Adopt

Puppies and dogs in Vista, California

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Vista, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Vista, California. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
long timer badge
Photo of Freddie

Freddie

Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 4 yrs 9 mos
Oceanside, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hi, I'm Freddie. I'm a handsome and regal looking 4 yr. old, 73 lb. black lab mix. I'm playful, friendly and affectionate. In spite of all my great qualities, I spent over a year in a shelter before SPOT rescued me (Black dogs and large breeds frequently get unfairly passed over by adopters for some reason) I love toys of all kinds and enjoy chasing a ball. I still haven't quite mastered that part about bringing it back! I get along great with other dogs and people. Unfortunately, cats, not so much. Since coming to SPOT, I have worked with a trainer to develop my leash manners and to follow basic commands. I would like to learn even more, if my new family will work with me. (Just to make sure I get off on the right track, SPOT will provide refresher sessions with my Trainer. I recently had some surgery to fix my leg and its all better.I love my daily brisk walks and romps in the backyard. Since I am a big strong dog, you should probably have experience with bigger dogs. Freddie is a dog who, more than anything deserves a second chance! He will reward that lucky family who adopts him with a lifetime of love and loyalty. Could you be that family? If you think you might, please fill out an application so we can arrange for you to meet Freddie. Freddie's Adoption fee is $300 and includes neuter, microchip and current vaccinations. To fill out an adoption application, visit https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/SSP-A-823 To follow Freddie on his journey to a loving family on SPOT's Facebook page, visit https://facebook.com/spotsavespets/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/spotsavespets/
long timer badge
Photo of Holiday (AKA Doc)

Holiday (AKA Doc)

Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Male, 7 yrs 9 mos
Oceanside, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Special dog with special needs. Meet "Doc Holiday - a 7 year-old Shepherd mix who is an ideal short haired medium size dog at just 45 lbs. Doc Holiday was rescued from the shelter with undiagnosed diabetes. After a few days his foster realized that something wrong but before the vet could get him stabilized Doc lost most of his vision. As with most diabetics, Doc Holiday leads an active and healthy life with restricted calories and twice daily injections of insulin. His blindness has not slowed him down, and he loves to interact with dogs and people. He quickly learns the layout of his residence, navigating the house and patio with ease after a few days. Doc loves car rides and sticks his nose out the window to enjoy the passing scents. While he may not see everything his sense of smell and hearing are acute and he is playful and energetic. He walks well on a leash or harness and loves a good sniff walk multiple times a day. He loves to play with his squeaky toys and or a game of tug of war. Doc is house trained and very smart. standing in front of the door and barking when he needs to go out. He doesn't require a lot of exercise or space, Doc is mellow and quiet, only barking when strangers enter the house and is then easily calmed. He is good with older kids and LOVES other dogs! Doc loves to snuggle and prefers to sleep in bed with you if he's allowed to. He's a smart pup and already knows 'sit' and 'stay'. He will make the perfect addition to almost any family! Doc would do well with another dog in the house and the company of older children, he loves other dogs, but he can also be an only dog. Doc's adoption fee is $350 and includes his neuter, microchip and current vaccinations. To fill out an adoption application, visit https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/SSP-A-824 To follow Doc Holiday on his journey to a loving family on SPOT's Facebook page, visit https://facebook.com/spotsavespets/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/spotsavespets/
long timer badge
Photo of Shadow

Shadow

Border Collie Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 2 yrs 1 mo
Oceanside, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hello, my name is Shadow and I am a 2 year old Border Collie mix with a beautiful coat. I am fully vaccinated and spayed, have a very fun personality and love to go on nature walks, play in the house, and tug of war with my ropes and toys. I am crate trained and sleep all night quietly and am also fully house trained. For the past year, I have lived at Dog Republic in Newport where I have had on-going training for my "stranger danger and learning to better trust humans:) I love all of my dog buddies and the humans I know & trust. I still have stranger danger and will need someone who understands my dog anxiety better. I am very sweet with all the people I am comfortable with but will still need help on my walks and meeting new people. I am extremely food motivated and will do almost any command for a good treat. I can't wait to meet you and find my forever home!!! Shadow's Adoption fee is $350 and includes spay, microchip and current vaccinations. To fill out an adoption application, visit https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/SSP-A-844 To follow Shadow on her journey to a loving family on SPOT's Facebook page, visit https://facebook.com/spotsavespets/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/spotsavespets/
Photo of Timothy

Timothy

Mixed Breed (Medium) Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Male, 5 yrs 10 mos
Oceanside, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Timothy is a 5-year-old, 37lb terrier mix who's a bit like Shrek... like an onion... with lots of layers. As he begins to relax in his foster home and to know that he is safe, his foster mom is seeing more and more of Timothy's layers and depth.He came to her very wary and suspicious, but soon it became clear that he desperately wanted to trust her and trust that he was safe. As he continues to decompress, his foster mom continues to see more sides to him. Lately she describes him as bursting with energy and curiosity! He even surprised her one day by running circles around the house and even getting another of her dogs to join in the fun.Timothy tends to be nervous around new people at first, but he warms up with time, treats and patience. Once comfortable with you, he loves to receive your pets and affection.Timothy is great on a leash and well-behaved in relaxed public settings, though so far he doesn't enjoy lots of chaos and he is not the type to want to say hi to every dog and human while out and about. He'd rather observe and stay close to His Person. He needs His Person to advocate for him and educate people on how to let him approach them, and how not to put pressure on him to interact, which makes him uncomfortable.Timothy has done well with respectful kids in his neighborhood that are as young as age 6. He has done well with dogs of all sizes when introduced properly. He has a good amount of prey drive as is typical with his breed, so if a cat were to run, he would likely want to give chase, but if a cat stands its ground, they would likely quickly learn to ignore each other or even be friends.Timothy is looking for a family that can help him continue to learn and grow. He needs someone who is willing to give him time to decompress. He also needs boundaries and clear rules/expectations. Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about this sweet, handsome dog!
long timer badge
Photo of Rocky

Rocky

Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, Young
Oceanside, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
How this pet arrived: Rocky was brought in by his previous owner on April 10, 2024. Why this pet is the one for you: Rocky is a young dog still learning the ropes. He has come a tremendous way in care and has a lot of new friends. He enjoys being outside and hanging out with dog friends of all shapes and sizes. He can also be pretty convinced to make new friends with some tasty treats. He's looking for a calm and quiet home where he can continue to learn and grow. Due to his sensitive nature, Rocky would do best in a household with older children (over the age of 6) who understand his need for gentle interactions. He wants to meet the entire household to make sure everyone feels likes it's a good fit. Rocky is ready to start his next journey in a home that will understand and support him. Shy/Fearful Dog: Rocky requires a virtual behavior consult, please watch THIS video to learn more about him. Primary Color: Black Weight: 73.4 Age: 1yrs 9mths 2wks
long timer badge
Photo of Rocket

Rocket

American Bulldog

Male, 1 yr 6 mos
Riverside, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Rocket Meet Rocky! the sweetest American Bulldog - with the squishiest face. He is around 2.5 years old. Rocky is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, potty trained, and knows some commands. Rocky has a sad past despite being so young. He was chained up outside 24/7 to be a “guard dog” (American bulldogs are pets, not guard dogs!) & then one day surrendered to a high kill shelter in Los Angeles when he wasn’t of any use anymore. We then scooped him up from the shelter. Rocky is currently being fostered in a home with multiple other dogs & does well with them. He’s crate & potty trained, & very affectionate. Rocky is the perfect mix of trail walks & chill mode. He’d do best in a home with kids 12 & up due to his large size & clumsiness. If interested in learning more about this dog & setting up a potential meet & greet, please fill out our adoption application. https://www.underdogheroes.org/applytoadopt

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Vista, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Animal Synergy

po box 176, Vista, CA 92085

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

SoCal Rescue Tails

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Spay Mexico, Inc.

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Small Breed Rescue of Southern California

Vista, CA 92083

Pet Types: dogs, reptiles

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Hope2K9 Rescue

25909 N Lake Wohlford Rd, Valley Center, CA 92084

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

San Diego Poodle Rescue

San Diego (all areas), CA 92084

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Papillons and Playmates (PAPS)

San Diego County, CA 92084

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

TWEH Poodle Rescue

Vista, CA 92084

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Adopt A Saint

Vista, CA 92084

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Last Chance at Life All Breed Rescue

3308 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92058

Pet Types: birds, dogs

More an arrow icon

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!

Image of dog

Looking for a specific breed?

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

Popular dog breeds