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Puppies and dogs in Watsonville, California

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

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Adopt a dog in Watsonville, California

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Watsonville, 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 Marley's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Marley

Marley

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Adult
Watsonville, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Marley was an in-utero rescue. Her pregnant mother was thrown out of a car on the freeway. My daughter saved the mother and I took the runt of the litter. I had a chihuahua mix (recently deceased) that she grew up with, and also 2 cats. She is 11 but still very active. She loves kids and playing fetch.
We'll also keep you updated on Jules's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Jules

Jules

Mutt

Female, Young
Watsonville, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Jules is a very sweet cuddly little girl. Her owner passed away so we don’t have much information about her. We’re working on house training her and she’s very reluctant to have a collar or harness put on. She needs a fenced yard so she can go out to do her business which we cannot provide our home. With a bit of training, she would be a wonderful companion dog.
We'll also keep you updated on Matcha's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Matcha

Matcha

Poodle (Miniature)

Male, Young
Royal Oaks, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Matcha is a playful and energetic friend. He does well with command and like to take his daily walk. Matcha was adopted from an animal shelter after he recovered from his car accident where he lost a back leg. He really doesn't miss it. He doesn't need any special care in regards to his missing leg. He jumps, plays and cuddles just fine. I'm have been going through some mental health challenges in the past year and have attempted to work with it, but I am mentally not capable of caring for him any longer. He is a sweet dog. He's been through so much, I just want a loving home for him. Triggers: Bikes/scooters riding by the front yard.
We'll also keep you updated on Coco's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Coco

Coco

Labradoodle

Female, Young
Aptos, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Coco is 4 years young. We love her! She’s a sweet loving pet. Watching TV, she will come and sit or lie next to you or lay on your lap. She loves to play ball, toss it and she will retrieve it. She also plays catch. She rings the jingle bell hanging from the door knob when she needs to out to pee . . . she responds to the commands “go to bed” “Coco come here,” “SIT, “DOWN,” “OFF.” Unfortunately, we’ve learned that dogs need attention and daily walks/exercise and we don’t have time to give her what she needs. In a new home, we are looking a family that can take her on daily walks, play with her and give her the time she needs. Ideally a family with kids that will play with her often but a family with adults can also work well. Coco does not shed hair and must go for grooming every 2 months or she will look like a bear with eyes covered. Watching TV she growls, sometimes barks at animals but is learning not to. She gets nervous and growls/barks when dogs and animals come near her.
We'll also keep you updated on Bebe SJ's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Bebe SJ

Bebe SJ

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Bebe is a beautiful 3-year-old rescue who is embracing her new life as an indoor family pet after spending her early years outdoors. Estimated to have been born in early March 2022, she was found tied to a park bench by Animal Control officers who immediately recognized her potential. Today, this sweet girl is making incredible progress in her foster home and is eager to find a loving forever family. Bebe is already housebroken and is learning to use a crate. At night, she sleeps peacefully on a bed next to her foster mom. She’s a well-mannered girl—she doesn’t dig or bark but occasionally enjoys a good chew, so she’ll want a toy or two to keep her entertained. One of Bebe’s favorite activities is going on neighborhood walks, where her curious nature shines. She alerts to deer, birds, and squirrels but isn’t overly reactive. She also attends doggy daycare and gets along wonderfully with all the dogs in her playgroup! While we don’t know how she is around cats, her moderate prey drive suggests she’d need careful introductions. Because Bebe spent her early life without much human interaction or training, she’s still learning the basics. But she’s a blank slate, eager to learn, and food-motivated when high-value treats are involved! She’s already making amazing strides in trusting people and is becoming more affectionate each day in her foster home. Bebe is a resilient, loving pup who deserves a second chance at a life filled with love and companionship. Could you be the one to give her the forever home she’s been waiting for? If you're interested in adopting Bebe, reach out today and give this special girl the home she deserves! Bebe is a level 3 dog March 29, 2025, 6:41 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Josie C.'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Josie C.

Josie C.

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hi there, my name is  Josie , and I’m searching for my forever family.  I’m a strong two-year-old German Shepherd girl, weighing about 70 pounds, who is mature and wise for my age. My prior living situation was in a large yard with an outdoor shed and very little company. It was a scary, lonely, and uncertain time.  Now, safe in foster care, I’m learning what it means to be part of a family—and I’m blossoming every day. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure how to live inside a home. I wanted to protect my new place, so I barked at people and dogs passing by the windows. But my foster family has helped me relax, and now I mostly watch with curiosity instead of worry. I love walks and am learning not to pull on the leash. I can still get excited around other dogs, but my wagging tail shows I might just want to play. With a little more training, I know I’ll get even better. I’m housebroken, crate trained, and ride beautifully in the car. At night, I sometimes curl up in my open-door crate, but other times you’ll find me snoozing on the couch. I know my basic commands—sit, down, and come—and I’m eager to learn more since I’m very treat-motivated. I also have great manners: no digging, chewing, or jumping. Playtime is one of my favorite things! I love fetch- I’ll bring the ball back again and again, and when I’m done, I plop my big paw on it to let you know playtime is over. Indoors, I have a toy box, and I always choose my favorite one before I bring it to you. I’ve also visited ranch animals—horses, cattle, geese, and turkeys—and handled myself like a pro. My foster family describes me as affectionate, playful, curious, and eager to please. I love giving kisses and following my people around the house. Since I haven’t lived with other pets, we’re not sure how I’d do sharing a home, but I’m friendly with adults, strangers, and children. At just two years old, I’m ready to grow into the amazing companion I was always meant to be. Could I be the shepherd girl you’ve been looking for? &#226&#156&#168 From outdoor life to family life—Josie is a level 3 dog ready for her happily ever after. &#226&#156&#168September 16, 2025, 2:25 pm

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Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Watsonville, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter - Watsonville

580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

Border Collie Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 640, Castroville, CA 95012

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Pregnant Mare Rescue

PO BOX 962, Aptos, CA 95001

Pet Types: dogs, horses

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Rescue

Tiny Paws Pug Rescue

P.O. Box 281, Aptos, CA 95001

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 1930, Cupertino, CA 95010

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Animal Shelter Relief

PO Box 2682, Santa Cruz, CA 93907

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

South County Tail Waggers

Gilroy, CA 95020

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Del Oro Foundation

Gilroy, CA 95020

Pet Types: cats, dogs, horses

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Rescue

Woof Den Rescue

P.O. Box 381, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Paws for Genesis

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: 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 Watsonville, 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