The Big Bear Animal Shelter is operated by San Bernardino County Animal Care and serves the Big Bear Lake community and surrounding unincorporated mountain areas. If you’re spending time in the mountains and thinking about adding a dog to your family, this is worth a visit.

The shelter takes in dogs, cats, and other animals in need, providing a safe place for strays and owner-surrendered pets while working to find them permanent homes through adoption. The staff here really understand the mountain community—they know the dogs that come through and can match you with one that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re an active hiker or prefer quieter evenings at home.

What makes adopting here easier is that San Bernardino County has allocated funding to cover adoption fees through June 2027. This means you’re not paying to adopt, which is a big deal. Every adoption includes spaying or neutering, a microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations, so the dog arrives ready to go. If you’re a veteran or senior over 65, adoption fees are also waived for qualifying pets.

The shelter location in Big Bear City puts you in the heart of mountain dog country, close to some great hiking areas and that elevation that some dogs really thrive in. Before you head out, it’s worth browsing adoptable pets online through the San Bernardino County Animal Care website so you can see who’s available. The shelter staff can tell you which dogs do well on trails, which ones prefer calmer routines, and which are good with other animals—practical details that matter when you’re adopting in a place where your dog will be part of your outdoor lifestyle. Given how much the cost is removed as a barrier right now, it’s a genuine opportunity to give a shelter dog a real second chance in a community where they’ll have space to run.