Pit Bull Terrier and Mixed Breed Dogs Available for Adoption in Santa Cruz, California

Meet Freya, the pittie puppy! Freya arrived to the Shelter as an owner surrender after her previous guardian realized that a puppy was a bit too much energy for the family. While in this home, Freya was around a 2 year old cat and played gently with it. She also was around a 10 year old and 13 year old child. She was still working on house training and other age-appropriate life skills and manners. Freya’s previous guardian observed that she loves water – whether it is bath time in the tub or playing outside with the house. She also has started learning about riding in the car – staying calm and then falling asleep. If you are up for the time and energy needed to raise a well rounded puppy, consider meeting Freya! From Friday, May 1st through Sunday May 10th, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is participating in Empty the Shelters. The adoption fee is reduced to $50 for all cats, dogs and rabbits in our care. Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event centered around helping homeless pets find families by making adoption affordable for prospective pet owners. 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 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 Pit Bull Terrier is a resilient and loyal breed known for its muscular build and loving nature. Originally bred for bull baiting and later dog fighting, Pit Bulls today are beloved family pets cherished for their gentle temperament and playful personality. With proper training and socialization, Pit Bull Terriers make affectionate companions that thrive on human interaction. Recognized for their strength and agility, these dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to channel their energy positively, reinforcing their reputation as devoted and trainable pets.

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