German Shepherd Dog and Mixed Breed Dogs Available for Adoption in Santa Cruz, California

Meet Johnny Tsunami! This adolescent German Shepherd mix came into the Shelter as a stray, so we don’t know much about his life before the Shelter. Johnny Tsunami has clearly been around people before as he is social, explorative and walks nicely on leash. We have observed that he may need some patience in the transition related to life skills and manners like potty training but with a patient adopter, management and positive reinforcement based training, we anticipate he will pick things up quickly. Johnny Tsunami has met other dogs and is interested but a little inexperienced. A home with another dog may be a fit after some speed dating at the Shelter. We don’t have any history of Johnny with felines or children. Johnny 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 German Shepherd Dog, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, is a popular and highly regarded breed worldwide. This breed excels in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, and assistance for individuals with disabilities. German Shepherd Dogs are strong, agile, and confident with a distinctive double coat that can be straight or wavy. Their character is marked by courage, loyalty, and a strong work ethic, making them ideal companions and protectors for families and professionals alike.

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,...