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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.
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Photo of Magi

Magi

Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Female, Adult
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
She was given to us we are senior and unable to take care of her need placement asap. Very good very small Will let you know if any one is around the area very loving dog and smart. 15 pounds
Photo of Router

Router

Border Collie Border Collie

Male, Young
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Router recently celebrated his first birthday on August 27th! I brought him home as a puppy from Northern California, and he has been such a loving and joyful part of my life ever since. Router is an incredibly smart, playful, and affectionate boy. He loves being around both people and other dogs and is happiest when he gets to socialize, play, and be part of the family. He also loves getting fruits and vegetables as treats and is always excited to try something new! He has such a fun personality and brings so much happiness wherever he goes. Giving him up is an extremely difficult decision, and my heart truly hurts at the thought of losing him. I’m looking for a home where he will be treated as part of the family, given plenty of love, attention, playtime, and companionship. Most importantly, I hope to find someone who will love Router just as much as I do - and hopefully even more!
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Photo of Maddie

Maddie

Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, Puppy
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Maddie was adopted from San Diego Humane Society. She is approximately 5 months old.
Photo of Chico

Chico

Mixed Breed (Small)

Male, Puppy
Vista, 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
Here is Chico. He is an adorable dachshund and pug puppy mix. He is 1 year old He's adorable and likes to play with toys, loves spending time playing with kids and family. He loves going out on walks everywhere, specially at the beach. He loves running on the grass. He knows to play ball and run fast besides you while doing some jogging. He learned some good comands such as waiting for your command before eating and waits for you to tell him eat when you say the command Go! He is potty trained and has a schedule, goes potty in the morning around 7am, after a meal around 11am and before bed time around 10pm. We want him to go to a loving and caring family. We just ask for a family that will care for him for the rest of his life.
Photo of Chica

Chica

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Young
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
She is a sweet, loving, and affectionate dog who deserves a wonderful home. I would personally love to keep her, but after downsizing, my partner would prefer that we find her a new home where she can continue to receive all the love and attention she deserves. She has a gentle and loving personality and absolutely loves being around people. She’s a big cuddler and would happily spend the entire day relaxing next to you if you let her. She enjoys attention, affection, and simply being part of the family. Finding the right home for her is very important to me. I’m looking for a responsible and caring person or family who will treat her as part of the family and give her a safe, loving home.
Photo of SnowBall Jack

SnowBall Jack

Mixed Breed (Small)

Male, 3 yrs 2 mos
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
🎁❄️🐾 Hi there! I’m SnowBall Jack — but my friends call me “Screwball”! 🐾✨ I’m a tiny but mighty 6.5-lb Jack Russell Terrier mix, full of goofy energy, curiosity, and endless love. I’ve been lighting up hearts (and sometimes a little chaos 😅) since I came into the rescue in December 2024. Now, I’m dreaming of cozy winter days and warm holiday cuddles with my forever family! 🎄💛 Life hasn’t always been easy. I arrived as a frightened little stray, unsure of the world and the people around me. With patience, love, and a cozy safe space, I’ve blossomed into the playful, smart, and affectionate little firecracker I am today. ✨❄️ 🏡 What I Need in a Forever Home: 🎁 An active household that keeps me both mentally and physically busy 💛 No young kids — I do best with adults or older teens who understand boundaries ❄️ A dog-savvy adopter ready to continue training and structure 🐕 Possibly a doggy sibling, but only one who can handle my feisty, playful energy I thrive on high-energy walks, a healthy, high-quality diet, and regular vet check-ups to stay happy and healthy. Working with a positive reinforcement trainer would be a wonderful gift too! 🎀 If you’re considering adopting me, remember the Rule of 3s: 🕯️ 3 days to decompress and settle into a safe, quiet space 🎁 3 weeks to learn routines, build trust, and bond ❄️ 3 months to fully feel at home, confident, and part of the family With patience, consistency, and lots of love (and maybe some festive treats), I’ll be your loyal, fun-loving companion for years to come. Could you be the family to make my holiday dreams come true? 💛 Click the Adoption Application button below to get started, and one of our adoption counselors will be in touch! Please Note: Due to home introductions as part of the adoption process, we can only accept applications from individuals in or near San Diego County, California at this time. Our Dog Adoption Process is located in the Adopt tab for your review. Interested in adopting SnowBall Jack? Apply directly to start the process: https://www.rescueworkflow.com/rescue/small-breed-rescue-of-southern-california/animals/402

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

Spay Mexico, Inc.

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

Hope2K9 Rescue

25909 N Lake Wohlford Rd, Valley Center, CA 92084

Pet Types: 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

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

Room 4 One More

Oceanside, CA 92056

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits

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Shelter

San Diego Humane Society - Oceanside Campus (Cats and Small Animals)

572 Airport Road, Oceanside, CA 92058

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

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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