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Puppies and dogs in Santa Cruz, California

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

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Adopt a dog in Santa Cruz, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Santa Cruz, 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 Pele and Bowser's adoption status with email updates.
Bonded Pair
Photo of Pele and Bowser

Pele and Bowser

Rottweiler Rottweiler

Male, Adult
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Pele and Bowser! Pele: female, about 6 years old, has been with us for 3 years. Adopted from the local shelter. She loves to CUDDLE and lick your face and play tug of war. Will roll over for belly scratches immediately if you start petting her. Pulls a bit on leash. Needs careful introduction to new dogs. Purebred Rottweiler. About 80lbs Bowser: male, 2.5 years old, adopted as a puppy from a rescue (was born in the rescue when they got a pregnant female in). He also loves to cuddle, and PLAY. He is a happy, goofy boy who just loves loves loves. Thinks he is a lap dog. Good on the leash but likes to stop and smell the roses. Purebred Rottweiler. About 115 pounds. Both dogs are pretty lazy lounge around the house types for the most part, but will never turn down a walk or playtime when offered. They are crate trained but spend their time loose now. Housing situation changing from owning to renting, sadly will not be able to keep dogs. Hoping they can find a fun family to love them.

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

Ash

Husky

Male, Young
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Great Dog for One Person

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

ZEPHYR*

Border Collie

Female, 3 yrs 1 mo
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Zephyr! Zephyr came to the Shelter as a stray so we do not have much history about her life outside the Shelter. She was originally timid when first arriving to the Shelter but has relaxed and staff have observed a more social side to this gal. She has met other dogs at the Shelter and enjoys playing with them. Zephyr can be tactile in play so any resident dogs are recommended to enjoy a rough and tumble, physical play style. Any resident dogs are required to meet at the Shelter prior to adoption. Zephyr will need above average mental and physical stimulation as she is a high energy dog. Adopters should anticipate committing to a positive reinforcement based training to work on life skills such as walking on leash, house training and thoughtful socialization with new people and animals. We do not have any history of Zephyr in a home with kids or cats.

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

ROCKY

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 3 yrs 7 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Rocky! This wrinkly sweetheart came to the Shelter after his guardian was unable to continue caring for him. He has been an A+ resident at the Shelter since his arrival. He has been calm in his kennel, easy to walk on leash and playful in the yard. Staff have observed that he is very affectionate. Rocky lived with two cats in his most recent home and did well with them. A home with dog-savvy cats and a slow introduction may be a fit! He enjoyed playing with dogs in his previous home and has met dogs at the Shelter. A home with a canine companion may be a fit but dogs are recommended to meet at the Shelter prior to adoption. Rocky is known to try to give people kisses. Rocky would do well in a variety of homes and is ready to be someone’s sidekick. Could that be you?

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

NALA

Belgian Tervuren

Female, 4 yrs 8 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet Nala! Nala came to the Shelter as an owner surrender after her previous guardian was unable to continue caring for her. She came into the Shelter with another dog, Palomo. Nala has lived in a home with children ages 6 years and older and has done well. She sometimes would jump up on the kids with exuberance so a home with sturdy kids is recommended. Nala previously was outdoors only and did not go for walks off the property. Because of this, she is undersocialized with new environments and new dogs. Nala can be reactive with new dogs. A home with a dog another dog-savvy dog may be a fit with a slow, thoughtful introduction and management. Nala has a history of chasing cats so a home without cats and/or small animals is recommended. Nala has shown the ability to scale and jump over 6 foot fences during her time at the Shelter. Because of this, adopters should be mindful not to leave Nala unattended outdoors to prevent any attempts at escaping. Daily physical and mental stimulation will also help to set Nala up for success.

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

CODY*

Australian Cattle Dog

Male, 2 yrs 10 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
Meet cute little Cody! Cody came into the Shelter as a stray so we do not have any information about his life before the Shelter. Staff have observed that he has been polite, easy to leash up for walks and enjoys playing with toys. Cody has meet other dogs at the Shelter and has enjoyed playing. A home with a playful resident dog is likely a fit. Adopters will be required to bring any resident dogs to meet prior to adoption. We do not have any history of Cody with cats or children. Cody is a high energy dog that will need above average mental and physical stimulation. Adopters will be required to commit to a positive reinforcement based training to work on life skills and manners such as house training and leash walking.

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Search for a puppy or dog

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

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

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Dog shelters and rescues in Santa Cruz, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

CAPE - Center for Animal Protection and Education

P.O. Box 67176, Scotts Valley, CA 95067

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Simpawtico

p.o. box 3371, santa cruz, CA 95063

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

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Rescue

Save A Dog & Kids Inc - California

anywhere in CA, CA 95060

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Four Paws to Love

P.O. Box 7865, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

West Coast Great Pyrenees Foundation

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Paws for Genesis

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

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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Rescue

Santa Cruz SPCA

2685 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Pregnant Mare Rescue

PO BOX 962, Aptos, CA 95001

Pet Types: dogs, horses

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Rescue

Redwood Coast German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.

Ben Lomond, CA 95005

Pet Types: 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 Santa Cruz, California and nearby cities.

Popular dog breeds

Labrador Retriever Chihuahua Maltese German Shepherd Dog Poodle (Miniature) Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier Shih Tzu Dachshund Husky Pomeranian Golden Retriever Pug Australian Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Boxer Border Collie English Bulldog Beagle Jack Russell Terrier
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
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