Wags & Walks Los Angeles
Since our inception in 2011, we’ve rescued 10,330+ dogs in need in the LA area and matched them with a loving forever home. We look forward to helping you find your new best friend!
Our Adoption Process
Browse Adoptable Dogs
View our available dogs and fill out our online adoption application for the pup(s) you are most interested in potentially adopting. Our kennels are not open to the public, so our website and social media are the best way to view our adoptable dogs.
Meet Our Matchmakers
After we review your application, you will receive an email from our adoptions team. If it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule an interview and meet-and-greet with the adoptable pup.
Complete The Adoption
If it’s a match at the meet and greet our adoption team will go over medical records and paperwork and will help you finalize details for your new forever friend!
What to know before you apply
All applicants must be at least 21 years of age to adopt. Please have a valid government-issued ID ready and available.
ADOPTION FEES:
SENIOR (over 8 years) = $450
ADULT (7 months - 8 years) = $500
PUPPY (6 months and under) = $650 ($600 + $50 refundable training deposit.)
Note: We require a $50 refundable training deposit for puppies six months old and under. When proof is provided that the puppy attended at least one training session/class by 6 months old (or within 1 month after adoption), the deposit can be refunded to the adopter.
We have both dogs in foster homes and onsite at our adoption center. Please note that the dog you are interested in may not be at our Adoption Center when you arrive. We do not hold dogs for any reason. We cannot guarantee that the dog you are interested in on the website will still be available when you arrive or apply.
Our Adoption Center is open to the public Monday and Wednesday from 3 PM - 7 PM, Thursday and Friday from 11 AM - 7 PM, and on weekends from 10 AM - 6 PM, except on select holidays. We are closed every Tuesday.
Our kennel spaces are not open to the public and we require a completed adoption application before you can meet any of our adoptable dogs.
If you rent your home/apartment/condo, please be prepared to show proof of your pet policy.
All residents, including dogs, must meet to ensure a good match before finalizing adoption for an adult dog.
Current dogs in the home must be altered, with the exception of a medical condition prohibiting surgery.
Fall In Love With A Rescue Dog
Adoption FAQs
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Your $450-$600 adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccines current to the age of the dog/puppy. If you adopt a puppy under six months old, an additional $50 training deposit will be required and refunded once your puppy has completed training before the six-month mark. This is to ensure all of our puppies are set up for success in their new homes.
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Unfortunately, we cannot hold dogs. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis and plan meet-and-greets accordingly with approved applicants. If you are interested in a dog, fill out the application right away. If we are having an adoption event, we recommend arriving early.
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We do not offer discounted adoption rates. We are a nonprofit organization, and our adoption fees go directly toward medical bills, training, food, and other costs to care for dogs in need. Each rescued dog costs an average of $500.
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We receive a high volume of emails daily and do our best to respond to them as quickly as we can. We will be in touch as soon as possible. Typically within 1-3 business days.
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Unfortunately, many dogs that we save entered the shelter as strays or were surrendered by their owners with little or no information. We do our best to include any information about their history in their profile if it is known. Otherwise, we will always report information about their personalities, health, and training based on how they've done in our program.
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Within three days of adoption, we will email our welcome letter, paperwork, verification of contact information, etc. If for some reason you need the paperwork sooner, please email debbie@wagsandwalks.org and we will do our best to accommodate.
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There are different rules and requirements based on where you live. We do not and cannot keep up with all the rules and changes for all locations we adopt to. The best way to confirm is to contact your local animal services department.
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We microchip all of our dogs. We will fill out the change of ownership form for you once we verify your information. The microchip company will send out a letter to your address but sometimes this letter can take a month or two to be sent. Don’t worry. All dogs are registered with us, so if something happens before the change is made, the company will call us, and we can contact you. Most of the time, the microchips will be through the company AVID, but sometimes other companies may be used.
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Unfortunately, we do not know right away. Dogs are not let out much at the shelter, and we cannot always find out until after the dog is in a foster home or in an adopter's home. There may also be some accidents when a dog goes to a new home. It may take a few days for your dog to get accustomed to your home and routine.
Bringing Happiness Home.
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Sagitarrius
"Whoopi (Sagittarius) is doing wonderful! She is the sweetest ball of energy and we are so in love with her. Recently she was an intricate part on Chris's proposal to me and the cutest little bat on Halloween that ever existed. She's healthy, happy and full of love. Thank you for taking such good care of her in her first few months."
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Marge
"June (formerly Marge) is doing great!! She's gaining more confidence each day. We started larpo training and we all really enjoyed it. She's going to be an awesome ambassador for her breed. We hope to have her become a therapy dog and she can bring comfort to the elderly at nursing homes or visit children at the hospital. She's very intelligent and also quite stubborn, but we are all working through it. She brings us so much happiness and our hearts are very full."
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Denver
"We're completely in love with George (Denver) and he's made himself right at home in our little family! He's turning 9 months old soon and he's such a cuddle bug. He loves to play fetch and tug of war with his toys and has mastered some awesome tricks. He's super smart! We're moving to a house next week and can't wait for him to have a backyard to play in!
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Tosh
"Tosh is doing amazing! And is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I can't even remember what life was like before him. He is the sweetest, most fun loving puppy you could ever meet. And anyone who comes in contact with him falls in love immediately."
Meet Guava!
Breed: Mixed Breed
Age: 1 year old
Gender: Female
Weight: 29 lbs
This 1-year-old, 29-lb gal is silly, social, and sweet to her core. Guava was rescued from an overcrowded shelter, and from the moment we met her, her happy, goofy energy had us completely smitten. She is now in our care and ready to find the family who will help her reach her full potential. Guava is a social butterfly who loves people, attention, and more than anything, snuggles. This sweet girl is a silly ball of youthful energy who will steal your heart and keep you laughing. She gets along well with other dogs and would love a well-matched playmate. She is still maturing out of puppyhood and working on her household basics and is already making great progress. This smart girl picks things up quickly with the right guidance (and a delicious treat or two). She will thrive with a patient adopter ready to provide structure and consistency as she continues to grow up. If you're looking for a fun-loving girl with a heart of gold and a goofy streak to match, Guava is ready to be your ride or die.
Apply to Adopt