Adoptable Pets

Please visit the following sites to view our adoptable pets. offers local and regional listings of current animal shelter residents
including lost and adoptable pets.

Pet link offers nationwide pet adoption listings and other pet resources.

Pet link


Friends of Calaveras Animal Services

Friends of Animal Control logo and link


Local homeless pets will be listed in the Petfinder database above. Calaveras Shelter
listings are updated daily be Animal Services staff.

7 Reasons To Adopt A Senior Dog ~ From Cesar’s Way

According to most veterinarians, a dog falls into the “senior” category around age seven. The size of a dog, however, affects this categorization. Smaller dogs mature slower and become seniors later in life than larger dogs. Animal shelters are filled with healthy and active senior dogs that are in need of a home. When you’re thinking about adopting a dog from your local shelter, don’t look past the older dogs. They make great pets for a number of reasons.

1   Older dogs make instant companions.


2   Older dogs are calmer and less energetic than younger dogs.


3   You can teach an old dog new tricks.


4   Older dogs usually come trained and understand at least basic commands.


5   Older dogs are not necessarily “problem dogs” as many tend to think.


6   Adopting an older dog may save its life.


7   Senior dogs at shelters need homes just as badly as younger dogs.


10 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat ~ Adapted from MEOW Cat Rescue

1   What you see is what you get.

Adult cats already know who they are. Kittens are undeniably cute, but you never know what the future holds, how large they may get, what their personality will ultimately be, etc. An adorable little kitten will be an adult in the blink of an eye.

2   Adult cats aren't as "chewsy."

Kittens have a tendency to chew things, lots of things. Whether teething or just exploring bits of the world around them, kittens chew on shoes, the corners of books, ear lobes and fingers, carpet tassels, electrical cords, drapery strings, plants, and much, much more. Most adult cats don't chew inappropriately at all.

3   If you have an older cat in your home and are looking for a friend for him or her, another adult cat may be the best choice.

Kittens can be too playful and may upset your cat instead of providing companionship. A kitten may cause your resident cat to be more annoyed than amused.

4   After a long day at work, you may just want to come home and curl up with your furry friend.

Most kittens prefer an action-packed evening--lots of touseling, frolicking, and plenty of running and jumping. An adult cat will greet you at the door and be more than happy to curl up and watch your favorite shows on TV. They've already learned about the unconditional love thing.

5   Adult cats may sleep at the foot of your bed, under the bed or in a cozy spot somewhere else in the house.

While a kitten will most likely run around all night, doing anything possible to wake you up for more games. Adult cats are generally happy to sleep when you do and don't try to attack your toes through the blankets in the middle of the night.

6   Adult cats are calmer.

Unlike kittens, they won't be climbing up your leg or your curtains, they won't be swinging from your chandeliers, knocking down knick-knacks or just running full speed ahead for no good reason.

7   Adult cats are usually a better choice for families with small children.

Kittens often play rough and are constantly underfoot. They're sharp--they can't help it, but kittens are all teeth and claws. Generally speaking, adult cats are more mellow, and often more patient with young children. The experience should be a good one for both the cat and the child. Ask to meet the shelter's best "kid cats."

8   Adult cats require less attention and supervision.

They're quiet companions. They have well-developed manners, use the litter box and the scratching post without constant reminders.

9   Many adult cats end up in shelters due to no fault of their own.

Separated from their loved ones, surrounded by other cats, confined, confused, and sometimes frightened, many are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Sadly, most people gravitate toward the cute, bouncy, big-eyed kittens. Older cats sit by and watch, as one loving family after another passes them over for a cute kitten. Adopting an adult cat is a way to say to a deserving animal "I believe in you."


When properly cared for, cats often live well into their late teens or longer. Typically, they will remain active and even playful throughout most of their lives. Once a cat adjusts to a new home where they can feel safe and secure again, they'll offer years of faithful companionship and unconditional love.