Border Collie and Mixed Breed Dogs Available for Adoption in Santa Cruz, California

Meet Rosco, 1 year old male McNab. Rosco came to the Shelter from a loving family that was unable to continue caring for him. He has lived with young children, other dogs, and dog-savvy felines. Rosco does have some typical herding breed behaviors – will herd cattle/livestock and is fairly ball-focused. In his previous home, Rosco was an A+ outfielder – catching the ball during baseball practice with the family. When he sees his favorite people, he melts into them for belly rubs and attention. When excited, Rosco can be a little jumpy. He knows “sit”, is leash trained, house trained and kennel trained. One of his favorite snacks are apples. Rosco is available for preadoption - come meet him, fall in love and take him home after his neuter surgery! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw! Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic dog breed known for their herding capabilities and exceptional obedience. Originating from the border regions of Scotland and England, these agile and versatile dogs are famous for their focus, stamina, and trainability. With their striking black and white coat and intense gaze, Border Collies excel in various canine sports and activities, making them ideal companions for active families and individuals seeking a loyal and dynamic pet.

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is a non-profit Joint Powers Authority (EIN 90-0039494) serving the County of Santa Cruz,...