Small Dogs for Adoption in Thousand Oaks, CA: 8 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Thousand Oaks have 8 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 8, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Every dog on this page is listed by their rescue as small, with breeds like Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund and Maltese.
Not in Thousand Oaks? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Otis
Meet Otis! Such a loving affectionate boy!! Otis is a 2 year old spaniel mix. He has the cutest curls on the top of his coat so maybe some Curly coated Retriever mixed in, but he isn't very big. Otis was rescued out of the San Bernardino shelter which sadly is overflowing with dogs that desperately need rescue. Euthanasia rates are very high so we were so thankful we had space to save this beautiful boy. Otis is now safe, happy and loved while waiting for his forever family to find him. If you are interested in adopting, please go to our website and fill out an online application form. https://form.jotform.com/oscarlucy/dog-adoption-app
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Louie
Meet Louie! Such a loving affectionate boy!! Louie is a 1 year old Doxie mix. Louie was rescued out of the San Bernardino shelter which sadly is overflowing with dogs that desperately need rescue. Euthanasia rates are very high so we were so thankful we had space to save this beautiful boy. Louie is now safe, happy and loved while waiting for his forever family to find him. If you are interested in adopting, please go to our website and fill out an online application form. https://form.jotform.com/oscarlucy/dog-adoption-app
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. Lou
Meet Lou! The sweetest little boy!! Lou is a 5 year old Maltese mix. Lou was rescued out of the San Bernardino shelter which sadly is overflowing with dogs that desperately need rescue. Euthanasia rates are very high so we were so thankful we had space to save this beautiful boy. Lou is now safe, happy and loved while waiting for his forever family to find him. If you are interested in adopting, please go to our website and fill out an online application form. https://form.jotform.com/oscarlucy/dog-adoption-app
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
4. Darong
Meet Darong! She is the sweetest girll! She is a 3 year old rescued in South Korea from a dog meat farm. We have partners there we work with to get these dogs out of the worst horrors imaginable and bring them to safety. We fly them here for their only chance at survival and a home. Darong and some of her family and friends have been flown here for a chance at a future and a real life. These are miracle dogs that they are alive today. Our adoption fee is $600 which helps offset some of the flight costs. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application form at https://form.jotform.com/oscarlucy/dog-adoption-app
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
5. Darwin
Meet Darwin – Our Sweet Senior Miniature Poodle Looking for a Forever Home! ❤️
Darwin found himself on the cold ground of East Valley Shelter in his senior years, through no fault of his own. Now, this sweet boy deserves a second chance at a life filled with love, comfort, and security.
Darwin is approximately 9–10 years old and weighs about 24 lbs. He is vaccinated and microchipped. Due to his age and medical considerations, Darwin cannot be neutered, and we have a medical exemption letter from his veterinarian.
Read more about Darwin
Despite everything he has been through, Darwin is a very sweet and gentle soul. He loves being around people, enjoys playing with other dogs, and is always happy to take a cozy nap. He would make a wonderful companion for someone who appreciates the simple joys of having a loving senior dog by their side.
Darwin is looking for a special home that will love him for the rest of his life. He has already experienced the uncertainty of ending up in a shelter, and we want to make sure he never has to go through that again. He deserves a family who will cherish him, care for him, and give him the safe and loving home he has always deserved.
Could you be Darwin’s happy ending?
If you are interested in adopting Darwin or offering him a foster-to-adopt home, please contact Melita’s Dream Animal Rescue.
Please share Darwin’s story. His forever family may be just one share away! ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
6. Anton
Breed: French Bulldog X DOB: 10/2025 Gender: male Altered: yes Coat: medium Size: small Color(s): brown merle Description: Needs a Foster Home This dog is in need of a foster home as well as a permanent home. If you are interested in fostering please fill out an online application. Hi, I'm Anton, a fun and energetic French Bulldog X brimming with potential and in need of a loving home. I am a special guy who loves to play fetch and takes walks like a pro on a leash. I enjoy love, affection, attention, and toys, and can be a delightful companion for those who understand my needs. My previous owners had to surrender me because they could not provide the care I require.
Read more about Anton
I have some challenges that need attention from a patient and experienced owner. I would do best in a home with no cats or other dogs, and due to my food aggression, I may nip or bite when eating. I am also scared of loud trucks, so a calm and quiet environment would be ideal for me. I am house and crate trained, which is a great start! I will need continued training and behavior correction to help me become the best version of myself. I am not suitable for homes with young children but might do well with older children who know how to respect a dog's space and boundaries. I am looking for that special someone who can give me the time, love, and training I need. If you are up for the challenge and believe you can provide a stable, loving home, please fill out an online application to come and meet me. I am ready to give all my love and affection to the right family.
- No young kids
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
7. Bolt
Breed: Terrier X DOB: 10/2025 Gender: male Altered: yes Coat: medium Size: small Color(s): tan/cream Description: Needs a Foster Home This dog is in need of a foster home as well as a permanent home. If you are interested in fostering please fill out an online application. Hi, I'm Bolt, a dashing Terrier X brimming with excitement and wagging tails! I was surrendered due to my previous family not having the time to give me the attention I deserve. With a heart full of love and a spirit of adventure, I'm ready to take on the world—one walk at a time, but I'll need a bit of leash training. My zest for life is contagious, and my friendly nature make me a fantastic companion for both humans and other small dogs.
Read more about Bolt
Whether I'm sprinting through the yard or cuddled up for a nap, my playful and social demeanor ensures I'll bring endless joy to any home. Here's hoping you'll be the one to welcome me into your life and share in my exciting escapades! Please fill out an line application to meet me.*Thank you to The Little Dog Team for sponsoring this wonderful dog at the Burnice Kraemer Sanctuary and giving him the chance for a better life.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
8. Teddy
Breed: Pomeranian X DOB: 10/2024 Gender: male Altered: yes Coat: medium Size: small Color(s): red/tan Description: Needs a Foster Home This dog is in need of a foster home as well as a permanent home. If you are interested in fostering please fill out an online application. Hi, I'm Teddy, a lively Pomeranian X who is in need of a new home. Even though I was surrendered due to lack of time for me, I still hold an endless capacity for love and affection. I'm a charming lad who is not only a fantastic lap dog, providing snuggles and warmth, but I also boast an active spirit that makes me a perfect playmate for both humans and other small dogs.
Read more about Teddy
My friendly demeanor shines brightly when I meet children, promising countless joyful moments and adventures. I'm active and playful, have excellent walking skills and will come when called. My affectionate nature means I'll be by your side through thick and thin, offering unwavering companionship. I am ready to fill your life with love, laughter, and endless wagging-tail greetings. I'm hopeful to find a forever home where I can be the cherished center of attention I truly deserve to be. Could that home be with you? Please fill out an line application to meet me.*Thank you to The Little Dog Team for sponsoring this wonderful dog at the Burnice Kraemer Sanctuary and giving him the chance for a better life.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
Adopting a small dog in Thousand Oaks
Small dogs suit apartments and smaller homes, are easy to take along, and many live well into their teens.
They still need daily walks, play and training. Small dogs can be fragile, so ask the rescue how they are with young children, who can easily drop or step on them.
Rescues with small dogs near Thousand Oaks
- LIFE Animal RescueAgoura Hills, CA · 4 small dogs above
- Canine Adoption and Rescue LeagueVentura, CA · 3 small dogs above
- Melita's Dream Animal RescueWoodland Hills, CA · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Thousand Oaks
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Thousand Oaks?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Thousand Oaks, California, have 8 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Thousand Oaks?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Thousand Oaks right now are LIFE Animal Rescue (Agoura Hills, CA), Canine Adoption and Rescue League (Ventura, CA) and Melita's Dream Animal Rescue (Woodland Hills, CA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are small dogs good for apartments?
Often, yes. Many small dogs are happy with a smaller space and short walks, but energy matters more than size: ask the rescue how active the dog is and whether they bark when left alone.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.