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

Lola

American Pit Bull Terrier American Bulldog

Female, Adult
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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
We are searching for a forever home for our 7-year-old mixed American Bully girl. She is spayed, healthy, and full of love. Her favorite things are cuddling, being close to her people, and soaking up affection. She is incredibly loyal and sweet with adults and older children, and she forms deep bonds with her family. She has a naturally loving, people-focused temperament. What She Needs: She has a high prey drive and can be nervous around small children, so a home with older kids or adults only is ideal. She also does best as the only pet, or in a home with an experienced owner or trainer who can help her safely re-socialize with other dogs. Due to a recent move from a house with a large backyard to a very small apartment, she has begun showing stress behaviors and has started fighting with our daughter’s service dog. This change in environment has been extremely difficult for her, and we are no longer able to provide the space, structure, and training support she needs
We'll also keep you updated on Kira's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kira

Kira

Labrador Retriever Husky

Male, Senior
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
I found Kira while I was in cleaning a vacant house in San ysidro. He wandered in like it was his home. When the owner showed up they admitted to leaving him out on the street and were surprised he found his way back. Since then I've had him in my care. He's about 10 years old. He has a injured ear that the vet said was a blood vessel that never healed. It occasionally bothers him but he's had it all this time he's deaf now and his eyes are getting a little cloudy. But he responds well to hand signals. He's smart, gentle and loving. I can't take care of him any longer because I am moving into a smaller space and I'm not home enough to properly care for him. He deserves a good home where he can live out the rest of his years in peace.
We'll also keep you updated on Loki's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Loki

Loki

Pug

Male, Young
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
I first got Loki when he was a couple months old, Loki is now 2 years old. He is a very energetic pug that deserves and needs time and dedication to train him more. Someone to give him the freedom and lifestyle he deserves. He spends most of his time in his crate but i’m sure he would love to have fun with a family who has time for him. He is currently an apartment pug with restricted space to let out his energy. I have a very busy life taking care of a disabled sibling and this leaves little to no time with Loki. Loki is very friendly and loves meeting new people and is always curious. He is somewhat house trained but needs more attention in that area. I truly believe Loki has a good heart and is a good loving dog that just deserves more from their owner that I sadly don’t have the time for. Upon adopting Loki you will receive all his belongings.
We'll also keep you updated on Sable's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sable

Sable

Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever

Female, Young
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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
Hi! This is Sable and she is a 3 year old Labrador retriever mix. We adopted her from the Escondido Humane Society in August of 2025 after her previous family had surrendered her due to moving across the country. Sable is a sweet and silly puppy! It’s been a pleasure to have her in our lives but outstanding life circumstances has make it hard to continue to provide for her. We are looking for an extremely active couple or person to take her. People who can provide for her financially, physically, and mentally. She would thrive in a home where she is alone, can run and play! She is an anxious girl, she will need training that can help her calm down. She is crate trained and does really well in there! She is beautiful, silly, clumsy, socially awkward, and energetic.
We'll also keep you updated on Mischa's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Mischa

Mischa

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Adult
Vista, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained,
Story
I adopted Mischa from my best friend who was moving out of the country, she was 5 months old and I’ve had her since. She is three years old, her birthday is January 12th, and she loves hiking and camping, going for runs, and napping. She is very sweet, she has never snapped at or bitten myself or anyone around her. She is a little skittish around high pitched loud noises, and scared of strollers and sprinklers. As for her vaccines, I will get them updated. She is just not currently updated. I am looking to rehome her because I am moving and can’t have a dog in my next place, and can’t afford to give her the life she deserves. I’m looking for the best possible home for her, so if you think that may be yours please reach out:)

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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

Small Breed Rescue of Southern California

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: dogs, reptiles

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Rescue

SoCal Rescue Tails

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Spay Mexico, Inc.

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Adopt A Saint

Vista, 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

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

Hope2K9 Rescue

25909 N Lake Wohlford Rd, Valley Center, 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