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Puppies and dogs in Portola Valley, California

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

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Adopt a dog in Portola Valley, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Portola Valley, 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 Lily's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Lily

Lily

Labrador Retriever Whippet

Female, Puppy
menlo park, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
we are only able to answer emails that include zip code, phone number, previous dog experience and expectation/wish list of new dog. sweet, social, 40lb, 1 y old spayed girl, all shots, looking for loving home. https://www.facebook.com/baihertpe/videos All dogs are fostered in private homes, there is no facility open to public. Home visit would be arranged for matched application. We encourage everyone to visit public shelters, and save another dog's life
We'll also keep you updated on uma's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of uma

uma

Whippet Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Female, Puppy
menlo park, 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
we are only able to answer emails that include zip code, phone number, previous dog experience and expectation/wish list of new dog. sweet, playful, 1 y old, 20 lb, spayed girl, all shots, looking for loving home. https://www.facebook.com/umatpeca All dogs are fostered in private homes, there is no facility open to public. Home visit would be arranged for matched application. We encourage everyone to visit public shelters, and save another dog's life
We'll also keep you updated on Sammy's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Sammy

Sammy

Golden Retriever

Male, 3 yrs 2 mos
Menlo Park, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sammy is an amazing and resilient 3-year-old Golden Retriever. He is a very loving Golden to those who know and love him. Sammy is currently enrolled in an extended board-and-train program designed to help de-escalate reactivity with dogs, address home barriers, and manage interactions with strangers. He has really done well after 6 months, building confidence and reducing his reactivity to men and dogs. Sammy now has a pack of five doggie friends he plays with regularly. We have weaned him off the Reconcile, and his Golden personality is really beginning to shine through. Sammy's extensive training is really showing what Sammy's potential can be when loved and cared for daily. He will need an experienced owner who can provide consistent reinforcement and meet his needs. If you are interested, we can coordinate a call with his trainer to learn more. Sammy is being fostered in San Jose.
We'll also keep you updated on Kitten's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kitten

Kitten

Maltese Shih Tzu

Female, Adult
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, December 13th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption Fee: $550 **Kitten is available for Foster-to-Adopt!** Breed: Maltese–Shih Tzu mix Age: 5 years old Weight: 11.6 lbs Coat: Non-shedding Her name may be Kitten, but this 5 year old Maltese–Shih Tzu mix is 100% dog—adorably fluffy, quietly loyal, and full of surprising little joys. She was rescued from the shelter, and after a slow, careful start, she’s been blossoming into the kind of dog who makes your heart swell with every small step forward. Kitten is a gentle soul who takes her time to trust, but once she does, she becomes a loyal little shadow—especially to her favorite humans. In her current foster home, she’s built a sweet and special bond with her 10-year-old human buddy, and the two have become a devoted fetch-playing duo. She’s also warming up to younger kids and has begun seeking pets and connection on her own terms. With the people she trusts, she is affectionate, playful, and full of personality. Her daily routine is peaceful and predictable—just how she likes it. She wakes up early and heads outside for a potty break, enjoys some morning playtime, then settles into her crate for a long nap. Mealtimes are relaxed, and she has plenty of quiet time in between spurts of play and affection. Evenings are her favorite, when she gets the zoomies and enthusiastically chases toys with her favorite girl. Kitten is house-trained, sleeps calmly in her crate, and communicates when she needs to go outside. She’s playful but not demanding, cuddly but not clingy. She’s still learning to feel safe around new people and visitors, and while she’s made great strides, she’ll always do best in a calm home where her people understand that some dogs need time to feel safe. While she’s making progress around other dogs (and can ignore them on leash in the yard), she’s not comfortable sharing her space with them and is protective of her pen. Kitten must be the only pet in her home. With professional support and time, she may eventually feel more neutral around dogs, but right now she needs a home where she can feel completely secure and not have to share her space or her people. Kitten’s ideal home is quiet, structured, and patient. She doesn’t need a lot—just someone who can offer routine, security, and a lot of love on her terms. She’s not a dog for someone expecting instant affection, but for the right person, she’s a deeply rewarding companion who offers a special kind of devotion. If you’re someone who finds beauty in the quiet moments, and joy in the slow unfolding of trust, Kitten may be the perfect match. She doesn’t need fireworks. She just needs someone to see her, to give her the space she needs, and to celebrate each step she takes toward love.    December 12, 2025, 3:44 am
We'll also keep you updated on Grinch: The Grinch's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Grinch: The Grinch

Grinch: The Grinch

Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russell Terrier

Male, Puppy
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, December 13th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $700 Meet Grinch & Max! 10–12 week old Terrier mix puppies   Grinch and Max are an adorable brother duo who have been thriving in their foster home and are now ready to find loving forever families. These two have had a wonderful start to life and are showing all the best qualities you could hope for in growing puppies.   Daily Routine & Home Life Grinch and Max sleep soundly through the night together in their crate and usually wake up around 7:00 AM, starting the day with enthusiastic tail wags, hugs, and kisses. First thing in the morning, they head out for their potty break and are doing great with their training.   They eat 3–4 meals per day, depending on their appetites: breakfast around 8:00 AM, lunch at 1:00 PM, an optional afternoon snack between 4:00–5:00 PM, and dinner at 7:00 PM. Throughout the day, they happily entertain each other by zooming around the house, playing, and wrestling like typical puppies, then settling down to rest together in their pen when they get tired. They’re already learning a healthy balance of playtime and downtime.   Max   Max is an incredibly smart, friendly, and playful puppy with a joyful and confident personality. He’s a quick learner — in just one day, he mastered the sit command and even waits patiently during mealtimes. For such a young pup, he understands cues impressively well and responds right away when guided.   Max is wonderful with other dogs and has been an amazing foster brother to Grinch. He naturally takes on a gentle, supportive “big brother” role — protective, kind, and always ready to play. He strikes a perfect balance between fun, intelligence, and affection, and will make a fantastic companion for a family looking for a bright, engaged, and loving pup.   Grinch   Grinch is an absolutely charming little guy who loves meeting new people and happily follows his brother wherever he goes. He has a curious, playful personality and enjoys exploring every nook and cranny of the house. He’s known for “treasure hunting,” so don’t be surprised if a sock or two goes missing!   After playtime, Grinch transforms into a sweet, snuggly lap dog who loves being picked up and cuddled. While he can get easily distracted, he responds well to gentle training and is eager to learn. His loving nature and playful spirit make him a wonderful puppy who is sure to bring lots of joy, laughter, and affection to his future home.   Grinch and Max are affectionate, well-socialized puppies who are off to a fantastic start. They’re ready to continue learning, growing, and sharing their big personalities with families who will cherish them for a lifetime.December 12, 2025, 3:44 am
We'll also keep you updated on Xmas: Stocking's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Xmas: Stocking

Xmas: Stocking

Labrador Retriever

Male, Puppy
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, December 13th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $800 Meet the Xmas Puppies — Frosty, Stocking, Candy Cane & Sugarplum   At just 8 weeks old, this quartet of Lab mixes has all the charm, sweetness, and holiday cheer their name suggests. Rescued together and lovingly fostered, the Xmas Puppies started out as a shy group, unsure of their new world. But with gentle care, soft voices, and plenty of lap time, they blossomed into friendly, affectionate, playful pups who are now ready for families of their own.   These four adore one another. They sleep piled together in their crate, play without a hint of aggression, and have been wonderfully respectful meeting the resident cats. They’re good eaters, enthusiastic toy-chasers, and early risers— ready to be let out of their pen around 7:30am. With lots of outdoor time, they’ve been doing well with potty habits and are steadily learning the routine of the world. They settle into their crate easily during the day and curl up to sleep around 10pm.   The Xmas Puppies are naturally gentle and a bit sensitive; new people and new places make them pause at first, but they warm up beautifully. After a few days in foster, each pup came out of their shell, trotting over for pets, belly rubs, and snuggles. They are wonderfully sweet, non-nippy, and would make lovely companions for many types of families—especially those who enjoy puppies who are affectionate, people-oriented, and on the soft-hearted side.   Below is a little about each pup’s growing personality:   Frosty Frosty had the longest journey from shy to brave, but he made the biggest stride of them all. Once the most hesitant, he soon became the first to explore the yard and even figured out how to escape the puppy pen— a fact he was very proud of. He bonded especially deeply with the foster’s young son, often sitting happily in his lap for long stretches. Frosty is gentle, devoted, and blossoming into a confident little explorer who loves having “his person” nearby.   Stocking Stocking is the softest soul of the group— sweet, sensitive, and the most independent. He’s tends to approach people on his own terms, but once you pick him up, he melts into your neck for a hug before asking to be put down again. Stocking enjoys companionship but also appreciates being able to do his own thing. He’s thoughtful, observant, and sure to bond strongly with the people who let him open up at his own pace.   Candy Cane Candy Cane is a fluffy love muffin with the softest coat her foster has ever felt. She’s the smallest of the group but also one of the most confident, happily adventuring around the yard with her siblings and trotting over for cuddles. She enjoys being held— just not for too long, because there’s always something to explore. Her faint stripe-like markings on her ears make her name especially fitting. Candy Cane is also adorably clumsy: she and her sister Sugarplum love climbing in and out of the raised garden bed and often get stuck halfway. She’s curious, snuggly, people-loving, and irresistibly sweet.   Sugarplum Sugarplum is the social butterfly of the litter— the pup most likely to trot over for pets, attention, or a warm lap. She gently but persistently requests all the pats for herself and loves being carried around. In subtle ways, she’s the leader of the group, guiding her siblings’ adventures with confidence and charm. Sugarplum adores cozying up with Candy Cane, sometimes using her as a pillow for naps. She also has a funny habit of crawling under the sofa to escape the light and snooze in her own little hideaway. Friendly, affectionate, and full of personality, she is a joy to be around.   The Perfect Holiday Quartet   The Xmas Puppies are sweet-natured, well-mannered, and wonderfully people-oriented. They may start off shy in new places, but with a bit of patience and gentle encouragement, they warm beautifully and show their affectionate, playful selves. They’re ready to bring joy, companionship, and holiday magic to the families lucky enough to adopt them.   If you’re looking for a kindhearted, cuddly puppy who plays well with others, loves gentle attention, and thrives with a nurturing family, one (or more!) of the Xmas Puppies may be your perfect match.December 12, 2025, 3:44 am

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Dog shelters and rescues in Portola Valley, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Giant Steps Foundation

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue

405 El Camino Real, Suite 420, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Birdhouse/Doghouse Rescue Foundation

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Tiramisu Dog Rescue - S.F. Chapter

menlo park, CA 94025

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Stanford Pet Clinic

4111 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Palo Alto Humane Society

PO Box 60715, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

MO4PAWS

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

ShepHeroes

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Doggie Protective Services (DPS Rescue)

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals

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Rescue

Northern California Bulldog Rescue

na, Woodside, CA 94062

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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Looking for a specific breed?

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