Our Philosophy

Be a Good Human Companion

Benefits of adopting older animals

Why mixed breeds make great companion animals

So You Want to Adopt a Puppy....

Available Dogs

Available Cats

Available Small Animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.)

Available Other Animals (birds, reptiles, farm animals, etc.)

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Adoption Fees

Happy Tails

Available Dogs - page 1 2 3

Dogs at PHS/SPCA
Dogs in Foster Care
Dogs with Special Needs

In a small percentage of adoptable dogs, PHS/SPCA requires an $85 training fee. This fee, collected at the time of adoption, enrolls your adopted dog in our training class. Our staff and volunteers make shelter visitors aware of the training fee early in the adoption process. We require training when it will greatly add to a dog's success in his or her new home. In other cases, we may conduct a property inspection or have other requirements. Our goal is not to make the process cumbersome, but to do what we know will ensure a lasting adoption. Having spent time with each dog prior to adoption, having a good knowledge of breeds, plus a success rate for lasting adoptions well above the national average, we feel good about our matchmaking process.

Last Updated: August 18, 2008*

Dogs with Special Needs

These are wonderful dogs who are expected to live full lives but have temporary or permanent behavioral or medical needs or disabilities requiring attention or special care.

none at this time

Dogs in Foster Care

These dogs are being fostered in the homes of PHS/SPCA staff or volunteers because of their special health or behavior needs. To make an appointment to see a dog in foster care, call the Adoption department or use the contact information in the dog's description.

Watch my video below! Hi I'm Violet. I'm a one year old Weimaraner/Pit Bull/Doberman girl (spayed of course). Many of you are wondering why a being as gorgeous as I am has not been adopted yet.  It’s not for lack of interest – that’s for sure - I’m cute, I’m cuddly, and I’m really, really good – in the home and yard that is. When I venture outside however, I become – well, a little more high maintenance – but aren’t we all?

In truth, I have very special needs when it comes to my forever home.  First – I need a very strong guardian(s) – I’m actually stronger than I look and when fearful or anxious, I can amaze you with my ability to transform myself.  I can walk out the door, calm and curious, easy to handle on the leash – but when I encounter something I’m not sure about, and that’s pretty much everything – especially other dogs on leashes (don’t ask me to explain it – I actually like dogs – once I get to know them) - I’m, well, I can act a little crazy.  So a guardian who is strong, reassuring, compassionate and willing to work with me is ideal.  A large fenced yard is also critical as that’s how I get most of my exercise.

Like I said, I’m a breeze at home and in the yard – I listen well, come when called, make fewer and fewer  ahem, faux paws, with the canine and feline companions who have mentored me; am mellow when you leave and happy when you come home – but when I go out I’m a little dramatic. Because of my special needs I require a home without small children (children must be in their teens) and also without cats and other dogs.

In closing, I am confident I’ll find the right home, and luckily so is PHS, and my foster home, and we’re pretty sure YOU, the dog guardian described above, are out there somewhere.  Serendipity is all we need at this point.  Until then, I’ll keep honing my skills and growing more gorgeous every day!

If you would like to meet me please contact Anika at ALiljenwall@PeninsulaHumaneSociety.org and she can arrange for my Foster Mom to bring me down for a visit with you.

Two (or More) for One Specials!

These dogs came from the same home or have been recuperating together at PHS/SPCA. Although they are sometimes available to be adopted separately, they are bonded and would prefer to go to a new home together. Thinking of opening your home to two dogs? You can't go wrong with dogs who are already buddies!

See my video! Looking for something sweet? You needn’t look any farther than me, Cookie, an altered 7 year old female Rhodesian Ridgeback/ Pit Bull mix. I am a gentle and friendly girl…and I’m here with my special friend, Rocko (A428756). We are a bonded pair, so we need to go home together. We are both adult dogs, but we still need a good amount of daily exercise and a house with a yard. In fact, my name is perhaps more descriptive than I’d like…I have enjoyed a few too many cookies in my life, and therefore would benefit from fewer treats and more exercise. If there are children in the household they should be in their teens. While I do know many of my commands, and walk well on leash, it would be good for me to continue with my training. If your home has room for 2 loving, sweet dogs, then come on by PHS and ask for Cookie (A209201) and Rocko (A428756).Looking for something sweet? You needn’t look any farther than me, Cookie, an altered 7 year old female Rhodesian Ridgeback/ Pit Bull mix. I am a gentle and friendly girl…and I’m here with my special friend, Rocko (A428756). We are a bonded pair, so we need to go home together. We are both adult dogs, but we still need a good amount of daily exercise and a house with a yard. In fact, my name is perhaps more descriptive than I’d like…I have enjoyed a few too many cookies in my life, and therefore would benefit from fewer treats and more exercise. If there are children in the household they should be in their teens. While I do know many of my commands, and walk well on leash, it would be good for me to continue with my training. If your home has room for 2 loving, sweet dogs, then come on by PHS and ask for Cookie (A209201) and Rocko (A428756).

See my video! “Yo!” It’s me, Rocko. I’m a 7 year old altered male Rottweiler mix. My name suggests I’m a big, tough guy…but nothing could be farther from the truth (although I am big). I’m actually just a sweetie! I am gentle and friendly…and I’m here with my special friend, Cookie (A209201). We are a bonded pair, so we need to go home together. We are both adult dogs, but we still need a good amount of daily exercise and a house with a yard. If there are children in the household they should be in their teens. While I do know many of my commands, and walk well on leash, it would be good for me to continue with my training. If your home has room for 2 loving, sweet dogs, then come on by PHS and ask for Rocko (A428756) and Cookie (A209201).

Watch our video below! Hello, we are Bubble and Chuckie a bonded pair of altered 4-year-old Rottweilers. If you can’t tell by our names, Bubble is the female and Chuckie is the male. We are an affectionate duo that are very attached to each other and want to go home together. Bubble is more calm and easy going while Chuckie is the more outgoing and playful one. We know how to “sit”, walk well on leash and look forward to continued training here at the shelter with our new owner. Speaking of a new owner, we’ll need someone with breed experience who is physically strong and willing to continue our socialization and obedience training. If you have room in your home and heart for the both of us please visit the shelter and ask for the fabulous duo Bubble and Chuckie (ID # A403732 & A403733).

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* These are only some of the wonderful dogs we have for adoption. We do our best to update this page regularly (with volunteers) but we can't guarantee every animal shown here is still available. It's also typical that we have dogs in the shelter who haven't yet had their photos taken, etc, so even though the site has been updated, that doesn't mean you're seeing all the dogs here that are actually available at our shelter. So please come down to our shelter! It's a loving place and we are happy to help you find the perfect dog for you.

To hear a recording of the most current listing of animals for adoption, call 650/340-7022, ext. 706.

To adopt an animal, please visit the shelter in person to meet with a customer service representative and the animal. You can download an adoption profile form for a dog or a cat, complete the form and bring it with you to the shelter. (Note that it is often not possible for our staff to complete adoptions for visitors arriving less than an hour before our posted closing times.)

Our staff is busy taking care of the animals and making matches, therefore we are unable to answer inquiries about individual animals over email.