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Puppies and dogs in Vista, California

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Vista, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Vista, 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 Ozzy's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Ozzy

Ozzy

French Bulldog

Male, Adult
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
My name is Ozzyshort for Oswald, and I a 6-year-old Frenchie (purebred, even if I don’t have my fancy papers to prove it). I’m roughly 30#’s, intact, and all my vaccines are up to date. I’m one of the sweetest little fur babies you’ll ever meet—at least, that’s what Mom and Dad always tell me. I might bark when you first walk in… but don’t worry, I’m just doing my job protecting my humans and my home. Give me a couple of nice scratches, and I’ll decide you’re my new best friend. Now, I’ve got a confession: I get scared around other dogs. My humans say they wish they had socialized me more when I was a pup. But I promise—I’m not aggressive. I’m just nervous about what other dogs might do to me. I really think that with time, patience, and a gentle friend or two, I could learn how fun it is to have playmates. I’m hopeful that someday I might be brave enough to be part of a pack… but I’ll need time. So for now, please give me a home with no other pets.
We'll also keep you updated on Jackson's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Jackson

Jackson

Maltipoo

Male, Young
Vista, 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
Jackson is a maltipoo and he was born on 6/08/2022. He can be a little anxious but super cute and loves attention. He gets along with everyone people, dogs cats,kids etc. He also has a lot of energy so probably not good for someone who likes to just hang out at home.
We'll also keep you updated on Birdie's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Birdie

Birdie

Retriever (Unknown Type) Labrador Retriever

Female, Adult
Vista, 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
Birdie was born on Christmas Eve in 2017. We adopted her from a family who didn’t mean to have puppies and felt so blessed to welcome her as the sister to a terrier poodle mix pup. She has always been such a happy dog. She has never understood fetch and just prefers lots of scratches and snuggles and snacks. She loves to talk and wiggle her body, and pretends to be a sled dog when we take her on walks. She likes to say hello to all animals, trains, and people passing her. We used to go to dog parks a lot and she was great with other dogs but she has been (I would say) pretty unsocialized since we had kids and became caregivers to both my parents. She does live with two other dogs and kids so I would say that as far as I know she is a happy dog and has never attacked or bitten anyone. Our lives have just gotten so busy that we are having a hard time being the best dog owners that we can and hope to find Birdie a really loving home where she can love on you for the rest of her life.
We'll also keep you updated on Scratchy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Scratchy

Scratchy

Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium) Poodle (Standard)

Male, Adult
Vista, 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
Scratchy was born February 3rd 2016 and was our beloved only pup before we welcomed a second pup the following year. He has always been so snuggly and sweet and loves his people. When we had kids he seemed a little jealous or leery of the babies but has never hurt or bit anyone thank god! We used to go to dog parks all the time and he was great with other dogs and people but over the years he has been a little unsocialized due to our schedule so he may need work re-socializing to other pets. My heart is breaking to rehome him because he truly has been such a good dog. We have two toddlers and are caregivers to my parents with dementia and we are struggling to be the best dog parents we can be. Our hope is to find this special boy a forever loving home. He loves walks, swimming, hiking, fetch, treats, ropes, squeaky toys, and most of all scratches and loves.
We'll also keep you updated on Odie's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Odie

Odie

German Shepherd Dog

Male, Young
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Odie is a high energy dog who loves to play. He is 1 years old and is good with kids, cats and other dogs. He has been sent to professional training school and knows how to sit, place and come. He is also crate trained. Odie does have a strong prey drive and goes after chickens but is good with cats.
We'll also keep you updated on Snowball's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Snowball

Snowball

Jack Russell Terrier

Male, Young
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Snowball – The Lovable Little Screwball Still Waiting for His Big Break! We honestly can’t believe it—how is Snowball still waiting to be adopted? This 1.5-year-old, 6.5-lb Jack Russell Terrier mix is a whole lot of happy packed into a tiny body. Affectionately nicknamed “Screwball” for his goofy personality and endless energy, Snowball is equal parts hilarious, affectionate, and wildly entertaining. He brings the kind of joy to a room that makes you wonder how you ever lived without him. But behind his bright spirit is a story of resilience. Snowball came to us in December 2024 as a frightened little stray, unsure of people and the world around him. With time, love, and a safe place to land, he transformed into the bold, playful, and endlessly curious pup he was always meant to be. Now, he’s more than ready to bring that same joy to a forever family of his own. Snowball is still a young guy with puppy-like tendencies, so he’ll need continued guidance, structure, and positive reinforcement training. But he is so eager to please and highly trainable—this is a dog who wants to get it right and just needs someone willing to show him how. As a likely Jack Russell mix, Snowball is smart, feisty, and full of zest. He needs a home that understands small dogs with big personalities and is ready to embrace all the fun (and chaos) that can come with them. What Snowball Needs in a Forever Home: ~An active household ready to keep him engaged, mentally and physically ~A home without young children—he does best with adults or older teens ~A dog-savvy adopter willing to invest in training and structure ~A potential canine sibling might be a fit—but only if they’re laid-back and tolerant of his big personality. He can be bossy with little dogs and a bit of a challenger with larger ones! Snowball is already neutered, microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. The only thing missing from his life is a home where he’ll be loved, understood, and cherished for the little firecracker he is. If you think Snowball is the perfect match for your heart and home, click the Adoption Application button below the bio on the RESCUE WEBSITE, and an adoption counselor will be in touch! Here is the link - https://www.smallbreedrescue.org/Home/AnimalDetails/13549 Please Note: We are currently only accepting applications from homes in or near North County in San Diego, California.

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Vista, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Animal Synergy

po box 176, Vista, CA 92085

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

SoCal Rescue Tails

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Small Breed Rescue of Southern California

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: dogs, reptiles

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Rescue

Spay Mexico, Inc.

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Hope2K9 Rescue

25909 N Lake Wohlford Rd, Valley Center, CA 92084

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

TWEH Poodle Rescue

Vista, CA 92084

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

San Diego Poodle Rescue

San Diego (all areas), CA 92084

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Papillons and Playmates (PAPS)

San Diego County, CA 92084

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Adopt A Saint

Vista, CA 92084

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Room 4 One More

Oceanside, CA 92056

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits

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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 Vista, 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