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Animal Shelters & Rescues in Bakersfield, CA

6 of the 23 dog parks, shelters, trainers and boarding kennels we list in Bakersfield are shelter and rescue services.

Organizations vary between open-admission municipal facilities and private, foster-based rescues that do not operate a public viewing kennel. Choosing where to adopt depends on whether you want to walk through on-site kennels or submit an application online before meeting dogs in private homes. Adoption fees, home visit requirements, and hold periods for stray animals differ significantly across locations.

  1. Critters Without Litters

    4300 Stine Rd Suite 720, Bakersfield, CA 93313

    Mon-Thu 10am-2pm

    Small-dog area
    Call Website Directions

  2. Cat People and Pawsitively Cats Sanctuary

    4120 East Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93308

    Sat 9am-12pm

    Call Website Directions

  3. Kern County Animal Services

    3951 Fruitvale Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308

    Call Website Directions

  4. Bakersfield Animal Control

    201 S Mt Vernon Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307

    Call Website Directions

  5. Kern County Animal Shelter

    201 S Mt Vernon Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307

    Call Website Directions

  6. Kern County Animal Control Service

    201 S Mt Vernon Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307-2848

    Call Directions
Check visitor policies early. Municipal facilities usually allow walk-in visits during public hours, but private rescues often require an approved application before scheduling a meet-and-greet.

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Good to know

What is the difference between an animal shelter and a rescue organization?

Shelters typically operate a physical facility that houses stray or surrendered animals directly on site. Rescue organizations are often run by volunteers using network foster homes, meaning animals live in private residences until adoption.

How much does it typically cost to adopt a dog?

Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $350 depending on the organization and the age of the dog. Puppies usually carry higher fees, while standard fees generally include spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, and a microchip.

Can I bring my current dog to meet a potential rescue dog?

Most organizations require or strongly encourage a controlled meet-and-greet between your existing dog and the rescue dog before finalizing an adoption. Staff or foster parents usually facilitate this interaction on neutral ground at the facility or a local park.