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Puppies and dogs in Santa Cruz, California

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

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Adopt a dog in Santa Cruz, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Santa Cruz, 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 Lady's adoption status with email updates.
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Lady

Chihuahua

Female, 2 yrs 7 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Lenny's adoption status with email updates.
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Lenny

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, Senior
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Lenny is a gentle giant. He is 11 yrs old and 85lbs. Lenny comes from a loving home, but, unfortunately his care taker has become ill and is no longer able to care for him. This senior lived happily in an apartment with a small female dog, but, we are unsure if he gets along with males. He is currently loving the yard at his foster home and spends his days inside and outside, snoozing in the sun. He is a mellow fellow. If you have a yard, no walks are needed. Lenny is a serene companion who will bring warmth and comfort to your home.

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We'll also keep you updated on LOLA's adoption status with email updates.
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LOLA

Belgian Tervuren

Female, 3 yrs 6 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
Meet Lola, the Belgian Tervuren mix. Lola arrived to the Shelter after her previous guardian’s landlord changed the pet policy. Lola has lived with other animals including a small dog and a cat (whom she would play with). She was indoor-outdoor previously and slept indoors at night. She would hang out with the family while they were working and coexisted nicely with chickens and peacocks she saw. She is house trained and will let her guardian know when she has to go out. One of Lola’s favorite activities is playing fetch and retrieving her ball. She walks on a harness. Staff have observed that she is social and easy to handle. Lola has met an older border collie and solicited play with a big playbow after some initial greeting. Lola would thrive with an active adopter who can meet her day to day needs. She will thrive with daily mental and physical stimulation. If there are any resident dogs in the home, it is recommended that they meet at the Shelter prior to adoption. Any felines in the home should be dog-savvy and introduced in a slow, thoughtful manner. From Friday, May 1st through Sunday May 10th, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is participating in Empty the Shelters. The adoption fee is reduced to $50 for all cats, dogs and rabbits in our care. Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event centered around helping homeless pets find families by making adoption affordable for prospective pet owners.The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw!Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

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

REINA

Poodle (Miniature)

Female, 1 yr
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
Meet Luna, the senior rat terrier, and Reina, the miniature poodle mix. Both pups arrived at the Shelter as an owner surrender after their previous guardians was unable to find pet-friendly housing. They have been living together for about 7 months and are two peas in a pod. At this time, we are looking for an adoptive home together. Both girls spent the majority of her time indoors (along with walks and time with her guardians outside). They are reported to be house trained. At night, they would sleep on the bed in the living room or on a sofa. Luna is a smart cookie and knows some cues in Spanish: sientate (sit), parate (stand up), camina (walk), brinca (jump), mano (used for paw) and al bano ( to go potty). Reina is still learning her cues. Luna loves to play with balls and is good at retrieving it back. Reina is more focused on interacting with people than toys. Both dogs have been around a child in a home who was 1 year old and did well. Luna has been around cats and due to previous behavior in the home and observed behavior at the Shelter, would be best in a home free of felines. As they are a bonded pair – Reina and Luna are required to be adopted together. From Friday, May 1st through Sunday May 10th, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is participating in Empty the Shelters. The adoption fee is reduced to $50 for all cats, dogs and rabbits in our care. Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event centered around helping homeless pets find families by making adoption affordable for prospective pet owners.Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

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

LUNA

Rat Terrier

Female, 9 yrs
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Luna, the senior rat terrier, and Reina, the miniature poodle mix. Both pups arrived at the Shelter as an owner surrender after their previous guardians was unable to find pet-friendly housing. They have been living together for about 7 months and are two peas in a pod. At this time, we are looking for an adoptive home together. Both girls spent the majority of her time indoors (along with walks and time with her guardians outside). They are reported to be house trained. At night, they would sleep on the bed in the living room or on a sofa. Luna is a smart cookie and knows some cues in Spanish: sientate (sit), parate (stand up), camina (walk), brinca (jump), mano (used for paw) and al bano ( to go potty). Reina is still learning her cues. Luna loves to play with balls and is good at retrieving it back. Reina is more focused on interacting with people than toys. Both dogs have been around a child in a home who was 1 year old and did well. Luna has been around cats and due to previous behavior in the home and observed behavior at the Shelter, would be best in a home free of felines. As they are a bonded pair – Reina and Luna are required to be adopted together. From Friday, May 1st through Sunday May 10th, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is participating in Empty the Shelters. The adoption fee is reduced to $50 for all cats, dogs and rabbits in our care. Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event centered around helping homeless pets find families by making adoption affordable for prospective pet owners.Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

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We'll also keep you updated on OREO's adoption status with email updates.
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OREO

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 6 yrs 9 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Oreo, the pittie mix. Oreo came into the Shelter after his previous guardian was unable to continue caring for him. He lived in a home with two small breed dogs and a family. Oreo has been interested in interacting with staff and volunteers since his arrival. He is often at his kennel door with a softly wagging tail, ready to say hi to any approaching visitor. He met a large breed female dog (Suzie) and enjoyed her company. A home with another dog may be a fit after a meet ‘n greet at the Shelter. We do not have any history of Oreo with children or other species of animals. Oreo does have some skin issues that he is being treated for by our clinic staff with oral and topical treatments. He may not win the “best hair” superlative at this time but we are aiming for “most improved” in a few weeks after his treatments start to help his skin feel and look better. We are not entirely sure what the cause of his skin issues are but the pattern is common to allergies (especially to fleas) with a secondary skin infection. Adopters will need to plan on working with their veterinarian closely after adoption to help Oreo’s skin continue to improve, as we do anticipate that the condition is chronic and will require lifelong management. Our clinic team can provide more information to any potential adopters about Oreo and his current medical status. If you are looking to adopt a dog that is a bit of a diamond in the ruff, consider coming to meet Oreo today!Oreo`s adoption fee has been sponsored by a good samaritan!The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw!Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

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Search for a puppy or dog

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

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Dog shelters and rescues in Santa Cruz, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Simpawtico

p.o. box 3371, santa cruz, CA 95063

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

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Rescue

Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue - California fosters & adoptions

Santa Cruz, CA 95063

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Four Paws to Love

P.O. Box 7865, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Save A Dog & Kids Inc - California

anywhere in CA, CA 95060

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

West Coast Great Pyrenees Foundation

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

1001 Rodriguez Avenue, Santa Cruz, 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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

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Rescue

Paws for Genesis

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Santa Cruz SPCA

2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 1930, Cupertino, CA 95010

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Pregnant Mare Rescue

PO BOX 962, Aptos, CA 95001

Pet Types: dogs, horses

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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 Santa Cruz, 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