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Puppies and dogs in La Mesa, California

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

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Adopt a dog in La Mesa, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in La Mesa, 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 Roo's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Roo

Roo

American Staffordshire Terrier American Bulldog

Female, Adult
La Mesa, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
We found Roo as a puppy at the shelter. She was very frail and had already been returned to the shelter that day for being a bulldog. Her start at home with my other dog was rocky. Roo has severe anxiety with people especially MEN. Car rides also trigger her. Medication such as Trazadone and Gabapentin have been used successfully to help with temporary anxiety. Food aversion can be an issue. But loves chicken, fish, beef and cheese! Over the last few years, Roo has had several teeth extracted due to fractures. In September of 2025, she had a TPLO surgery on her back left leg. But doing great! We recently had another incident with Roo attacking our other dog and I have decided that she would do better in a new and supportive home. Roo, needs a FEMALE owner household. No other pets. Behavior modification support. Roo loves running at dog beach, taking walks and snuggling on the couch and sunbathing.

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We'll also keep you updated on Lemon's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Lemon

Lemon

Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Young
La Mesa, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Lemon was rescued from the euthanasia list by another rescue that then abandoned her leaving her hopeless yet again. When Lavender Run was finally able to have the previous rescue agree to relinquish her, this sweet angel arrived emaciated, battling kennel cough and with some behavioral issues that have been addressed. Despite everything she’s endured, Lemon’s gentle spirit shines through — she’s sweet, affectionate, and grateful for every kind touch. She will thrive as the most perfect, playful, snuggle bug in the right home! Can you be this sweetheart's final safe space so she can experience real love? Lemon is professionally on and off leash trained. Her adoption fee includes 4 required follow up training sessions. While Lemon is super snuggly and an absolute sweetheart, she has some spice inside of her, it is important her new family understands how to properly handle these rare moments so this incredible dog can have the support she deserves. Lemon will do best in a child-free and dog-free home.

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We'll also keep you updated on Honey's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Honey

Honey

Carolina Dog Australian Kelpie

Female, 2 yrs 7 mos
La Mesa, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Honey was rescued from the euthanasia list at an open-intake shelter in Houston, Texas, where staff worked tirelessly to give her every possible chance. Just in time, Hope Rescue Ranch stepped in and saved her life. During her transition, Honey experienced a brief behavioral setback, largely due to not having adequate time and support to fully decompress after everything she had been through. Wanting to ensure she had every opportunity to succeed in her new chapter, Hope Rescue Ranch transported Honey to Lavender Run, where she can receive the training and guidance she needs to truly let her sweet, loving personality shine. We are so excited to help Honey continue her journey and can’t wait to find her the perfect forever home! Honey is professionally on and off leash trained. Her adoption fee will include 4 professional training sessions. Honey will do best in a child-free home and can do well with or without other dogs.

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We'll also keep you updated on Chopper's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Chopper

Chopper

Golden Retriever Corgi

Male, 6 yrs 5 mos
La Mesa, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Chopper is fully on and off leash trained. This sweet Corgi/Golden Retriever mix knows what it’s like to love deeply. Through no fault of his own, he found himself needing a new start after struggling with a few behavioral quirks that his previous family wasn’t prepared to work through. What is impossible to miss about him is his heart. He’s affectionate, loyal, and eager to connect with his people. He thrives on structure, clear communication, and a patient home that understands that dogs, like humans, sometimes need guidance to feel safe and confident. With consistency and support, he blossoms—showing just how smart, devoted, and loving he truly is. He’s looking for a family willing to see him for who he is, not just what he’s been through. In return, he promises unwavering loyalty, endless tail wags, and plenty of tippy taps in the forever home he deserves. Chopper will do well in homes with children. He will do fine in homes with one other dog and continued structure.

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We'll also keep you updated on Dexter's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Dexter

Dexter

Husky

Male, 9 yrs 10 mos
La Mesa, 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
Dexter is about 9 years old, very friendly and howls when it's time to eat and go on a walk. That's when he really comes alive. Dexter was relinquished to our rescue by his prior owner. Dexter walks 2 miles/day, but is a couch potato the rest of the day. He gets along with other dogs, cats and humans. He loves his treats, and knows commands like sit, give me your paw, come, lie down. He is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, deflead. If you would like to meet him in La Mesa, feel free to email us.

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We'll also keep you updated on Donette's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Donette

Donette

Shar Pei

Female, Adult
San Diego, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Donette: Your Wrinkly Walking Companion! Looking for a leash-walking superstar with adorable rolls for days? Say hello to Donette, a charming shar-pei who's ready to trot into your heart! This spayed, microchipped, and fully vaccinated lady has mastered the art of the neighborhood stroll—though fair warning, she's got some serious prey drive when it comes to cats on the run! What Makes Donette Special: • __Perfect Leash Manners__ (after the initial excitement wears off!) • __Crate Trained Pro__ – sleeps like a dream and eats her meals politely in her den • __Gentle Treat Taker__ with zero food aggression • __Easy-Going for Grooming__ – ears, paws, tail? No problem! • __Dog-Friendly__ (with proper introductions) and currently living harmoniously with other pups. She much prefers the calmer dogs in the home and avoids the rambunctious puppish dogs (so annoying!) Donette's Dream Home: This sweet girl thrives in a calm, adult-only household where she can decompress and build confidence at her own pace. She's still learning that toys are fun and would love a patient family who understands that unpredictable movements and loud noises make her nervous (hence no small kids). Give her space around her head, and she'll reward you with loyalty and companionship! __Ideal Match:__ Adults or older kids only, no small children, cat-free home, patient dog lovers who appreciate a work-in-progress with tons of potential! She is probably a one person dog. Ready to give Donette the peaceful, loving home she deserves? She's waiting to meet you! She is fostering in Southern California (San Bernadino county).December 27, 2025, 7:39 am

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Dog shelters and rescues in La Mesa, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Lavender Run Rescue

La Mesa, CA 91942

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Baja Rescue Ranch

San Diego, CA 91941

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Little Rascals Rescue

San Diego, CA 91941

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

VC Animal Rescue

La Mesa, CA 91941

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs

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Rescue

Pei People - CA San Diego

San Diego, CA 91945

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Paradise Valley Rescue

San Diego, CA 92115

Pet Types: dogs, horses

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Rescue

Amazing Strays Rescue

San Diego, CA 92115

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Southern California German Shepherd Rescue

6161 El Cajon Blvd, #460, San Diego, CA 92115

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Legend Animal Rescue

6879 Cartwright Street, San Diego, CA 92120

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs

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Rescue

Baja Paws Rescue

San Diego, CA 92120

Pet Types: cats, 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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Looking for a specific breed?

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

Popular dog breeds

Labrador Retriever Chihuahua Maltese German Shepherd Dog Poodle (Miniature) Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier Shih Tzu Dachshund Husky Pomeranian Golden Retriever Pug Australian Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Boxer Border Collie English Bulldog Beagle Jack Russell Terrier
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
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