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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 Kaycee's adoption status with email updates.
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Kaycee

Maltese

Male, Puppy
San Jose, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Cuddly young boy!Meet Kaycee – A Tiny Pup with a Big Heart Learning to Love Again Sweet little Kaycee has already faced more than his fair share of hardship in his short life. Found scared and alone in a shelter at just 6 months old, no one knows how this tiny boy ended up there—but he’s now on a path toward healing, thanks to his loving foster family and the support of a dedicated trainer. Kaycee is a true cuddle bug who would happily spend all day snuggled in his foster mom’s arms. When she’s away, he hangs out with his foster dad and brother, and while he’s still learning to trust men, he’s making steady progress with time and patience. His forever home will need to be equally understanding and committed to helping him continue building confidence. One of Kaycee’s favorite activities is puppy class! His joy is contagious as he zooms around with his puppy pals—his entire face lights up during playtime. Kaycee would thrive in a home with another friendly, small dog to help him feel safe and encourage his playful side. He’s doing wonderfully with potty training, sleeps through the night in his crate, and is learning the ropes of leash walking. Kaycee also enjoys car rides and is happy to tag along on errands or adventures with his people. Kaycee may be small, but he has a huge capacity for love. With patience, consistency, and lots of gentle affection, this sweet boy is going to be a loyal and loving companion. If you’re looking for a dog to nurture and grow with, Kaycee may be the perfect addition to your family.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.October 11, 2025, 3:25 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Bumper Car's adoption status with email updates.
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Bumper Car

Maltese Schnoodle

Female, 10 yrs 11 mos
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.
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Photo of Sunshine Sophie

Sunshine Sophie

Maltese Schnoodle

Female, 14 yrs
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 Elsa's adoption status with email updates.
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Elsa

Maltese

Female, 8 yrs
Pacific Grove, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
-
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 3 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 Kitten's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kitten

Kitten

Maltese Shih Tzu

Female, Adult
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
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 1st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption Fee: $550 **Kitten is available for Foster-to-Adopt!** Breed: Maltese–Shih Tzu mix Age: 5 years old Weight: 11.6 lbs Coat: Non-shedding Her name may be Kitten, but this 5 year old Maltese–Shih Tzu mix is 100% dog—adorably fluffy, quietly loyal, and full of surprising little joys. She was rescued from the shelter, and after a slow, careful start, she’s been blossoming into the kind of dog who makes your heart swell with every small step forward. Kitten is a gentle soul who takes her time to trust, but once she does, she becomes a loyal little shadow—especially to her favorite humans. In her current foster home, she’s built a sweet and special bond with her 10-year-old human buddy, and the two have become a devoted fetch-playing duo. She’s also warming up to younger kids and has begun seeking pets and connection on her own terms. With the people she trusts, she is affectionate, playful, and full of personality. Her daily routine is peaceful and predictable—just how she likes it. She wakes up early and heads outside for a potty break, enjoys some morning playtime, then settles into her crate for a long nap. Mealtimes are relaxed, and she has plenty of quiet time in between spurts of play and affection. Evenings are her favorite, when she gets the zoomies and enthusiastically chases toys with her favorite girl. Kitten is house-trained, sleeps calmly in her crate, and communicates when she needs to go outside. She’s playful but not demanding, cuddly but not clingy. She’s still learning to feel safe around new people and visitors, and while she’s made great strides, she’ll always do best in a calm home where her people understand that some dogs need time to feel safe. While she’s making progress around other dogs (and can ignore them on leash in the yard), she’s not comfortable sharing her space with them and is protective of her pen. Kitten must be the only pet in her home. With professional support and time, she may eventually feel more neutral around dogs, but right now she needs a home where she can feel completely secure and not have to share her space or her people. Kitten’s ideal home is quiet, structured, and patient. She doesn’t need a lot—just someone who can offer routine, security, and a lot of love on her terms. She’s not a dog for someone expecting instant affection, but for the right person, she’s a deeply rewarding companion who offers a special kind of devotion. If you’re someone who finds beauty in the quiet moments, and joy in the slow unfolding of trust, Kitten may be the perfect match. She doesn’t need fireworks. She just needs someone to see her, to give her the space she needs, and to celebrate each step she takes toward love.    November 7, 2025, 5:49 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

22.6 miles

Silicon Valley Pet Project

P.O. Box 6145, San Jose, CA 95150

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

25.7 miles

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

PO Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Pet Types: dogs

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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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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 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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