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Puppies and dogs in San Rafael, California

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

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Adopt a dog in San Rafael, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in San Rafael, 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 Bandit's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Bandit

Bandit

Jack Russell Terrier

Male, Young
San Anselmo, 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
Meet our sweet 3-year-old Jack Russell Terrier a bundle of joy who incredibly playful, intelligent, and full of energy! Hes the perfect companion for an active family or individual who can give him the playtime and exercise he thrives on. He loves running, fetching, and learning new tricks – his smart mind picks things up quickly! Unfortunately, due to changes in our schedule (growing family), we no longer have enough time to play with him and give him the attention he deserves. It breaks our hearts, but are looking for a loving new home where he can get the active lifestyle he needs. Hes healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations (buyer to verify/transfer records), and ready to bring endless fun to the right person! If you have the time and energy for this amazing little guy, please reach out. Serious inquiries only, we want the best for him!
We'll also keep you updated on Bronx's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Bronx

Bronx

Border Collie

Male, Young
San Anselmo, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Bronx was adopted from the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) on April 23, 2023. He was 11 weeks old and weighed 9.20 lbs. and presumed to be a Border Collie Mix but staff was unsure what he was mixed with. Since his adoption he has completed the required Puppy Training course provided by HSSV while also receiving continued training by his family. Bronx is potty trained, knows the basic commands (sit, stay, leave it, etc..) but could benefit from more extensive and regular training and strong leadership from pack leader or family. Bronx loves to run, fetch and socialize with other dogs and people. He has been trained to be both on and off leash and responds to commands when off leash; but keep in mind he's still a puppy and sometimes gets distracted and may need commands repeated. Bronx also can get a little over excited when it comes to meeting other dogs and people and may jump on them or at them to greet them. This is something that will need continuous work to be corrected.
We'll also keep you updated on Rooster's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Rooster

Rooster

Labrador Retriever

Male, Young
Mill Valley, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Im here to find a new home for my dog Rooster. Rooster is a pure bred chocolate lab I got from Tennessee. right now he is a year and a half. He is an American lab so he stays bit skinnier and his energy level is bit higher. the reason I need to rehome him is because I had to move into a small apartment without a yard and with my work schedule and not having a yard roosters just not getting what he deserves activity wise. Rooster just wants to love on you and be apart of the family. everyone who has met rooster instantly falls in love with this handsome boy. he has gone to a good hunting school as a puppy and is very good off leash and is e collar trained. he loves to meet other dogs and play until he drops. he is very friendly with kids. I think I have heard rooster bark only a handful of times. if he needs something he will boop you with his nose. He is not fixed yet because I wanted him to fully grow before. Im torn that I have to re home him but he deserves a home with a yard
We'll also keep you updated on Ringo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Ringo

Ringo

German Shepherd Dog Australian Cattle Dog

Male, Young
San Rafael, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Ringo is a 4-year-old German Shepherd mix who was adopted as a puppy from the SF SPCA. He is a loyal, loving, and happy dog who thrives with structure, activity, and plenty of affection. He enjoys two walks a day and a weekly play-group outing, and he settles in well at home during the work day (8–9+ hours). He has been wonderful with the child in his home, though he can be protective when new visitors enter our home. He may jump when unfamiliar people come inside or move in for a hug, but he’s friendly once someone greets him and says hello. On walks, Ringo may bark or lunge at unfamiliar dogs—especially larger dogs—or at runners who pass too closely, though he does very well with dogs and people he knows. Ringo is smart, trainable, and happiest in a calm home with adults or older kids, ideally with adopters who understand or have experience with active working dogs. His family is relocating in 2026 and hopes to find him a loving, stable home where he can continue to thrive.
We'll also keep you updated on Adam's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Adam

Adam

Chihuahua

Male, Adult
San Rafael, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter,
Story
Adam and his brother Benjamin where given to my late roommate about 4 years ago after thier previous owner had to move into a place where she couldn't have them. My roommate past away and she made me promise to keep them. I tried with everything I could. I already had my own two dogs a Rotti and my own rescue chihuahua. The brothers get along great together. They didn't some much with my chihuaha or my late Rotti. They seem to have a problem with men. I don't know much of thier life before they came to us. I know during a full moon Benjamin loose his brains and acts crazy. I can't cut thier toe nails they get to squirelly. I love them dearly but I can't handle them any long. I have been ill this past year and they need a home with someone who can spend the time the need. I can deal with my own lone chihuahua I have had him since I rescued him when he was 4 months old and he has been house trained and has a routine. The brother need to stay together.
We'll also keep you updated on Darbina's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Darbina

Darbina

Aussiedoodle

Female, Adult
San Rafael, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Darby just turned 5. She is energetic, busy, loves to cuddle and give dog kisses, is smart, and learns new commands easily. She is happiest with lots of mental and physical stimulation. She plays with dogs and and her people at doggie day care with no issues. Once she has decided you are one of her people she is very excited and happy to see you. Her breed instincts show up with a cautiousness around new people and the urge to defend her territory. She might try to herd strange dogs or people away by barking and nipping. She clearly doesn't care for squirrels and delivery people. A good home would provide calm leadership absolute dog loving, and lots of activity. She would love a large outdoor space to run, run, run. She adores the children she knows, but thinks they are puppies to jump on and wrestle with. She's very curious about cats and might pester them. New people should be thoroughly introduced. I am giving her up because I can not keep up with her.

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in San Rafael, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

All Creatures Animal Caring Society

P O Box 3664, San Rafael, CA 94912

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Second Chance Rescue

P.O. Box 2958, San Rafael, CA 94912

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Mini-Mutts Rescue

Corte Madera, CA 94925

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Lytle Animal Care & Control - CA transport

Ross, CA 94957

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

PVCA San Francisco CA

San Francisco, CA 94960

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Pugs N Roses - Marin

Tiburon, CA 94920

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

San Francisco Samoyed Rescue

PO Box 4251, San Rafael, CA 94913

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Dynamic Duo Dog Rescue - Mill Valley

605 Northern Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Marin Humane

171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949

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

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Rescue

Milo Foundation

220 S Garrard Blvd, Pt. Richmond, CA 94801

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 San Rafael, 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