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

Meet this adorable little terrier mix with a gentle soul and a heart full of love. This sweet girl may be a bit shy at first, but with a little patience and kindness, her affectionate personality truly shines. She came into the shelter alongside another dog and has experience sharing her space, showing she can be a friendly companion to other pups.

Once she feels safe, her warm and loving nature comes through in the most endearing ways. Whether it’s a quiet moment by your side or a soft wag of her tail when she sees a familiar face, she has a way of melting hearts without even trying. If you’re looking for a loyal, tender companion who just needs a chance to blossom, she could be the perfect addition to your home. Aurora is available for pre-adoption. Feel free to come in, meet her, fall in love and take her home after her spay 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 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 terrier is a spirited and intelligent dog breed known for its feisty personality and boundless energy. Terriers come in various sizes and coat types, but they all share a common heritage as fearless and determined hunters. These dogs are typically highly trainable, making them versatile companions for active individuals and families alike. With their loyalty and playful demeanor, terriers are beloved for their endless enthusiasm and affectionate nature.

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