Dogs for Adoption in San Rafael, CA: 30 Dogs Looking for a Home

Sniffari Enthusiast: Milton loves investigating all the fascinating smells around him. He pulls moderately on leash and is working on his walking manners, so he’ll appreciate a little patience and continued practice as he learns to stroll more politely.
Scritch-Seeking Sweetheart: Milton may come over and back his adorable butt right up for some scratches when his person sits near him! He clearly appreciates affection and knows how to make a polite request for attention.
A Clever, Well-Mannered Cookie: Milton knows “sit” and takes treats gently. Milton may look at other dogs during walks, but he’s easily redirected with treats and kissy noises.

Milton would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Sniffari Specialist: Skipper loves exploring the yard and investigating all the fascinating smells along the way. He may pull excitedly on leash, but his size makes him very manageable.
A Clever Cookie: Skipper knows how to sit and shake for a treat! He also follows treat lures for “paws up,” making training a fun way to build your bond and keep his mind engaged.
A Certified Lovebug: Skipper leans into pets with a wagging tail and may nudge your hand when you stop, reminding you when he’d like a little more affection!
Learning to Navigate Dog Greetings: Skipper may occasionally pull toward or bark at other dogs. With positive guidance, and continued practice, he’s working on polishing his social skills.

Skipper would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Deku can be anxious in the shelter and is a strong puller on leash, especially when he sees other dogs. He has shown the ability to disengage and move on during dog introductions, and he may do well with a compatible canine friend after thoughtful introductions. He could also enjoy being the only dog in the home, with opportunities to socialize with suitable dog friends.

Deku would benefit from a family ready to help him build confidence and practice leash skills using patience and positive reinforcement. He has also received treatment for an ear infection and recently had a skin mass removed, so his adopter should review his medical disclosures and follow up with their veterinarian. If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate companion and are ready to help a big guy settle into his next chapter, Deku would love to meet you!

iscuit is such a lover. She takes a little to warm up but once she bonds she bonds quickly and shows it- she loves deeply with wiggles to match. Her potty training is going great' she learned quickly how to use the doggy door. She loves her morning walk but also is very content to do a quick potty and snuggle. She’s gotten along well with the resident dog, sometimes being a bit bossy, but at others wanting to play. She’s easy but prefers avoiding the big dogs and is choosy of small dogs. She’s very easy to handle and allows you to dress her up in cozy sweaters. She’s working on basic commands and just learned sit! When left alone it appears she’s done well- by herself and left with our resident dog. She has also shown a recent interest in toys and loves her lamb chop. She really is such a little love and someone will be very lucky to have her in their forever family.

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Biscuit is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Biscuit, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

Silas enjoys exploring at his own pace and has been calm and non-reactive around other dogs. During introductions, he mostly did his own thing, occasionally stopping to sniff his canine companions. He may do well with a compatible dog friend or as a solo pup with opportunities to socialize.

Silas is still getting comfortable with the shelter environment, so he’ll benefit from a patient adopter who can give him time to settle in and help him build confidence. He can pull strongly on leash, so continued practice with positive reinforcement will help him develop good walking skills. If you’re willing to let a shy guy come out of his shell at his own pace, Silas could be a rewarding companion!

Lovely Leash Manners: Cora walks beautifully on a loose leash and will happily come right alongside you when asked. She trots along with an upbeat spring in her step, making walks a pleasure.
Cool and Collected: She’s non-reactive around dogs, people, squirrels, rollerblades, and scooters. When meeting other dogs, she stays relaxed and responds calmly when they set boundaries.
Affection Enthusiast: Cora loves pets and may nuzzle or gently paw at you to request more when you stop.
A Peaceful Night Owl: Cora settles comfortably in her bed and sleeps through the night. She has done well in her pen and crate area, though she managed to escape her foster pen on her first night.

Cora may enjoy life with a compatible canine companion or as a solo dog with opportunities to make dog friends. Her adopters should also schedule a veterinary visit to discuss her dental health and any additional senior-care needs. Follow Cora in foster with @foster_em_all on Instagram, and click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

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Periwinkle also has a playful side. During introductions, he enjoyed interacting and playing with other dogs, using his paws to invite them into the fun. He may enjoy a well-matched canine companion or be happy as your one-and-only with opportunities to make dog friends.

As a young dog, Periwinkle is still learning his manners and can get excited about greeting people by putting his paws up on them. He'll benefit from a patient adopter who can help him build confidence, practice leash skills, and learn new things through positive reinforcement. If you're looking for an affectionate sidekick who wants to be close to his favorite people, Periwinkle could be your guy!

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Cheese enjoys meeting new people and is always happy to watch other animals and people outside. She is social and friendly and the most affectionate little puppy with anyone who gives her attention.

Her house training is going wonderfully. Cheese knows how to alert when she needs to go and easily uses potty pads, or will go outside when she’staken out.

Cheese will thrive with someone who wants a lovable companion and who enjoys cuddles, playing, and who is ready to put in work for positive reinforcement training. She is a calm, silly, and social puppy with tons of potential!

Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

Odin is still working on his leash skills and can pull quite hard, so he’ll benefit from patient, reward-based training. He’s currently underweight, and while a shelter vet found no immediate medical cause, he’ll need a follow-up health exam after adoption. If you’re looking for an affectionate companion to explore the world with, Odin could be your guy!

Ready, Set, Play! Jetty loves running around in the yard and playing fetch. She may need a little convincing to return the ball, but she’s happy to keep the fun going!
Smart Cookie: She sits for treats, and even offered her paw without being asked! She’s easy walk at the shelter, and reported to be crate trained.
Professional Cuddle Bug: Jetty leans in for extra pets and rubs, and she may roll onto her back to invite belly rubs.
Dog social: In playgroups, Jetty enjoys high-speed chase games and wrestling with compatible canine friends.

Jetty will be a wonderful match for an active home ready to channel her youthful energy into play, training, and affection. She’ll do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Smart & Talented: Samson knows “sit,” “down,” and “paw,” and can put his paws on patio furniture on cue. He may even know “crawl”! He pulls mildly on leash, takes treats gently and is eager to learn.
Playful & Curious: He enjoys sniffing and exploring the yard, then gallops back when called. He loves engaging with his person and may hop onto a nearby lap for a closer connection.
Connected Companion: Samson checks in frequently and often stays close to his handler, especially when the world feels busy.
Dog Social: Samson plays well with other dogs in playgroup. He may pull mildly or whine softly when he spots a dog he wants to greet

Samson would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Caspian could be a good match for a home with a well-suited canine companion or as a solo dog with opportunities to make dog friends. With positive reinforcement and continued guidance, he’ll be ready to build a great life with his new family!

Jimothy seems a little frightened of men and small children. Children in the home should be at least tweens, and men should be patient.

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Jimothy is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Jimothy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

Adventure Buddy: Tanner enjoys sniffing and running around the yard. He pulls excitedly at times, but a shorter leash and gentle redirection help keep his walks manageable.
Smart & Learning: He knows “sit” and “touch” and is practicing “down” and “paw.” He sometimes takes treats gently but can get bouncy and mouthy with puppy excitement.
Loving Lapdog: Tanner adores affection. Once settled, Tanner happily leans into pets, gives kisses, and tries to climb into your lap.
Outing Superstar: Tanner showed lots of interest in greeting new people, calmly passed other dogs, and ignored birds. Best of all, he settled down quietly later at a brewery without barking or whining!

Tanner would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

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Taffy is an easy going companion just looking for a loving home that will help her continue on her health journey. She gets along with dogs, kids, and we would suspect cats also given her kind nature.

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Taffy is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Taffy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

Dream Walking Companion: Princeton is a pleasure on leash! He doesn’t pull or bark, instead maintaining a slow, steady, comfortable pace. He takes direction well and makes every walk feel like a relaxing stroll.
Calm & Gentle: Princeton is remarkably composed, even when excited dogs walk nearby. He stays quiet and nonreactive, showing off his wonderfully mellow personality.
Curious Sniffer: He loves taking his time to sniff and explore the world around him. For Princeton, a walk is all about enjoying the little things at his own pace.
Sweet Senior Soul: Quiet and still in his kennel, Princeton brings a peaceful presence wherever he goes. He is not always interested in hot dogs or other treats during his outing, but his gentle nature speaks for itself.

Princeton would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Smart Little Learner: Willa knows “sit” and “down,” is practicing “paw” and “spin,” and shows great focus despite her wiggly excitement. She loves treat-finding games and follows treat lures like a pro!
Affectionate Lovebug: She leans into pets and happily pops her front paws onto your lap for attention. Willa loves being close to her people and soaking up affection.
Playful Puppy: Tennis balls are a favorite! She loves chasing them and carrying them proudly in her mouth. When excited, she may get mouthy and try to play with your hands, so she’ll benefit from continued puppy-manners training.
Dog-social Explorer: Willa plays well with other dogs in doggie playgroup. She may pull excitedly at the beginning of walks but soon settles into sniffing and exploring.

Willa would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Playtime Enthusiast: Kaden loves chasing balls, playing fetch, and tugging on rope toys. He usually releases the ball when he sees another one coming, eager to keep the fetch game going!
Smart Cookie: Kaden knows “sit” and “stay,” takes treats very gently, and enjoys treat-foraging games that put his nose to work.
Affectionate Companion: He enjoys pets, especially chest and butt scratches. He can get a little bouncy when excited, but that playful enthusiasm is part of his charm.
Outdoor Explorer: Kaden is working on his leash manners and loves having room to sprint and play. He mostly ignores other dogs while out and about but would run towards a squirrel. He was reported to give a brief howl when a fire truck passed by!

Kaden would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Lucy is a quiet, gentle dog who enjoys a nice quiet home; she's hanging with two other chihuahuas and does great with them. Lucy did meet some cats and no one seemed to care so yes, we'd say she can live with cats! She enjoys spending long periods in the garden and relaxing in the sun. Indoors, she likes laps, soft sofas, and rearranging throw pillows.

She is potty trained, uses a doggy door, and will use a potty pad at night. Lucy walks well on leash and enjoys slow neighborhood strolls. She may initially appear aloof for a few minutes, but she warms up quickly and accepts gentle affection. She rides well in the car.

Lucy is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and recently had a wellness exam. Based on her condition, her age estimate was revised from 10 years to 7–8 years old. She also had a major dental procedure and is now fully ready for adoption.

A yard not required but sunspots a must :)

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Lucy is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Lucy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

Quinn deserves someone willing to look beyond his rough beginnings and champion a little dog who needs extra understanding, patience, and care.

Quinn requires regular grooming to maintain his health and comfort and may need sedation for grooming. Adopters should be prepared for the additional time, care, and expense involved.

Quinn is available for adoption by appointment only

Please submit an adoption questionnaire to meet him.

Wonderful Walking Buddy: Bumper walks nicely on leash with little pulling and frequently checks in with his person. He loves sniffing and exploring, with just a little puppy enthusiasm at the start.
Social Sweetheart: He loves meeting new people and seeking affection. He takes treats gently and happily offers his paw for attention.
Smart & Trainable: Bumper responds well to “sit” and can learn “down” with a treat lure. He’s reportedly house trained and crate trained, though he occasionally has a crate accident in the morning.
Gentle Dog Friend: Bumper plays well with other dogs in playgroup and stays calm even around dogs who bark or lunge toward him. He’s curious about small animals but responds well to redirection.

Bumper would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Leash Manners: Potts pulls mildly on leash and is mostly interested in sniffing, marking, and exploring at his own pace.
Independent Explorer: Potts enjoys entertaining himself, often running around the perimeter of the yard and investigating every interesting scent. He doesn’t actively seek out attention but may lean in for pets when he’s ready.
Playful: Potts enjoys chasing a tossed ball, although he doesn’t always bring it back.
Treats & Engagement: Potts knows “sit”, “paw” and can catch treats mid air. He takes treats gently, though he isn’t consistently treat motivated. He may be curious about activities around him and may vocalize when excited.

Potts will do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Junior walks well on leash in quiet areas and warms up to treats and affection when given time and space. He loves cuddling, playing fetch, and hiding his toys under blankets. He knows “sit” and “down” and is very treat-motivated. He participates in playgroups with select dogs, though his compatibility with other dogs in a home would need careful assessment. Regular grooming is essential for his health and comfort.

Could you offer Junior the calm, structured home he needs

Please submit an
adoption questionnaire
to meet him.