027

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits

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Rescue

TLC K9 Rescue

Escondido, CA 92027

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Furballs Furever Rescue

Escondido, CA 92027

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

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Rescue

Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego County

San Diego, CA 92030

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

AdoptableJax - San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA 92025

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Spirit Hills Rescue

Escondido, CA 92026

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Today, Tomorrow, Forever Animal Rescue (TTFAR)

Escondido, CA 92029

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Golden State Dog Rescue

Escondido, CA 92029

Pet Types: dogs

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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!

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Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Escondido, 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