Dog Rescues In North Carolina | 15 Rescue Groups To Adopt From

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Dog Rescues In North Carolina | 15 Rescue Groups To Adopt From

Each year, thousands of pets find their way to municipal animal shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia. These dog rescues in North Carolina are dedicated to saving these pups from destruction by helping them find new homes. Most of the rescues listed here are non-profit organizations that depend on donors, volunteers, and dog-lovers to continue their rescue efforts.

If you are a first-time pet parent, consider volunteering as a foster parent before committing to permanent adoption. Some foster families love their temporary furry guests so much that they give them a loving forever home.

Remember, by adopting a dog, you make a difference in the lives of two needy dogs, the pooch you take home and another that takes their place in the shelter. You can also show your support to these dog rescue organizations in North Carolina by donating or attending their open days and giving the dogs some much-needed TLC.

Dog Rescues In North Carolina

1.) Saving Grace Animals for Adoption

Saving Grace is a non-profit organization in Raleigh founded in 2004. The dog shelter is committed to promoting animal welfare and helping dogs in need find permanent homes. Saving Grace takes in dogs from rural shelters spread across 20 counties around the Carolinas.

Molly, the founder, visits each of the shelters and collaborates with staff to determine which dogs can be rehomed. Since starting the rescue organization, Molly has helped many pups find loving forever homes.

Saving Grace is not only a refuge for dogs from high-kill shelters, but also a home for dogs rescued from cruelty and natural disasters. All dogs at this shelter receive medical treatment for injuries, parasites, heartworm, and other diseases. They are also neutered and microchipped before rehoming.

If you are ready to embrace a dog from Saving Grace, check out the website below to see the available adoptables. Submit an adoption request to start the process and await review. Once your request is reviewed, you will be invited to the farm for a meet and greet. Adoption fees are $380 and up.

Rescue and Adoption Details

2.) Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption

At CARA, pets become family as dogs in need meet loving parents who have lots of love to give. CARA is devoted to helping each of its rescues find a permanent home and strives to pair each pooch with the perfect family.

The non-profit organization is also dedicated to teaching parents about responsible dog ownership. CARA rescue leads by example by providing shelter, love, and care to homeless, abandoned, and needy dogs. The organization also helps parents find new homes for their beloved pets if they can not give them adequate care.

CARA does not receive any government funding and relies on well-wishes and volunteers to facilitate its rescue activities. The volunteers are always looking to match newly rescued pets with their forever parents and welcome you to check out the website to see the successfully paired families.

To adopt a pup from CARA,  submit the adoption application form on the website below in detail to ensure you are matched with the right pet for your family. If you have no room for a new pet, you can support the volunteers at CARA by donating, volunteering, or sponsoring an animal.

View their available dogs for adoption here. You can also find their adoption application here. Fill out the application to get started on the process of rescuing one of these pups.

Rescue and Adoption Details

3.) Paws For Life NC

This dog rescue in North Carolina is devoted to eliminating homelessness for pets in Franklin, Vance, Northern Wake, and Southern Granville counties. Through their foster network, the team at this animal shelter is also focused on improving the lives of rescues brought to the facility by giving them plenty of love and care as they await adoption.

Founded in 2002, Paws For Life has successfully rehomed hundreds of dogs with an average of 180 dogs annually. The rescue also started a Spay and Neuter Foundation which prevents unwanted litters. Paws For Life also runs a Homeless Pets Program which educates the local community about responsible dog parenting.

To welcome a new family member from Paws For Life, submit the online application form to start the adoption process. You can also check out their listings of available adoptables to spot one that matches your lifestyle.

Adoption fees are $250 for adult canines and $275 to $375 for puppies. All rescued canines are vaccinated, microchipped, and also treated for behavioral and medical problems before they are listed for adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

4.) Independent Animal Rescue

Independent Animal Rescue is based in Durham, North Carolina. This dog rescue facility helps rehome dogs and other domestic animals in need. The dog shelter is also involved in community education to promote responsible pet ownership and teach about the benefits of neutering and adoption.

Founded in 1994, Independent Animal Rescue has helped many dogs find loving forever homes and helped countless others with medical problems. The volunteers at IAR also help dogs transition into family life through rehabilitation and training to resolve behavioral issues.

If you would like to rehome a pup from IAR, submit the adoption application on their website detailing your lifestyle to improve your chances of getting the perfect match. Parents wishing to adopt must live within 60 miles of Durham. Adoption fees are $250 with reduced charges for dogs adopted in pairs.

All dogs get vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and treated for parasites before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

5.) Second Chance Pet Adoptions

This dog rescue helps pet parents give a homeless pooch a second chance with a loving family. Second Chance Pet Adoptions is one of the largest rescues in North Carolina with a no-kill policy that allows rescued dogs to live without fear of destruction.

The facility has served the dogs and dog-lovers of North Carolina for over 35 years and is actively involved in rehoming pups in the Triangle Area. Second Chance is also a non-profit charitable organization that relies solely on well-wishers to continue its rescue activities.

As a champion for healthy or treatable dogs and other domestic animals, Second Chance also works with the local community teaching about responsible dog parenting to reduce future unwanted litters.

If you are ready to adopt a canine companion from Second Chance, check out the website below to see the available adoptables and fill out an adoption application. The volunteers at Second Chance will organize a meeting when your application has been reviewed.

Adoption fees are $325 for dogs and $350 for puppies. This fee includes neutering, vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchipping, and heartworm testing and treatment where necessary.

Rescue and Adoption Details

6.) Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

This dog rescue is devoted to helping companion animals through adoption and pet retention programs. The organization also offers low-cost neutering and shelter transfer partnerships which have saved the lives of countless dogs and other pets.

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue was founded in 2007. The dog rescue organization works across county lines to save the lives of pets who would otherwise be destroyed. The facility in Asheville is community-based and relies on donors to facilitate its rescue activities.

If you would like to welcome home a new fur baby from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, complete and submit the dog adoption application form on their website before visiting the shelter. The organization also welcomes walk-in adoptions during open hours.

During your visit, an adoption counselor will assist you to ensure that you find the perfect match for your family. Adoptions fees range from $100 for adult canines to $300 for pups. All dogs get vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and also treated for any medical problems before adoption.

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue does not adopt dogs who have a bite history towards children, adults, or other dogs.

Are you looking to surrender your dog near Asheville NC? They can help you rehome your dog. Be sure to fill out their intake form.

Rescue and Adoption Details

7.) Piedmont Animal Rescue

Piedmont Animal Rescue in Mooresville is committed to helping dogs find loving forever homes. The dog shelter is involved in community education and runs the Rescue Roundup in collaboration with other shelters to bring hundreds of dogs together for an adoption event.

This charity organization helps rehome dogs and other domestic animals through a network of committed sponsors. If you would like to support their rescue efforts, you can volunteer at the facility or donate.

Piedmont Animal Rescue has successfully rescued over 6,700 dogs and other domestic animals and has rehomed up to 5,600 animals. The organization also takes in lost dogs and gives them medical aid, behavioral treatment, love, and care before they can be rehomed.

Adopt a dog from this facility by checking out their website to see their available adoptable dogs. You can also complete and submit the online adoption application form to get the adoption process started. All dogs get vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and treated for medical and behavioral problems before they can be rehomed.

Rescue and Adoption Details

8.) Paws Place Dog Rescue

Paws Place Dog Rescue is a no-kill shelter that is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of abandoned, homeless, and needy dogs. The non-profit facility founded in 1999 relies on volunteers and foster parents to support its rescue activities.

If you would like to help the dogs at Paws Place, you can volunteer as a foster parent or donate. The organization also helps pet parents rehome their beloved pets if they can not give them adequate care.

The adoption process at Paws Place starts with submitting the self-assessment form to determine if you are a good match for any of their available dogs. If approved, the volunteers will then arrange a meeting before you can fill out an adoption application form.

Prospective pet parents must provide veterinary references and agree to a home check before the adoption is complete. Adoption fees are $250 and include vaccination, microchipping, neutering, and medical care. The adoption fee is non-refundable.

Rescue and Adoption Details

9.) Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network

Recognized as one of the largest animal rescues in Stokesdale and North Carolina as a whole, Red Dog Farm is a rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption champion for homeless and needy dogs. The facility rescues dogs from North Carolina and also Virginia.

Since its inception, Red Dog Farm has successfully rehomed over 400 dogs and other domestic animals. The dog shelter is run by over 200 volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring that all dogs under their care are ready to transition to family life.

If you are ready to welcome an additional furry family member to your home, visit their website to view the dogs listed for adoption. Once you find one that suits your family lifestyle, apply for adoption and wait for an invitation to meet them through their foster parents.

Adoption fees are $250 and include vaccination, heartworm testing and treatment, neutering, microchipping, and vaccination. If your home cannot accommodate an additional family member, you can support Red Dog Farm by donating.

Rescue and Adoption Details

10.) Adoption First Animal Rescue

Started by Staci Ventura and Eric Crespo, this non-profit animal rescue in Jacksonville collaborates with volunteers, donors, community businesses, and county shelters in North Carolina to prevent euthanasia.

Adoption First Animal Rescue cares for its rescues through a foster network where dogs and other domestic animals can stay temporarily as they wait to choose their forever families. In addition to its rescue efforts, the organization also helps rehome surrendered dogs on a case-by-case basis.

This facility also offers rehabilitation services through the help of Katie Goodwin, the Dog Wizard. Katie runs the rescue center dog training program and helps dogs gain social and obedience skills before they can be rehomed.

If you would like to adopt from AFRAR, submit the adoption application and pay a non-refundable fee of $5. Once your application is approved, the volunteers at Adoption First will arrange a meeting with the pet of your choice.

All adoptions require a home check to ensure the safety of the dog. Adoption fees are $100 for senior canines, $175 for adult doggos, and $300 for puppies. All dogs get vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and also treated for heartworm and other medical problems before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

11.) Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue

Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue takes in dogs from county shelters, municipal shelters, and small rural shelters across North Carolina. The dog rescue in Fletcher helps its rescues get a chance at a better life by giving them medical care, behavioral training, and plenty of love and care as they wait to meet their forever families.

CAAR ensures all rescued pups are vaccinated, dewormed, neutered, and microchipped before they are listed for adoption. The shelter is open six days a week for prospective parents who would like to adopt.

Check out their website to view their available adoptable dogs and fill out an adoption application. If you have any existing pets, the facility welcomes them to meet their potential sibling to determine whether the new addition will be a good fit.

CAAR will also arrange a home visit before the adoption process is completed. Adoption fees are $200 for adult dogs and $250 for puppies. This fee includes neutering, microchip identification, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and vaccination.

Rescue and Adoption Details

12.) Rainbow Animal Rescue

This charity saves the lives of dogs and other domestic animals in Roanoke Rapids and neighboring areas. The small rescue is open 365 days a year and relies on volunteers and well-wishers to keep its doors open.

The rescue takes in up to 54 dogs at a time with more going to temporary foster homes until they can be adopted. Rainbow Animal Rescue also helps dog parents rehome their beloved pups if they cannot provide care.

To adopt a new furry, complete and submit the online adoption application. Visitors are also welcome to visit the shelter during their open hours to start the adoption process. Adoption fees are $175 for dogs and $200 for puppies.

All rescues at Rainbow Animal Rescue must be kept inside the house. If for any reason, you and the dog are not a match, you must return them to the Rainbow Animal Rescue facility. If you feel guilty about having to return your rescue dog, be sure to speak to them about your feelings and see if there is anything they can do to help your situation. Their goal is to always place a dog with their forever home and know that in some cases things just don’t work out.

All dogs get vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and also treated for parasites before adoption.

You can view their available dogs for adoption here.

Rescue and Adoption Details

13.) Mitchell County Animal Rescue

This animal shelter in Spruce Pine helps needy, abandoned, and homeless dogs by placing them with loving forever families. The shelter also educates the community about responsible dog parenting and the importance of treating animals with care.

Mitchell County Animal Rescue also provides low-cost spaying and neutering services to local pet parents, vaccination clinics, and animal cruelty investigations. MCAR also helps pet parents rehome their beloved pups if they are unable to provide care.

Mitchell County Animal Rescue promotes neutering to reduce the growing population of unwanted dogs and other domestic animals. All dogs adopted out of this rescue will be spayed or neutered with no exceptions. Since its inception, this animal rescue has changed countless human and canine lives.

You can be a part of the success stories by adopting a canine companion from this facility. Fill out the adoption application through their online form or stop by the shelter to fill it out in person. Adoption fees are $100 for adult doggos and $250 for puppies.

View their available dogs for adoption here.

Rescue and Adoption Details

14.) SPCA of Wake County

The SPCA of Wake County helps parents and pets in crisis by offering protection, education, care, and facilitating adoption. The shelter in Raleigh provides vital community programs that teach pet parents about responsible dog parenting.

This shelter also provides access to affordable pet vaccines, preventive care, neutering programs, pet behavior assistance, pet food for needy families, and disaster relief. The SPCA of Wake County has continued to provide comprehensive support to the Raleigh community for over 52 years.

If you are thinking about a furry new addition to your family, submit an adoption survey and set up an appointment to meet an adoption counselor. The volunteers will arrange a meeting to meet your new fur baby before you can take them home.

View their available dogs for adoption here.

Adoption fees are $95 for adult dogs and $300 for puppies. All rescued canines are vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for medical and behavioral problems before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

15.) Animal Adoption And Rescue Foundation

The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation in Winston-Salem is a respected organization known for prioritizing animal welfare. The facility offers numerous opportunities for families in North Carolina to help dogs and other domestic animals in need including an annual Adoption Fair.

Since 1995, this animal rescue organization has grown its efforts and saves up to 1,000 dogs and cats annually. AARF also takes in dogs that may be considered difficult and provides them with medical treatment and behavioral rehabilitation to prepare them for adoption.

If you would like to add a four-legged furry to your family, complete and submit the adoption application form to start the process. Prospective parents must live within 45 minutes of the Winston-Salem shelter. You will also be required to provide vet references and facilitate a home check before adoption can be completed.

All dogs get vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped before adoption. You can find their available dogs for adoption here, as well as their list of fees for adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

Why You Should Choose One Of These Dog Rescues In North Carolina To Adopt Your Next Pup From

Find A Dog Rescue In North Carolina To Adopt From

There are numerous dog rescue facilities in North Carolina. We have listed some of our favorite and some of the top-rated facilities to help you in your search for the perfect canine companion. The facilities listed here have years of experience in matching families to the right pooch for their lifestyle.

Some of the rescues listed operate physical shelters that you can visit while others operate a foster-based system. However, all the facilities offer their rescues rigorous behavioral training to make the adoption transition smoother.

Keep in mind that some of the rescues at these facilities have not lived in a family setting before and may take some time to settle. With plenty of patience and TLC, your new pooch will be the perfect furry addition to your family.

Do you know of another dog rescue in North Carolina that should be on this list? Please let us know in the comments below so we can look them up!

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