California Animal Shelters
1,108 Shelters
e.g. "Miami FL" or "33168"
Dog Adoption and Welfare Group (DAWG)
P. O. Box 92210
Santa Barbara, CA 93190
Santa Barbara, CA 93190
Located in Santa Barbara County
Dream Dogs
26730 Menominee Pl.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Located in Los Angeles County
Dublin City Animal Control
2000 150th Ave
San Leandro, CA 94578
San Leandro, CA 94578
Located in Alameda County
East Bay Animal Referral
P.O. Box 13314, #251
Oakland, CA 94661
Oakland, CA 94661
Located in Alameda County
Animal Shelters in California
California has 1,108 listed animal shelters and rescue organizations, spread across 53 counties. About half are rescue organizations. Los Angeles has more than any other California city, followed by San Diego and San Francisco. Somewhere on this list is a California dog or cat who would much rather be at your place.
California has 1,108 listed at the moment, and they are shown above with the ones that have photos first. Open any of them for the full address, contact details and opening hours.
A mix of both, and the difference is worth knowing before you set out. A rescue usually places animals from a network of foster homes rather than from premises you can walk into, so you generally arrange a meeting first. A shelter or humane society more often has a facility you can visit during opening hours.
Los Angeles has more than anywhere else in California, followed by San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose. They are the usual place to start if you are willing to travel; the sidebar links straight through to each.
Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange counties have the most, though listings reach 53 of California's counties in total. The city links in the sidebar are usually the quicker way in.
Most listings here carry a phone number, and most link to the organization's own website. Calling ahead is worth it — opening hours change, and rescues often work by appointment rather than keeping a building open.
SHELTER/RESCUE SEARCH
e.g. "Miami FL" or "33168"
California Shelters By City
- Los Angeles 63
- San Diego 43
- San Francisco 24
- San Jose 21
- Riverside 15
- Sacramento 14
- Bakersfield 13
- Fresno 13
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