Shepherd Dogs Available for Adoption in Thousand Oaks, California

URGENT! THIS SPECIAL GIRL'S TIME AT THE SHELTER IS RUNNING OUT!!

Velma recently came down with a doggy cold and if she is not adopted TODAY, she will be placed on the euthanasia list.

Velma is a 2-year and 1-month-old Shepherd mix currently being held at the Kern County Animal Services - Bakersfield Shelter. She has been at the shelter since May 6, 2026, and is ready for her new home.

Velma has captured the hearts of the humans in her life. She participated in the shelter's Doggy Day Out and here a snippet of what her chaperone had to say about her:

"Velma is a thoughtful, sensitive girl who balances seriousness in new environments with a playful, goofy side once she feels comfortable. She is ready to find her place in a home where she can continue building confidence and be part of a family."

Please also note that while Velma is good with children it is recommended that children in the household learn to interact with her gently and calmly as this girl benefits from a patient, gentle touch!

Photos courtesy of Denise Lynn Smith, Kern County Animal Services, and Velma's Doggy Day Out chaperone. Some photos are stills from longer videos. For full videos and more information on Velma, check out her social media posts:

From Kern County Animal Services
1:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZDCs2BDLPi/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1323208146579673

2:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYa5qkQp-Hb/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1865998590745816


From Volunteer Denise Lynn Smith:
1: https://www.facebook.com/buzzinismith/posts/pfbid027uNpYHAiatez23gdwbWmJqQTPR8oFrwGCofSMv9pBKNUeEiUsX9gwPHuSb8hDVKal

2: https://www.facebook.com/buzzinismith/posts/pfbid02sTqun2r3KuGWzHxepNovi2QjUxk5HSTX3K7xaWguVF7Xm9Tbq1tSNkqq3E1VZNuYl

Pet ID: A1248098

ABOUT
Companion Animal Protection Services (CAPS), a national nonprofit based in Thousand Oaks, CA., partners with Kern County Animal Services in Bakersfield to find homes for at-risk dogs. The shelter has more than 300 dogs and puppies in two metal warehouses with no outdoor runs. Dogs and puppies are at high risk for euthanasia because of lack of space and too many abandoned dogs in the community.

HOW TO ADOPT, RESCUE OR FOSTER
Please contact CAPS if you are interested in adopting, rescuing or fostering, and we will make sure the shelter contacts you. They do not answer phones or respond often to voice messages due to understaffing. The dogs are in Bakersfield, not Thousand Oaks.

HOW TO CONTACT CAPS
https://caps-web.org/contact
No phone calls, please. Please use our contact form or reach out to us through Petfinder.

FOSTER HOMES
Fosters must live in Kern County.

TRANSPORT
CAPS can arrange transportation if you are on the West Coast. Adopters are responsible for transport fees.

The shepherd dog breed encompasses a versatile group known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. With a heritage deeply rooted in herding and protecting livestock, shepherds excel at various tasks ranging from obedience and agility competitions to search and rescue missions. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets, offering unwavering devotion and a natural instinct to watch over and care for their loved ones. In addition to their remarkable abilities, shepherds are often characterized by their distinctive appearance, including a sturdy build, alert expression, and a signature double coat that provides insulation and protection in various climates.

Founded in 1992, the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) is the only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals...