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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.

A pair of dogs

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 Heidi S's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Heidi S

Heidi S

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
In the Spring of 2022, Heidi found herself on the intake list at the Stanislaus County Shelter picked up as a stray. Little did she know this was the beginning of an amazing journey to a second chance in life. Heidi was scared, hungry, and confused, but her sweet demeanor shone through and she passed her behavioral evaluation with flying colors. Poor, sweet Heidi was extremely underweight, suffering from GI issues, and had kennel cough. A few months later GSRNC answered her rescue plea and within 2 months of being fostered, this lucky girl had a new home. Her adopters fell for Heidi because she was super affectionate, playful, and non-destructive. They learned she was a little cautious with strangers at first but that didn’t last very long! Her extreme intelligence coupled with a love for treats made training lots of fun for the whole family. All the boxes were checked! As they got to know Heidi, the new adopters discovered that she had a high prey drive and could be dog-reactive. Anything small and furry was fair game (excuse the pun). This was a deal-breaker for her new mom and dad who decided to return her to GSRNC. No problem – resilient and charming Heidi was quickly scooped up by another incredible foster! Now 6 years old and 75 lbs., Heidi has settled in nicely with her new foster family. They love that this beautiful girl wants nothing more than to share love and affection with them. They are thrilled she has exceptional manners and lives to please. Heidi has learned to trust and now greets people of all ages with a gentle, yet enthusiastic reception. When asked what is so appealing about Heidi, her fosters say “she is just so snuggly!” Proud Heidi wants you to see all the boxes she checks now! I love: * Taking walks (she says this is a must) * Going on car rides especially if it includes new adventures * Showing off my good manners * Chasing squirrels and cats, it is just too much fun! I am: * House-broken * Crate-trained * Not a puller and walk nicely on a leash * Still a little reactive to dogs but am easily redirected * Possibly amenable to a sibling but honestly, I would love being an only dog! Heidi is a level 3 dog living in the South Bay who wants nothing more than to become the newest member of your active family. July 9, 2024, 12:07 am
We'll also keep you updated on Tara M's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Tara M

Tara M

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Adult
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Tara is a beautiful, 70 pound, long legged 4 year old kind, sweet and generous dog who is thriving in her foster home. Tara is a kind, sweet and generous dog who is thriving in her foster home. Tara quickly bonds to women but was unsure about men. Never showed any aggression but would bark and hide from them. Through the amazing patience and kindness from her male foster family members, Tara has learned that she can trust men, and is comfortable and playful around them. Watch Tara get the zoomies! Tara is smart and curious and is responding well to training. She is crate trained but sleeps quietly on her doggy bed and waits patiently until her family wakes up. Tara has great house manners. She doesn't chew inappropriately and stays off furniture. In the backyard, she doesn't dig and isn't destructive. Tara is not a demanding dog and happily waits until her foster family is ready to play. Tara loves walking and hiking and never pulls on the leash. She can be fussy when other dogs bark at her but is easily redirected. We think Tara would do best being an only dog. Tara learns quickly and is working hard on being the best canine citizen she can be! Tara is a level 3 dog. July 9, 2024, 12:07 am
We'll also keep you updated on Cyrus H's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Cyrus H

Cyrus H

German Shepherd Dog

Male, Young
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Cyrus is a handsome 4+-year-old male who GSRNC brought into our program as a puppy in July 2020. He is a very playful, energetic, loveable, and affectionate boy, who immediately was adopted. His owners loved him but found he was a bit too playful with his senior dog pal. We are on a quest to find the perfect home for this boy who the foster describes as “a sweetheart and real lovebug.” Read what Cyrus wants you to know about him: -I am super handsome and just over 4 years old. -I always have a big smile! -I am an 85 lb bundle of energy with soft thick fur who loves to be brushed. -I walk well on a leash and enjoy going on hikes, neighborhood walks and runs. -I love car rides! -I get along well with other dogs but play rough so need a high energy fur sibling with a similar play style. -I haven’t had any experience with cats. -I am more interested in hanging out with my people and relaxing than playing with toys. I probably should have been named "Shadow" -I am housebroken, know my basic commands and I will sleep in a crate at night. But I don’t like being crated during the day. -I show no food aggression and take treats with a soft mouth. -I just got a foster home and am perfecting being the perfect family dog! Watch Cyrus making friends in his obedience class! and then Check out his romps with his buddy! Cyrus has come far with the help of a trainer. Despite being bounced from house to house and spending months in a kennel, Cyrus is ready to trust and be loved. His new family will require continued management so he can stay at the top of his game. Cyrus is a level 3 dog, more on the mellow side, and being fostered in the East Bay. July 9, 2024, 12:07 am
We'll also keep you updated on Sculley's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sculley

Sculley

German Shepherd Dog

Male
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Sculley, born in late 2017, is an energetic, healthy, well-loved boy who at 3 years old was picked up as a stray and adopted by a senior couple. Nearly 3 years later, Sculley's owners need to rehome him because they are experiencing long-term health issues. Sculley is a smart dog who loves people. While well-loved, he has had minimal training and exposure to the outside world. At 75 pounds, Skulley is easily stimulated and sometimes his excitement gets the best of him which sometimes results in him being jumpy and mouthy. Our GSRNC trainer and foster has been working with Skulley for several weeks and says he is going to blossom in an environment with consistent structure and training! Sculley loves to play! His favorite game is fetch. BUT, there are very specific rules to his game. The only things needed are two items to throw!!! Sculley's Rules of Playing Fetch: 1. You throw the first toy. 2. I retrieve and drop it. 3. You then immediately throw the next toy. 4. I retrieve and drop it. 5. Repeat rules 1-4, all day long. Sculley settles in nicely after his play sessions. He loves to snuggle in for pets, scratches, and belly rubs. He has good house manners, uses a dog door, sleeps in a crate and, for now, is getting used to his foster siblings through baby gates with no reactivity, other than he wants ALL the attention for himself. He also loves car rides!!! No cats for this boy, he will definitely chase them! Sweet, loveable, and smart Sculley has been given an opportunity for a redo in life. With some basic manners training, stimulation, daily walks, adventures, and fun play sessions, we are certain he will make a great, loving companion. Due to Skulley’s excitability, we recommend an adult-only home or one with older children. Skulley is patiently waiting for his new forever family. Is that with you? Sculley is a level 3 dog being fostered in the East Bay. July 9, 2024, 12:07 am
We'll also keep you updated on Roxie G's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Roxie G

Roxie G

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Roxie is a smaller 68 lb black on tan, curious, 4 year old girl who loves her people, playing ball and chasing her Frisbee. She has a sunny demeanor and plenty of energy. See how much fun Roxie has learning new tricks! Roxie likes all humans she meets and most of the dogs as well. She shows interest in passing dogs but is not reactive. Roxie is not cat friendly thanks to a traumatic experience she had with one when she was a puppy. Otherwise, she shows no prey drive. Roxie has good manners and has received formal training which will need to be continued. She responds well to basic commands: sit, down, stay, place, off, and come. This smart girl also has off leash recall (with an e-collar). Because Roxie walks well on a leash, going out is fun. Initially she can be a bit anxious but if the person holding the leash is confident, Roxie's confidence grows. Roxie’s energy level is medium to high. She is crate trained and can be left alone for several hours. This loving girl will flourish with an experienced owner who is willing to be patient while Roxie grows to trust them. We believe she would be best in a home with older children. Roxie is a level 3 dog July 9, 2024, 12:07 am
We'll also keep you updated on Shadow Nose's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Shadow Nose

Shadow Nose

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
My name is Shadow Nose and I just know someone is out there for me! Shadow is a perfect sized 53 lb., spayed, 3 year old well-adjusted girl who was recently diagnosed with maegosophalus*. She is friendly and comfortable around adults, strangers, children, and other dogs. To everyone's delight, not only is she adorable, but Shadow Nose is affectionate, energetic, outgoing, and curious. Check out Shadow Nose tossing her toy around! Shadow is crate trained and can be left alone without incident. She does not nuisance bark, or dig, and is happy to keep herself occupied when she has toys to play with. Our evaluator found Shadow to be relaxed while watching her in a sit, stand, and stay position as well as walking on a leash. This cutie rolled over for belly rubs before hopping up with a big smile and wagging tail hoping to entice our volunteer in a game of fetch. Shadow has some formal training and responds well to many verbal commands. Given her sweet demeanor, it should not take long to transform her from being a mildly mannered playful pup to your loyal loving companion. GSRNC and Shadow Nose knows the perfect home is out there. Is it yours? Shadow is a level 3 special needs dog. *Megaesophagus is a condition that decreases mobility in the muscles of the esophagus which interferes with proper swallowing movement. As a result, Shadow will need a special family who can feed her in a Bailey's Chair (provided by GSRNC) every time she eats. The Bailey's chair is constructed with the primary goal of positioning the dog upright during meals, allowing gravity to aid in the digestion process.  July 9, 2024, 12:07 am

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

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

West Coast Great Pyrenees Foundation

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Pet Types: 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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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

Paws for Genesis

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Santa Cruz SPCA

2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 1930, Cupertino, CA 95010

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

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