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Puppies and dogs in San Diego, California

Looking for a puppy or dog in San Diego, California? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in San Diego, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in San Diego, California. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
We'll also keep you updated on Salt's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Salt

Salt

Collie

Male, Young
San Diego, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Salt is an active, boisterous 1 year old sable merle headed white smooth collie. He is a big, long legged collie. He loves to play with other dogs but needs a younger buddy like himself as older dogs tend to get fed up with him. Salt is very wary when meeting new people and should not be approached until he is comfortable enough to come up to you....so he is not like most collies who just accept everyone right off. He really needs a dog savvy owner who while not being intimidated by his issues, doesn't take his quirks for granted either. He can get mouthy with people in play so we would not place him in a home with young children. He likes to chase cats but he doesn't hurt them. Salt is very sweet and affectionate once he accepts you. He will be a great companion for the special person who can and will take him on. Salt is loving, understands basic commands and will follow you everywhere. But we really want an experienced adult home with another dog(s) who is comparable in play style to Salt...and possibly needing that active buddy too. Here is an update on Salt now that he has been in a dog savvy, loving, foster home. Salt has been in "therapy" training after we consulted a specialist in rehabilitating problem dogs. He has responded with all the intelligence and sensitivity we knew he had. Salt is getting on much better with his canine and human companions. He still has some "arguments". Salt is like a strong and willful teenager and needs someone who will not baby him and let him take advantage. We have had several adoption inquiries from people assuming Salt's issues stem from fear and that he needs love and kindness. He has plenty of confidence and receives plenty of love. He needs discipline. He can be a wonderful canine companion to the right adopter. Still no small children or elderly dogs for his household.
We'll also keep you updated on Hazel's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hazel

Hazel

Pit Bull Terrier

Female
San Diego, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
-
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Takis's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Takis

Takis

Labrador Retriever Pit Bull Terrier

Female
San Diego, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Pop's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Pop

Pop

Shepherd (Unknown Type) Cattle Dog

Male, Puppy
San Diego, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs special attention,
Story
Pop-A-Wheelie! Hello! Look how fast I whiz around! My name is Pop, and I am teeny tiny male, 6 months old, Cattle Dog/White Shepherd wonder mix. I am about 30 lbs in weight, not counting my sweet chariot. I havent been fixed yet, but sure my sweet vet will work on that. I am from Mexico where the amazing people of TAP rescued me and brought me over to find me an amazing home! I am learning how to follow the leash with my wheels on, and I am also learning to stay longer in my pen when my foster family is gone. I can do 2-3 hours right now, and I am improving every day! My captivating grin may have prevented you from noticing, but I am a specially-abled pup. A dog attacked me when I was a wee baby and lack of medical care caused me to become paralyzed waist down due to a spinal cord injury. I need to be in male diapers because I can't control much. The diapers need changing every 3 hours or so, with a cleaning to prevent UTI. I have a prolapsed penis that needs nourishment from Vaseline 3x a day. I can go poopie on my own, but sometimes, I need manual expressing through a Q tip, 3-4 hours after meals. But hey! Physiotherapy and acupuncture is actually helping me with my limbs! I will need to keep that up to make it better for all of us. :) Guys, I told you I am a special pup, but a pup nevertheless! I have a lot of puppy sweetness in me and I love to play! I am curios about dogs and can get quite playful with my wheels to support me. I have had some fun beach times now, and kiddos at the beach are so delightful! I run, play, chew on toys and then nap and repeat the same all over again! Did you know tennis balls can be that fun?! I love them, only next to how much I love my people! I have a simple happy-go-lucky attitude and my mantra is to stay happy no-matter-what!  I am ready to be with my forever family and be a part of a loving household. I understand that with my needs, I will need people at home most of the time, maybe with a flex schedule or working from home. Patience and love will go a long way for me, but I promise to love the heck out of you! My adoption fee is $250 and that includes spaying/neutering, shots, and microchip. If you want to take me home, please fill out the form on the website here: https://theanimalpad.org/adopt-today ##570922##
We'll also keep you updated on Carrie's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Carrie

Carrie

Bichon Frise Maltese

Female, Adult
San Diego, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs special attention, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Carrie Bradshaw: the fluffy, friendly fashionista! Oh, hello there! My name is Carrie. As in Sex in the City’s one and only Carrie Bradshaw. Just as my namesake the star of the show, I’m ready to be the leading lady in your life! I’m a 4-year-old, 22-pound, spayed Maltese mix. Something to note about my health is that I’m on some meds for a tick-transmitted disease. Although I’m recovering, unfortunately, this disease caused me to recently lose my eyesight. This has been an adjustment for me, but haven’t you heard that love is blind? Even though one might assume that I came from New York’s Upper East Side, I was actually rescued from The Animal Pad’s partner shelter in Ensenada. Ever since then, I’ve been busy being recovering and being a total socialite. I can’t wait to meet you soon! When I’m not getting the juicy gossip from Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda, I can be found playing with my furry foster sister! Other than when it’s time to eat, I love being with other pups. I don’t really like being alone because I am a social butterfly and make friends with everyone I meet. I love spending time with both kiddos and grown-ups too! I haven’t met any cats yet, so I don’t know if they’d be good playmates. However, if you want to play tug-of-war, take me for a walk (Slowly!), or cuddle—I’m here for it! Since losing my sight, my very favorite activity has been frolicking on the grass. This is when I can totally let go and be the playful girl that I am! The lawn is where I can play freely without worrying about bumping into things. On top of my friendly disposition, I’m incredibly well-behaved. Before I started my meds, I never had an accident in the house. Now, I need to go out about every five hours. On top of being house-trained, I sleep in my crate like an angel. Even though I love playtime, I equally enjoy snuggling up on the couch. I’m a very affectionate gal! I’m a fluffy, loving, easy-going girl, so I’d fit in well with any home that can accommodate my lack of sight. A yard, even a small one, would be a huge bonus! Just give me a week of adjustment and everything will be just fabulous once I learn my way around the house and establish a routine. Who could say no to a well-behaved, loving lady like me? What do you say, let’s meet for a cosmo and see if it’s a match? I hope so! My adoption fee is $300 and that includes spaying/neutering, shots, and microchip. If you want to take me home, please fill out the form on the website here: https://theanimalpad.org/adopt-today ##548455##
We'll also keep you updated on Dos's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Dos

Dos

Maltese Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Male, Puppy
San Diego, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You’ll get “dos” times the love with these bonded brothers! Hi! Hello! We are Dos & Equis, the puppy pair that you’re sure to fall in love with. We heard that the hoomans are trying to shake the Corona blues, and what better way than with Dos & Equis! We are about 4-6 months, 9-11 pounds, Maltese-terrier mixes—basically, we are as cute as can be! Since we are still little fellas, we haven’t been neutered yet, but other than that we are in pawfect health. We were recently rescued from The Animal Pad’s partner shelter in Ensenada alongside our other beer-buddies. We feel so lucky that we were rescued at such a young age. Now we just need a furever home that is ready for double the love from the two of us! Since we are a bonded pair, our favorite activity is playtime with each other! We will play around like the puppies we are and of course, quickly tucker ourselves out. That leads us into an adorable cuddle-puddle for naptime. After naptime we will probably run around some more, chew on some toys, and repeat the cycle. It’s a pretty nice life! It’s also nice for the hoomans because we keep each other occupied, but we love attention from you whenever we can get it. As pups, we are mastering this whole domesticated dog thing very quickly! We are good on a leash, but will often bark when we see another dog—only because we are excited and want to play! We are getting very close to being house-trained but still have the occasional accident. We have also learned tricks such as “sit” and “shake” and would love to learn more if there are treats on the table! Our ideal furever home is one that is looking to double down on their puppy-love. Who wouldn’t want two times the fun from this dynamic duo? We don’t know if we get along with cats yet, but we are friendly with other pups. We think kids are great, but we do still have some sharp puppy teeth. However, getting our puppy energy out with kids would be so much fun! If you are ready for not one, but two irresistibly cute sweethearts in your life, let’s meet! Maybe over a Dos Equis? Our adoption fee is $500 and that includes spaying/neutering, shots, and microchip. If you want to take us home, please fill out the form on the website here: https://theanimalpad.org/adopt-today ##598950##

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Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in San Diego, California.

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in San Diego, California

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in San Diego, California. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Mutt Scouts - San Diego

1910 State St, San Diego, CA 92101

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Friends of Ferdinand INC

PO BOX 92163, San Diego, CA 92163

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The Animal Pad - CA Chapter

San Diego, CA 92103

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Rosebud Animal Rescue

San Diego, CA 92104

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Second Chance Dog Rescue

2801 "B" Street #55, San Diego, CA 92102

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

St Paco's Second Chance Dog Rescue

San Diego, CA 92102

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Woof Gang Rehab

San Diego, CA 92110

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

San Diego Humane Society - San Diego Campus

5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92110

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

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Rescue

Rover's Retreat Dog Rescue - San Diego

San Diego, CA 92110

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

For a comprehensive list of all shelters and rescues, try our search page. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

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Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in San Diego, California and nearby cities.

Popular dog breeds

Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Cocker Spaniel American Eskimo Dog American Hairless Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Anatolian Shepherd Aussiedoodle Australian Cattle Dog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Bearded Collie Beauceron Bedlington Terrier Belgian Laekenois Belgian Malinois Belgian Shepherd Belgian Tervuren Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Black Mouth Cur Black and Tan Coonhound Bloodhound Blue Lacy/Texas Lacy Bluetick Coonhound Bolognese Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flandres Boxer Boykin Spaniel Briard Brittany Brussels Griffon Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Canaan Dog Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Carolina Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cavachon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavapoo Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua Chinese Crested Chinook Chiweenie Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cockapoo Cocker Spaniel Collie Coonhound Corgi Coton de Tulear Curly-Coated Retriever Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Doberman Pinscher Dogo Argentino Dogue de Bordeaux Dutch Shepherd English (Redtick) Coonhound English Bulldog English Cocker Spaniel English Setter English Shepherd English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Entlebucher Feist Field Spaniel Fila Brasileiro Finnish Lapphund Finnish Spitz Flat-Coated Retriever Fox Terrier (Smooth) Fox Terrier (Toy) Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) Foxhound French Bulldog German Pinscher German Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer German Spitz German Wirehaired Pointer Glen of Imaal Terrier Goberian Golden Retriever Goldendoodle Gordon Setter Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greyhound Halden Hound (Haldenstrover) Harrier Havanese Horgi Hovawart Husky Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin Jindo Kai Dog Karelian Bear Dog Keeshond Kerry Blue Terrier Kishu Komondor Kuvasz Kyi Leo Labradoodle Labrador Retriever Lakeland Terrier Lancashire Heeler Leonberger Lhasa Apso Löwchen Maltese Maltipoo Manchester Terrier Maremma Sheepdog Mastiff Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Pinscher Morkie Mountain Cur Munsterlander Mutt Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Lundehund Norwich Terrier Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Olde English Bulldogge Otterhound Papillon Parson Russell Terrier Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) Pekingese Pembroke Welsh Corgi Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Pharaoh Hound Pitsky Plott Hound Podengo Portugueso Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pomeranian Pomsky Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy or Tea Cup) Portuguese Water Dog Presa Canario Pug Puggle Puli Pumi Rat Terrier Redbone Coonhound Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schiller Hound Schipperke Schnauzer (Giant) Schnauzer (Miniature) Schnauzer (Standard) Schnoodle Scottie, Scottish Terrier Scottish Deerhound Sealyham Terrier Shar Pei Sheepadoodle Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog Sheppit Shepsky Shiba Inu Shih Poo Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Skye Terrier Sloughi St. Bernard Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel Swedish Vallhund Texas Heeler Thai Ridgeback Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier Tosa Inu Treeing Walker Coonhound Vizsla Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Terrier Westie, West Highland White Terrier Wheaten Terrier Whippet Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless Yorkie Poo Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier