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Where Can You Find Puppies for Sale in San Diego Under $500? (2023)

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Pet lovers are now looking for better alternatives to getting cheap puppies. We have compiled a list of places to get puppies for sale in San Diego for under $500.

Price has always been one of the most important factors when looking for a new pet, as not everyone has the generous budget to spend thousands of dollars acquiring a puppy from a breeder in San Diego.

Make sure that you choose a breed compatible with your lifestyle and family. If you live in a small apartment, go for a small or medium-breed dog. Before buying a puppy, we recommend spending time with the dog to understand compatibility.

Here are the best places to get puppies for sale for under $500 in San Diego:

Before you scroll further down this guide, check out these other dog-related articles: Best Dog Rescue in San Diego (2023) – Top 7 Picks! and 6 Best Dog Groomers in San Diego! (2023).

1. Animal Rescue Organizations

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We highly recommend adopting a puppy from a rescue organization if you want to reduce the cost of acquiring a puppy while saving a life. Puppies from a rescue in San Diego will be significantly cheaper than $500.

Typically, we see adoption fees that are around $150, so you’ll have some extra money to pay for any additional vaccinations, dog toys, and food.

The best dog rescue organizations in San Diego pay close attention to the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies, ensuring they are perfectly healthy and happy before adopting them.

Here are some top rescue organizations in San Diego to get puppies for under $500.

The Rescued Dog

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The Rescued Dog is geared toward saving dogs and puppies from the streets and high-kill shelters and placing them in loving, responsible homes. The rescue team provides and cares for the animals as needed, even in extreme cases.

They receive proper vet care and are dewormed, microchipped, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered before going home.

It is a foster-based rescue organization, meaning all their puppies and dogs are cared for by foster families until they find their forever homes.

While in foster care, the pets undergo various training exercises, including behavioral training, to help prepare them for their new families. They also expose the puppies to everyday family life, ensuring your new puppy transitions smoothly into your home upon arrival.

The Rescued Dog Details:

Labs and More Rescue

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Established in 2011, Labs and More Rescue is a renowned rescue in San Diego dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and puppies of all breeds and sizes.

Since its establishment, this rescue organization has saved and rehomed more than 10,000 dogs. One thing we love about this rescue is that they work with potential adopters to find puppies suitable for their lifestyles.

Prior to being listed for adoption, the pets are thoroughly vet-checked, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and spayed or neutered.

Your new pet will come home well-socialized, healthy, and sound. The team also provides lifetime support for all adopters, meaning you can always call or email them if you need help raising your friend.

Labs and More Rescue Details:

Second Chance Dog Rescue

Rescue-Me

Simpson, Maria Blake, and Jason Cordoba founded Second Chance Dog Rescue in 2008 after recognizing the urgent need to rescue puppies and dogs in their community. They pay close attention to the homes their puppies are temporarily housed while awaiting adoption.

As a progressive rescue and adoption organization, Second Chance Dog Rescue adheres to strict no-kill standards. Their dogs remain with them until they find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes.

They also play a role in ending pet overpopulation, inhumane treatment, and abuse of animals. All their pets are spayed or neutered to help control the population.

Second Chance Dog Rescue Details:

It’s The Pits

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It’s The Pits is one of the best places to get American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers in San Diego. The rescue organization offers well-socialized, healthy, and happy Bully puppies at affordable rates.

All puppies and dogs are vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and spayed or neutered prior to adoption. It’s The Pits strives to create a bright future for stray, abused, and neglected animals.

Besides rescuing and rehoming pets, this rescue team also educates the public about responsible pet ownership. They promote pet adoption and encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their pets to help prevent pet overpopulation.

It’s The Pits Details:

2. Marketplaces

Marketplaces

Whether you are looking for a puppy to adopt or buy, online marketplaces provide great opportunities.

Some platforms offer general items, while others are specifically designed for pets. We have rounded up some reputable nationwide marketplaces for buying pets to help you find the perfect puppy for under $500.

Adopt a Pet

Local-Breeders

Adopt a pet is a non-profit establishment that lists animals from over 17,000 rescues and shelters across the United States. The platform has a simple user interface, making it easy for non-tech-savvies.

It allows users to search for puppies based on location, price, breed, sex, and other criteria. You’ll also be able to sort for puppies in San Diego which will save you money on transportation fees.

We love their excellent customer service and willingness to help people find new pets. If you are unsure which breed to choose, they will work with you to determine the breed best suited for your lifestyle. They also have a Rehome Program for people who want to rehome their pets.

Adopt-a-Pet Details:

Petfinder

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Petfinder is the go-to platform for people looking for rare and affordable puppies for sale. The platform specializes in all types of pets, from purebred and mixed-breed dogs to cats, bunnies, pigs, and horses.

Like other pet marketplaces, you can filter your result by traits, age, price, and location. You’ll likely be able to find puppies for under $500 in San Diego.

In addition, Petfinder only lists puppies from reliable sources. They ensure their puppies are healthy, vaccinated, and dewormed. Petfinder provides health guarantees for their puppies to assure buyers they are healthy and genetically sound.

Petfinder Details:

Rescue Me

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Rescue Me is a pet rehab center that offers adoption services via its website. The platform lists puppies for sale or adoption from all states in the United States. You can search for affordable puppies in San Diego and explore the dozens of results.

Most of their puppies are from individuals or rescue organizations. Search for a seller near you and contact them to learn more about the puppy. Ensure you meet and examine the puppy before making any financial commitment. Rescue Me has listings for small, large, and medium dogs and puppies.

Rescue Me Details:

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook-Marketplace

As one of the largest social media platforms, Facebook has a global marketplace for buying and selling almost anything. People use the platform to buy, sell, and rehome puppies, dogs, and other animals. It is a large marketplace with pet listings across the US.

Search for your desired puppy breed or use the pet category to find one. Streamline your result by county, price, gender, or size.

Facebook Marketplace is easy to use — you only need your account to access it. Be careful when dealing with sellers on this platform, though. Make sure to see the puppy and its health record before finalizing the deal.

Facebook Marketplace Details:

3. Local Breeders

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People hardly consider breeders when looking for affordable puppies for cheap puppies. Breeders relocating or stopping their breeding business often give out their puppies for free or at affordable rates.

Some breeders sell their puppies cheaply when buyers are no longer interested in them. You can make a list of local breeders in San Diego and contact or visit them to ask if they have puppies for sale within your budget.

4. Social Media

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You might be surprised at the number of people looking to rehome or sell their puppies and dogs on social media. You can search for pet groups on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram and ask the members if they have puppies for sale within your budget.

Creating a social media post with information about your desired breed is another quick way to find affordable puppies on social media. Use hashtags to expand the reach of your post and ask your friends to share it.

5. Craigslist

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Craigslist features puppy listings from many vendors and pet owners across the country. Search for your desired breed and narrow the result by price and location. Try to choose a seller in San Diego or neighboring cities to avoid extra transportation costs.

Meet the seller and evaluate the puppy before making any payment. Ensure the pet is up-to-date on vaccines, dewormed, and microchipped.

Craigslist Details:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are the adoption fees at the San Diego Humane Society?

The San Diego Humane Society has various adoption fees including $200 for a puppy, $100 for a dog, and $30 for dogs seven years and up. These rates are substantially cheaper than breeder prices.

What does “rescue only” mean?

When looking at dogs marked as “rescue only,” they need additional work — typically physical or mental rehabilitation — before they are ready for a new forever home.

Is it better to get a puppy or a one-year-old dog?

There are pros and cons to getting a young puppy vs. a one-year-old dog. While cute, young puppies require a lot of time, energy, and money to put them on the right track with training and socialization. Slightly older dogs are typically more established, so potty training isn’t a concern. Older dogs are not fully set in their ways, and they can still bond with new owners.

Conclusion for “Where Can You Find Puppies for Sale in San Diego Under $500”

Adopt-a-Pet

Puppies are a lot of responsibility, and buying one from a reputable breeder costs a lot. Reducing acquisition costs will allow you to save money to channel it into other aspects of caring for the pet. You can explore the options listed here to find affordable puppies of various breeds and sizes in San Diego.

Do not forget to assess the puppy and ensure it is healthy before bringing it home. Ask for the puppy’s health record and check if it is up-to-date on vaccines. We hope you a great time with your new puppy!

If you find this guide, “Where Can You Find Puppies for Sale in San Diego Under $500,” helpful, check out:

Before you bring home a puppy, learn more by watching “10 Critical Signs Your Dog Is Begging For Help” down below:

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This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice.