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Puppies and dogs in Watsonville, California

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

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Adopt a dog in Watsonville, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Watsonville, 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 Winston's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Winston

Winston

Australian Terrier Australian Terrier

Male, Adult
Watsonville, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
I adopted Winston from the San Jose shelter in August 2024. We bonded quickly. Winston is a loving, goofy, snuggly boy. At 4 years old, he is energetic, yet will melt into your lap when picked up. He takes medication for seizures and has not had an episode in months. Winston's living situation was much different in foster care, he had someone with him constantly and he was housebroken when he came to me. Since then, he has not adapted to the new environment well and since I'm gone 11-13 hours a day, I am unable to be consistent enough with training him. My absence is very hard on him, and he's so excited when I get home that he is unable to focus. He really needs someone who can be there with him most of the day. He is great in cars and gets along with smaller dogs, and seems threatened by larger dogs. I have a cat and they mostly get along (kitty is the antagonist). Winston is so sweet and I want him to live his best life!
We'll also keep you updated on Marley's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Marley

Marley

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Adult
Watsonville, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Marley was an in-utero rescue. Her pregnant mother was thrown out of a car on the freeway. My daughter saved the mother and I took the runt of the litter. I had a chihuahua mix (recently deceased) that she grew up with, and also 2 cats. She is 11 but still very active. She loves kids and playing fetch.
We'll also keep you updated on Jules's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Jules

Jules

Mutt

Female, Young
Watsonville, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Jules is a very sweet cuddly little girl. Her owner passed away so we don’t have much information about her. We’re working on house training her and she’s very reluctant to have a collar or harness put on. She needs a fenced yard so she can go out to do her business which we cannot provide our home. With a bit of training, she would be a wonderful companion dog.
We'll also keep you updated on Matcha's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Matcha

Matcha

Poodle (Miniature)

Male, Young
Royal Oaks, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Matcha is a playful and energetic friend. He does well with command and like to take his daily walk. Matcha was adopted from an animal shelter after he recovered from his car accident where he lost a back leg. He really doesn't miss it. He doesn't need any special care in regards to his missing leg. He jumps, plays and cuddles just fine. I'm have been going through some mental health challenges in the past year and have attempted to work with it, but I am mentally not capable of caring for him any longer. He is a sweet dog. He's been through so much, I just want a loving home for him. Triggers: Bikes/scooters riding by the front yard.
We'll also keep you updated on Maya's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Maya

Maya

German Shepherd Dog Australian Cattle Dog

Female, Adult
Aromas, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Maya is about six years old, and she’s one of the sweetest, most loyal dogs I’ve ever known. She’s incredibly smart—potty trained, crate trained (though she doesn’t need it), and knows a ton of tricks. Her recall off-leash is amazing, and she’ll happily match your energy: playing fetch, going for walks, or just being lazy at home. But Maya also has her issues. She struggles to relax in a home with more than one person. With me, she’s affectionate and calm, but with roommates or my fiancé, she never truly settled in, no matter how much time or training we tried. She’s incredibly nervous when someone else lives in the home. Interestingly, she’s more confident outside her home or when visiting others—it’s only in her own space that she becomes anxious. I’ve realized this isn’t something to fix, but simply who she is. Maya is happiest as a one-person dog, where she can finally feel at peace and give all her love to the person she bonds with. Maya would love a yard or active lifestyle.
We'll also keep you updated on Coco's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Coco

Coco

Labradoodle

Female, Young
Aptos, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
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
Coco is 4 years young. We love her! She’s a sweet loving pet. Watching TV, she will come and sit or lie next to you or lay on your lap. She loves to play ball, toss it and she will retrieve it. She also plays catch. She rings the jingle bell hanging from the door knob when she needs to out to pee . . . she responds to the commands “go to bed” “Coco come here,” “SIT, “DOWN,” “OFF.” Unfortunately, we’ve learned that dogs need attention and daily walks/exercise and we don’t have time to give her what she needs. In a new home, we are looking a family that can take her on daily walks, play with her and give her the time she needs. Ideally a family with kids that will play with her often but a family with adults can also work well. Coco does not shed hair and must go for grooming every 2 months or she will look like a bear with eyes covered. Watching TV she growls, sometimes barks at animals but is learning not to. She gets nervous and growls/barks when dogs and animals come near her.

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Watsonville, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter - Watsonville

580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076

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

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Rescue

Border Collie Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 640, Castroville, CA 95012

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Tiny Paws Pug Rescue

P.O. Box 281, Aptos, CA 95001

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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Rescue

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 1930, Cupertino, CA 95010

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Animal Shelter Relief

PO Box 2682, Santa Cruz, CA 93907

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

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Rescue

Del Oro Foundation

Gilroy, CA 95020

Pet Types: cats, dogs, horses

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Rescue

South County Tail Waggers

Gilroy, CA 95020

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Woof Den Rescue

P.O. Box 381, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

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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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 Watsonville, 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