The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Hand Me Down Dog Rescue

Hand Me Down Dog Rescue was established in 2016, when a red shelter Australian Cattle Dog came into my life. I have always been enchanted by these working dogs, how smart they are, their high energy, and how loyal they become with their people. As a child I was always rescuing animals, and have been drawn to them. As we do mainly focus on working breeds, we do take in other breeds that need help. I spend a lot of time making sure I find these dog's the right fit for them. They normally need active lifestyles, and someone to challenge their smart brain. Working dogs are not for everyone, and you must provide exercise, and daily training. We pull a lot of the dogs from high kill shelters around California, and do take owner surrenders on special occasion. ​ Our rescue is very small, volunteer, and foster based. We have no facility too keep our dogs, so we are limited on how many we can take in. We do our best to help when we can. We can also provide a lot of resources with owners struggling with their dog, as training, daycare, boarding, vaccines, or even the best diets for them. We also only run on donations, we couldn't do this without the donations we get in too care for the dogs. If you'd like to help with the rescue dogs, your donation is very much appreciated and it goes a long way.

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Doberman Pinscher SOS

Doberman Pinscher SOS is dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of abandoned Dobermans and to educating the public about the Doberman breed and canine care. We are a no-kill, 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. Hundreds of purebred Dobermans lose their homes each year in southern California alone and many are euthanized because there is not enough space in rescue to save them. Especially at risk are those that are injured, sick, or old. The high cost of rescuing these dogs drives many organizations to accept primarily young, healthy or otherwise adoptable dogs into their programs. At Dobie SOS we take the Dobermans that other organizations understandably pass over, and just as importantly, care for the dogs we save and place them into loving homes. We rely solely on donations and adoption fees for this work. How to help. Most of our Dobermans come from high-kill animal shelters in southern and central California. Some are relinquished by their owners and a few find their way here from other rescues. Many Dobermans need rehabilitation before they can be adopted: medical, behavioral, or both. Every Doberman receives a full veterinary exam and whatever medical intervention they need. Many dogs arrive with poor socialization skills requiring months of handling with humans and other dogs. If necessary we provide quality-of-life sanctuary for Dobermans who are not likely to be adopted, for example, Dobermans with advanced heart or spinal problems. Please check our available list to see if one of our dogs may be right for you. Our primary goal is to place Dobermans into permanent homes that are correct for the particular dog's energy level, training level, and temperament. About adopting. We are located in rural Kern County CA near Tehachapi, about 2 hours north of Los Angeles and 1 hour east of Bakersfield. We will place dogs anywhere in California and also surrounding states on a case-by-case basis.

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Have a Heart Humane Society

Ted and Chelley Kitzmiller have owned the Radio Shack in Tehachapi since 1988. In the 1990’s their daughter, Gina, came on board when she moved to Tehachapi. Chelley is a multi-published author of magazine articles and historical romance novels. In 2002, Gina and Chelley opened Books & Crannies, a new/used bookstore, which connected to the Radio Shack, allowing the three of them to help each other out. That’s what they do-help each other. Two or three times a month a dog or a cat ended up in the parking lot where the two stores were located. “We took pictures of the animals, posted flyers and told our customers,” says Gina. Though the family often asked for help from the only rescue in town at that time, they were always full and couldn’t assist them, so they forged ahead and found homes for the pets on their own. In later years, the family trio volunteered their efforts to that original rescue and one other, hoping to make it possible for other people to get the help they needed. “Each rescue has its own goals and they run at their own pace,” Says Chelley. “Our ambitions and goals were hampered by too many limitations so we decided to start our own rescue where the sky is the limit.” In January of 2010, The Kitzmillers organized Have A Heart Humane Society and applied for a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. Gina became the cat coordinator, Ted signed on as lead pooper scooper and Chelley became the paperwork juggler. Volunteers came forth, adoption days were scheduled, pets were brought into foster homes and the paperwork slowly went through the system and was finalized September 15, 2010 after more than 170 dogs and cats had been altered, vaccinated, dewormed, micro chipped and adopted into loving homes. Foster homes are the key to the success of an organization like Have A Heart. Instead of warehousing the pets in cold steel cages, Have A Heart’s pets are housed in loving homes where the animals can be socialized, potty trained and given basic training commands, all of which makes them more adoptable. “There are never enough foster homes,” says Gina. “We often hear people say that they would fall in love with their foster pet and wouldn’t be able to give it up. What they have to understand is that we all fall in love with our foster pets, but keeping it would be a selfish act. You can’t think about you. You have to think about what’s best for that pet and if you don’t give the pet up for adoption, you can’t save another one.” “Animal rescue is hard work. It’s emotionally draining and frustrating. There are days when we want to say enough is enough,” says Chelley. “But the reality is that we have found our purpose. For us, nothing is more satisfying than knowing that a death row pet has been saved because of us and is now in a happy home.”

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Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets (STOP)

We are a small local rescue working hard to save lives and find homes for orphaned pets in the Tehachapi area. Non-profit status: APPROVED, State and Federal 501c3 Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets est. in 2008. Many homeless animals have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, without ever knowing the love of a caring human being. Every day, dogs and cats are euthanized in the overcrowded Kern County area animal shelters. From the moment S.T.O.P. rescues a dog or cat, we begin changing its life for the better. Each pet is placed in a caring foster home until the right owner is found. During their stay, the pets are evaluated, socialized, and given the loving care they need, prior to adoption. Pets have their basic shots and are spayed/neutered (we actively support spaying and neutering of all companion dogs and cats).

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Strength of Shadow Dog Rescue

Strength of Shadow Dog Rescue was built on the dreams of Robbie Miller and his 1st dog, Shadow. After spending his youth making some poor life choices Robbie found himself incarcerated in the State of Oklahoma for 12 years. Upon completing the first 9 years of this sentence, Robbie decided he wanted to start giving back to the world instead of taking from it. During the next three years he obtained his GED, began to work and also became a mentor to many of the inmates. Upon his release in January 2014, he asked his mother if he could get a dog when he arrived home. Here enters Shadow! Shadow had been found by Kern County Animal Services in Ridgecrest during freezing temperatures, abandoned in a single dog crate with two other large dogs. Robbie and Shadow had an instant bond - both skittish of people, both survivors of traumatic situations, both looking for unconditional love. About a month after adopting her Shadow began coughing up blood. After multiple emergency vet visits it was discovered that Shadow had been living with a 40 caliber bullet in her lung very close to her heart. She was airlifted to Los Angeles for emergency surgery. These were the longest few days of Robbie’s life. He had just found her and couldn’t imagine life without her. Thankfully Shadow made a full recovery and their bond just continued to grow. In August 2014 we added Dallas to the family. He was just a young puppy who had been rescued by the same animal control officer as Shadow many months prior. Having these two dogs in his life was just what Robbie needed to heal and grow into the man he wanted to become. At this time is when Robbie decided to dedicate his entire life to saving dogs and placing them with the people that they needed to save, just as Shadow and Dallas have done and continue to do for him..

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California City Animal Control

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Butte Humane Society

Welcome to Butte Humane Society (BHS). We are one of the oldest non-profit agencies in Butte County, California, working since 1911 to bring humanitarian care to dogs and cats. We are a Limited Admission shelter that strives to make our animals as comfortable as possible during their stay with us. Our Vision: Butte Humane Society is committed to nurturing and promoting the human-animal bond. It is our vision to: • Provide for the well-being of companion animals. • Reduce the number of unwanted animals through aggressive spay/neuter programs. • Promote the human-animal bond through adoption, education and outreach programs. • Act as an advocate on behalf of animals in need. We are deeply committed to these goals while ensuring the financial security and stability of the organization for future generations. Our Values: As Butte Humane Society (BHS) works to promote its mission and vision, it is guided by values that are rooted in, and arise from, Butte Humane Society’s history, traditions, and culture. Therefore, BHS, its staff and volunteers will maintain: • Commitment to the public good • Accountability to the public • Commitment which exceeds the law • Respect for the worth and dignity of animals and individuals • Inclusiveness and social justice • Respect for pluralism and diversity • Transparency, integrity, and honesty • Responsible stewardship of resources • Commitment to excellence • Maintain the public trust

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City of Chico Animal Shelter

Animal Control is responsible for enforcing all City animal related ordinances and state laws, including picking up dogs running at large and quarantining animals for Rabies observation. The Chico Animal Shelter houses and cares for all stray dogs found within Chico city limits. These animals may have been picked up by Chico Animal Control, or brought in by a concerned citizen. The Chico Animal Shelter also takes unwanted dogs from owners residing within Chico city limits on a space available basis. The shelter maintains a waiting list for dogs needing to be surrendered.

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Del Norte County Animal Services

The Department of Animal Services is engaged in the enforcement of state laws, regulations, and county ordinances relating to domestic animals. Activities include dog licensing, operating the county dog pound, maintaining dog license and rabies vaccination records, impounding stray dogs and livestock, investigating dog bites, quarantining dogs that have bit, investigating loose or nuisance dog complaints, and livestock complaints. Other areas of responsibility include licensing kennels, investigating potential violations of humane laws, picking up small dead animals for disposal from county roadways, and picking up injured domestic animals.

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Sequoia Humane Society

The Sequoia Humane Society is a no-kill shelter whose mission is to be a community leader in reducing pet overpopulation by providing a high-standard of care and through programs such as adoption, spay/neuter and education. As a no-kill shelter, many of our residents stay with us for several months, even as long as a year or more before they are adopted- but our staff is prepared to stand by an animals side and advocate for them for however long it takes until they meet their new best friend and it is time to part ways at last. Every member of the Sequoia Humane Society whether it be staff, volunteers, or foster parents, are devoted to caring for each of our shelter animals with the respect, love, and compassion they deserve every day. A shelter environment can be stressful for animals, so we work hard to provide the cats and dogs in our care with lots of enriching activities whether it's playtime and socialization in the Flemming field, routine training exercises, or guided pack walks away from the facility to give our dogs a break from the shelter environment- or engaging in cuddles and playtime with enrichment toys and obstacles in the visitation room with our cats.

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Companion Animal Foundation

Companion Animal Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal rescue organization formed in 2002 in response to the high euthanasia rate of adoptable animals in Humboldt County. Our Community Adoption Center, located in Eureka, CA, is a beautiful open temporary home for adoptable kittens and puppies so that the public can help them socialize as well as learn how to properly interact with them. We offer spay/neuter assistance for people on limited incomes, provide humane trapping methods for feral cats, run humane education programs, and a number of other services to the public. All of our work, from adoptions to humane education, is aimed at increasing the quality of life for animals in Humboldt County by providing people with the knowledge needed to be responsible and compassionate caretakers for our animal companions. One of our most cherished goals is helping to raise the next generation of animal ambassadors through youth education programs and summer camps.

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Mendocino Coast Humane Society

Mendocino Coast Humane Society was created by Coastal residents who wanted a ‘no-kill’ alternative to the County’s Animal Control. To increase adoptions, the Mobile Pet Adoption truck was purchased in 1998 and can be seen every weekend on the headlands in Mendocino Village, weather permitting. The new Adoption Center was completed in July 2001 with the help of many donors and the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers. The Adoption Center provides a warm, comfortable and secure home for our animals. Improvements to the Adoption Center property have continued, including an in-house surgery, large outside kennels, additional kennel facilities for isolation and kittens/puppies, noise abatement panels in the dog kennel area, a grassy, fenced exercise lawn for daytime exercise, and the Kitty Cottage.

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Fresno Humane Animal Services

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Innocent Angels Sanctuary

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Valley Animal Center

In 1992, Valley Animal Center's predecessor, the California Feline Foundation, was founded in Downtown Fresno as a no-kill shelter for cats. Thanks to the generosity and support of the community, along with the dedication and hard work of countless volunteers and staff members, this humble, no-kill cat sanctuary grew to include a low-cost spay and neuter clinic and eventually became a no-kill shelter for dogs, also. The Greater Fresno Area has long had a need for no-kill humane efforts due to the unfortunate fact that the San Joaquin Valley has one of the highest euthanasia rates in the United States. Our high stray population contributes to this dilemma. For years, Fresno County's animal control agencies have been overburdened with stray and surrendered dogs and cats. A variety of factors have contributed to the severe overpopulation and under-adoption of dogs and cats. These factors include: • a historical lack of a progressive animal welfare presence • insufficient public awareness regarding the importance of spaying and neutering • a temperate Central Valley climate which has allowed for higher than average reproductive rates Valley Animal Center, along with numerous no-kill shelters in the area, are working together to try and stop the use of euthanasia by rescuing animals from animal control agencies. Valley Animal Center is taking the lead on reducing the use of euthanasia and to help decrease the stray population. There are many ways we go about accomplishing this. Our low cost clinic offers affordable spay/neuter services as well as other comprehensive veterinary care. We offer humane education to the public on how to be responsible pet owners. Finally, we rescue animals from animal control facilities whose time has run out and bring them to our facility for another chance at finding a forever home.

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Bambis Army – Rescue of K9’S (BARK)

One day seven people got together for lunch, They were City of Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran, City Councilman Trino Pimental, Michelle Lopez, Nick Prado, Brenda Prado, Joy Rothholz and Heather Rothholz. The seven of them began speaking about the overpopulation of cats and dogs in the community, the lack of low cost spay & neuter programs, how animals are treated poorly by those without resources. We discussed the need for a facility to help address these concerns, our idea of a no kill rescue would be one that could serve as a community resource, educating the youth and adults about the importance of proper care for animals and to spay & neuter their pets. We also discussed the needs of veterans, we need a program to assist active Military Veterans with the challenges they face when they get deployed. So, we came up with Bambi Army – Rescue of K9’S (BARK) a dream was developed, we decided it was time to make our dream come true. Eventually (BARK) received our 501 C3 non- profit status this has propelled us to work harder to make the dream a reality. (BARK) is a licensed non-profit no kill rescue, we aim to become a rescue where veterans will no longer have to give up their animals companions due to deployment. (BARK) will support our troops and will welcome their family pet into our boarding facility for the length of the veteran’s deployment. (BARK) aim to reduce the stray population and finding them homes, we also would like to keep our community pets safe by offering low cost vaccinations and micro-chipping services. To make our dream a reality we need community support and financial contributions to make our animal rescue in our area a long term reality. (BARK) meets a real need in our area that previously had no animal rescue or shelter of any type for abandoned animals and Military Vet Pets.

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Animal Rescue of Fresno

ARF began its operations out of a small facility on Belmont Ave and Highway 99. ARF moved to its current location on Dakota Avenue in 2005. From its humble beginnings, ARF has grown quickly, so that more and more dogs each year can be rescued and adopted out to loving forever homes.

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Doggie Protective Services (DPS)

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FurryTail Endings Animal Rescue

We save dogs from high kill shelters & off the streets to find each of them their perfect #FurryTailEnding.

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Bubbles Dog Rescue

Bubbles Dog Rescue was founded by sisters Isabelle, Inna, and friend Sienna. These vegan women wanted to help take matters of the frightening, rapid dog euthanasia rates ‚ into their own hands. We pull dogs off the streets and off of euthanasia lists throughout California, provide full vetting and medical care, and a foster home. Bubbles Dog Rescue purposely selects fosters that supply a safe, warm and exemplary environment. We promote the dog on social media platforms and adoption websites, to find the dogs their purrfect home.

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Linda Blair Worldheart

The Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation is built of a group of inspired, motivated humanitarians who work tirelessly to fight animal cruelty by educating the public, animal rescue, and finding loving families to give the helpless a second chance at a happy life. Founded by Oscar nominated and renown animal activist Linda Blair to bring the much needed attention to the growing problems related to animal welfare and the work required to stop animal abuse and neglect.

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Underdog Heroes Rescue

Underdog Heroes rescues dogs from high kill shelters that are red listed for euthanasia due to illness, overcrowding, abandonment and neglect. In numerous cases, we intervene to safely remove dogs from abusive inhumane living situations.

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Morongo Basin Humane Society

The Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter is operated by the Morongo Basin Humane Society, a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1972 in the midst of a homeless and/or abandoned pet crisis in the growing but somewhat isolated Morongo Basin. When Kay Baker, the operator of the Hi-Dez Kennels in Yucca Valley, donated a 3.5 acre property in Joshua Tree to the Society, board members launched a fundraising drive, raising $53,000 over the next eight years to pay for the construction of a new facility. Diligence paid off: The new shelter opened in 1981.

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Tofu's Dream World

Tofu’s Dream World is a foster-based dog rescue located in Los AngeleS, CA. We rescue dogs from high-kill shelters throughout California and place them in loving, qualified foster homes until a perfect, forever home is found. All medical care is provided and every dog is vaccinated, rehabilitated, and spayed or neutered before leaving our rescue. Tofu’s Dream World was founded by JEN DODARO, a freelance ART DIRECTOR and animal advocate. After years of volunteering with local rescues and regularly visiting and networking dogs at high-kill shelters, it became evident that the shelter crisis in california is far from over. with tofu’s dream world we will do everything in our power to bring awareness to this crisis, while helping as many dogs as we can in the process.

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Angel City Pit Bulls

Angel City Pit Bulls is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for pit bulls by promoting their positive image as loving family companions through education, public advocacy, adoptions, and owner support.

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Wags & Walks

Wags and Walks is focused on advocating for wrongfully stereotyped bully breeds, medical dogs, and mamas + puppies that are often overlooked and at-risk due to overcrowding. We do not select dogs based on their size, age, or breed. We select our dogs on a case-by-case basis, factoring in our ability to help and their likelihood of thriving when placed in the right home. We know that, like amazing dogs, loving families come in all shapes and sizes. Our goal is to find every pup an adopter whose home, family, and lifestyle are a perfect fit for a lifetime of love and happiness.

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LaBelle Foundation

A beacon of hope in the realm of animal welfare. Our foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through responsible pet ownership education, spaying, and neutering initiatives, vaccination advocacy, and comprehensive dog training. We confront the challenges within the rescue community head-on, driven by a resolute mission to put an end to dog homelessness. Aligned with our mission, we champion accessible veterinary care. Our support has extended to sponsoring spay and neuter clinics across California and Mexico, with ongoing plans to broaden our reach. Our unwavering commitment includes partnering with affordable specialty veterinary clinics and addressing the critical need for accessible and affordable care through advocacy and legislation. As we continue to evolve, our unwavering focus remains on the core tenets that define us. Our journey is built upon the principles of rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for dogs, particularly with neonatal orphans needing intensive care, medical/special needs animals, and nursing mother-and-babies. Our foundation stands upon pillars that encompass rescuing animals in need, educating the community on responsible pet care, facilitating forever homes, fostering a supportive community, and prioritizing the overall well-being of animals.

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Paws For Life K9 Rescue

Paws For Life K9 Rescue saves and transforms the lives of animals and people through innovative canine-centered programs that provide purpose, support, and opportunity through the Prison/Re-Entry, People & Pet Innovation Center, First Responder and PTSD Support, Adoptions, Transports, and Vet Tech Program.

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Nor Cal Pet Rescue

Since 2022 we have been operating as a 501c non-profit rescue. Our goal is to help animals in need by providing shelter, food, and love until they can find their forever homes. All animals in our care get spayed and neutered to help prevent overpopulation and to help stop the cycle of animals being born on the streets.

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Humboldt County Animal Shelter

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Animal Shelter cares for stray, abandoned and neglected domesticated animals in our community. Due to the high population of these types of unwanted animals, the shelter does not typically take in owner surrenders. The shelter depends on other non-profit organizations such as Friends for Life, Miranda’s Rescue, Companion Animal Foundation, Bless the Beasts, and Sequoia Humane Society to take in owner surrenders. After the four business day hold required by State law, the Staff evaluates the temperament and health of the animals not returned to their owners. Cats are felv/fiv tested and dogs are temperament tested. If an animal fails its temperament test (for food, dog, or people aggression), or its health evaluation (for ex. a cat has FIV), the Shelter either has the animal humanely to sleep OR the rescue coordinators for the Shelter look for every possible avenue in and out of the County to save its life. All animals who pass all the tests are put up for adoption. Before being released to a new owner, every dog and cat is neutered or spayed.

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Merced county animal shelter

The Bureau of Animal Services is mandated by California State Law and Local Ordinance to: Humanely house and dispose of unwanted stray animals Enforce all laws pertaining to the care, custody, and control of animals within our jurisdiction Comply with the State of California's Rabies Control Program Regulations As a public agency, we provide prompt, courteous service to our customers while protecting their safety. We are focused on our goals and steadfast in our resolve to meet the needs of the various communities within our jurisdiction. Through public education and awareness, we strive to reduce the pet overpopulation problem within the County and to promote humane care of domestic animals. Our enforcement actions help reduce animal-related problems and livestock depredation.

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Animal Rescue of Tracy

Animal Rescue of Tracy is a non-profit group of passionate volunteers trying to make a difference in the lives of abandoned animals throughout our community of Tracy, California. We have so many sweet and affectionate animals in our care that need a new home with a loving family. As a 100% donation and volunteer-dependent organization, there are so many ways you can help. We welcome you to explore our site to learn more about us, our adoptable pets, and how you can help. Here’s to you, animal lover! Animal Rescue of Tracy was founded in 1994 to meet an increasing need for compassionate care for abandoned or mistreated pets. In 2002, Animal Rescue of Tracy became a full-fledged, independent, non-profit rescue. In our existence we have rescued, spayed/neutered, and found homes for almost 4000 cats and dogs. In 2019 we found homes for 402 cats and dogs, the most in one year in our history. We rescue animals from the local shelter and work with the public to rehome pets in jeopardy.

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Tail Waggin All Breed Rescue

I have always had a love for animals since I was young. I was always bringing something home. All my own pets have always been rescues.When I was 18 I worked in a pet store for a couple years then went to work for a veterinary hospital for 9 yrs in the foothills. I moved to Arizona and worked in another veterinary hospital for 2 more years. Then moving back to Cali I began working in an office at a Fabrication shop in 1997. Soon moved out into the country towards Turlock where our Rescue venture began. One afternoon November 2000, a lovely Border Collie mix Moma, we named “Nanny" , showed up skin and bones, looking like she had had pups and smelling like something the cat dragged in. We cleaned her up, gave her much needed food and water, made her a comfy bed and headed off to Turlock for some well needed supplies. We received a call about 45 minutes later from my daughter in a panic, “mom, That dog just came back with her puppies!!” To our surprise, “Nanny” jumped our short fence and went and retrieved her 2 pups. They were about 4 weeks or so at the time. So my daughter “Holly” got them all settled in while we picked up addition supplies needed :) At 8 weeks my friend and brother adopted one of each pup. CJ my brothers dog, has been a joy for their family and they love her dearly. CJ is getting up there in years (now 17yrs old), but still enjoys her family, doggie friends, and taking well deserved naps. Many THANKS to all the local Rescues, Shelters, Veterinary Clinics and friends that helped us get started. I had not intended to start a rescue but to save this poor girl whom was just left behind to fend for herself. But as most of you in the rescue world know that is how most Rescues start and it was only the beginning for us.

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People for Pets

For over 25 years, People for Pets has been serving pets and families of our local Tracy area. We love caring for and connecting with animals and creating everlasting relationships. Holding strong with 25+ years PEOPLE FOR PETS is the longest existing non profit pet adoption organization in Tracy. We are all committed and compassionate, non-paid volunteers. We take in homeless dogs and make sure they are current on all vaccines, micro-chipped and spayed or neutered & then find them new FUR-ever loving homes. You can help support us in two ways. Donate to us through PAYPAL or support us through Amazonsmile foundation at https://smile.amazon.com Choose People for Pets as the non-profit organization you wish to support. PEOPLE FOR PETS is continuously looking for foster families for our rescues. Our fosters' happiness and care is priority and we strive to provide a service we would want our own pets to receive.

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Friends of Canines Animal Rescue

We are a canine rescue, located in Tracy, California and work with shelters in our area. Although we specialize in the Rottweiler breed, we are not breed specific and also rescue a lot of mixed breed dogs. We do have a special affinity for black and tan dogs and keep our eyes open for Rottweilers in the shelters. We try to save dogs that are in danger of euthanization at the shelters in our area and foster them in home environments until we find a family for them. We housetrain them and teach them to live in a home setting. We offer socialization to our rescue dogs by walking them, taking them with us as often as possible, and work with them to get along with other foster dogs in our home. Before adopting a dog out to a new family, we do a home check to ensure that the rescue dog is a good match for the new adopters. If the new adoption does not work out in your home, we will welcome the dog back at any time. In this way, we hope that both you and the dog will be happy with the adoption. Check our adoption process for more details. We also help dog owners, and people who have found a lost dog, try to find a new home for these pets. We assist them by listing the dog on our petfinder site as an owner assist listing. The owner or current caretaker of the pet continues to care for the pet and is the contact person for the pet, while the dog is listed on our webpage. Our adoption fees and policies for FCAR do not apply to these dogs. Their adoptions go strictly through their owners and caretakers and we try to help find them new families by providing exposure for them through our petfinder webpages.

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East of Eden Rescue

East of Eden Rescue is a nonprofit 501 c(3) companion animal rescue, incorporated in the State of California. East of Eden seeks to improve companion animal welfare through our homeless animal rescue and community outreach programs. Our service area encompasses western Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, and Stanislaus Counties. We are an animal rescue group run entirely by volunteers. We strive to find forever homes for our rescued dogs and cats. We provide foster homes for all our animals until they are adopted. We are a 501c(3) (EIN #33-1069899) non-profit organization run entirely on donations.

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Siskiyou Humane Society Inc.

“The Siskiyou Humane Society exists to improve the lives of companion animals by sheltering, rehabilitating, reducing pet overpopulation and finding permanent homes. We promote responsible pet ownership, kindness to animals and enhancement of human-animal relationships through education and outreach.” Since its founding in 1968, the Siskiyou Humane Society Adoption Center in Mt. Shasta has provided rescue and refuge for hundreds of homeless cats and dogs every year. The shelter’s staff and volunteers take special pride in getting to know the animals as individuals. Because they are familiar with the personalities of the shelter cats and dogs, they can help potential adopters find the best matches for their families and lifestyles. All pets adopted from SHS are vaccinated, spayed and neutered and given permanent micro-chip identification. Siskiyou Humane Society is a “no-kill” facility, animals aren’t euthanized because they’ve been in the shelter for too long, or to make room for more animals, but are cared for until they find new homes. Preventing pet over-population is a big part of the Society’s mission statement. The shelter provides information and referrals for low-income Spay/Neuter assistance programs in Siskiyou County. SHS also offers humane education presentations for schools, youth groups and service organizations with topics like dog-bite prevention and kindness to animals. SHS also operates a Community Pet Resource Center in Yreka, where we provide pet owners with vital resources such as free microchips, a pet food pantry and supply essential pet supplies to owners in need of support. As a private, 501(c)(3)non-profit animal welfare organization, the shelter receives no funding from government agencies or national humane organizations. Most of the funding comes from private donations, grant funding and the sales at the Humane Society’s thrift store in Mt Shasta.

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Pack Lyfe Rescue

Dedicated to saving animals who are unwanted, abandoned, abused or on the euthanasia list and finding them the best suitable homes possible. All these amazing efforts are made through volunteers and foster homes! We are a non profit 501c3 animal rescue group. EIN 86-2134552

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Berkeley Humane

Berkeley Humane is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that work on behalf of Berkeley Humane and the animals in our community. We have provided over 125 years of trusted service and dedication to Berkeley and the East Bay.

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Underdog Animal Rescue

Underdog Animal Rescue is a foster based rescue serving the Bay Area of Northern California. Since our start in 2014, we have built an outstanding team and have grown into a strong network of volunteers dedicated to saving the Underdogs in our shelters and community. We have dedicated our efforts to giving a second chance to the dogs that are most in need (medically or behaviorally) and the dogs that have been overlooked for too long.

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Humane Society Silicon Valley

We are committed to saving healthy and treatable animals in shelters in our community and across the nation. By leveraging our expertise and building partnerships with under resourced shelters, we are saving more lives together.

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Oakland Animal Services

Oakland Animal Services is Oakland's only ‚open admissions‚ shelter: We accept all of Oakland's homeless, injured, orphaned, unwanted, lost, abandoned and mistreated animals, regardless of age, breed, temperament or medical condition.

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Orland Town & Country Humane Society

Founded in 1992, Town & Country Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping our community by promoting responsible pet ownership, helping pet owners search for necessary resources during a time of need, as well as advocating for animal welfare. Our team of volunteers works tirelessly to help these animals become the best companion they can possibly be in addition to finding the best possible forever home for all abandoned, relinquished, or otherwise homeless pets that come through our door. Town & Country Humane Society is a No Kill Shelter providing care, for our furry residents until they find their forever home. Our goals are to provide education to the public about animal care, the benefits of spaying and neutering pets, as well as, helping pet adopters plan for a successful transition for new pets into their forever home. Our work brings people together in order to create the changes needed to protect animals from unnecessary euthanasia.

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Northwest S.P.C.A.

The Northwest S.P.C.A. is a private, non-profit corporation founded in 1980 for the purpose of promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Recognized as a charitable, 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS, our humane programs and services include pet facilitated therapy, lost and found pet referral, animal rescues, humane education speakers to area schools and community groups, pet microchiping, investigation of animal cruelty and/or neglect, pet adoptions and animal sheltering

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Kennels 2 Couches

We are a foster-based rescue, and have dogs and cats located throughout southern California.

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Boxer Rescue Los Angeles

Boxer Rescue Los Angeles, a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 1977, is funded by donations, driven by volunteers and committed to helping Boxers in need find loving homes and to help people looking to provide homes, find the Boxer that fits them best. Our mission for every adoption is a responsible lifetime match.

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Lhasa Happy Homes Rescue

Founded in April 2001, Lhasa Happy Homes Rescue, Inc., is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) rescue and foster care organization created for the safe haven and permanent placement of homeless pups. We specialize in Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Maltese, but also rescue other small mixed breeds under 20 lbs. All Lhasa Happy Homes pups are cared for in a home environment and/or daycare facility and treated as if they were part of the family. Each is temperament tested, and we evaluate their interaction with other dogs, kids and people to determine the best home for each. They receive responsible medical attention, rehabilitation when necessary, treats and toys when they are good, and a warm lap to lay on at the end of the day to let them know how much they are loved. We strive to give adopters our best assessment of a dog’s physical condition and behavior to assure that the selected dog is a good match for the intended family. These dogs have been through a lot, and they deserve to be loved unconditionally – the same way they’ll love you!

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Humane Society of Ventura County

Founded in 1932, the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is nestled in the rolling hills of the picturesque Ojai Valley of southern California. Our 4.4-acre property provides a safe refuge for the homeless, neglected, and abused animals of Ventura County. We strive to remedy the greater problem of animal overpopulation, abuse, and neglect in our community through education and community outreach. As we continue to educate and provide low-cost spay and neuter services to pet owners in need, we also offer safe, temporary housing for animals across Ventura County. We provide our shelter animals with medical treatment, proper nutrition, exercise, rehabilitation, and more during their stay at the HSVC. Our volunteers play a key role in socializing these animals by giving them the love and attention they deserve as they await their forever homes. The HSVC is the only agency in Ventura County with Humane Officers who investigate cases of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect. Our shelter functions as an evacuation center during natural disasters to house displaced animals at no cost to their owners. We also offer free pet food through various pet food bank programs to help keep animals in their homes and out of shelters. In addition to these services, the HSVC also has a volunteer pet-assisted therapy program, a foster program, and a feral cat program that promotes TNR (trap, neuter, release) for community cats. We offer microchipping services, host low-cost vaccination clinics, and provide owner-requested euthanasia services and grief counseling references for the difficult time that follows. As a private nonprofit, all of our programs, services, and outreach efforts are funded entirely by the generosity of our community. We are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States or ASPCA, nor do we receive funding from the city, state, or federal government. With the help of our donors, volunteers, and supporters, we can continue to promote the welfare, compassionate care, and protection of all animals.

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SPARC - Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center

SPARC is a unique partnership between public and private resources with a shared goal of creating a more humane, no-kill system for saving the homeless and abandoned animals of our community. When successful, this prototype can be recreated in other cities. In the long run, we strive to show that smaller, local shelters can attract a larger volunteer and foster corps, be a true community partner and make reclamation of lost pets easier and provide a better solution for all homeless pets.

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California Paws Rescue

Our mission at California Paws Rescue is rooted in the love of all animals and the steadfast belief in second chances. Our passion and dedication are specifically focused on the Bull Terrier breed. Devoted to our cause, we navigate through the intricacies of rescue and rehabilitation with a focus on the individual needs of each Bull Terrier. By doing so, we strive to ensure that they not only overcome past adversities but also find their forever homes – places where they can experience the love, care, and understanding they deserve.

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Town of Paradise Animal Shelter

The Paradise Animal Shelter has wonderful dogs and cats looking for a forever home. All of our animals are evaluated upon arrival and all healthy animals are vaccinated, de-wormed, and treated for fleas and ticks within 48 hours of their entry to the Shelter. Due to the high incidents of Rabies in this area, all dogs are required to be vaccinated and licensed at the time of adoption. A free health exam is available from our local veterinarian, Animal Hospital on the Ridge within 7 days of adoption. Our local veterinarian has reduced the cost of the spay/neuter for the animals adopted from our shelter and Paradise Animal Shelter Helpers (PASH), is paying this low cost for you.

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Tehama County Animal Services

It is important to note we are not a “no-kill” shelter. We are an open, municipal shelter and are required to accept any stray dog that is found within Tehama or Glenn Counties. Although not required to accept stray cats, we work off a waiting list to take in as many cats as our shelter can handle. Due to wonderful community support, rescue groups, shelter partners, fosters and volunteers, we have made great strides in the past several years, achieving the highest save rates in our shelter’s history. Although this progress is fantastic, we understand that this is not perfection. We strive everyday to be a better shelter and continue to improve our practices as the only animal shelter in Tehama and Glenn Counties.

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Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County

In the early 1980’s the forerunner of Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County, called DAP (Domestic Animal Protection), was founded. Its primary purpose was to raise funds for spay/neuter education and services. Funding came from individual donations and proceeds from an ongoing rummage sale, bake sale and other fundraising efforts. In 1988 the group voted to change the name of the organization to The Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County (HSIMC). The newly named group concentrated on trying to establish a 501 c 3 non-profit animal shelter and adoption center. Others decided to continue focusing primarily on spay/neuter assistance to the community and the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) was created. In the early 1990’s Beatrice Breeze, a longtime supporter, made a large contribution to HSIMC with the stipulation that her donation be used to purchase property for a shelter that would serve both the communities of Willits and Ukiah. The property at 9700 Uva Drive in Redwood Valley was acquired and the shelter was opened in 1993. Maintaining the shelter has come with some challenges over the years. The determination of staff, volunteers and HSIMC membership has carried the day! Time and time again the community stepped up when necessary to support THEIR humane society. In 2013, the shelter received a generous donation from the estate of another long-time supporter, Bea Scanlon. We were able to make some much needed improvements to both the dog and cat kennel facilities. In addition, we were able to build a large storage facility to house equipment and supplies, fund-raising items and provide additional kennel space when necessary. A substantial sum was invested to help ensure the sustainability of the shelter for many years to come.

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Ridgecrest Animal Care & Control

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Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS)

Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) is a no-kill nonprofit dog and cat rescue based in Yucaipa, CA. Our mission is to strive to prevent the euthanasia of dogs and cats throughout the region by providing them a temporary safe haven until a permanent and loving home can be found.

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A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc..

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit dedicated to saving the lives of Akitas and other dogs in need. We rescue and support dogs including veterinary costs, food and temporary housing until the dogs can be adopted into their forever homes. We are a NO KILL rescue organization that survives entirely on donations. We are these shelter dogs' last hope! Since the beginning of A Passion for Paws, we have saved the lives of almost 1000 Akitas and other dogs. In 2006, A Passion for Paws became officially approved as a 501c3 non-profit charity organization. In 2010, established the Akita Ranch facility to provide for the temporary housing and care of dogs. We are the only Akita rescue organization in the Southwest United States that actively takes in dogs on a weekly, if not daily basis. We are a volunteer organization that relies on private donations to continue our mission to save Akitas and other dogs in need. We could not accomplish our mission without the help of our generous supporters, friends and volunteers and we are very grateful to all those who also love and help Akitas and other dogs in need. A Passion for Paws Rescue was founded in 2004 by Cheryl Weatherford to honor the memory of her son, Paxton David Weatherford who passed away unexpectedly from a rare form of cancer. Paxton loved animals and brought Cheryl her first Akita, an extra-large white male Akita named Zeus who had survived a terrible fire at the animal shelter. Zeus had the presence and appearance of a polar bear, the temperament of a lamb unless he or his family was threatened and then he would fight like a tiger, and the intellect of a being wise beyond the short time he was with us. Both of these rare individuals inspired an undying love for Akitas and dogs in need.

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Redlands Animal Shelter

Our mission is to maintain the best environment we can offer for the many stray and homeless animals we acquire, as well as providing the public with an inviting and helpful experience.

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Promise 4 Paws

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Southern Star Animal Rescue

We are a small, 501c3 non-profit rescue organization, dedicated to placing homeless animals into loving, caring, “forever” homes. We take in all breeds, regardless of age, health conditions or personality. We treat them with respect and kindness, our reward is the constant love and affection (and slobber) that we get back from them. Every single one of them deserves a “furever” home and the chance to live a HAPPY, carefree, life. All of these wonderful animals are provided with a home-type environment, where we can evaluate, socialize and rehabilitate them as needed until they are ready to be adopted out. We also strive to bring more awareness to the public about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets to help stop pet overpopulation.

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ShepHeroes

Powered by volunteers and funded by donors, we rely on many heroes to help deserving abandoned German Shepherd Dogs; in return, these shepherds provide unconditional love to the families adopting them. The goal of ShepHeroes is lifelong placement; we take pride in finding the ideal lifelong match possible for dogs and humans alike by placing all of our dogs in foster homes to allow them to decompress and for us to learn their personalities, temperament, and needs. When committed foster homes are available for long-term care of medical dogs, we prioritize assisting those shepherds as they are the most at risk in shelters. Bean, Hayzel, Shania, Tori, and Stewie joined us in the past year for extensive surgeries and lengthy recoveries. Bean arrived with a chunk of her lip missing and will have surgery to repair her maxillofacial trauma when her muzzle reaches the adult stage at seven to eight months of age. In Shania's case, her fracture exam revealed a severe heart defect that, untreated, would have caused heart failure, which was repaired with heart surgery to give her a whole, healthy life. Shania was with us for seven months through three surgeries. Tori, in addition to her fracture repair, had an eye enucleation. Also, in 2023, Abbott and Costello were treated for parvo and survived thanks to prompt medical care. Multiple dogs have recovered in our care from surgeries for ingesting foreign objects like socks and balls before coming to our rescue. We have treated ear and severe skin infections, mange, influenza, and kennel cough, reduced many hernias, altered cryptoid male dogs, treated heartworm-positive shepherds, and ensured emaciated ones received care to reach optimum weight for their age. And have provided routine ongoing veterinary care of vaccinations, heartworm, flea/tick preventatives, spay and neuters, and deworming for over 340 shepherds since 2018. One of our special pups, Kenzo, came to us at the behest of his ER vet. Found on the street hit by a car, Kenzo was rushed by a good Samaritan to the local ER. He suffered from a brain injury, fractured leg, and bodily trauma, initially unable to walk, hold his head up, and possibly blind. With the guidance of his neurology vet, we gave him supportive care, trusting that puppy brains can heal. His brain healed with a residual head tilt, giving us a sweet, loving, active pup thriving in his adoptive home. We also assisted many shy and frightened shepherds who needed to learn to trust people, become at ease in new environments, and learn good pack manners thanks to resident dogs of our foster homes. Two of our dogs have become working dogs, completing service dog training and supporting their owners as hearing and seizure-alert dogs. A few of our dogs have completed therapy dog training and provide comfort through various venues. Since inception, we have assisted 24 municipal animal control shelters and partnered with seven rescues to bring shepherds to safety from the Sacramento Region south to Monterey County and north to Butte County. ShepHeroes was established in May 2018; our volunteer board and management team's experience saving shepherds encompasses over a decade of dedication to the breed.

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Sammie’s Friends

Sammie's Friends is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Tax ID #52-2439192. The mission of Sammie's Friends is to provide medical care for the animals at the Nevada County Animal Shelter, making them adoptable, and to support other disadvantaged animals in Nevada County that without help would continue to suffer or would be euthanized. Sammie's Friends also operates the Nevada County Animal Shelter at 14647 McCourtney Road.

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Front Street Animal Shelter

The Front Street Animal Shelter is located at 2127 Front Street (with a cross-street of Broadway) and is open 7 days a week from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcomed. No appointment needed. The Main Building is located next to the parking lot and provides services to those who wish to adopt a pet, search for their lost pet, and license their pet. The Reception Center is a short walk up the sidewalk and provides services to those who are bringing in a stray animal.

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Fosters & Paws

At Fosters & Paws Rescue, our vision is a world where all animals are treated with respect and kindness. We're dedicated to saving animals and helping animals in need. Our mission, through rescue efforts, education programs, and advocacy work, is to create a more compassionate and humane society. We believe in a future where shelters are no longer necessary because all animals have responsible and caring owners, and where animal cruelty and neglect are a thing of the past. Together, we work towards a world where every animal has the opportunity to live happy and healthy lives in loving homes. Join us in our mission to make this vision a reality.

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Colusa County Animal Control

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Our Neighborhood Pet Project

Our Neighborhood Pet Project was formed in January 2023 to provide service to the communities in South Monterey County, a rural area on the central coast of California. We believe that the best solution to reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats is to provide access to low-cost spay and neuter for all residents in need.

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Tiny Paws Pug Rescue

TINY PAWS PUG RESCUE is a non-profit operated for charitable purposes of helping Pugs and Pug mixes in need of homes, medical care, and love.

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Pet Friends and Rescue

Pet Friends and Rescue is a No Kill Shelter. Our Mission is to eliminate cruelty and neglect of abandoned companion animals and to encourage a community atmosphere of education, care, and concern that will strengthen the human/animal bond. PET FRIENDS AND RESCUE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that benefits homeless companion animals of San Benito County.

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Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

We are a rescue that focuses on advocating for senior dogs and senior people on California's central coast. We find loving foster and forever homes for dogs whose guardians can no longer care for them and for senior dogs in shelters. We also provide volunteer and financial assistance so seniors can keep their pets with them as long as possible. In addition, we make pre-arrangements to take in dogs should their guardians become unable to care for them. We have a lifetime commitment to all the dogs who come into our care. They will either be adopted into a wonderful, permanent home, or will live out their lives in one of our foster homes. (Sometimes when we bring a senior dog into our care, it becomes evident that he or she should not have to endure one more move or life change.) We help senior citizens pay for veterinary care for their dogs if they are unable to afford medical expenses. We also provide temporary foster care for people who are hospitalized and dog walking for people who are no longer able to walk their dogs. POMDR is led by a dedicated board and an incredible staff. POMDR is also supported by a network of over 1500 volunteers who help with foster care, adoption events, transportation, office work, fundraising, and other tasks as they come up. We pride ourselves on adhering to the POMDR culture. Our vision is to model lifetime care for dogs and all companion animals to help bring about a positive change in the way society thinks about and treats senior dogs, and to create better lives for them through rescue, foster, adoption, hospice and education

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Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Monterey County

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. We are not a chapter of any other SPCA or Humane Society and we do not have a parent organization or receive any funding from places like HSUS or the ASPCA. We are here for you.

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Bunny's Buddies

Bunny's Buddies works tirelessly to save dogs from slaughterhouses, the streets and kill shelters in Asia and the USA.

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The Animal Pad

The Animal Pad is a non-profit, all breed dog rescue that focuses on saving dogs from high kill shelters and the streets of Mexico. We get them vet care, place them in foster homes and then find them loving forever families. A few years ago, we turned our attention to the street dogs of Mexico as there is very little help for them. Since then, we have developed a large rescue network in Baja California and we have a sister shelter in Ensenada that we focus on taking dogs from whenever funds allow.

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A Way Home For Dogs

We are a free Pet Recovery Service assisting owners on a global scale. We also secure evasive street strays primarily in the San Diego are (occasionally Riverside). If the strays are not claimed at the local shelter systems and are in danger of being euthanized, we become their safety net pending kennel space. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome when the dogs are ready and safe to do so.

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Amazing Strays Rescue

From day one, our goal has been to help all dogs who need it. Big, small, medical cases, senior or puppy; ASR stands by our commitment- Lisa, Our Founder

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The Liberty Dog Network

The Liberty Dog Network was established in 2022 and is a small, Southern California based dog rescue. We rely on fosters/people to open their home to care for the dogs we rescue. We provide all medical care and supplies to our fosters, they provide the home and supply the love.

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Muttville

dogs in good health with wonderful personalities are euthanized. Why? Because they're older, and not considered adoptable. A dog is brought in because he can't jog with his guardian anymore. Or he needs a little time to get up the stairs. Or he's simply not a puppy. In some cases, dogs are moved from loving homes to concrete cages because their guardians have died or simply can't care for them anymore. We reach out to senior dogs at risk, give them the care they need, and find them loving forever homes. If we had our way, no dog would spend their last days in a shelter. There is so much love and joy in these dogs!

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Rocket Dog Rescue

Rocket Dog Rescue saves dogs from abuse, neglect, and death at overcrowded shelters and places them in loving homes. We support pet owners in need in our community, and serve as first responders in emergency animal situations and natural disasters. Funded entirely by donations, we are a volunteer-run, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn about what we do or apply to adopt a dog in the San Francisco Bay Area

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Grateful Dogs Rescue

Grateful Dogs Rescue ‚ a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization ‚ was founded in 1990 by Michelle Parris, a former SF Animal Care & Control (SF ACC) volunteer. She made it her mission to rescue SF ACC shelter dogs not made available for adoption, and we continue that mission today. Rather than letting these dogs be euthanized, Grateful Dogs Rescue saves as many as possible by fostering them until loving homes are found. In recent years we have expanded our mission to include other Bay Area shelters. GDR is the oldest all breed rescue group in the San Francisco Bay area. The Grateful Dogs Rescue adoption procedure is designed to find a good match between the dog and adopter.

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K9 Paw Print Rescue

K9 Paw Print Rescue (K9PPR) is an animal rescue group. Our founding volunteers are known in the rescue world and have been rescuing as well as working in animal-related fields for quite some time. K9PPR became fully operational at the beginning of 2012. We have volunteers in fields such as Veterinary, Animal Training and behavior fields, Nurses, Shelter workers, and hard core animal lovers. We all work together to save lives of dogs in need! Our family is growing every day, and we are very excited for the things to come in the coming years! As an animal rescue group, we have access to animals that are not available to the public which may need some extra help medically, or just need a little extra TLC before becoming adoptable. We are contacted about animals who have run out of time at shelters, evaluate them for temperament and work with them until they are ready for adoption! We rescue animals primarily from local shelters and place the animals into our volunteer foster homes until we can find them their fur-ever home!

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Reunion Rescue

Reunion Rescue has been saving pit bulls for over 20 glorious years. We love these dogs and want to show the rest of the world how wonderful they are.

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Furry Friends Rescue

Dedicated to the Rescue, Sanctuary (Volunteer Foster Homes) & Adoption of Companion Animals in Northern CA. We rescue dogs and cats of all ages and breed types. We have no office or shelter building. All dedicated volunteer foster homes that feed quality foods, home training and TLC. https://www.furryfriendsrescue.org/

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West Coast Cane Corso Rescue

We are responsible rescue dedicated to saving the Cane Corso and similar mastiff type breeds

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Jakes Wish Dog Rescue

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Santa Cruz SPCA

Founded in 1938 by Dr. Charles Edward Graves, the Santa Cruz SPCA started after he generously donated a piece of land to create a shelter. Incorporated in 1955, we provided animal control and adoption services until 2002, when the County established its own agency (the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter). Since then, we have continued our mission as a fully independent community animal welfare organization, offering rescue and adoption, as well as other programs and services that support efforts to save and care for companion animals. In 2020, we celebrated the completion of a state-of-the-art shelter facility. With its adaptable design, modern animal habitats, versatile play areas, space for public engagement through programs and events, and facilities conducive to staff and volunteer efforts, Santa Cruz now boasts a community animal shelter ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

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Friends Of San Martin Animal Society - FOSMAS

Our primary goal is to lower the euthanasia rate in the South County. We can accomplish this goal by increasing adoptions, expanding our volunteer program, providing information and financial support for local spay and neuter programs.

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A Purposeful Rescue

A PURPOSEFUL RESCUE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT THAT SAVES DOGS FROM HIGH-KILL LOS ANGELES AREA SHELTERS. THERE ARE MANY AMAZING DOGS WHO GET OVERLOOKED, OR NEED A LITTLE EXTRA WORK AND CARE, AND WE AIM TO GIVE THOSE DOGS A SECOND CHANCE.

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Shiloh's Animal Rescue

Shiloh’s Animal Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit certified organization where we strive to do our best to give animals a second chance at life. We work towards rescuing red-listed animals all over the state of California who are about to be euthanized due to overcrowding.

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Central Coast SPCA

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Santa Ynez Humane Society/DAWG

The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of volunteers from the community who are dedicated to animal welfare. Donations to the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group directly benefit the animals living in our community and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. As with most charities, the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group cannot continue to operate on operational income alone and relies on financial support from fundraising events and donations from the community to keep our doors open. We appreciate your support. History of Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society was established in the early 1970s as an informal group of dedicated men and women who were concerned about the care and protection of animals in their local community. In the early years they served as independent individuals without an official entity or organization. Their objective was to rescue lost and unwanted animals and to find homes for them. This was largely accomplished with little or no outside financial support and by using their own homes to care for pets while they networked throughout the community to find homes for as many as possible. They served without any thought of personal gain or reward, motivated simply by their shared love of animals and a desire to serve their dependent friends and their community. Recognizing the overpopulation of dogs and cats needed proactive solutions, they began picking up pets from Valley residents once a week and making the 100 mile round trip to the Santa Barbara Humane Society facility to have the animals spayed and neutered. The following day, they repeated the 100 mile drive to pick them up and return them to their homes. Later, they found a local veterinarian, in Los Olivos, to do the surgery, but these dedicated ladies continued to pick the animals up and return them to their owners. By 1979 they had reached the point where they were able to establish a formal organization, and a non-profit corporation was formed in December of that year. They hoped this entity would provide continuity to carry out their mission and enable them to obtain financial support from the community. The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society was founded in 1979 and is the oldest animal welfare organization in northern Santa Barbara County. Operating as the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, Inc., a private, non-profit California corporation, they continued their established method of using their own homes as havens to house and care for local pets and making regular trips to pick up and deliver animals for their spay and neuter program. In 1984, the volunteers mounted a fund raising effort and, with the generosity of two major donors, a parcel of industrial land was purchased in Buellton. The following year they completed construction of a 3,805 square foot building debt-free. This building continues to this day as the home of our small organization that had such humble beginnings in the homes of its directors and their friends. The facility was expanded in 1998 adding an isolation and recovery area, in 1999 with the addition of a mobile caretaker’s residence, and again in 2002 with the addition of 10 dog kennels. The facility has grown to total of 27 dog kennels and 14 cat cages, along with an outside covered area for cats. In addition to the kennels and cat cages, the shelter has a fully equipped veterinarian surgery and isolation rooms.

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Del Mar Dog Rescue

We rescue abused, neglected, stray dogs in Mexico & find them forever homes. We are a donation based, volunteer powered 501c3 non-profit (EIN: 86-3054060) Fosters/adopters always needed! Do not hesitate to reach out if you'd like to help.

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Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary

Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary is a primarily volunteer run nonprofit organization based in Petaluma, CA. Our mission is to provide a safe and loving home for large breed senior dogs (50+ pounds, 7 years or older) who have been displaced from their homes and/or abandoned for any reason, until they are adopted or to remain at the sanctuary until they pass on.

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Compassion Without Borders

Compassion Without Borders was founded in 2001 by Christi and Moncho Camblor with the vision to provide a brighter future to animals in need on both sides of the border. CWOB works a multifaceted approach to reach animals in need via our four programs: Mexico Dog Rescue, US Dog Rescue, Veterinary Wellness Clinics & Spay/Neuter Services. We also actively participate with other rescue groups in the US and Mexico to provide outreach for humane rescue education & training via seminars.

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The Humane Society of Sonoma County

The Humane Society of Sonoma County is a donor-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to kindness. With the generosity of our supporters, we save lives and enhance the well-being of pets and their people through kindness, innovation, and leadership. Programs like our Community Action team, Community Vet Clinic, and Free Vaccine Clinic provide vital support to our community.

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Marin Humane

We're an independent nonprofit and not affiliated with The Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA. Our tax ID (EIN) is 94-1156562. Our look may have changed a bit, but our mission, vision, and values remain focused on the animals.

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Countryside Animal Rescue

Countryside Animal Rescue has rescued and rehomed approximately 4,000 homeless animals since it was founded in 2002. Countryside Animal Rescue is a small but dedicated organization with one full-time employee, four part-time staff members, and a wonderful group of volunteers. Each team member is deeply committed to the health and well-being of our animals, and their passion for rescuing dogs is truly inspiring. We primarily focus on our local community while also reaching out to neighboring counties. Our rescue accepts dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, as well as owner surrenders. This includes pregnant mothers, nursing moms with their puppies, and orphaned puppies. The animals are housed on our property, which allows us to get to know each dog individually. This personal connection helps us find the perfect homes for them.

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City of Shasta Lake Animal Control

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Better World Rescue

Better World Rescue is a proactive rescue focused on helping animals stay in loving homes as well as helping shelter animals to find loving homes. We focus primarily on community assistance and euthanasia-listed shelter animals. We offer spay/neuter assistance, training assistance, and medical bill assistance to at-risk animals in our community. We help save over 500 animals annually between our shelter and community programs.

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PALS Haven

Like most non-profits, PALS started with a simple idea and a desire to help out in the community. For PALS founders, Nancy Alumbaugh and Daunis Bradshaw, the desire was to help the homeless and abandoned animals of Lodi, and the idea was to do so by supporting the Lodi Animal Shelter. And, so, in 2004, PALS (People Assisting Lodi Shelter) was formed, and would shortly thereafter be granted 501(c) 3 status. In the beginning, PALS had no building to call our own; many of those who would become PALS volunteers had been volunteering at the Lodi Animal Shelter already, and after PALS was formed, we continued to do so in many capacities, even fostering animals in our own homes. Shortly after forming, PALS would enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Lodi, authorizing PALS to undertake fundraising, and perform pet adoptions, out of the Lodi Animal Shelter. In addition to our countless volunteer hours cleaning cages and kennels, feeding the animals, socializing the animals, and walking dogs, PALS, through its fundraising efforts, also provided vaccinations, microchips, FELV/FIV testing for cats, and other special medical needs, for all shelter animals. But, there was still so much more that needed to be done. Plans to build a new Animal Shelter in Lodi were continually being placed on the backburner, and the current facility, which was built in the 1950s, was in serious need of upgrades. Inadequate housing space for stray and abandoned animals was also a concern. As plans for a new shelter continued to stall, PALS looked for other ways to help alleviate the space shortage at the shelter. In 2006, Bill and Carol Meehleis, of Meehleis Modular, donated an existing modular building, and moved it next to the Lodi Animal Shelter. That same year, through a generous grant awarded to PALS by the Lions Club’s “Lions Love Lodi” grant program, PALS was able to erect four large covered outdoor kennels, behind the new PALS building, as well as the PALS sign along Kettleman Lane; an additional five kennels, for smaller dogs, would be added the following year. While it was nice to have a PALS building, it was an empty shell at first. Fitting it out would require much more fundraising, and generous donations from local businesses, and individuals, for it to fully materialize into the PALS shelter and adoption center. Generous donations allowed PALS to construct four cat rooms inside the building, where cats can lived and socialized with one another in a more natural setting. An additional generous donation from Terri and Toni Clark allowed for the construction of the “Meet & Greet” room, where potential adopters could spend some time to get to know the animals they’re looking to adopt. Other necessities such as a refrigerator were donated by Lowes, and a washer and dryer were donated by Jenny Lind. Through its fundraising efforts, and the generous donations of those in Lodi, and surrounding communities, PALS was also able to make upgrades to the Lodi Animal Shelter itself, including a fresh paint job, a new air conditioning unit, and a 100’ long decorative iron fenced-in dog-run along the south wall of the Lodi Animal Shelter, which PALS volunteers use daily to walk both PALS’ dogs, and shelter dogs; PALS would also be the first recipient of funding from the Art in Public Places Fund when their public art project, a mural that runs along the south wall of the Lodi Animal Shelter, was approved by the Lodi Art Advisory Board in 2007. In 2009, PALS would create LSP (Lodi Shelter PALS) in order to staff the shelter’s front office. LSP’s staffing of the Lodi Animal Shelter’s front office allowed the shelter to offer adoptions to the public six days a week. LSP staff also tracked adoptions, and the licensing of cats and dogs within Lodi. It has been a long journey, from those early days to where we are now. We’ve saved the lives of countless cats and dogs. And, we know we couldn't have done it without the tireless efforts of all of our volunteers who have given, and continue to give, untold hours of their time to this endeavor. Nor could we have come this far without the generous financial support of our many event sponsors, benefactors, and community members. Your generosity has truly been a blessing. In partnership with the Lodi Animal Shelter, we made great inroads into cutting down on the needless deaths of companion animals in Lodi, through education, rehabilitation, and the adoptions of our furry friends into good homes. Many challenges have presented themselves through the years, and PALS, with the support of our volunteers, and the generosity of our donors, has met each one of them head-on. Perhaps our greatest challenge, the lack of adequate housing for stray and abandoned animals, led PALS to undertake a project that would span a decade, and launch the first large scale, modern, state-of-the-art rescue facility in the area, PALS Haven.

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Delta Humane Society & PCA of SJC

Established in 1966, Delta Humane Society & SPCA of SJC is a non-profit 501 © (3) and the only No-Kill shelter in San Joaquin County. With over 50 years of experience, we’ve rescued and cared for thousands of dogs and cats at our five-acre facility located at the same location since 1966. Our dedicated staff and volunteers treat our animals with love and compassion as if they were their own pets until they find forever homes. Caring for so many animals is a community effort and we are grateful to the many volunteers and sponsors that support us.

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Golden State German Shepherd Rescue

Saving Dogs through Adoption and Education Our Mission is to provide education about the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) breed, find homes for abandoned GSDs and build a community of support for them. Our volunteers and rescued dogs are primarily located in the Central Valley of Northern California. Established in 2009, we are an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization with no paid staff or facility. We are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity and all of your donations are tax deductible.

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Friends of the Animal Community

Friends of the Animal Community (FOAC) is a non-profit, mostly volunteer organization dedicated to meeting the medical and social needs of adoptable pets, providing the path to a loving forever home. We rescue and adopt dogs, cats and other animals. We are a small organization dedicated to relieving over-crowding at Tuolumne County Animal Control (AC); promoting the health of abused and abandoned animals; reducing unnecessary euthanasia; and ultimately expediting movement of homeless dogs into permanent, loving homes. As its name denotes, FOAC also provides assistance in meeting the needs of pets belonging to people in our community. These needs include re-homing a pet whose owner must relinquish it, or who can no longer care for it, and, in extreme emergencies, we have helped with financial assistance for medical issues or boarding and feeding. We are the only dog rescue group in Tuolumne County that offers this free service. Essentially, we give animals another chance for a better life.

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Lassen County Animal Control

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Marley's Mutts

Making a pawsitive and lasting impact on communities by rehabilitating souls and creating second chances using the power of the human/animal bond.

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Palms-N-Paws Animal Shelter

We are a small Animal Shelter and Animal Control facility run by the City of Twentynine Palms. We handle all kinds of animals, from house pets and livestock to birds of prey. We are not a boarding facility. All adoptions are first come, first serve. We cannot reserve animals. All adopted animals must be taken from the shelter at the time of adoption. We are a minimum kill shelter, meaning we only euthanize when necessary. As long as the animals remain healthy and do not have or develop a dangerous temperament problem or illness, we keep working on getting them adopted. Each year, we host special events like our Bi-Annual Low-Cost Rabies Clinic.

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Dogwood Animal Rescue

Dogwood Animal Rescue Project is a foster-based, volunteer led non-profit rescue organization focused on the rescue and placement of animals into safe, nurturing homes. Our goals include providing necessary medical care, ongoing spay/neuter clinics, hands-on nurturing, and placement of the homeless animals of Sonoma County and beyond. Dogwood is continually striving to successfully fulfill our vision to establish programs tailored to assist animals in need by ensuring they find safe, loving homes and receive the medical care necessary to live long and healthy lives.

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Humane Society of Imperial County

The Humane Society of the North Bay is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that was established in 1986 to offer shelter and adoption services for homeless animals. We were formerly known as the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society. We are a no-kill shelter. For nearly four decades we have found permanent homes for thousands of homeless cats and dogs. HSNB has witnessed many joyous reunions. Although we have a contract with the City of Vallejo to shelter stray animals found in the community, we are not a city shelter, nor are we managed by, affiliated with, or financially supported by any local, county, state or national organizations. Our funding comes almost entirely from donations by generous individuals and local businesses. We welcome grant opportunities of all kinds, special event fundraisers, monthly donation commitments, and estate and memorial bequests.

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Cairn Terrier Club of Northern California

The Cairn Terrier Club of Northern California is an affiliate club of the Cairn Terrier Club of America, and a licensed member of the American Kennel Club. CTCNC is composed of members who love the Cairn Terrier and their sport and who work together to serve the best interests of the breed and their sport.

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Wine Country Animal Lovers

Wine Country Animal Lovers leads the no-kill philosophy in the Napa Valley. We are a small, grassroots volunteer-run rescue group. Our animals all live in foster homes until they are adopted (we don't have a physical shelter or facility). This means that every donation goes directly towards helping animals. WCAL assists with all things animal related in the Upper Napa Valley and we do our best to help our neighbors throughout Napa County, Lake County and Sonoma County.

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NorCal Boxer Rescue

NCBR provides a temporary sanctuary for boxers in need throughout Northern California, the Central Valley (Fresno or farther north) and around the Nevada/California state line area. We are run entirely by a dedicated group of volunteers and have no paid employees. We allocate nearly 100% of our adoption fees and donations directly toward the care of our boxers, including spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, a microchip, and more.

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Valley Animal Haven

On March 20, 2014, Valley Animal Haven and Adoption Center was founded to serve the helpless and homeless animals across the Central Valley of California. Valley Animal Haven is a dream come true for it's founder, Pamela Brasil. This dream was born after witnessing a report of an arsonist, who hated dogs, destroy an Animal Rescue Facility in the mid-West. A total of eighty loving dogs were heartlessly murdered in the fire. Since then, Pamela was determined to open a safe haven for animals, big or small, young or old. A place where the lives of homeless and helpless animals will be loved and cherished until they can find a PAWsitive New Beginning with a new furever family. Our Story From a small backyard operation in 2014, Valley Animal Haven has experienced significant growth and expansion since the opening our doors. Through the generosity of our community, Valley Animal Haven currently utilizes a 2.5-acre parcel to house dogs, cats and the occasional rabbit, turtle or guinea pig. Our facility also includes two portable buildings, which have been renovated to be our Infirmary Ward. Our Vision Since its founding in 2014, Valley Animal Haven's vision is to provide world-class animal welfare services. Our goal has been to ensure that each animal companion finds a loving family to call a forever home. From fostering and adoption programs, to innovative shelter programs to improve visibility and access to animals across the community, Valley Animal Haven truly aims to become the organization of choice to facilitate lasting relationships with animals and the community at large

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PAW Estate Rescue and Shelter, Inc

Founded and incorporated in 2020, PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) foster-based, non-profit dog rescue located in the Central Valley of California. PAW is primarily focused on rescuing, rehabilitating and placing the dogs we save in their fur-ever home to live out their lives with loving families. With the help of the community and the foster families that volunteer, we strive to save and protect as many dogs as possible — strays, abandoned dogs, owner surrenders, special needs — from homelessness, abuse, and neglect. We are strongly committed to our mission. ​ Once rescued, PAW follows all local protocol and reporting requirements to ensure the health and safety of these dogs. ​ If you would like to contribute in any way, please visit the How to Help page in the navigation menu.

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Kings County Animal Services

Kings County Animal Services – Animal Services division under the Kings County Sheriff’s Office - houses animals from the unincorporated parts of Kings County, Hanford City, and Lemoore City. Field Services is responsible for responding to animal calls in the unincorporated areas of the county. Types of calls Animal Services responds to include bite cases, restraint issues, animals running at large, welfare checks (neglect, cruelty cases, animal abuse).

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Tulare Animal Services

Tulare Animal Services is adoption and rescue friendly with an ultimate goal of finding our animals their forever home. Adoption applications and agreements need to be completed with staff at the shelter. An animal interaction with family members and other pets is highly recommended and are accommodated at the shelter. Any approved animal rescue organizations with a 501c3 can obtain a placement partner agreement making them eligible to pull animals from our shelter. Please contact staff at the shelter at (559) 685-5047 to obtain further information.

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Love of Animals, Inc.

LOA, Inc. is a non-profit animal welfare organization [501(c)(3)]. Our foster homes are in Tulare County located in California's central San Joaquin Valley. Our focus is on the rescue, some rehabilitation, spay/neuter, and placement of animals in need. All work is done by volunteers; there are no paid staff.

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Trinity County Animal Shelter

The Trinity County Animal Shelter located in Weaverville, California is a county run municipal shelter that is committed to serving the public in the care and well being of animals throughout our county. The Animal Control Officer is not only the Field Officer for the entire county but is also the Shelter Supervisor who is assisted by three part time shelter attendants and many volunteers. The shelter costs and employment are funded by the help of generous donors like you and through the Trinity County Sheriff's Department. Our shelter offers such diverse services as finding homes for adoptable animals, providing for stray animals and offering assistance to owners and people who find lost animals. We also assist animal owners in providing shelter for their pets and livestock during major emergencies such as evacuations during fires.

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Yreka Rescue Ranch

Rescue Ranch, a no-kill shelter, was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2000. It relies on donations from the community and local businesses, as well as grants from foundations and organizations, and does not receive funding from any State, County or City agencies. Proceeds from the Rescue Ranch Thrift Store also support our work. Programs: We offer donation-funded community programs, such as Kitu's Fund, which covers high-cost medical expenses for Rescue Ranch dogs and offers no-interest loans to community dog owners; the Rescue Ranch Alter Assistance Program (RRAAP) which provides spay/neuter assistance; low-cost vaccinations and microchipping, and the Rescue Ranch Community Pet Food Bank. Rescue Ranch currently positively impacts the lives of more than 2000 dogs every year, by taking in 500 -700+ dogs and rehoming as many as possible while providing others with medical support, transport, rescue boarding, food, training, evacuation, and other assistance. Designated Dog Evacuation Center For Siskiyou County: Rescue Ranch has been the designated dog evacuation center for Siskiyou County since 2020.

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Siskiyou County Animal Control

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Rescue Ranch Inc.

We are • A privately owned, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, EIN# 68-0439736 • A no-kill facility. • Dedicated to helping each dog find their forever home. • Not affiliated with any other organizations such as the Humane Society or SPCA. • Completely funded by donations and grants. We are a no-kill shelter and rely on the generous support of our donors and grants to fund our mission. We do not receive funding from any state, county, or city agencies. All dogs receive the best care while at our facility. Rescue Ranch dogs are given wellness checks, and, where applicable, receive necessary medical treatment including: heartworm test, treatment for parasites, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgeries. We make a lifetime commitment to all Rescue Ranch dogs. We also offer programs, advice, free socialization classes, informational materials, and more, to assist our community and dog owners. Details Rescue Ranch, a no-kill shelter, was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2000. It relies on donations from the community and local businesses, as well as grants from foundations and organizations, and does not receive funding from any State, County or City agencies. Proceeds from the Rescue Ranch Thrift Store also support our work. Rescue Ranch currently positively impacts the lives of more than 2000 dogs every year, by taking in 500 -700+ dogs and rehoming as many as possible while providing others with medical support, transport, rescue boarding, food, training, evacuation, and other assistance. Designated Dog Evacuation Center For Siskiyou County: Rescue Ranch has been the designated dog evacuation center for Siskiyou County since 2020. During the 2021 Lava Fire, the adoption center took in 214 dogs over and above its regular contingent of about 40 residents at the time. Most had been evacuated with their owners, but there were also a number displaced, unclaimed and severely injured dogs who were treated and eventually put up for adoption. In 2022 Rescue Ranch took in 159 dogs in less than three days for a total of 169 during the McKinney Fire, and 91 dogs a few weeks later during the Mill Fire, 71 of these in less than six hours. Rescue Ranch Facilities The Rescue Ranch Adoption Center in Yreka is open to the public 6 days/week (Thu-Tue) 12-4 p.m. (closed Wed). This is where prospective adopters can meet our available dogs, attend free socialization classes, obtain low-cost vaccinations and microchips, and learn more about the ways Rescue Ranch helps the community. The Rescue Ranch Sanctuary in Big Springs is not open to the public, but plays a vital life-saving role. The Sanctuary serves a number of functions. It takes in special needs cases like pregnant mothers and pups, among others. It is where we evaluate dogs, give at risk dogs extra training, house "unadoptables", quarantine unknown dogs, and treat parvo and other contagious cases. It is also where our adoptables go when they need a break from the Adoption Center, and where we often provide temporary space for rescue boarders on their way to other shelters. Needless to say, it is also very useful for handling overflow during emergencies like summer wildfires.

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