Adopt

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.

A pair of dogs

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 Brady's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Brady

Brady

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 3 yrs 1 mo
Santa Cruz, 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
Located in Reno, NV. Brady is a smart, handsome boy who has been thriving in an extensive training program. His high intelligence makes him eager to learn and capable of so much with the right guidance. According to his trainer, Brady is an easy, relaxed dog outside of stimulating environments. He crates with no fuss, loves to hang out quietly in the yard, nose around for kibble, or lounge by your side. Around higher-stimulus situations, Brady benefits from tight management and structure to keep up the healthy habits he's worked so hard to build. The great news is that he's been walking and working around other dogs successfully, and he responds beautifully to the e-collar, which will be an important tool in continuing his progress. Brady is looking for a home that appreciates his intelligence and is committed to keeping up his training. In return, you'll gain a loyal, affectionate, and wonderfully capable companion. Brady's adoption includes 12 sessions with a private trainer, 3 boarding nights and unlimited group classes. We are so dedicated to Brady and know that the perfect person is out there looking for him.
We'll also keep you updated on Cash's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Cash

Cash

Rhodesian Ridgeback Black Mouth Cur

Male, Adult
Santa Cruz, 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
Cash is a 2-year old male dog that was surrendered by his loving family due to an unfortunate change in their ability to continue to care for and nurture their beloved dog. Cash is about 75 pounds. He is mellow and enjoys walks and playing with other dogs. He is used to big children; and due to his size and energy; I would not recommend them to a home with small or fragile people. It is unknown how they might be with cats. He gets along fine with our 18 lb dog & other dogs. I would prefer he is adopted by someone with experience with large dogs.
We'll also keep you updated on Lady's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Lady

Lady

Chihuahua

Female, 2 yrs 1 mo
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
-
We'll also keep you updated on Mika's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Mika

Mika

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Young
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Mika — Our Shining Star in the Making! At just about a year old, Mika is a bright, beautiful girl with so much potential. She’s looking for a forever person who understands the power of patience and the magic of moving at her pace. Mika thrives with slow, gentle movements and has been making amazing progress in her loving foster home. Soon, she’ll be heading into training to help channel her energy and polish her manners — setting her up for success with her new family. With a little herding dog in her, she’s smart, active, and ready to learn. She just needs someone who will guide her with kindness and consistency.
We'll also keep you updated on Leo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Leo

Leo

Rhodesian Ridgeback Black Mouth Cur

Male, Adult
Santa Cruz, 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
Leo is a 2-year old male Rhodesian Ridgeback mix that was surrendered by his loving family due to an unfortunate change in their ability to continue to care for and nurture their beloved dog. Leo weighs about 75 pounds. He is mellow and enjoys walks and playing with other dogs. He is used to grown children; and due to his size and energy; I would not recommend him to a home with small or fragile people. It is unknown how he might be with cats. He gets along fine with our 18 lb dog. I would prefer he is adopted by someone with experience with large dogs.
We'll also keep you updated on MISTO's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of MISTO

MISTO

Husky Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Male, 1 yr 11 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
HI - I'M MISTO! I am a young (about a year old) husky-shepherd mix rescued from a crowded California shelter not too long ago. I was terrified there -- I mean really scared. I wouldn't even come up to greet people. But after a few days out of there, my sunshine personality came out! I'm a loving, dog-friendly boy who would do well with another dog in the home, or as an only dog, too. I love to play and am happy! Change is a bit scary for me so I would do well with both a patient and active person, who could take me for walks, hikes and other outings. I have the most beautiful blue eyes, and I weigh about 50 lbs. Please email for an application! I currently need a foster or forever home.

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

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:

Shelter

CAPE - Center for Animal Protection and Education

P.O. Box 67176, Scotts Valley, CA 95067

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Simpawtico

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

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

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Four Paws to Love

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

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

West Coast Great Pyrenees Foundation

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Save A Dog & Kids Inc - California

anywhere in CA, CA 95060

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Paws for Genesis

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

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

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Freedom Ride Rescue Inc. - Santa Cruz (CA)

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

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!

Image of dog

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

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