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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 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 APOLLO's adoption status with email updates.
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APOLLO

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 6 yrs
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Apollo, the handsome frosted face German Shepherd. Apollo came to the Shelter after his previous guardian was unable to continue caring for him due to her medical needs. His previous guardian reports that, despite his large size, Apollo likes to sits on laps. His favorite activities are playing and running. Apollo does walk on leash but pulls fairly strongly. The property Apollo lived at previously had outdoor cats who Apollo coexisted with. Apollo previously spent the majority of his time outdoors. He may do well in a home environment where he has easy access outside to a securely fenced in yard via a doggy door or a similar set up and can come in at night. As long as you have some tennis balls and a good throwing arm, Apollo will be a happy camper. He came to the Shelter with his friend Eddie (A328562) who is also up for adoption. Eddie and Apollo could go to an adoptive home together for someone looking for a duo but is not required to be adopted with Eddie. Although he enjoys the company of that dog, he is a bit selective about other canine friends (outside of his buddy Eddie). He may enjoy being the only dog in his next home and soaking up all of your love. If you are a German Shepherd savvy adopter looking for a dog to be the apple of your eye, come meet Apollo today!Now through February 15th, all adoption fees are reduced to $33 - come to the Shelter today to adopt your very own Valentine!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 JASPER*'s adoption status with email updates.
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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 APOLLO's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of APOLLO

APOLLO

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 6 yrs
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Apollo, the handsome frosted face German Shepherd. Apollo came to the Shelter after his previous guardian was unable to continue caring for him due to her medical needs. His previous guardian reports that, despite his large size, Apollo likes to sits on laps. His favorite activities are playing and running. Apollo does walk on leash but pulls fairly strongly. The property Apollo lived at previously had outdoor cats who Apollo coexisted with. Apollo previously spent the majority of his time outdoors. He may do well in a home environment where he has easy access outside to a securely fenced in yard via a doggy door or a similar set up and can come in at night. As long as you have some tennis balls and a good throwing arm, Apollo will be a happy camper. He came to the Shelter with his friend Eddie (A328562) who is also up for adoption. Eddie and Apollo could go to an adoptive home together for someone looking for a duo but is not required to be adopted with Eddie. Although he enjoys the company of that dog, he is a bit selective about other canine friends (outside of his buddy Eddie). He may enjoy being the only dog in his next home and soaking up all of your love. If you are a German Shepherd savvy adopter looking for a dog to be the apple of your eye, come meet Apollo today!Now through February 15th, all adoption fees are reduced to $33 - come to the Shelter today to adopt your very own Valentine!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.

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.

Learn More

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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.

Learn More

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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.

Learn More

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

Oso

German Shepherd Dog

Male
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Oso is one sweet GSD puppy.  He may be 14 months old, but he is a puppy at heart given his early neglect in a garage. Turned into the shelter with flea infestation, ear infections and dermatitis, this pup came back with a full recovery with his puppy personality intact.  Oso loves his belly rubs, playing with his ball and enjoys a good bone to or chew toy to gnaw on. Oso is a smart, food/treat/ball motivated youngster learning house manners, crate training, and house-breaking in his foster home.  He know “sit" and “down" and is working on his other obedience commands.   He doesn’t seem to have much prey drive, just shows some curiosity when he sees deer, wild turkeys or squirrels on his walks. Oso rides easily in the car and settles down for the ride with no nuisance barking or fussing. He is friendly to all strangers, and greets strange dogs appropriately. He is responding positively to a consistent routine in his daily schedule, with regularly “potty” breaks (on leash) to the back yard every 2-3 hours.  He has found his “spot” to do his business in the backyard and is good about emptying his bladder. Oso sleeps in his crate at night without fuss and he will go in his crate for a couple of hours during the day if needed without issue. February 14, 2026, 4:11 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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We'll also keep you updated on FINN*'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of FINN*

FINN*

Belgian Malinois

Male, 10 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Huckleberry & Finn! This unlikely duo (Huckleberry the Great Pyrenees and Finn the Malinois) arrived to the Shelter as strays after embarking on a grand adventure from home. After arriving safely at the Shelter, staff observed that this duo appear to be two peas in a pod and would thrive in an adoptive home together. Huckleberry is the more confident of the two while Finn is a little more shy and reliant on Huckleberry for comfort. They are very familiar with each other and seem to thrive in each other’s company. We are aiming to try to find them an adoptive home together. They have met other dogs (small and large) and have been interested in interaction – even soliciting some play. Staff have also observed that they walk well on leash and keep a tidy kennel. If you have room in your heart (and home) for two big dogs, consider meeting Huckleberry and Finn today!Huckleberry is available for preadoption at this time – come in, fall in love and you can take him home after his neuter surgery!Now through February 15th, all adoption fees are reduced to $33 - come to the Shelter today to adopt your very own Valentine!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.

Learn More

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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

One Planet Rescue - CA Chapter

San Jose, CA 95124

Pet Types: cats, 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

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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