California

Dogs for Adoption in Cerritos, CA: 20 Dogs Looking for a Home

Dogs up for adoption near Cerritos, CA

1,163 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 23 rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Cerritos. Here are the 20 nearest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.

Of the dogs up for adoption within 25 miles of Cerritos, 73 puppies, 294 young dogs, 675 adults and 117 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Pit Bull Terrier, German Shepherd and Siberian Husky, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.

1. Mack

Puppy (12 days) · Male · Staffordshire Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 8 mi from Cerritos

Mack and his brother were dumped at a park, at 8 weeks old, left to fend for themselves. Luckily someone came and scooped them up to keep them safe! They made their way to our shelter and have been sweet, playful and just oh so adorable!

They are around 11 weeks old now, and ready to find loving homes that will treat them like family. We do not know what their breed mix is made up of, but we have them as Staffordshire Terrier mixes. Based on their current size, we are expecting them to be medium to large sized dogs when grown up, but cannot guarantee a specific weight range.

Read more about Mack

Mack is energetic and sporty. He LOVES toys and he loves to use his mouth, as they are in the puppy teething stage. We think he will grow up to be a great hiking partner, and would do well in an active household.

Are you ready for the puppy energy and training! Mack is ready to meet you!

The puppies will be shown by APPOINTMENT ONLY to ensure their safety as they are not fully vaccinated yet. To make an appointment, please fill out our FULL ADOPTION APPLICATION below and wait for a phone call. Please be patient, as we usually have a high number of interested adopters when we have puppies.

Adopt Mack fromFriends of the Seal Beach Animal Care CenterSeal Beach, Ca · listed Oct 12

2. Skye

Young (9 months) · Female · Terrier / Mixed (medium coat) · 8 mi from Cerritos

Skye is one of the scruffiest girls you’ll meet – we swear there is a dog under all that hair! She is some sort of Terrier mix, around 10 months old. We took her in from a rescue that we work with from time to time, who needed help placing some pups. Skye is a very friendly, active and playful girl that is sure to liven up your home!

She does well walking on leash, loves other dogs, and is just super fun! Now, getting her to hold still long enough for photos can be tricky, we promise she is much cuter in person.

This scruff-ball has so much love to give!

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Skye fromFriends of the Seal Beach Animal Care CenterSeal Beach, Ca · listed Aug 24

3. Zion

Adult (5 years 2 months) · Male · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 8 mi from Cerritos

Zion is an absolute stunner of a dog, he is a 5 year old German Shepherd who turns heads everywhere he goes. He is a great dog that just needs a strong handler, familiar with the GSD breed. After about 3 years living in New Mexico, after being adopted from us in 2023, Zion had to return to the shelter through no fault of his own. Here at the shelter, he has made a lot of friends with our volunteers. They love to play fetch with him up in the yard! Zion is also a big lover of squeaky toys, the bigger the better!! He is so sweet with the people within his circle of friends here. Always rolling over for belly rubs, or leaning into them for booty scratches. This big guy also LOVES car rides!

Read more about Zion

A little bit about Zion from his previous owner:

He is a stunning German Shepard and a big boy weighing in around 100lbs and very strong.

At home with people he trusts he is very chill, playful, friendly, and always happy for attention.

His greatest joy in life is fetch and loves to carry his ball around with him.

Zion has been formally trained with basic commands and behavior and responds to them excellently. He is always eager for learning, activity and engagement.

He is kennel and muzzle trained. He can be slow to trust but once he does there is not a more loyal dog.

Zion can be insecure, so he needs an owner he can look to for reassurance! When he trusts you, he will follow your lead, and follow you anywhere!

Zion does need to be the only pet, in an adult only home.

  • No young kids
  • Only dog
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Zion fromFriends of the Seal Beach Animal Care CenterSeal Beach, Ca · listed May 26

4. Bandit

Young · Male · Shih Tzu (medium coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Bandit! ❤️ This adorable 1-year-old Shih Tzu is full of happiness and personality. He’s playful, friendly, and loves everyone he meets. He especially enjoys playing with other dogs and would make a wonderful addition to just about any family. Bandit is ready to find his forever home and share lots of love, fun, and happy moments with his new family!
Visit fochp.org for more information or to submit an adoption application.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Bandit fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Nov 3

5. Miss Beth

Young · Female · Pomeranian (medium coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Miss Beth!
At just 2 years old and about 15 pounds, Miss Beth is an absolutely adorable little girl with a BIG personality! She is so much fun, full of life, and has a way of making everyone around her smile. She’s wonderfully well-behaved, loves everyone she meets, and is just an all-around happy little dog.
Beth has so much love to give and would make a wonderful addition to just about any family. She’s the kind of little dog who brings a whole lot of joy in a very cute 15-pound package!
If you’re looking for a sweet, fun-loving companion, Miss Beth might just be your girl! ❤️
Visit fochp.org for more information or to submit an adoption application!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Miss Beth fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Nov 1

6. Duke

Adult · Male · Beagle / Pug (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Duke!
Duke is about 2 years old and weighs 24 pounds. He’s the friendliest little boy who loves everyone and gets along great with other dogs! He’s just an adorable little guy looking for a family to call his own. ❤️
Could Duke be your new best friend?
Apply to adopt at fochp.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained

7. Oscar

Adult · Male · Lhasa Apso / Shih Tzu (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Oscar: a 5-year-old, 22-pound sweetheart with a big, happy smile and an even bigger personality.
When Oscar first came into foster care, he was the dog watching quietly from the corner, unsure whether people could be trusted. Four months later, he’s blossoming. He’s discovered a love of toys, so much so that he gathers all his favorites into one big pile. He plays fetch with enthusiasm and has a blast romping with other small dogs at the dog park. He’s even starting to enjoy walks, though he’s still getting the hang of them. And when it’s time to rest, you’ll find him burrowed deep in a blanket for a cozy nap.
Oscar is a one-person kind of dog.

Read more about Oscar

That’s not because he’s unfriendly, as he doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body, but because he looks to one special person for guidance and affection. Right now that’s his foster mom, who gets all the belly-rub requests. He’s shy with new people and probably won’t show his true self at a first meeting, but the way to his heart is simple: bring treats! He’ll happily take them from new friends, and he’s so food motivated that he’s a joy to train. Once he decides you’re his person, you’ll have a loyal, affectionate companion for life.
At heart, Oscar is a homebody. He’d do best in a calm, adult-only home with a yard, ideally with a friendly small dog who can keep showing him the ropes. He’s fully potty trained with zero accidents in the house, sleeps quietly in his dog bed in the bedroom, rarely barks, and is very healthy. He doesn’t guard his food or toys. Car rides make him a little nervous, but he does great once he arrives. He hasn’t lived with cats, but his foster thinks he’d likely do fine with them.
If you’re looking for a devoted sidekick with a smile that will melt your heart, Oscar is ready to meet you.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Oscar fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Oct 28

8. Chewy

Adult · Maltese (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Chewy! ❤️
Chewy is an 8-year-old little guy weighing about 12 pounds, and he is just as sweet as can be. He has a mellow, easygoing personality and would love a home where he can relax, feel loved, and enjoy the simple things in life.
Chewy is at that wonderful age where he doesn’t need a lot of excitement — just someone to love him and a cozy spot to curl up. He has so much love to give and would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a sweet little friend.
Could Chewy be the one you’ve been looking for?

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Chewy fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Oct 25

9. Gwen

Adult · Female · Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie / Schnauzer (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Gwen is a 11. pound bundle of energy who absolutely loves life. At three years old, she’s playful, social, and happiest when she has another dog to romp around with. She’s friendly, fun, and full of personality — the perfect little companion for anyone looking for a cheerful, active sidekick. Gwen is 2 years old.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained

10. Girly

Young · Female · Hound / Cattle Dog (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Girly! Six months old, 40 pounds, and overflowing with joy. Girly is a sweet, happy cattle dog mix who loves everyone she meets. She’s social, friendly, and always ready for fun — the kind of pup who brings instant smiles wherever she goes. Girly adores other dogs and would be thrilled to join a home with a playful buddy. She’s smart, affectionate, and has that perfect young‑dog energy that makes every day feel brighter. She’s ready to find a family to call her own. Apply to adopt at fochp.org Apply to adopt at fochp.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smcx4P3eSTE

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Girly fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Oct 23

11. Nikko

Young · Male · Chihuahua (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Nikko! ❤️
Nikko is a 2-year-old Chihuahua weighing about 15 pounds, and he is just adorable! This little guy is ready to find a family of his own and a cozy spot to call home. If you’re looking for a cute little companion to add some extra love to your life, Nikko might just be your guy!
Could Nikko be the little one you’ve been looking for? ❤️
Apply to adopt at fochp.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Nikko fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Oct 21

12. Duffy

Young · Male · Border Terrier / Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Duffy!
Duffy is about 10 months old and weighs just 13 pounds. He’s a little guy with a whole lot of love to give! He’s sweet, cute, and at the perfect age to find his forever family and start making memories.
If you’re looking for a little companion to add some extra love to your life, Duffy might just be your guy! ❤️
Interested in adopting Duffy? Visit fochp.org for more information or to fill out an adoption application.

  • Good with kids
  • House-trained
Adopt Duffy fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Oct 20

13. Bell

Adult · Female · Great Pyrenees (medium coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Bell! Your new best friend!
Bell is a beautiful Great Pyrenees girl, about 4 years old, with a heart full of love and a serious appreciation for the great outdoors! She absolutely LOVES people and wants nothing more than to be by your side, sharing life’s adventures and soaking up all the affection you have to give.
Bell is fine with other dogs, but we think she would really shine in a home where she gets to be extra special — where she can be your number one girl and the apple of your eye! ❤️ A home without other dogs might be her dream come true, giving her all the attention and love she deserves.
If you love spending time outside and want a loyal companion who will adore you right back, Bell could be your perfect match.
This sweet girl is ready to be somebody’s whole world. Could that somebody be you?
FOCHP.org for more info.

  • Good with kids
  • House-trained

14. Stanley

Young · Male · Chihuahua (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Stanley! ❤️
Stanley is nine tiny pounds of pure sweetness! At just one year old, Stanley is a wonderful little dog with a gentle, lovable personality and so much love to give.
One of Stanley’s favorite things is other dogs! Stanley genuinely loves canine company and would be thrilled to have a friendly dog buddy to play with, hang out with, and enjoy life alongside.
Stanley is easy to love, easy to carry, and pretty darn easy to fall for. Stanley is ready for a loving home where Stanley can be part of the family and enjoy all the good things life has to offer.
If you’re looking for a tiny best friend with a big heart, Stanley might just be your perfect match.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Stanley fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Oct 8

15. Poppy

Young · Female · Bulldog / French Bulldog (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Poppy!
Poppy is a beautiful Bulldog/Frenchie mix, about 2 years old, and she is one of the happiest little dogs you’ll ever meet!
This adorable girl is a total cuddle bug who loves being close to her people. And when it comes to other dogs, Poppy has never met one she didn’t like! She’s friendly, affectionate, and just an all-around joy to be around.
If you’re looking for a sweet, happy companion who loves cuddles and making friends, Poppy may be your girl! ❤️fochp.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained

16. Buddy

Young · Male · Chihuahua (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet this tiny guy with a BIG personality!
This adorable 4-pound black Chihuahua was rescued from the euthanasia list at Downey Animal Shelter and is now getting his second chance. ❤️
He’s about 4 years old and has lots of energy! He’s still learning the basics — including house training and walking on a leash — but his foster family is patiently helping him along.
He can be a little shy with new people, but once he trusts you, he LOVES attention and will definitely let you know when he wants more!
✨ Sleeps quietly in his crate all night ✨ Loves jumping on the sofa ✨ Just discovered that toys are pretty fun! ✨ Tons of personality ✨ Learning what it’s like to be loved and part of a family
We think he may have spent much of his life as a backyard dog, so he’s still learning about all the good things that come with being a family dog.
He doesn’t need someone looking for a perfect dog.

Read more about Buddy

He needs patience, consistency, love, and someone willing to give him a chance. ❤️
Could you be the person who shows this little guy what a forever home feels like?

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained

17. Buster

Young · Male · Shepherd / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Buster! Buster is an 8-month-old, 40-pound bundle of love with a heart as big as his adorable puppy smile. This handsome boy still has that fun puppy energy, which means he loves to play, explore, and be part of whatever his people are doing. Buster is sweet, affectionate, and full of personality. He enjoys walks, playtime, and soaking up attention from his humans. With his curious nature and happy spirit, he’s always ready for the next adventure—or a good cuddle after a day of fun. For more information, visit: fochp.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Buster fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Sep 27

18. Ringo

Young · Male · Border Terrier / Wheaten Terrier / Mixed (medium coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Ringo is a two‑year‑old, 50‑pound scruffy sweetheart with a big personality and an even bigger zest for life. He is smart, energetic, playful, and full of charm. He LOVES other dogs and would be thrilled to have a canine buddy to romp around with. Ringo is the kind of dog who turns every walk into an adventure and every yard into a playground. He’s young, bright, and eager to learn, making him a great match for someone who enjoys an active lifestyle and appreciates a fun, spirited companion. Despite all that energy, Ringo has a sweet, affectionate side and loves being near his people. His scruffy coat and expressive eyes make him impossible not to fall for. If you’re looking for a joyful, lively, loyal friend who’s ready to join you on every adventure, Ringo is your guy.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Ringo fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Sep 20

19. O’Brien

Puppy · Male · Poodle (Toy) / Terrier (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet O’Brien! Eight months ago, I entered the world with a extra special heart! During my very first puppy checkup, the vet caught a heart murmur. They sent me to a specialist who found out I was born with a defective heart valve. But don't worry—thanks to expert care and an awesome rescue team, I had a successful balloon procedure to fix it! Now, I have a completely clean bill of health, a 100% healthy ticker, and a big, bright future ahead.At 8 months old, I’m feeling fantastic and living life to the absolute fullest! I’m a happy, active Poodle/Terrier mix who loves nothing more than romping around with other dogs, making new friends, and giving endless cuddles.

Read more about O’Brien

I’ve got the sweetest soul and a heart full of love just waiting for you.I’m fully recovered, in great shape, and ready to find my forever family!• Age: 8 months • Breed: Poodle / Terrier Mix • Temperament: Sweet, playful, affectionate • Good with: Dogs & people • Health: Heart repaired, fully recovered & 100% healthy!Ready to let this brave boy steal your heart? Apply to adopt O’Brien today! FOCHP.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt O’Brien fromFriends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · listed Sep 13

20. Len

Adult · Male · Chihuahua / Dachshund (short coat) · 13 mi from Cerritos

Meet Len — Your Next Cuddle Buddy!
This sweet 3-year-old boy is ready to steal your heart!
Len is a shy and timid boy who may need a little time to feel comfortable, but once he trusts you, you’ll discover the sweetest cuddle bug. ❤️ He loves other dogs and would be so happy to have a furry friend by his side.
Len is looking for someone with a little patience and a whole lot of love—someone who will let him come out of his shell at his own pace. And once he does…you’ll have a precious little shadow who just wants to be close to you.
3 years old Loves to cuddle Loves other dogs Shy & timid at first Looking for his forever family
Len is waiting for someone to show him that he is finally home. ❤️fochp.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained

Rescues and shelters near Cerritos

The rescues with the most dogs listed within 25 miles of Cerritos.

Adopting a dog in Cerritos

Most rescues ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip. Many are foster-based, so you'll often meet your dog in a volunteer's home rather than a shelter.

Senior dogs are often the calmest companions and the slowest to find homes. If you'd like a settled, affectionate dog, ask the rescues about their older residents.

Puppies go quickly, so if you've fallen for one, contact the rescue soon. Ask how big they're expected to grow, and plan for plenty of house-training and training in the first few months.

Questions about adopting a dog in Cerritos

How many dogs are up for adoption in Cerritos?

As of November 4, 2026, 1,163 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 25 miles of Cerritos, California, by 23 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a dog in Cerritos?

The rescues with the most dogs near Cerritos right now are North Central Animal Care and Control (Los Angeles, CA), South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center (Los Angeles, CA) and Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park (Baldwin Park, CA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.

Are there puppies for adoption in Cerritos?

Yes. 73 puppys are up for adoption within 25 miles of Cerritos.

How do I adopt a dog in Cerritos?

Pick a dog and contact the rescue or shelter looking after them. Most ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip.

Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.