Rescue organizations and adoption centers vary significantly in their intake processes, meet-and-greet requirements, and home visit policies. Some facilities operate walk-in adoption floors, while foster-based rescues require pre-approved applications before scheduling a visit. A map location will not tell you whether a shelter includes spaying, neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping in its flat adoption fee.
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spcaLA Pet Adoption Center
5026 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
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Pedro Pet Pals
395 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90731
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Westside German Shepherd Rescue
3016 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
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Pacific Pups Rescue
6709 La Tijera Blvd PMB 504, Los Angeles, CA 90045-2017
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A Dog Named Leaf
2121 Ave of the Stars 15TH FL, Los Angeles, CA 90067
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All Creatures Animal Rescue
3453 Ramona Ave, Sacramento, CA 95826-3828
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Norcal Freedom For Paws
3453 Ramona Ave Ste 12, Sacramento, CA 95826-3828
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Norcal Cocker Rescue
2531 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825-7690
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Cat Cafe Rescue
3560 Grand Ave Ste J, Chino Hills, CA 91709
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Cat Cafe Rescue
14850 Pipeline Ave, Chino Hills, CA 91709-1942
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Cat Nap Hangout & Adoptions
6046 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647-5568
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Second Chance Pet Adoptions
5961 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92649-4659
San Jose 2
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Care Companion Animal Rescue Effort
1080 Saratoga Ave Ste 3, San Jose, CA 95129-3418
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Meow Haven Kitty Rescue
Monroe and, W Hedding St, San Jose, CA 95128
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Anubis Animal Rescue
455 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93065-6278
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West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue
1230 Madera Rd Ste 5-288, Simi Valley, CA 93065-4045
Tustin 2
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Caring Friends Cat Rescue
2741 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782-8907
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Girls Of Dog Rescue
2237 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782-2701
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New Beginnings For Animals
26761 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-2887
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Victor Valley Animal Protection League
21779 Zuni Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92307-3631
Belmont 1
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Homeless Cat Network
856 Old County Rd, Belmont, CA 94002-2723
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Kitten Kornher Rescue
13101 Central Ave, Boulder Creek, CA 95006-9120
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Used Pets
1999 Avenue Of The Stars Ste 3200, Century City, CA 90067-6041
Chico 1
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Oliver's Safe Haven Dog Rescue
Chico, CA
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Maine Coon Kittens for Adoption in California
820 Trinity Ave, Chowchilla, CA 93610-2755
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Adopt a Pet
Claremont, CA
Clovis 1
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Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center
85 N Temperance Ave, Clovis, CA 93611
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Loving All Animals
83496 51st Ave, Coachella, CA 92236-9609
Concord 1
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Bay Area Animal Rescue Crew
5201 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94521
Davis 1
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Animal Rescue Squad International
417 Mace Blvd Ste J, Davis, CA 95618-6077
Dublin 1
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East Bay Rabbit Rescue
6960 Amador Plaza Rd, Dublin, CA 94568-2391
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Fat Kitty City Humane Society
2201 Francisco Dr # 140-564, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3713
Encino 1
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Boxer Rescue La.
17514 Ventura Blvd Ste 201, Encino, CA 91316-3837
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Pet Friends
2975 Buena Vista Rd, Hollister, CA 95023
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The Little Red Dog
23046 Avenida De La Carlota Ste 600, Laguna Hills, CA 92653-1537
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The Little Red Dog
21716 Rushford Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Oakland 1
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Cat Town
2869 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611-5708
Mon-Wed 7am-5pm, Thu-Sun 10am-5pm
Pasadena 1
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Cat Rescue Team
99 W California Blvd Ste 50024, Pasadena, CA 91105-3026
Petaluma 1
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Morti's Used Book Nook & Cat Adoption Lounge
2200 Petaluma Blvd N #500, Petaluma, CA 94954
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Bay Area Pet Fair
4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566
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Nine Lives Cat Adoptions & Medical Clinic
749 Brewster Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063
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Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
6165 Industrial Ave, Riverside, CA 92504
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Ozzie And Friends Rescue
19142 E Walnut Dr N, Rowland Heights, CA 91748-1428
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Marin Humane - Kitty Corner
876 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, CA 94960
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Jason Ragdoll Kittens For Rehoming USA
127 Avenida del Poniente, San Clemente, CA 92672-4647
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Nobody’s Perfekt Dogs
15555 E 14th St Ste 308, San Leandro, CA 94578-1971
Sanger 1
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Cats and Kittens For Adoption
2153 Jenni Ave, Sanger, CA 93657-2026
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Tails And Scales Animal Rescue
26893 Bouquet Canyon Rd Ste C205, Santa Clarita, CA 91350-3500
Stockton 1
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Abandoned Cat Team
327 E Alpine Ave, Stockton, CA 95204-3407
Temecula 1
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Lyrics Pet Haven and Rescue Services
33490 Cam Piedra Rojo, Temecula, CA 92592
Vallejo 1
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Ratical Rodent Rescue
1020 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo, CA 94590-6953
Ventura 1
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Paw Works
3301 E Main St Ste 2206, Ventura, CA 93003-5094
Walnut 1
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Furever Companions Cat Resuce
385 S Lemon Ave # E469, Walnut, CA 91789-2727
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Save A Rescue
1014 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91361-3108
Also in California
- Animal Shelters & Rescues956
- Dog Boarding Facilities764
- Dog Trainers761
- Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers628
- Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas598
- Indoor Dog Parks58
- Fenced Dog Parks56
- Dog Parks with Water Features39
Good to know
What is typically included in a pet adoption fee?
Most adoption fees cover initial vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, microchip implantation, and a basic health check. Some organizations also include a starter bag of food, a temporary leash or carrier, and a voucher for a first wellness exam at a local clinic.
How long does the pet adoption process usually take?
Walk-in municipal shelters can often complete an adoption on the same day if you bring a valid ID and proof of residence. Foster-based rescues and specialized groups may take several days or a week to check landlord permissions, review veterinary references, and arrange home visits.
Do adoption centers require all household members to meet the pet first?
Yes, many shelters and rescues require every human living in the household—and often existing family dogs—to participate in a meet-and-greet. This ensures the animal's temperament is a good fit for the entire home environment before the adoption is finalized.
How long is a dog in heat?
A dog's heat cycle typically lasts for several weeks, averaging about three weeks in total. During this period, female dogs should be kept away from communal spaces across California to avoid accidental breeding. Owners can explore 54 dog parks in California to plan future visits once the cycle ends.
How long does a dog stay in heat?
Female dogs usually stay in heat for about three weeks, during which they can attract male dogs from significant distances. To ensure safety, restrict outdoor play to private, fully fenced yards throughout California. Our guide lists 54 dog parks in California for safe exercise options after the heat cycle completes.