California Animal Shelters
1,108 Shelters
e.g. "Miami FL" or "33168"
Irvine Animal Care Center
6443 Oak Canyon
Irvine, CA 92618
Irvine, CA 92618
Located in Orange County
Island Cat Resources and Adoption
PO Box 1093
Alameda, CA 94501
Alameda, CA 94501
Located in Alameda County
Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue
Rescue Organization
P.O. Box 321232
Campbell, CA 95032
Campbell, CA 95032
Jackie's PURRfect Match
Torrance
Torrance, CA 90501
Torrance, CA 90501
Located in Los Angeles County
Jin-Sohl Jindo Dog Rescue
Rescue Organization
Lancaster
Lancaster, CA 93536
Lancaster, CA 93536
Located in Los Angeles County
Jolene's Horse Rescue
Rescue Organization
10715 Wexford Street
San Diego, CA 92131
San Diego, CA 92131
Located in San Diego County
Jolene's Horse Rescue
Rescue Organization
36180 Valley Springs Road
Palmdale Hills, CA 93550
Palmdale Hills, CA 93550
Located in Los Angeles 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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