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Maltese puppies and dogs in Santa Cruz, California

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

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Adopt a Maltese near you in Santa Cruz, California

We don't see any Maltese available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. Try a different search below!

Or, how about these Maltese in cities near Santa Cruz, California

These Maltese are available for adoption close to Santa Cruz, California.
We'll also keep you updated on Bumper Car's adoption status with email updates.
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Bumper Car

Maltese Schnoodle

Female, 11 yrs
Pacific Grove, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Looks like: Shih Tzu, Maltese mix Female, 10 years old (estimated), 20 pounds Bumper Car is just the perfect blend of sweet and spunky! Bumper Car may be blind, but she sees the world with her heart- and what a big, beautiful heart it is. Whether she's following the sound of your voice or curling up beside you for snuggles, Bumper Car is all about connection. Despite her vision loss, she's a confident little navigator who quickly learns her surroundings. Her sense of smell and hearing are top-notch, and she uses them like a pro to explore, adapt, and find her favorite cozy spots. She gets along beautifully with other dogs and cats, and her gentle energy makes her a joy to be around. If you're looking for a lovable sidekick who will warm your heart, make you laugh, and remind you daily that joy has no limits -Bumper Car is your girl. Bumper Car came to us from the Sacramento Animal Shelter after being found as a stray, but you'd never guess her past by her joyful spirit. She's already left the shelter life in her past and is ready to settle into a forever home where she'll be cherished for the sweet little treasure she is.
We'll also keep you updated on Sunshine Sophie's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sunshine Sophie

Sunshine Sophie

Maltese Schnoodle

Female, 14 yrs 1 mo
Pacific Grove, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Looks like: Maltipoo Female, 14 years old (estimated), 16 pounds True to her name, this gentle lady radiates warmth wherever she goes. Sunshine Sophie is a lovely senior gal with a heart as golden as her curls and a calm, peaceful presence that makes everyone around her take a deep, happy sigh. She is a total sweetheart with people- affectionate, patient, and endlessly loving. Sophie adores spending quiet time with her humans, soaking up gentle pets, or curling up beside you for a cozy nap. She is also a social butterfly with other dogs and would love a friendly canine companion to share her golden years with. Her one tiny request? A cat free home, please. Felines just aren't her cup of tea (she politely says "no thank you" to whiskers and meows). If you are looking for a serene, loving soul to bring calm joy and sunshine into your days, Sunshine Sophie is ready to brighten your world. Sunshine Sophie joins us after her loving family decided she deserved a mellow life where she can be with her people all the time.
We'll also keep you updated on Hot Sauce's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hot Sauce

Hot Sauce

Maltese Shih Tzu

Male, 7 yrs 4 mos
Pacific Grove, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Looks like: Shih Tzu Male, 7 years old (estimated), 17 pounds Ready to add some zing to your life? Meet Hot Sauce! This spunky little guy is just as much fun as his name. With his fabulous jagged grin and flowing locks, he struts around like he owns the block, and honestly, he probably does. Hot Sauce is the perfect mix of couch potato and nosy neighbor, always up for a reality TV binge, but equally committed to keeping tabs on every squirrel and delivery driver from his window post. A true foodie and belly rub connoisseur, he is also known for dramatic sighs if he thinks you are hogging the snacks. Hot Sauce had some issues with bladder stones upon intake but is doing so much better! He will need to stay on a special urinary diet for life to prevent future bladder stones. Hot Sauce came to us from a Sacramento shelter needing medical care, and now he is ready to live his best, most pampered life. Guess what? A secret admirer has already paid Hot Sauce's adoption fee! Now all he needs is a special someone to give him the loving home he deserves -- free of charge.
We'll also keep you updated on DONNY's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of DONNY

DONNY

Maltese

Male, 1 yr 8 mos
Santa Clara, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hey there! I’m Donny! I’m a 7 pound Maltese mix with a whole lot of personality packed into my fluffy little self. I’m super social, full of spirit, and yeah… I know I’m cute! I’m confident, charming, and ready to be your loyal sidekick for adventures, snuggles, and all the fun in between. Let’s be best friends, I promise I’m worth it! For more information contact the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) at 408-764-0344 or visit www.svaca.com.
We'll also keep you updated on Cherub's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Cherub

Cherub

Maltese Poodle (Miniature)

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
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, November 29th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $800 Cherub may be tiny, but she has the spirit of a lion! This 13–14 week old Maltipoo was abandoned at a shelter at just eight weeks old after being born blind, and despite that heartbreaking start, she has grown into one of the happiest, spunkiest, most determined little puppies you will ever meet. She required surgery to remove her eyes so she wouldn’t live with chronic pain, and true to her name, she bounced back with the resilience of an absolute angel. Her blindness doesn’t slow her down one bit— if anything, it seems to have made her even more joyful.   In her foster home, Cherub has developed a lively, comforting routine. She rises early— typically around 5 a.m., or even a bit earlier if she didn’t get enough exercise or scent-work the day before. After a trip to the yard to pee and poop, she snoozes or hangs out until breakfast around 9–10 a.m. Meals are an adventure of their own: her kibble is scattered across a large scent mat in her pen, and she expertly snuffles her way through every piece. Once she’s done, she comes out to play, nap, chew on a favorite bone or beef collagen chip, and enjoy supervised yard breaks throughout the day.   Cherub is not a fan of confinement— she’ll bark in her pen for up to twenty minutes before settling— and she much prefers to nap on the floor near your feet. Her adopters will want to work on alone-time training with her. She loves feet, socks, and slippers with a passion, and if given the chance, she’ll curl up right next to them. During the day she is into adventuring, but at night she becomes a total snugglebug. She now sleeps in bed with her foster, curling up beside the pillow and falling asleep only once she feels someone next to her. She likes to sleep on top of the covers, and she will happily stay tucked in as long as you’re there with her.   Her personality has blossomed beautifully. When she first arrived, she was cautious and anxious, trying to understand her new environment through smell, sound, and touch. Now she’s confident, spunky, and full of energy. She knows her name— Cherub or Cherry— and already understands “sit.” She responds wonderfully to treats and is smart enough to learn many more commands. She is a Velcro puppy through and through: if she knows the space, she will follow you everywhere; if the environment is unfamiliar, she may hesitate and sit in place whining for guidance. Calling her name and clicking your tongue helps her navigate, or she’ll follow the sound of kibble shaking in her bowl.   Cherub currently lives with two Boston Terriers and tries enthusiastically to play with them, though neither quite knows how to interact with a blind puppy yet. She barks excitedly at them, chases them gently, and interacts to the extent she feels comfortable. Walks happen in a stroller for now (until she gets her additional vaccinations), which she enjoys more than a backpack.   Her play style is adorable and contained— typical puppy energy in a small package. She loves the stretchy-cord ball in her crate, tug toys, and chew items for teething. She may nibble toes, especially because she can’t see where your hands are, but she isn’t a picky or persistent biter. When excited, she may lunge toward what she thinks is a toy, so faces should stay out of her reach during high-energy moments.   She reliably uses pee pads when confined, and she will signal that she needs to go out by heading toward the mat near the yard doors. With easy yard access and a straightforward layout, she will very likely learn to potty outside consistently. For now, she requires close supervision when free in the home, as she will have accidents if left to roam unsupervised.   Cherub barks when playing, when seeking attention, when wanting to join other dogs, and sometimes simply because she’s excited about her toys. She doesn’t bark at visitors; instead she greets them by wagging her whole body, circling their feet, and twirling with delight. Watching her celebrate a new person is pure joy.   What sets Cherub apart is how fully she embraces life. You truly wouldn’t guess she is blind unless told— she runs around the yard like a little cotton ball bounding through the grass, plays with her toys like she’s sparring in a boxing match, and showers every human she meets with full-body enthusiasm. Once she bonds to you, she rolls right onto her back, belly up, trusting and content. She has an unshakable spirit and the sweetest heart.   And finally, an important medical note: during her spay and enucleation (that’s removal of eyes for those who don’t speak vet), the vet discovered that she has a tooth that is growing in wrong and is poking into her gums. They were unable to remove it at that time because she could not stay under anesthesia for longer, so her adopters will need to get this taken care of within a month or so of adoption. But trust us - Cherub is 100% worth it! :)November 25, 2025, 9:21 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Butterbeer's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Butterbeer

Butterbeer

Maltese Poodle (Miniature)

Male, Adult
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
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, November 29th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $750 Butterbeer is a 2 year old, 11-pound Maltipoo who came to us from the shelter and has fully embraced life as a cherished little housemate. He is gentle, affectionate, funny without trying, and has the perfect balance of independence and companionship.   Daily Routine & Home Life   Butterbeer would happily spend every hour of the day right next to his person. If you sit, he sits; if you lounge, he lounges. He sleeps overnight in his x-pen without issue, although if given the option, he’d much prefer a cozy bed or the couch.   Mornings begin with a burst of enthusiasm: zoomies, snacks, and his much-loved walk. After that, his favorite activity resumes— napping. He rotates between his bed, a patch of sunlight, or your side on the couch. Occasionally he needs the motivational “click” of the leash to remind him it’s time to get up, but once he’s outside, he happily trots along.   Personality   When he first arrived, Butterbeer was easygoing but kept a little distance while figuring things out. Now that he knows he is safe, he has become a charming blend of independent and velcro. He adores being near his person but is also content napping downstairs while you work. He is affectionate, sweet-natured, and absolutely a snuggler. If he senses an opportunity to curl up next to someone, he’ll find a way to get there— literally. His foster once put him back in his pen to return to bed, only to discover minutes later that Butterbeer had escaped and was snuggled beside them. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.   Other Animals & People   He lives with an older Shih Tzu named Benji, and the two get along wonderfully. They nap together, share treats, and coexist peacefully. Butterbeer has also greeted other dogs on walks with perfect manners, preferring calm, friendly introductions. He has not shown any concerning behavior around people and is gentle and welcoming.   Energy Level & Playfulness   Butterbeer is proudly a couch potato. He enjoys his daily walk and takes it seriously, but his true calling is relaxing in soft places. He is the kind of dog who makes doing nothing feel like an activity.   Leash Manners   He has excellent leash manners— steady, polite, and easy to walk. No pulling, no chasing squirrels, and no unnecessary barking. He’s happy to greet other dogs as long as they aren’t overly exuberant.     Housetraining Exceptionally good. After a day of settling in and figuring things out, he has been perfect. He keeps his x-pen and crate clean, goes when taken on walks, and recently mastered the doggie door.   Behavior in the Home   He does not chew, dig, or bark excessively. He is respectful, quiet, and wonderfully well-mannered. His foster describes him as simply sweet.   Ideal Home   Truly any loving home. Butterbeer is adaptable, gentle, and affectionate. He loves companionship and warmth, but he isn’t demanding. He would fit into many lifestyles and family types.   Special Notes   Butterbeer is becoming somewhat of a treat connoisseur. He has opinions, preferences, and the confidence of a dog who knows he was born to be adored. He is gentle, social, and completely free of aggression. He is, in every way, a little prince.   Why You’ll Fall in Love   Butterbeer’s sweetness is effortless. His calm presence, his desire to be close, and his thoroughly charming antics—like escaping his x-pen just to wedge himself beside his foster— make him a dog who brings warmth into every room. He is affectionate, easy, loving, and ready to become someone’s cherished companion.November 25, 2025, 9:21 pm

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Maltese shelters & rescues in Santa Cruz, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

25.7 miles

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

PO Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

26.5 miles

Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority

3370 Thomas Road, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits

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Rescue

31.4 miles

Doggie Protective Services (DPS Rescue)

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals

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Shelter

33.4 miles

Monterey County Animal Services

160 Hitchcock Road, Salinas, CA 93908

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Want to learn more about adopting a Maltese puppy or dog?

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

Maltese basics

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

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