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German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in Santa Cruz, California

Looking for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog in Santa Cruz, California? Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable German Shepherd Dog near you.

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Adopt a German Shepherd Dog near you German Shepherd Dog in cities near Santa Cruz, California Other pups in Santa Cruz, California Search for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog near you Browse German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in nearby cities Browse related breeds in Santa Cruz, California German Shepherd Dog shelters and rescues in Santa Cruz, California Learn more about adopting a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog

Adopt a German Shepherd Dog near you in Santa Cruz, California

These German Shepherd Dogs are available in Santa Cruz, California.
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.

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We'll also keep you updated on JASPER*'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of JASPER*

JASPER*

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 1 yr 2 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Jasper, the Shepherd! Jasper has been spending time in a foster home during the night and comes to the Shelter during the day - hoping to meet his adoptive family! His foster reports: `Jasper has been a perfect guest, no accidents in the house, slept through the whole night.` Jasper is highly motivated by tennis balls and LOVES fetch. Playing fetch can be used in training moving forward as a reinforcement for behaviors we want to continue occurring. Sometimes Jasper has some big feelings about other dogs, primarily when he is on leash or behind barriers. This is common for adolescent, energetic dogs that may enjoy playing with other dogs but easily become frustrated when they cannot access them the way that they want. A home with another dog may be a fit in Jasper`s next home after a meet and greet. He does enjoy playing with well matched dogs as well as going for little walks. Jasper`s adoption fee has been sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation`s Leave No One Behind fund- a fund that draws adopter`s eyes towards animals that have been waiting a little bit longer than average for the right adopters to come along and bring them home. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw!Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

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We'll also keep you updated on Kai's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kai

Kai

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 3 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
WEIGHT: Still Growing! Meet Kai— Kai is a puppy! Kai likes chewing on things! Kai is really cute! If you are looking to bring a non-human baby into your home, look no further! Kai is a sweet little boy just getting started in the world. He will need dedicated adopters to steward him through the puppy phase and help him become his best self! This means all manner of training— from potty to leash walking! If you’d like to meet him, feel free to call our adoptions desk or stop by during Browsing Hours: Tue-Sun 11-5.

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We'll also keep you updated on Hazel's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hazel

Hazel

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 3 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
WEIGHT: Still Growing! Meet Hazel— Hazel is a puppy! Hazel likes chewing on things! Hazel is really cute! If you are looking to bring a non-human baby into your home, look no further! Hazel is a sweet little girl just getting started in the world. She will need dedicated adopters to steward her through the puppy phase and help her become her best self! This means all manner of training— from potty to leash walking! If you’d like to meet her, feel free to call our adoptions desk or stop by during Browsing Hours: Tue-Sun 11-5.

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Or, how about these German Shepherd Dogs in cities near Santa Cruz, California

These German Shepherd Dogs are available for adoption close to Santa Cruz, California.
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.

Learn More

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We'll also keep you updated on JASPER*'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of JASPER*

JASPER*

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 1 yr 2 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Jasper, the Shepherd! Jasper has been spending time in a foster home during the night and comes to the Shelter during the day - hoping to meet his adoptive family! His foster reports: `Jasper has been a perfect guest, no accidents in the house, slept through the whole night.` Jasper is highly motivated by tennis balls and LOVES fetch. Playing fetch can be used in training moving forward as a reinforcement for behaviors we want to continue occurring. Sometimes Jasper has some big feelings about other dogs, primarily when he is on leash or behind barriers. This is common for adolescent, energetic dogs that may enjoy playing with other dogs but easily become frustrated when they cannot access them the way that they want. A home with another dog may be a fit in Jasper`s next home after a meet and greet. He does enjoy playing with well matched dogs as well as going for little walks. Jasper`s adoption fee has been sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation`s Leave No One Behind fund- a fund that draws adopter`s eyes towards animals that have been waiting a little bit longer than average for the right adopters to come along and bring them home. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw!Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

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We'll also keep you updated on Kai's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kai

Kai

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 3 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
WEIGHT: Still Growing! Meet Kai— Kai is a puppy! Kai likes chewing on things! Kai is really cute! If you are looking to bring a non-human baby into your home, look no further! Kai is a sweet little boy just getting started in the world. He will need dedicated adopters to steward him through the puppy phase and help him become his best self! This means all manner of training— from potty to leash walking! If you’d like to meet him, feel free to call our adoptions desk or stop by during Browsing Hours: Tue-Sun 11-5.

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We'll also keep you updated on Hazel's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hazel

Hazel

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 3 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
WEIGHT: Still Growing! Meet Hazel— Hazel is a puppy! Hazel likes chewing on things! Hazel is really cute! If you are looking to bring a non-human baby into your home, look no further! Hazel is a sweet little girl just getting started in the world. She will need dedicated adopters to steward her through the puppy phase and help her become her best self! This means all manner of training— from potty to leash walking! If you’d like to meet her, feel free to call our adoptions desk or stop by during Browsing Hours: Tue-Sun 11-5.

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We'll also keep you updated on Josie C.'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Josie C.

Josie C.

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hi there, my name is  Josie , and I’m searching for my forever family.  I’m a strong two-year-old German Shepherd girl, weighing about 70 pounds, who is mature and wise for my age. My prior living situation was in a large yard with an outdoor shed and very little company. It was a scary, lonely, and uncertain time.  Now, safe in foster care, I’m learning what it means to be part of a family—and I’m blossoming every day. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure how to live inside a home. I wanted to protect my new place, so I barked at people and dogs passing by the windows. But my foster family has helped me relax, and now I mostly watch with curiosity instead of worry. I love walks and am learning not to pull on the leash. I can still get excited around other dogs, but my wagging tail shows I might just want to play. With a little more training, I know I’ll get even better. I’m housebroken, crate trained, and ride beautifully in the car. At night, I sometimes curl up in my open-door crate, but other times you’ll find me snoozing on the couch. I know my basic commands—sit, down, and come—and I’m eager to learn more since I’m very treat-motivated. I also have great manners: no digging, chewing, or jumping. Playtime is one of my favorite things! I love fetch- I’ll bring the ball back again and again, and when I’m done, I plop my big paw on it to let you know playtime is over. Indoors, I have a toy box, and I always choose my favorite one before I bring it to you. I’ve also visited ranch animals—horses, cattle, geese, and turkeys—and handled myself like a pro. My foster family describes me as affectionate, playful, curious, and eager to please. I love giving kisses and following my people around the house. Since I haven’t lived with other pets, we’re not sure how I’d do sharing a home, but I’m friendly with adults, strangers, and children. At just two years old, I’m ready to grow into the amazing companion I was always meant to be. Could I be the shepherd girl you’ve been looking for? &#226&#156&#168 From outdoor life to family life—Josie is a level 3 dog ready for her happily ever after. &#226&#156&#168September 16, 2025, 2:25 pm

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We'll also keep you updated on Scar OS's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Scar OS

Scar OS

German Shepherd Dog

Male
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Scar is a handsome, young, 90+ lb lap dog. He is well-behaved in the house, potty-trained, and can be left alone loose for a few hours (so far). He rides well in the car, barks only occasionally, and only chews on his toys. He has knowledge of the commands: “come”, “sit’, ‘down”, “out”, “leash’, and knows his name. He is enthusiastic and gentle with adults, even strangers. He hasn’t met many children yet. He lives with a 6-year-old foster sister whom he lets push him around in play. We do not know his behavior with cats, but he seems to have a very low prey drive. His foster parents describe him as energetic, affectionate, outgoing, curious, and playful. Scar is: Energy Level 3-Your Basic Shepherd: Needs daily exercise and play time. Some walking/hiking/training, and/or fetch will round out their day and allow them to settle in the evening. Temperament Level 3-Comfortable with most people, may be under-socialized, may have some prey drive, separation anxiety, and/or leash reactivity, and may not be suitable for small children. Takes well to training.December 12, 2025, 7:17 pm

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These pups are in Santa Cruz, California too!

Below are our newest added German Shepherd Dogs available for adoption in Santa Cruz, California. To see more adoptable German Shepherd Dogs in Santa Cruz, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!
We'll also keep you updated on Zeus's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Zeus

Zeus

Dutch Shepherd

Male, 3 yrs 2 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Zeus — From Euthanasia List to New Beginnings, Zeus’s time was almost up. He was on the euthanasia list, waiting for a miracle — and thanks to our amazing community, that miracle came. ❤️ Now safe in a loving foster home, Zeus is spending his days decompressing, relaxing, and learning that he’s finally safe. With time, patience, and love, he’ll be ready to meet his forever person. Medium energy, maximum charm! Gentle soul with a wagging tail and soft eyes, this handsome boy has a whole new life ahead of him — and we can’t wait to see who will be lucky enough to share it with him.

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Search for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable German Shepherd Dog puppies and adults German Shepherd Dog in Santa Cruz, California.

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German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in nearby cities

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Related breeds in Santa Cruz, California

Belgian Shepherds in Santa Cruz, California Dutch Shepherds in Santa Cruz, California Belgian Malinoiss in Santa Cruz, California

German Shepherd Dog shelters & rescues in Santa Cruz, California

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for German Shepherd Dog puppies in Santa Cruz, California. Browse these German Shepherd Dog rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

1.9 miles

Grandma's Barn Rescue and Sanctuary - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

2.5 miles

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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Shelter

4 miles

Santa Cruz SPCA

2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

4.2 miles

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 1930, Cupertino, CA 95010

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

14 miles

Mutt Luv Rescue Los Gatos

LOS GATOS, CA 95030

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

18.9 miles

The Perfect Dog

PO Box 361441, Milpitas, CA 95036

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

20.4 miles

Angels Furry Friends Rescue

San Jose, CA 95124

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

20.4 miles

One Planet Rescue - CA Chapter

San Jose, CA 95124

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

23.1 miles

All Animal Rescue & Friends

16375 Monterey Rd, Suite I, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

23.7 miles

Thulani Senior German Shepherd Rescue

Cupertino, CA 95014

Pet Types: dogs

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Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

If you're not seeing what you're looking for, try our shelter and rescue search. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

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Want to learn more about adopting a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog?

We've got all the info you need on adopting and caring for a German Shepherd Dog puppy. Check out the links below for everything you ever wanted to know about German Shepherd Dog puppies and adults.

German Shepherd Dog basics

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Where do German Shepherd Dogs come from? How many types of German Shepherd Dogs are there? From the history of the breed to question about average height, weight and size, brush up on these basic facts about the German Shepherd Dog.

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