California Code, Food and Agricultural Code (Formerly Agricultural Code) - FAC § 31754

(a) Except as provided in Section 17006, an animal relinquished by the purported owner that is of a species impounded by public or private shelters shall be held for the same holding periods, with the same requirements of care, applicable to stray dogs and cats in Sections 31108 and 31752, and shall be available for owner redemption or adoption for the entire holding period.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), kittens or puppies relinquished by the purported owner, or brought in by any other person with authority to relinquish them, to public or private shelters, may be available immediately for adoption, or made immediately available for release to a nonprofit, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,  1 animal rescue, or adoption organization if requested by the organization.