Chihuahua mix – White Male 10 weeks 4 pounds At Rancho Coastal, puppies become available for adoption starting at 8 weeks of age. Many of these puppies have spent time in loving foster homes, with some even being bottle-fed during their earliest days. As they grow into adulthood, puppies require ongoing training, socialization, and enrichment to thrive. Adopting a puppy is a significant commitment, and we encourage potential adopters to carefully consider their schedules, time spent away from home, and the ages and needs of all family members before making this life-changing decision. Most puppies arrive at the shelter as strays, so their histories are often unknown. Enrolling in a puppy class is highly recommended for all puppies in our adoption program to build a strong foundation for good behavior and bonding. To support this, adopters who complete a minimum 4-week introductory training course with a science-based dog trainer are eligible for a $50 rebate on the adoption fee.