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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.

A pair of dogs

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 Goose's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Goose

Goose

Bearded Collie German Shepherd Dog

Male, Adult
Aptos, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not 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
Goose is a loyal and protective 6-year-old Collie, German Shepherd, and Aussie mix, adopted during the pandemic. He thrives in a quiet, structured environment and is best suited for an experienced large-breed handler in a child-free home. Goose bonds deeply with his owner and is protective of his space, including the home, yard, and car. While hes not fond of most dogs, he does have a few canine friends he plays well with. Goose has shown aggression toward strangers, including delivery people, but calms down once he determines theres no threat. For transparency, I recommend labeling him as aggressive to ensure his new owner is prepared to manage his protective nature. Hes not the right fit for someone who entertains frequently or takes their dog to social outings, but hell be an incredible companion for someone seeking a devoted and watchful friend. Goose has a uniquely human-like personality and will be a true asset to the right home - excellent health and microchipped.
We'll also keep you updated on Nikko's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Nikko

Nikko

German Shepherd Dog Boxer

Male, Young
Castroville, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Located in the Monterey Bay area in California. Nikko was abandoned by his first owner and had to be rescued by the SPCA. Since then my father and I took him in on our farm in California. At first he had abandonment issues and didnt like to be left alone. Over a short time he became more comfortable and more independent. Hes very well trained but has a lot of energy. Because of his breed he loves to chase things and is excellent at playing fetch. Hes okay with other dogs however the dog park is not a place for him. Weve walked him tandem with other dogs before. Because of his size he can look intimidating, but hes an extremely sweet boy and very friendly. Hes never shown aggression to anyone but he is very loyal and protective. My father is relocating to Vermont and unfortunately his new place cant accommodate dogs. Weve both grown very attached so this is going to break our hearts to let him go. Its important we know hes going to be loved they same as he was here
We'll also keep you updated on Tara M's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Tara M

Tara M

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Adult
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Tara is a beautiful, 70 pound, long legged 4 year old kind, sweet and generous dog who is thriving in her foster home. Tara is a kind, sweet and generous dog who is thriving in her foster home. Tara quickly bonds to women but was unsure about men. Never showed any aggression but would bark and hide from them. Through the amazing patience and kindness from her male foster family members, Tara has learned that she can trust men, and is comfortable and playful around them. Watch Tara get the zoomies! Tara is smart and curious and is responding well to training. She is crate trained but sleeps quietly on her doggy bed and waits patiently until her family wakes up. Tara has great house manners. She doesn't chew inappropriately and stays off furniture. In the backyard, she doesn't dig and isn't destructive. Tara is not a demanding dog and happily waits until her foster family is ready to play. Tara loves walking and hiking and never pulls on the leash. She can be fussy when other dogs bark at her but is easily redirected. We think Tara would do best being an only dog. Tara learns quickly and is working hard on being the best canine citizen she can be! Tara is a level 3 dog. October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Sculley's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sculley

Sculley

German Shepherd Dog

Male
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Sculley, born in late 2017, is an energetic, healthy, well-loved boy who at 3 years old was picked up as a stray and adopted by a senior couple. Nearly 3 years later, Sculley's owners need to rehome him because they are experiencing long-term health issues. Sculley is a smart dog who loves people. While well-loved, he has had minimal training and exposure to the outside world. At 75 pounds, Skulley is easily stimulated and sometimes his excitement gets the best of him which sometimes results in him being jumpy and mouthy. Our GSRNC trainer and foster has been working with Skulley for several weeks and says he is going to blossom in an environment with consistent structure and training! Sculley loves to play! His favorite game is fetch. BUT, there are very specific rules to his game. The only things needed are two items to throw!!! Sculley's Rules of Playing Fetch: 1. You throw the first toy. 2. I retrieve and drop it. 3. You then immediately throw the next toy. 4. I retrieve and drop it. 5. Repeat rules 1-4, all day long. Sculley settles in nicely after his play sessions. He loves to snuggle in for pets, scratches, and belly rubs. He has good house manners, uses a dog door, sleeps in a crate and, for now, is getting used to his foster siblings through baby gates with no reactivity, other than he wants ALL the attention for himself. He also loves car rides!!! No cats for this boy, he will definitely chase them! Sweet, loveable, and smart Sculley has been given an opportunity for a redo in life. With some basic manners training, stimulation, daily walks, adventures, and fun play sessions, we are certain he will make a great, loving companion. Due to Skulley’s excitability, we recommend an adult-only home or one with older children. Skulley is patiently waiting for his new forever family. Is that with you? Sculley is a level 3 dog being fostered in the East Bay. October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Shadow Nose's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Shadow Nose

Shadow Nose

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
My name is Shadow Nose and I just know someone is out there for me! Shadow is a perfect sized 53 lb., spayed, 3 year old well-adjusted girl who was recently diagnosed with maegosophalus*. She is friendly and comfortable around adults, strangers, children, and other dogs. To everyone's delight, not only is she adorable, but Shadow Nose is affectionate, energetic, outgoing, and curious. Check out Shadow Nose tossing her toy around! Shadow is crate trained and can be left alone without incident. She does not nuisance bark, or dig, and is happy to keep herself occupied when she has toys to play with. Our evaluator found Shadow to be relaxed while watching her in a sit, stand, and stay position as well as walking on a leash. This cutie rolled over for belly rubs before hopping up with a big smile and wagging tail hoping to entice our volunteer in a game of fetch. Shadow has some formal training and responds well to many verbal commands. Given her sweet demeanor, it should not take long to transform her from being a mildly mannered playful pup to your loyal loving companion. GSRNC and Shadow Nose knows the perfect home is out there. Is it yours? Shadow is a level 3 special needs dog. *Megaesophagus is a condition that decreases mobility in the muscles of the esophagus which interferes with proper swallowing movement. As a result, Shadow will need a special family who can feed her in a Bailey's Chair (provided by GSRNC) every time she eats. The Bailey's chair is constructed with the primary goal of positioning the dog upright during meals, allowing gravity to aid in the digestion process.  October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Appa's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Appa

Appa

German Shepherd Dog

Male
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hello GSD lovers, my name is Appa. I am a 50 pound, black and tan, cute as a bug, male puppy who is playful, affectionate, curious, and VERY smart. In the short 6+ months since I was born, my life has been awesome but my owner is in a situation where I need to be rehomed and that is really scary! I'm sad, yet hopeful and excited because GSRNC has promised to find me a new family where I can continue to love, be loved, and grow to a ripe old age as a loyal companion. That's where you come in!!! Like all youngsters my age, I am energetic and outgoing, but rest assured, I will calm down and take long naps so you can get some work done. My very favorite things to do are to play fetch and take nature walks. I especially like riding in the car too. I have attended 2 puppy classes and mom continues to work with me on my doggy manners. Learning to walk on a leash without pulling was a piece of cake. I've also been working hard to master the sit, stay, down, come, and leave it commands. I will happily give you my paw and my newest trick is to "look" at mom when she asks! Here is some great news: I'm housebroken and will let you know when I need to go outside. Although I'm not crate trained, I have been taught to sleep in my pen. I don't mind relaxing in it for a couple of hours at a time either. I am calm around strangers and children as long as they are kind and let me smell them first. I am beginning to find my voice and will bark at new situations. The GSRNC folks say that I need a patient owner that understands puppy behavior to provide reassurance that this world is a super fun place. I don't have a yard, so mom takes me out for exercise. We meet lots of dogs while we're out and I seem to like them. I might bark at my new friends to get them to play with me but I've notice that some dogs don't like that. When mom was asked what her favorite things are about me, she said I have a curious nature, protective traits, and I am playful, loving and a quick learner. Appa is new to our program so keep checking back for updates. We are excited to find him a wonderful home with or without other fur siblings. Because of his age and size, we recommend a household with older kids. Appa is a level 4 dog and the adopters need to be puppy approved. October 26, 2024, 6:53 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

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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Rescue

Freedom Ride Rescue Inc. - Santa Cruz (CA)

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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

Popular dog breeds

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