Dogs for Adoption in Hercules, CA: 20 Dogs Looking for a Home
217 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 12 rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Hercules. 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 Hercules, 23 puppies, 58 young dogs, 110 adults and 23 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.
Not in Hercules? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Goldie
Sweet Goldie is approx. 7 months old and 37lbs pounds. She is a beauty and has the brains to boot! Goldie loves to play with other dogs and would enjoy living with a well-matched friend. She can be a little insecure in the world and will need to continue confidence building.
In the short time she has been in her foster home, she has proven that she is quick learner. She is good in the car, walks nicely on leash and non-reactive on leash.
Will you take a chance on Goldie and make her an addition to your household? She is currently fostered in Vallejo, so reach out to us to schedule a meet & greet
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Abby
Abby is a 4 yr old, 70lb chunky snorty, shorty gal! She is sweet and friendly with everyone and could probably live in a home with kids. She is aloof around other dogs and not reactive on walks. She doesn't have a lot of stamina but enjoys a nice neighborhood stroll. Abby is not a fan of being left alone, so she would love to go to a home with someone that is retired or works mostly from home. Her fosters are currently working on crate training.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. Cliffy
Cliffy
never goes on a walk or a car ride without his emotional support spiky ball. He carries it the whole way and even keeps it close when he sleeps. And don't think you can part him from it for one measly treat! While he is very food motivated, he's done the math: this is the Bay Area, so the going rate to drop the ball is at least 3-4 treats. He's a character, and negotiating with him is half the fun.
Read more about Cliffy
Cliffy
is great with people, kids of all ages included, and he especially LOVES men! The joke is that he's a "dude's dog." He likes women too, though, which would make him an excellent wingdog for anyone who could use a charming icebreaker at the other end of the leash. Are you looking for that special someone to be in matching pajamas with on Christmas Day?
Cliffy
is here to help you! And don't forget a matching set of pajamas and an ugly Christmas sweater for him too, because this guy looks great sporting some dogwear.
Cliffy
is eager to go on his daily walks and is also great in the car for adventures farther away from home. The car is one of his favorite places to be, and he will try to convince you to take the car to go places rather than walk there. In fact, he will sometimes try to convince you to steal someone else's car, just so he doesn't have to walk the whole way.
At home,
Cliffy
has impeccable manners. While he's a strong chewer who adores his spiky ball and tasty chews, he doesn't destroy anything in the house. He is not a big barker, though if other dogs in the house start up, he will join the choir, even when he doesn't know what the song is about. He loves cuddling up next to his humans and being petted for as long as they are willing. He is also okay being left home alone for several hours and will stay in his crate even if the door is left open.
Cliffy
loves his crate, so much so, in fact, that after a walk he lets himself in and sometimes closes the door behind him. Because, manners!
Cliffy
currently lives with two female dogs, and could share his home with a well-matched female dog. If you have a spot on the couch, a spiky ball subscription, and a healthy treat budget for ball negotiations,
Cliffy
would love to meet you.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
4. Prissy
Meet Prissy — A Canine Beauty with a Heart Full of Promise!
What a beautiful pup! At just 13 months old, Prissy is already shining bright. This gorgeous girl has a wonderful sense of self-confidence and seems ready to take on the world!
Life hasn’t exactly given Prissy the best start. She was dumped in Modesto and arrived in rescue battling a parasite infestation, which NorSled is taking care of. Despite it all, this girl is moving forward with her head held high and her future looking brighter every day.
Read more about Prissy
Prissy is a smarty-pants who learns quickly and is eager to pick up new skills and commands. With her intelligence, confidence, and loving nature, she has all the makings of a wonderful companion. We can picture her becoming your cuddly best friend, your adventure buddy, and the beautiful girl who turns heads wherever she goes!
At this stage in her young life, Prissy is still learning how to navigate relationships with other dogs and develop the social skills that will help her feel comfortable and confident around them. She's on her way, and with patient guidance, positive experiences, and continued learning, she has so much potential.
Currently weighing about 46 pounds, Prissy is a little on the thin side after life on the streets, but she's getting the care she needs. She's vetted and ready to begin her next chapter!
Could Prissy be the missing piece in your life? This special girl has already overcome a rough beginning, and now it's time for her to discover the joys of a loving home, new adventures, and a human who believes in her.
Contact NorSled to meet Prissy. Her next adventure — and her happily-ever-after — could start with you!
- Good with dogs
- No cats
5. Max
Max is a delightful boy whose owner sadly passed away which left Max was living alone in the backyard and being fed every two days by neighbors for several weeks. He is friendly and affectionate, gentle, but busy, crowded places can feel a little overwhelming for him. Max is a bit shy at first and may not have had many opportunities to explore the world, so he is still building his confidence.
With love, patience, and gentle guidance, Max is sure to blossom into an exceptional companion. He gets along well with other dogs his size and is learning how to be part of a pack. Every day he shows a little more of his sweet personality.
Read more about Max
Max will delight you with his gentle spirit, loyal heart, and quiet charm. If you're looking for a devoted friend who simply needs someone to believe in him, Max may be the perfect match.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
6. Snow
Snow is a sweet-natured, affectionate dog who loves people and enjoys being part of the family. She has been wonderful with adults and children and has gotten along extremely well other dogs her own size. She tends to be quite submissive. Her previous foster reported while staying in my backyard, she rarely barked, dug holes, or was destructive.
Read more about Snow
Snow’s one serious placement requirement is that she must be the only pet in a home without cats or other small animals. She has a very high prey drive. Her behavior appears to be related to prey drive rather than aggression toward people or larger dogs, as she has consistently been affectionate and social with both. Snow is delightful and her spunky attitude makes her charm quite endearing!
- Good with dogs
- No cats
7. Zoey
Meet Zoey! A Pretty Face, a Beautiful Mask, and a Heart Full of Sweetness!
With her gorgeous face, pretty husky mask, and sweet temperament, Zoey is a beautiful girl with a curious little personality that is just beginning to shine!
Zoey loves taking in the world around her. She noticed my fan spinning, watches TV with interest, and is always peeking over the side to see what’s happening in my parents’ swimming pool. You never know what might catch this girl’s attention!
Read more about Zoey
She can be a little shy when meeting new people, but she’s curious and likes to keep an eye on what’s going on. She may not run right up to strangers to say hello, but give her a little time and patience, and I think you’ll see more and more of her sweet personality come out. She already follows me around and gives me the sweetest kisses. ❤️
Zoey has been getting along wonderfully with my mellow, easygoing husky, Dominic. She’s also been playing with my parents’ female husky/shepherd, who is twice her size! She enjoys a little playtime and then happily settles down for a nap. So far, she seems to have a nice medium energy level.
♀️ She loves going for walks and does pretty well on a leash. Like many huskies, she has a curious eye for anything that moves, especially a cat darting across the road, so she’ll need a family who understands the breed and will keep her safely leashed.
She has even learned to jump up into my Tahoe like a pro! She’s still a little unsure about jumping back out, so I help her down for now. She’s learning new things every day!
Zoey also did well on her first outing to a wine bar. She was able to experience a new environment and take it all in at her own pace. She may be a little reserved at first, but there’s a sweet, inquisitive girl in there waiting to blossom.
I think Zoey would really enjoy having a friendly, well-matched doggy companion in her new home. Another dog could give her a buddy to play with and help her continue building confidence.
Are you looking for a beautiful husky girl with a sweet soul, a curious mind, and lots of love to give? Zoey might just be your girl!
With a little patience, a loving home, and time to feel secure, I think this pretty girl is going to blossom into an amazing companion. ❤️
- Good with dogs
- No cats
8. Queen Maeve
Meet Queen Maeve, Her Royal Highness
Queen Maeve is a 90-ish-pound, long-legged, dainty-pawed queen who has graciously decided that humans may serve her—provided they understand proper royal etiquette.
She is affectionate, goofy, playful, curious, and absolutely convinced that life should include plenty of attention, adventures, and perhaps the occasional cheese tax. When she wants affection, she has no problem pressing her royal head into you to make her wishes known. She loves car rides, exploring, and being brushed like the royalty she believes herself to be.
Read more about Queen Maeve
Maeve is also a sensitive soul. She does best with calm, consistent boundaries and a predictable routine. She can become overwhelmed by social pressure, especially around other dogs, and prefers her own private space to retreat and decompress. She has made tremendous progress learning that her crate is her safe place and that humans can be trusted to give her space when she needs it.
She is not looking for a household that expects instant perfection. Her ideal family will appreciate that beneath the dramatic royal persona is a dog who is still learning how to feel completely secure in the world.
Give Her Majesty patience, structure, respect, and a little cheese, and she will reward you with goofy antics, affection, loyalty, and approximately 90 pounds of emotional support queen.
Her DNA
34.2% White Shepherd
20% American Pitbull
17.4% Siberian Husky
15.5% German Shepherd
12.9% Alaskan Malamute
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
9. Freddie Fazbear
Freddie Fazbear is a happy, loving, and affectionate dog with a heart as big as he is. This gentle giant is kind and respectful with both people and other dogs, making friends wherever he goes. While he certainly enjoys attention, he has a wonderfully easygoing nature and excellent manners.
Freddie loves long outdoor walks and is a pleasure on leash, rarely pulling as he explores the world by your side. He also enjoys playing with other dogs and would be thrilled to have canine friends to romp around with.
Read more about Freddie Fazbear
One of Freddie’s most charming qualities is his calm demeanor. He isn’t much of a howler, so your neighbors are likely to appreciate him as much as you do. When he does speak up, it’s with a beautiful, deep bark that he uses sparingly.
Like many intelligent dogs, Freddie can be determined and persistent when he has his mind set on something. Fortunately, that determination is paired with a sweet, loving temperament that makes him a wonderful companion.
If you're looking for a loyal, gentle, and fun-loving best friend, Freddie may be the perfect match.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
10. Tonto
Meet Tonto, a handsome Husky/German Shepherd mix with a wonderfully soft coat and an equally sweet personality. Weighing about 60 pounds, this gentle, affectionate boy happily soaks up attention and is ready to share his love with a family of his own.
Tonto is an easygoing, happy companion who enjoys heading out for walks and does well on leash. He’s eager to learn and would be a wonderful match for an active person or family willing to offer continued guidance, exercise, and plenty of affection.
Read more about Tonto
He enjoys meeting new friends, both human and canine, and wants to be included in everyday life. From exploring new places to spending time with his people, Tonto is ready to discover all the good things that come with belonging to a family.
Fully vetted and ready for his next adventure, Tonto is looking for a loving home where he can keep learning, exploring, and being his sweet self.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
11. Baja
Meet Baja — Our Golden Boy! Baja is an approximately 8-month-old husky mix who is as beautiful on the inside as he is gorgeous on the outside. This charming young boy is friendly, loving, and incredibly sweet — and you'd never guess that his story began with being dumped in a city park and then rejected when his owners were given the opportunity to take him back. But Baja is ready to leave that past behind and start the life he deserves. He's already proving what a wonderful young dog he can be. Baja is great in the car, does well in his crate, and is beginning to understand basic commands. He's smart, eager to learn, and picking things up quickly as he gets his "land paws" under him and discovers what it means to be part of a loving family.
Read more about Baja
And those looks! Baja is one seriously handsome boy. We're pretty sure he's going to turn heads everywhere he goes — so his lucky adopter should be prepared for plenty of attention! Because he's still a young husky, Baja will do best with a family that has a little husky savvy and is ready to continue his training, provide plenty of exercise and enrichment, and help him grow into the amazing adult dog he's destined to become. He's got the brains, the beauty, and the heart. NOW all Baja needs is his person. You'll want to meet this special boy soon — because we have a feeling Baja won't be waiting long!
- Good with dogs
- No cats
12. Bob
Meet Bob — Big, Beautiful, and Even Better! ❤️
Meet
Bob
, an impressive
101 pounds of love, fun, and companionship
. This magnificent boy is wrapped in the most gorgeous, fluffy coat, and those adorable
“raccoon eyes”
make him even more charming and irresistible. He's also completely vetted and ready for action.
Bob absolutely loves being with people. He has attended adoption fairs and other Norsled events and has been a
model citizen
at every spot. He’s the kind of dog who makes friends wherever he goes—and since arriving at Norsled, he has made
a LOT of them
.
Read more about Bob
At around 5-
6 years old
, Bob may be considered a mature gentleman, but he certainly doesn’t act like life is slowing down. He thinks age is just a number and is ready for
more adventures, more fun, and a whole lot more love
.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
13. Pixie
Meet Pixie — Your Dream Dog Is Waiting!
Some dogs have a way of capturing your heart almost immediately, and Pixie is one of them!
This beautiful girl spent 6–8 weeks on her own in Stockton, living alongside other dogs in a large park. Despite her difficult start, she warms up to people quickly and is wonderfully charming, friendly, and affectionate. She’s also incredibly smart and picks up commands quickly — a girl with beauty
and
brains!
Read more about Pixie
Pixie has already shown what a lovely companion she can be. At her foster home, she happily slept in bed with her foster and the other dogs. She gets along beautifully with canine friends and loves to play. She’s the kind of dog who seems to understand that life is finally getting better, and she’s ready to embrace every bit of it.
Because Pixie spent time living on the streets, she’ll need some patient guidance as she learns to navigate leash walks and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But at just about 10 months old, she’s at the perfect age to learn, grow, and blossom into an incredible companion. With a little encouragement, consistency, and love, she’ll be ready to take on the world — and bond so deeply with her person that it will be hard to imagine she ever had a different life.
Pixie is about 10 months old, weighing in at around 55 pounds, and she carries her size elegantly.
We simply cannot say enough wonderful things about this sweet girl. She’s beautiful, bright, social, playful, and full of promise. Now she needs someone willing to help her discover just how wonderful life can be.
Come meet Pixie!
We think you’ll fall in love, too, and understand why everyone who meets her agrees: this girl is truly one of a kind.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
14. Duke
Duke is a stunning husky/shepherd mix with a survivor’s spirit and a heart ready to trust again. After spending weeks roaming the streets of Stockton, he’s finally safe — and now he deserves a home where he can exhale, settle in, and feel loved.
At the kennel, Duke gets along well with the other dogs and is slowly learning that humans can be kind, consistent, and worth believing in. His gentle curiosity is growing each day, and once he feels secure, you’ll see the loyal, affectionate companion he’s meant to be.
Read more about Duke
Duke would thrive with someone patient, steady, and willing to show him that the world isn’t as scary as it once seemed. Give him time, guidance, and a soft place to land, and he’ll reward you with devotion that runs deep.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
15. Snowcone
Snowcone is a gentle, sweet, and loving girl — the kind of husky who melts hearts wherever she goes. Calm, well‑mannered, and beautifully composed, she moves through the world with quiet confidence and a soft spirit. She does wonderfully around other dogs and is comfortable in crowds, taking everything in with her serene, easygoing nature.
She’s a true gentle soul who would thrive with humans who enjoy simple daily joys: peaceful walks, cozy evenings at home, and companionship that doesn’t need fanfare to feel special. Snowcone loves being by her person’s side, offering steady affection and soft-eyed devotion.
Read more about Snowcone
If you’re looking for a calm, kind, and deeply loving companion, Snowcone is ready to be your everyday sunshine.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
16. Miffy
Meet Miffy — Her Miffyness! ❤️
You’ll be amazed by how much fun, mischief, and personality can be packed into one tiny 35-pound Husky girl!
Meet Miffy, affectionately known as Her Miffyness—a mini whirlwind who never knows what she should do first. Should she stick her head (and somehow part of her body!) into the dog-food canister? Tear up envelopes and make confetti? Or stop everything for kisses? With Miff, the answer is usually ALL OF THE ABOVE.
But behind all that adorable mischief is a remarkable survivor.
Read more about Miffy
Miff was on the euthanasia list at a Central Valley shelter, emaciated and scared to death. Today, she is a completely different dog. She has blossomed into a little Norsled leader who loves everyone in her foster home and is discovering what it means to feel safe, loved, and wanted.
Miffy may take a minute to trust you. But once you make her list, you’re in for good—and you’ll have a devoted pal forever. ❤️
She’s still working on putting a few extra pounds onto her beautiful petite frame, and she’s already showing us just how much life and love she has to give.
Miffy is around 1-1/2 to 2 years, fully vetted, full of joy, and ready to find her forever family.
If you’re looking for a petite Husky with a HUGE personality, a mischievous streak, and a heart that has come so far, Her Miffyness may be your girl.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
17. Kasper
Kasper - This bi-eyed cutie weighs in at under 40 lbs., but he’s still growing! We expect him to be around 55 lbs. when fully grown.
Kaspar is an energetic, curious puppy who loves people and gets along great with other dogs. He’s almost mastered potty training and already knows some basic commands. Smart boy!
He’s looking for a patient, loving home that will continue his training and help him become the amazing dog we know he’ll be. Another canine buddy, or two - would be a big plus!
Read more about Kasper
Because Kaspar is still in his playful, mouthy puppy stage, a home without small children would be best. He’s not aggressive, he just hasn’t learned yet that humans aren’t chew toys.
Kaspar is ready to learn, play, love, and grow up with his forever family.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
18. Titan
Titan- This sweet bi-eyed boy is under 50 lbs, full grown, and pretty much the definition of an easygoing pup.
Titan can be shy at first, but he warms up quickly and loves his people. He’s also a huge fan of other dogs and would love a home with a canine buddy or two!
He’s potty trained, calm in the house, and past the destructive puppy stage. No separation anxiety, either. He takes treats gently and is just an all-around happy little guy.
Loud noises make him nervous, so busy streets aren’t his favorite. He’d much rather enjoy quieter walks and adventures.
Read more about Titan
Best of all, Titan is incredibly adaptable. Active household? He’s in. More laid-back? He can do that too.
Fully vetted and ready to find his forever pack.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
19. Stella
Get ready to fall in love — sweet 2‑year‑old Stella is about to steal your heart! Gentle, smart, and wonderfully easy to be around, she’s the kind of dog who makes life feel lighter.
Read more about Stella
Stella is polite, potty‑trained, walks beautifully on a leash, knows her commands and is always eager to please. Stella adores her humans and is friendly with everybody, including kids. She gets along with other dogs, but prefers them one-on-one. This girl gets very excited for her daily walks, followed by Zoomies and squeaky toy playtime. However, mostly she just wants to be wherever you are — at home, riding in the car, at a café, or curled up in her bed (next to yours) all night long.
We believe that Stella was abandoned by her previous owner, so she is a little unsure of her new world and may want to stay always close to you at first. She’s learning to be brave again and needs a patient, loving family who will help her feel safe. Because she likes company, we think she will do best in a home with another friendly dog companion to help her feel more confident.
If you’ve been dreaming of a gentle, calm, affectionate young husky, Stella is your girl!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
20. McNugget
Meet McNugget. Also known as Chicken Nuggy or McDreamy.
This ridiculously handsome tripaw is about 3 years old and weighs in at 65 lbs. He doesn’t miss a thing about his missing leg, and gets around beautifully.
McNugget is everything we love about huskies: goofy, happy, affectionate, and convinced that everyone is his friend. He loves people, loves other dogs, and is already making himself right at home.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
Rescues and shelters near Hercules
The rescues with the most dogs listed within 25 miles of Hercules.
- Contra Costa Animal ServicesMartinez, CA · 71 dogs · 8 mi from Hercules
- Oakland Animal ServicesOakland, ca · 57 dogs · 17 mi from Hercules
How to adopt from Oakland Animal Services
http://oaklandanimalservices.org/adopt/how-to-adopt/
- Northern California Sled Dog RescueWalnut Creek, CA · 24 dogs · 17 mi from Hercules
- Friends of the Alameda Animal ShelterAlameda, CA · 24 dogs · 17 mi from Hercules
- Solano County Sheriff's Office Animal Care DivisionFairfield, CA · 12 dogs · 23 mi from Hercules
- San Francisco Animal Care & ControlSan Francisco, CA · 7 dogs · 19 mi from Hercules
- Grateful Dogs RescueSan Francisco, CA · 7 dogs · 19 mi from Hercules
How to adopt from Grateful Dogs Rescue
Application, interview, meet and greet with entire family and other pets, home check
- Berkeley Animal Care ServicesBerkeley , Ca · 6 dogs · 11 mi from Hercules
- California Pitbull RescueBerkeley, CA · 3 dogs · 11 mi from Hercules
How to adopt from California Pitbull Rescue
we have an adoption application and meet and greet with the dog and then an adoption agreement, $200 fee and a home check
- Umbrella of HopePittsburg, CA · 3 dogs · 20 mi from Hercules
How to adopt from Umbrella of Hope
Adoption Process: We will review each application submitted and may approve or decline applications based upon which home best fits for that given animal. Requirements may vary per animal based on household members, type of home, energy level, etc. Adopters may be subject to home inspections and if adopters have other animals, all animals must meet before adoption may be approved. Adoption/ Donation Fees Canines: Puppies- $250 (under 7 mos), Adult Dogs- $200 (7 Mos+), Senior and Special Needs- Donation of choice. Seniors will be determined based on breed. All Dog adoptions are eligible to receive a $50 Rebate with proof Completion of Basic Manners training and education class -which we are working on providing. An additional $50 Rebate is offered if the Dog becomes CGC Certified within the following 6 mos. We are not ready to offer this yet but may in the future. Rebate is null and void after 6 mos. Without completetion of entire course this offer is null and void. Felines: Senior and Special Needs- Donation of choice. Senior- 6 yrs old for cats based on Maddies Fund Senior Program Kittens-$125 (Two Kittens $155), Cats between 6mos and a year $50, Cats over a year $25 Foster Adoptions- Foster can pay a minimum At Cost Fees for the animal as the adoption Donation (if they agree to foster again). If foster cannot foster again they must pay regular adoption fee for the animal.
- Beyond Rescue, Inc.San Francisco, CA · 2 dogs · 23 mi from Hercules
- Golden Gate Basset RescuePetaluma, CA · 1 dog · 24 mi from Hercules
How to adopt from Golden Gate Basset Rescue
Application form followed by home or phone interview. Contract signed before transfer of dog. Fees based on age of dog. Dogs aged 8 and over eligible for reduced price adoptions to adopters aged 65 and over (Golden Oldies program). All GGBR adopted hounds must be returned to GGBR if the adopter cannot keep the dog. No placement for chained or yard dogs (indoor/outdoor ok). Dogs matched to the best possible home for the dog!
Adopting a dog in Hercules
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 Hercules
How many dogs are up for adoption in Hercules?
As of November 4, 2026, 217 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 25 miles of Hercules, California, by 12 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Hercules?
The rescues with the most dogs near Hercules right now are Contra Costa Animal Services (Martinez, CA), Oakland Animal Services (Oakland, ca) and Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (Walnut Creek, CA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Hercules?
Yes. 23 puppys are up for adoption within 25 miles of Hercules.
How do I adopt a dog in Hercules?
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.