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Puppies and dogs in El Cajon, California

Looking for a puppy or dog in El Cajon, California? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

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Adopt a dog in El Cajon, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in El Cajon, California. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
We'll also keep you updated on Buttercup's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Buttercup

Buttercup

American Pit Bull Terrier Labrador Retriever

Female, Young
Spring Valley, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hi everyone. This is Buttercup. She is a sweet 2 year old black pittie/lab mix. She is housebroken, crate-trained, and knows basic commands. I rescued her from SEAACA when she had minutes left. However I am not able to keep her forever. Please give her a forever home. She is a sweet girl.
We'll also keep you updated on Luana's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Luana

Luana

Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) Mutt

Female, Adult
Spring Valley, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
I adopted Luana when she was about 6 years old (now 12) from a friend that was no longer able to have a pet. She is still a very energetic and happy pup who loves her attention. She does have a couple of issues that are unbeknownst to me as to why this happens. She displays agressive behavior at times towards other dogs i.e. excessive barking and an inability to stop trying to lunge at. She has bit someone trying to restrain her from trying to rush at a dog a couple of times. Also, she will just lick her feet excessively which causes a fungal infection in her feet. When she does that, she usually itches her ear and introduces a whole new infection. She has a collapsing trachea due to loss of collagen, had a hystorectamy the of Jan 2024, and had a mastectomy Jun 2024. Other than that, she is a good loyal dog. She knows common commands like sit, lay down, speak etc.
We'll also keep you updated on soju's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of soju

soju

Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever

Male, Young
Spring Valley, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
i got soju from the humane society a few months back, my work schedule got crazy and i got orders to another state last minute and while going through a divorce i will not be able to keep him. he’s very sweet and loves my two toddlers. his house training has regressed since i started working longer hours. he loves to go on runs and hikes and to the beach. i want someone who will give him a more consistent and loving home.
We'll also keep you updated on Sol's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sol

Sol

Doberman Pinscher

Female, Puppy
Spring Valley, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hi there, future best friend! We’re just two little pups looking for a forever home. Let us tell you our story! Back in January, something crazy happened—our family’s house got flooded. It was a tough time for everyone, especially our mom and dad (the doggy kind, of course!). They took the opportunity to roam around a bit more than usual, and soon after, we came into the world as part of a litter of six. We’ve had such a fun puppyhood here! Our humans have been so kind, making sure we’re healthy, happy, and full of love. Two of our siblings have already found their forever homes, and our mom and two more siblings are staying right here. But now it’s our turn to find a new adventure! We’re playful, curious, and full of puppy energy, but we’re also great snugglers when it’s time to settle down. We promise to bring lots of love and laughter to your life. Do you have space in your heart and home for one (or both!) of us? Come meet us! We can’t wait to start our next chapter—with you.
We'll also keep you updated on Daiquiri's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Daiquiri

Daiquiri

Doberman Pinscher

Female, Puppy
Spring Valley, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hi there, future best friend! We’re just two little pups looking for a forever home. Let us tell you our story! Back in January, something crazy happened—our family’s house got flooded. It was a tough time for everyone, especially our mom and dad (the doggy kind, of course!). They took the opportunity to roam around a bit more than usual, and soon after, we came into the world as part of a litter of six. We’ve had such a fun puppyhood here! Our humans have been so kind, making sure we’re healthy, happy, and full of love. Two of our siblings have already found their forever homes, and our mom and two more siblings are staying right here. But now it’s our turn to find a new adventure! We’re playful, curious, and full of puppy energy, but we’re also great snugglers when it’s time to settle down. We promise to bring lots of love and laughter to your life. Do you have space in your heart and home for one (or both!) of us? Come meet us! We can’t wait to start our next chapter—with you.
We'll also keep you updated on Kit Kat's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Kit Kat

Kit Kat

Chihuahua

Female, Young
Spring Valley, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Dear Potential Adopter, I’m reaching out to find a loving home for Kit Kat, a one-year-old Chihuahua mix that I adopted from the San Diego Humane Society. Kit Kat is a friendly, playful, and active little dog with a heart full of love. She’s always ready for outdoor adventures, whether it’s going for a walk, running, or playing in the yard. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious, and she’s a great companion for someone who enjoys staying active. Kit Kat is not only friendly but also super social—she loves people and gets along well with kids. After a fun play session, she enjoys curling up for cuddles and some quiet time. She has the perfect balance of energy and affection, making her a wonderful addition to any home. I adopted Kit Kat in the hopes of giving her a forever home, but due to changing circumstances, I am now seeking a new home where she can continue to flourish. She’s a fantastic dog, and I’m confident that she will make a great addition to any home.

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Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in El Cajon, California.

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Dog shelters and rescues in El Cajon, California

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in El Cajon, California. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Southwestern Rottweiler Club of San Diego

P.O.Box 1865, El Cajon, CA 92022

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Lots of Love for Animals Rescue

spring valley, CA 91978

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Poochie Momma

Rancho San Diego, CA 92019

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

San Diego Mastiff Rescue / Wendy Humphrey

5004 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Rosedale Animal Rescue

El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

K.O.R.A.L.

San Diego, CA 92019

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Pitties and Company

El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Border Collie Rescue Inc.

718 Waterloo Ave, El Cajon, CA 92019

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Little Rascals Rescue

San Diego, CA 91941

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Baja Rescue Ranch

San Diego, CA 91941

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

For a comprehensive list of all shelters and rescues, try our search page. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

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Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in El Cajon, California and nearby cities.

Popular dog breeds

Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Cocker Spaniel American Eskimo Dog American Hairless Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Anatolian Shepherd Aussiedoodle Australian Cattle Dog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Bearded Collie Beauceron Bedlington Terrier Belgian Laekenois Belgian Malinois Belgian Shepherd Belgian Tervuren Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Black Mouth Cur Black and Tan Coonhound Bloodhound Blue Lacy/Texas Lacy Bluetick Coonhound Bolognese Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flandres Boxer Boykin Spaniel Briard Brittany Brussels Griffon Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Canaan Dog Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Carolina Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cavachon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavapoo Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua Chinese Crested Chinook Chiweenie Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cockapoo Cocker Spaniel Collie Coonhound Corgi Coton de Tulear Curly-Coated Retriever Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Doberman Pinscher Dogo Argentino Dogue de Bordeaux Dutch Shepherd English (Redtick) Coonhound English Bulldog English Cocker Spaniel English Setter English Shepherd English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Entlebucher Feist Field Spaniel Fila Brasileiro Finnish Lapphund Finnish Spitz Flat-Coated Retriever Fox Terrier (Smooth) Fox Terrier (Toy) Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) Foxhound French Bulldog German Pinscher German Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer German Spitz German Wirehaired Pointer Glen of Imaal Terrier Goberian Golden Retriever Goldendoodle Gordon Setter Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greyhound Halden Hound (Haldenstrover) Harrier Havanese Horgi Hovawart Husky Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin Jindo Kai Dog Karelian Bear Dog Keeshond Kerry Blue Terrier Kishu Komondor Kuvasz Kyi Leo Labradoodle Labrador Retriever Lakeland Terrier Lancashire Heeler Leonberger Lhasa Apso Löwchen Maltese Maltipoo Manchester Terrier Maremma Sheepdog Mastiff Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Pinscher Morkie Mountain Cur Munsterlander Mutt Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Lundehund Norwich Terrier Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Olde English Bulldogge Otterhound Papillon Parson Russell Terrier Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) Pekingese Pembroke Welsh Corgi Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Pharaoh Hound Pitsky Plott Hound Podengo Portugueso Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pomeranian Pomsky Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy or Tea Cup) Portuguese Water Dog Presa Canario Pug Puggle Puli Pumi Rat Terrier Redbone Coonhound Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schiller Hound Schipperke Schnauzer (Giant) Schnauzer (Miniature) Schnauzer (Standard) Schnoodle Scottie, Scottish Terrier Scottish Deerhound Sealyham Terrier Shar Pei Sheepadoodle Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog Sheppit Shepsky Shiba Inu Shih Poo Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Skye Terrier Sloughi St. Bernard Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel Swedish Vallhund Texas Heeler Thai Ridgeback Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier Tosa Inu Treeing Walker Coonhound Vizsla Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Terrier Westie, West Highland White Terrier Wheaten Terrier Whippet Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless Yorkie Poo Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier