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Jack Russell Terrier puppies and dogs in Santa Cruz, California

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Adopt a Jack Russell Terrier near you in Santa Cruz, California

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These Jack Russell Terriers are available for adoption close to Santa Cruz, California.
Photo of Wizard

Wizard

Jack Russell Terrier

Male, Young
Palo Alto, 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
* To be considered for a meet/adoption, please read the full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an online application at www.dpsrescue.org.* This dog will be at the Pet Food Express Pet Fair - San Jose North on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th from 10AM–3PM both days (unless adopted prior to the event).  5148 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.   Adoption fee: $650   Meet Wizard: The Snuggle Spell Is Strong With This One   Wizard is a 1 year old, 22-pound Jack Russell Terrier mix who was rescued from the shelter and is ready to work a little magic on his forever family. With wonderfully expressive ears, soulful eyes, and a knack for making himself comfortable in hilariously strange sleeping positions, this affectionate little guy is nearly impossible to resist.   A First-Class Familiar   Wizard has been comfortable in his foster home from day one. He quickly decided that personal space was entirely unnecessary and began following everyone from room to room, leaning against his people for pets, and curling up as close as possible whenever the opportunity arose. He is an outstanding snuggler and a devoted little shadow who likes knowing what every member of the household is doing.   He is currently living with an 8-year-old child and gets along well with them. Wizard is a young dude and can play enthusiastically and sometimes uses his mouth when he becomes excited, so his family should continue teaching him how to keep play gentle and appropriate.   Although Wizard enjoys his playful moments, he is currently much more couch potato than nonstop terrier. During the day, he is happy to nap on the couch, relax wherever his people are, or watch the outside world through the window. His goofy side emerges when the toys come out, and he has a favorite toy that he proudly carries around the house.   Wizard’s Daily Rituals   Wizard begins his day around 7 AM with a stretch and a potty break in the backyard. Breakfast is served afterward, although he prefers to graze rather than finish his meal immediately. He usually heads out for his walk between 9 and 10 AM. He uses the backyard for pee breaks but prefers to save his other business for his walks.   He may pull at the beginning of a walk when everything feels especially exciting, but he settles into a much nicer rhythm once he has gotten some of that initial enthusiasm out of his system. Squirrels and cats can activate his inner hunter, so his future family should be prepared to keep a secure hold on his leash and continue working on his walking skills.   Wizard is reliably housetrained. He does not chew things out of boredom, dig in the yard, or cause trouble when left alone. He has successfully spent up to six hours loose in the house, where he simply relaxes and sleeps until his family returns. Since he has proven trustworthy when given freedom in the home, he would love a family comfortable continuing that arrangement while helping him gradually build positive associations with confinement if needed.  At night, Wizard now sleeps in his own bed beside his foster family’s bed. It gives him the comfort of being close to his people while still having a cozy space of his own.   A Sensitive Little Soul   Wizard can be startled by loud or sudden noises, including vacuums, trucks, and unexpected household sounds. He will benefit from a patient family that allows him to investigate the world at his own pace and helps him build confidence through calm, positive experiences.   He occasionally alerts to movement outside the house, although his bark has an unusual sound—as if he is trying very hard to deliver an official announcement but cannot quite find his full voice. Overall, he is an easy companion who settles beautifully at home and mainly wants walks, affection, and a comfortable place near his people.   The Fine Print in the Spell Book   Wizard has done well socializing with other dogs, and he can absolutely enjoy canine friends on walks, outings, or in other neutral environments. Inside the home, however, he has shown a tendency to guard valuable resources such as food and toys from other dogs. For that reason, Wizard is looking for a home where he can be the only resident dog while still having appropriate opportunities to socialize elsewhere.   He has also reacted defensively when a person has tried to take a valued toy directly from him. His future family must respect his signals and use reward-based techniques such as trading for treats rather than grabbing items from his mouth. A home willing to continue working patiently and consistently on resource guarding will help him feel safer and make good choices. Because of this behavior, any children in his adoptive home should be old enough to understand that they must never take food or toys away from him.   Ready for His Next Adventure   Wizard loves car rides and would be delighted to become his person’s travel companion. Wherever he goes, he brings his expressive face, affectionate personality, and unmistakable talent for turning ordinary moments into a game.   During one family badminton match, Wizard realized that everyone had neglected to assign him a position. Naturally, he fixed the problem by snatching the shuttlecock and racing around the yard while the entire family chased him. In Wizard’s version of the game, he was clearly the winner.   Wizard is looking for a home that will give him regular walks, plenty of companionship, gentle guidance, and all the snuggling he can handle. Give him a little time, consistency, and love, and this charming young dog is sure to cast a lifelong spell on you. September 13, 2026, 9:44 am
Photo of Paisley

Paisley

Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua

Female, Young
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
* To be considered for a meet/adoption, please read the full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an online application at www.dpsrescue.org.* This dog will be at the Pet Food Express Pet Fair - San Jose North on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th from 10AM–3PM both days (unless adopted prior to the event).  5148 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.   Adoption fee: $650 Paisley: A Tiny Heart Learning to Be Brave   Some dogs burst into a room with confidence. Paisley prefers to tiptoe in quietly, watching from a safe distance before deciding if it's okay to trust. At just 1 year old and 7 pounds, this adorable Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua mix may be tiny, but her heart is full of hope—and every day she gets a little bit braver.   Paisley came to DPS with her buddy Plaid, and while she's still figuring out this whole 'being someone's beloved pet' thing, she's already showing glimpses of the affectionate little companion she's meant to be. One of her sweetest habits is trotting over with her tail wagging, asking for attention... only to lose her nerve and scamper away at the last second. Every so often, though, courage wins. She'll stay put, roll onto her back, and happily soak up belly rubs before retreating again with an adorable, shy smile.  Once Paisley decides you're her person, she becomes your tiny shadow. She follows her foster from room to room, always wanting to know where you are, and is happiest relaxing nearby. During the day she's perfectly content snoozing on the couch, and at night she curls up in a dog bed beside her foster's bed. She's not demanding or high-energy—in fact, she's mostly a little couch potato who enjoys simply being close to the people she trusts. Paisley loves her daily routine, especially her three walks each day. She's a lovely leash walker who doesn't pull, though new sights and sounds can still make her nervous. If another dog is barking, she may bark back, and children seen from a distance can make her uneasy as well. She's much more interested in staying close to her person than greeting strangers or making new dog friends. Inside the home, Paisley is building confidence. She's trained to use a pee pad indoors and reliably does both her business there when not on a walk. Like many anxious dogs, she can become a nervous chewer if left alone, so shoes, charging cables, and anything tempting should be kept out of reach.  Giving her appropriate chew toys and managing her environment will help set her up for success while she continues to settle into family life.  Paisley currently lives with another small dog and peacefully coexists with him, occasionally stopping for a polite sniff before returning to her own business. She's not particularly playful, preferring quiet companionship over games.  Paisley's ideal family will understand that trust can't be rushed. She'll thrive with patient, experienced adopters who will celebrate the little victories—like the first time she chooses to stay for pets instead of running away. A quieter home without young children would likely help her continue building confidence at her own pace. The best part about Paisley is that you can see exactly what she's trying to do. She wants to be loved. She'll hurry over with hopeful eyes and a wagging tail, then second-guess herself and retreat before remembering that maybe, just maybe, this person is safe after all. Watching those moments of bravery become a little bigger every day is incredibly rewarding. If you're the kind of person who believes the sweetest relationships are built one tiny step at a time, Paisley is ready to take those steps with you. September 13, 2026, 9:44 am
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Photo of Buccie

Buccie

Jack Russell Terrier

Male, Senior
Burlingame, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hello friends, my name is Buccie! I am a 7 year old, neutered male, black Terrier mix who weighs 13lbs right now. I am curious, friendly and still quite spunky and playful for a senior! I am a super fun little guy who is looking for a home where I can go on walks to explore and sniff, play or simply hang out on your lap to get cuddles. I still like to play fetch and run around with toys! I can be a little shy at first but once I know you I am one cute affectionate companion!  I might do some lap guarding as I feel insecure at times and do some fun policing (at least I think it's fun). For this reason, it will be best to go home with teens and up (no littles) and to to be the only dog in the household. I can't wait to meet you! If you are looking for a sweet, friendly, fun little companion who will be by your side maybe I'm just the dog for the job! Come on down and find out more about me! Buccie ID#A0991510Unless otherwise indicated, adoptable animals are located at our Lantos Center for Compassion at 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.  You may call us at 650-340-7022 to schedule an appointment, or just drop by. Drop-In hours for Same Day Adoptions are 11 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week (closed major holidays). We do our best to update our listings regularly, but we can’t guarantee every animal you see is still available. It’s also typical for us to have animals who haven’t had their photos taken yet, so you are welcome to visit our adoption center and have a look around! To check on an animal's adoption status, please call 650-340-7022 during normal business hours to speak with an adoption counselor. Emails will be returned as soon as possible, but please allow up to 48 hours during busy adoption periods like weekends.September 13, 2026, 12:44 pm
Photo of Benny

Benny

Westie, West Highland White Terrier Parson Russell Terrier

Male, Young
Morgan Hill, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Benny! At just approximately 1 year old and 7 pounds, Benny is a tiny guy with lots of potential and a whole new life ahead of him! Believed to be a West Highland/Parson Russell Terrier mix, Benny is an adorable little dog who is beginning to discover just how good life can be. Benny is settling beautifully into his foster home and has already made wonderful progress. He is getting comfortable around the other dogs, loves to cuddle, and is happily soaking up all the love and attention from his foster mom and dad. As Benny feels safe and comfortable, his sweet, affectionate side continues to shine. The shelter was a very overwhelming place for Benny. Surrounded by unfamiliar people, noises, smells, and other dogs, this little guy became frightened and responded by alarm barking and showing defensive behavior when people approached. We want to be transparent with potential adopters because Benny's future family deserves to understand his whole story. The encouraging news is that Benny is already showing us how much environment and patience can matter. Just days into foster care, he has relaxed tremendously and is enjoying being part of a home. He may still need a little time to warm up and build trust with new people, so Benny is looking for an adopter who understands that some of the very best relationships take a little time. Benny doesn't need someone to change who he is. He needs someone willing to give him the time, patience, and reassurance to continue becoming the confident little dog he is capable of being. We believe that with the right person, Benny has the potential to become an incredibly loving, loyal, and devoted companion. Because of his small size and initial fear response around unfamiliar people, Benny is looking for a home without small children. Benny is still completing his medical care with AARF, but we are accepting adoption applications now. If you think you might be the patient and loving person this little guy has been waiting for, please visit www.aarflove.org to learn more about our adoption process and submit an application. Please note: We receive many wonderful applications and, unfortunately, are not able to respond to everyone. If we believe you may be a good match for Benny, we will reach out directly. Benny's future is looking brighter every day. Could you be the person who helps this little guy discover just how wonderful life can be?
Photo of End: Peach

End: Peach

Beagle Jack Russell Terrier

Female, Puppy
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
* To be considered for a meet/adoption, please read the full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an online application at www.dpsrescue.org.* This dog will be at the Pet Food Express Pet Fair - San Jose North on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th from 10AM–3PM both days (unless adopted prior to the event).  5148 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.   Adoption fee: $650 Meet the End Puppies: The Cutest Little Bunch of Butts Around Only a few of this litter left! The End Puppies are 10 week old Beagle/JRT mixes (with probably a few other breeds thrown in for good measure) who are ready to put their shelter days behind them and wiggle their way into forever homes. They're currently in the 5-6 lb range and we expect they'll be in the 20 lb range when full grown. Each has a distinct personality, but they all share the most important puppy qualities: playful, curious, affectionate, and exceptionally talented at being adorable. Their littermates have already found their happy endings—now it's Tush, Booty, and Peach's turn. Tush: The Great AcrobatPurple collar Tush may be small, but she is mighty. This active, adventurous girl is constantly searching for her next challenge—and she is currently the only puppy strong and determined enough to scale the short pen. Tush has a flair for the dramatic and knows exactly how to make sure no one overlooks her. Bold, entertaining, and full of personality, Tush would thrive with an engaged family ready to channel her cleverness into training, games, and plenty of adventures. Booty: The Toy CollectorYellow collar Booty is an easygoing puppy with a serious appreciation for toys. Give him something interesting to play with, and he can entertain himself for ages. He has also perfected the subtle art of reclaiming toys from his siblings without them realizing what happened. Booty was the first puppy in the litter to experiment with fetching a ball, giving his foster family an early glimpse of the clever, playful companion he may become. When playtime is over, he is happy to sit quietly for a chest or belly rub. Booty's independent streak, gentle demeanor, and love of games make him an especially charming little guy. Peach: Small but Clever Peach is a sweet little baby who loves being held. She is an affectionate girl who will happily snuggle into your arms, then curl up for a nap—sometimes using one of her toys as a tiny pillow. Don't let her petite size fool you, though: this clever girl knows exactly how to use her smaller stature to her advantage during backyard zoomies, darting through spaces bigger dogs can't navigate quite as easily. Peach's day begins by 7 a.m., when she lets her foster know she's ready to get moving. She heads outside for an hour of playtime before returning for breakfast. The rest of the day is spent playing and napping in her pen, with food available to graze on while her foster is at the office. Once her foster comes home, she enjoys another hour of outdoor playtime, followed by dinner and more puppy fun before settling in for the night around 11 p.m. Peach is doing well with potty pad training, though her adopter should expect to continue the usual puppy training as she grows. She combines sweetness, cleverness, and playful puppy energy in one precious little package, and would love a family ready to hold her close, cheer on her zoomies, and provide plenty of toys suitable for both playing and pillow duty. Time for a Happy Ending Whether you're drawn to Tush's adventurous spirit, Booty's easygoing charm, or Peach's sweet cleverness, these puppies are ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. September 13, 2026, 9:44 am
Photo of End: Tush

End: Tush

Beagle Jack Russell Terrier

Female, Puppy
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
* To be considered for a meet/adoption, please read the full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an online application at www.dpsrescue.org.* This dog will be at the Pet Food Express Pet Fair - San Jose North on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th from 10AM–3PM both days (unless adopted prior to the event).  5148 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.   Adoption fee: $650 Meet the End Puppies: The Cutest Little Bunch of Butts Around Only a few of this litter left! The End Puppies are 10 week old Beagle/JRT mixes (with probably a few other breeds thrown in for good measure) who are ready to put their shelter days behind them and wiggle their way into forever homes. They're currently in the 5-6 lb range and we expect they'll be in the 20 lb range when full grown. Each has a distinct personality, but they all share the most important puppy qualities: playful, curious, affectionate, and exceptionally talented at being adorable. Their littermates have already found their happy endings—now it's Tush, Booty, and Peach's turn. Tush: The Great AcrobatPurple collar Tush may be small, but she is mighty. This active, adventurous girl is constantly searching for her next challenge—and she is currently the only puppy strong and determined enough to scale the short pen. Tush has a flair for the dramatic and knows exactly how to make sure no one overlooks her. Bold, entertaining, and full of personality, Tush would thrive with an engaged family ready to channel her cleverness into training, games, and plenty of adventures. Booty: The Toy CollectorYellow collar Booty is an easygoing puppy with a serious appreciation for toys. Give him something interesting to play with, and he can entertain himself for ages. He has also perfected the subtle art of reclaiming toys from his siblings without them realizing what happened. Booty was the first puppy in the litter to experiment with fetching a ball, giving his foster family an early glimpse of the clever, playful companion he may become. When playtime is over, he is happy to sit quietly for a chest or belly rub. Booty's independent streak, gentle demeanor, and love of games make him an especially charming little guy. Peach: Small but Clever Peach is a sweet little baby who loves being held. She is an affectionate girl who will happily snuggle into your arms, then curl up for a nap—sometimes using one of her toys as a tiny pillow. Don't let her petite size fool you, though: this clever girl knows exactly how to use her smaller stature to her advantage during backyard zoomies, darting through spaces bigger dogs can't navigate quite as easily. Peach's day begins by 7 a.m., when she lets her foster know she's ready to get moving. She heads outside for an hour of playtime before returning for breakfast. The rest of the day is spent playing and napping in her pen, with food available to graze on while her foster is at the office. Once her foster comes home, she enjoys another hour of outdoor playtime, followed by dinner and more puppy fun before settling in for the night around 11 p.m. Peach is doing well with potty pad training, though her adopter should expect to continue the usual puppy training as she grows. She combines sweetness, cleverness, and playful puppy energy in one precious little package, and would love a family ready to hold her close, cheer on her zoomies, and provide plenty of toys suitable for both playing and pillow duty. Time for a Happy Ending Whether you're drawn to Tush's adventurous spirit, Booty's easygoing charm, or Peach's sweet cleverness, these puppies are ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. September 13, 2026, 9:44 am

These pups are in Santa Cruz, California too!

Below are our newest added Jack Russell Terriers available for adoption in Santa Cruz, California. To see more adoptable Jack Russell Terriers in Santa Cruz, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!
Photo of GWEN*

GWEN*

Border Terrier

Female, 1 yr
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Gwen, the Border Terrier! Gwen arrived to the Shelter with her sister “Gita” as strays, so we don’t know much about her life before now. Staff have observed that Gwen has slowly blossomed into an affectionate and amiable gal since her arrival to the Shelter. She is still gaining confidence and finds some things overwhelming so adopters should be patient with her as she transitions to her new life. She has met dogs her size (and larger) and has done well. Dogs that are very forward and energetic may be a bit much so a slow, thoughtful introduction is recommended. We do not have any history of Gwen with cats or children. 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.
Photo of Poppy

Poppy

Rat Terrier

Female, 2 yrs 1 mo
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
*Adoption fee sponsored by a generous volunteer! *Weight ~ 23 lbsMeet Poppy! Bright, spirited, and incredibly charming, Poppy is a smart girl with a playful personality and a quick mind. She loves fetch, is a great car companion, and has a blast learning games like “touch,” “find it,” catching treats, and weaving through cones. She’s also enjoyed hikes, park adventures, pup cup runs, and plenty of quality time with her favorite people.Poppy recently spent two weeks in a dog-savvy foster home, where they got to know her even better. Their report? She’s super smart, curious about everything, quite the snuggle bug, and a whole lot of fun. Once Poppy knows and trusts you, she forms strong bonds and loves being part of your world.Poppy does have some quirks that mean she won’t be the right fit for every household. She can be reactive to other dogs and busy activity, can be possessive of certain favorite things, and has some clear opinions about when she does—and doesn’t—want to be touched. She’s a good communicator, and life with Poppy gets much easier once you learn to listen to what she’s telling you.Poppy thrives with routine, positive reinforcement, mental enrichment, and people who appreciate a smart, sensitive dog. She’s looking for an experienced, adult-only home where she can be the only pet and enjoy a lifestyle that gives her plenty to do without overwhelming her.Poppy may not be everyone’s dog—but she could very well be someone’s perfect dog. If you think you might be her person, come meet her or give us a call. We’re open Tuesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm!
Photo of Gigi

Gigi

Chihuahua Rat Terrier

Female, Adult
Santa Cruz, 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
Gigi is an incredibly loving, happy, energetic little girl. She loves walks, running, playing, and will do anything for a treat! She’s great with other dogs and would be especially happy in a home with another playful dog who wants a companion to run, wrestle, and play with to her heart’s content. She has never shown any aggression and is truly such a sweet dog. She’d be best suited with an active person/family or a home with another energetic dog who can be her built-in best friend. She is potty trained and knows some basic commands. We really want to find the right fit for her, somewhere she’ll get lots of love, exercise, attention. If you think Gigi might be a good fit for you or someone you know, please send me a message and tell me a little about yourself and your home! Happy to answer any questions about her or arrange a time to meet her.

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Jack Russell Terrier shelters & rescues in Santa Cruz, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

31.4 miles

Doggie Protective Services (DPS Rescue)

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

45.6 miles

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010

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

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Want to learn more about adopting a Jack Russell Terrier puppy or dog?

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Jack Russell Terrier basics

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Where do Jack Russell Terriers come from? How many types of Jack Russell Terriers are there? From the history of the breed to question about average height, weight and size, brush up on these basic facts about the Jack Russell Terrier.

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