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Bay Area Dog Adoption Guide: Rescues & Shelters
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items Over the years, I’ve adopted my own pets from a couple of local shelters and fostered dogs through a few incredible rescues. I’ve also followed so many of these organizations on social media, visited their weekend events, or watched friends adopt fro...
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Shelters
Rescues
Shelters
Some of these are where I’ve adopted my own pets, and others I’ve visited or followed over time. Shelters are such important community resources, and the staff and volunteers work so hard to give animals their best shot at a happy life.
This is where I adopted my dog! They were super helpful throughout the process and really made sure we were a good match.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Adoption Center
A classic for a reason - the SF SPCA has been around forever and offers great resources for adopters.
San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center
I adopted my cats from OAS, and I’m so grateful for how kind and supportive they were. They’re doing vital work for animals in the East Bay.
Oakland Animal Services
This shelter has been around since 1965 and has a great reputation. I haven’t adopted from them, but I’ve followed their work. They have locations in Redwood City and Palo Alto.
Pets In Need
Rescues
These rescue groups are doing incredible, hands-on work pulling dogs from overcrowded shelters (many from rural areas), placing them in loving foster homes, and helping them find forever families. I've personally fostered for a couple of these rescue...
I fostered two dogs through Pack Lyfe and had such a great experience. They’re super supportive and clearly care deeply about every single pup in their care.
Pack Lyfe Rescue
I fostered a sweet senior pup through Muttville, and they make the process so easy and heartwarming. They’re all about giving older dogs the cozy retirements they deserve.
Muttville
If you're specifically looking to adopt a puppy, this is a good one to look into! They specialize in young dogs and work hard to prepare them for family life.
Pound Puppy Rescue
These folks do a lot of great work pulling dogs from Merced County Animal Shelter. I love following their updates — they’re always finding homes for dogs who need a little extra love.
Rescue the Underdog
I’ve been to their weekend adoption events in Daly City and love the community feel they bring. They’re small but mighty and do amazing rescue work.
Beyond Rescue
Woman-founded, volunteer-run, and foster-based rescue. Focused on small breed dogs (with big personalities!)
Little Big Paws
I haven’t fostered with Underdog personally, but I’ve followed their work for years. They’re known for pulling at-risk dogs and giving them a real second chance.
Underdog Animal Rescue
Formerly in SF, now in Sonoma. Family Dog Rescue has a great reputation for helping dogs of all kinds, including some international rescues.
Family Dog Rescue
Based in the East Bay, Jelly’s Place is a rescue I’ve followed from afar — I really admire their commitment to both dogs and cats in need.
Jelly's Place
DPS is in Palo Alto and they rescue, rehabilitate & rehome animals.
DPS Rescue
One of my friends got her dog through Rocket Dog and had a great experience. They’re super active in the community and really advocate for harder-to-place dogs.
Rocket Dog Rescue
This rescue has a soft spot for senior dogs and dogs with special needs. I love following their happy ending stories — they do such compassionate work.
Love's Legacy Rescue