Adopt

Puppies and dogs in North Carolina

Looking for a puppy or dog in North Carolina? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in North Carolina

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in North Carolina. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
We'll also keep you updated on Sheba's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
new badge
Photo of Sheba

Sheba

Labrador Retriever/American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, Adult
Summerfield, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained,
Story
It hurts my heart to do this but I’m needing to rehome this sweet girl. Her name is Sheba she is a 3 year old lab/ pit mix. She is a sweet girl just unfortunately does not know her own size. She’s a great with cats (mostly cause she try’s to avoid them) only asking a small rehoming fee to make sure she goes to a great family. Loves walks and playing keep away with her soccer ball.
We'll also keep you updated on Gouda's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of Gouda

Gouda

Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier/Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Male, 2 yrs
Charlotte, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
🧀🐕✨ Meet Gouda ✨🐕🧀 This tiny 6 POUNDS bundle of sweetness is 2 years old and absolutely precious 🥹🐾 With his black and tan Yorkie coloring and those big expressive ears, he will melt your heart in seconds 💛 Gouda is a Yorkie Terrier mix and the definition of a gentle, loving companion 💕 ✨ Super sweet ✨ Quiet and well-mannered 🤍 ✨ Great with other small dogs 🐶 ✨ A total snuggle bug 🛋️💞 ✨ A Velcro dog who will want to be wherever YOU are 👣 He is not high drama, not wild — just a soft little soul looking for his person 🫶 Gouda would thrive in a nice, calm home environment 🏡✨ — one where he can relax, feel secure, and be someone’s little shadow. He would do beautifully with someone who enjoys quiet evenings, cuddles on the couch, and a peaceful routine 💖 At only 6 POUNDS, he is small in size but BIG in heart 💛🐾 He must be kept as an inside companion where he belongs 🏠✨ ✅ Serious inquiries only ✅ Application required ✅ Meet and greet required ✅ We do not rush placements — we match for forever ✅ Must be committed to providing a safe, loving, stable home If you’re looking for a tiny shadow, a lap warmer, and a best friend who will gaze at you like you’re his whole world… Gouda might just be your guy 🧀🐕💕 📍 Charlotte, North Carolina #TranquilitySanctuary 🐾 #AdoptDontShop 🧡 #YorkieMixLove 🐶 #VelcroDog 💕 #CalmHome 🏡 #TinyButMighty ✨
We'll also keep you updated on Rainbow's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of Rainbow

Rainbow

Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier/Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Female, 3 mos
Charlotte, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
🌈✨🥰 Meet Rainbow 🥰✨🌈 Three months old and approximately 6 pounds of PURE puppy sweetness 💕🐶💕 Rainbow is up-to-date on her shots and thriving as the happy, loving baby she is 💉✔️ Let’s remember — she is still a puppy 🐾✨ She is currently potty training 🚽🐶 so her new family MUST be patient, consistent, and committed to continuing her training. Puppies need time, structure, and lots of love 💕🦴📚 — and she deserves it all. Now let’s talk about this little cuddle bug 🥹💗 Rainbow LOVES: 🐾 Sitting on your lap 📺 Watching TV with you 💋 Giving sweet little kisses 🤍 Snuggling up close 🚗 Riding in the car like your tiny co-pilot 🗣 Being talked to (she listens with those precious little ears 🥰) She bonds quickly and truly enjoys being near her person. She would thrive in a home where someone is home often and wants a loving, cuddly shadow 💕🐾 She is an inside baby only 🏡🤍 No long hours alone — she’s still growing and learning ✨🐶 📍 Located in Charlotte, North Carolina 📍 🐾 Meet and greet required 💕 Serious, committed inquiries only Rainbow isn’t just a name — she’s a promise after the storm 🌈✨🙏 If you’re ready for puppy giggles, warm snuggles, and a lifetime of kisses 🥰💋 this little 6-pound princess just might be your girl 💕👑🐶 #TranquilitySanctuary 🐾 #RainbowBaby 🌈 #CharlotteNC 📍 #AdoptDontShop 🐶 #PuppyLove 💕
We'll also keep you updated on Penny's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of Penny

Penny

Labrador Retriever/Husky

Female, Adult
Halifax, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats,
Story
Penny is a super sweet dog that loves to play. High energy and loves to run run run. She has the husky eyes, but the golden lab color. She has been raised mostly outdoors, so will need to be housebroken and trained if planning to have inside. She is crate trained, but has very little training beyond that. Not fixed. Loves dogs, good with kids, but wants to play with cats. Only rehoming because we work too much to give her the love and attention she deserves.
We'll also keep you updated on PUPPY MARIELLE's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of PUPPY MARIELLE

PUPPY MARIELLE

Australian Shepherd

Female, Puppy
Charlotte, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
  Meet Marielle — the quiet spark with the soulful eyes and the heart just waiting to shine. Born on December 4th, this stunning Aussie mix girl is the perfect blend of softness and spirit. At first glance, you’ll notice her gentle, observant nature. She’s the kind of puppy who studies you carefully, tilts her head just slightly, and takes a moment to decide if you’re “her person.” But once she does? Game over. You belong to her forever.  Marielle isn’t the life-of-the-party puppy crashing through the room — she’s the one who forms deep, meaningful bonds. She thrives in a home where love is steady and predictable. A loud, chaotic household with lots of tiny, fast-moving humans may feel overwhelming to her sensitive soul. But a family with a couple of older, kind-hearted kids who understand patience? That would be her sweet spot. In her foster home, Marielle enjoys the company of other dogs and clearly gains confidence from them. A friendly canine sibling could be the perfect role model and built-in best friend. She hasn’t met cats yet, but her calm, thoughtful personality suggests she would likely adapt just fine with slow introductions and guidance. When fully grown, Marielle should be around 40 pounds — a wonderful medium size that’s big enough for outdoor adventures and small enough to curl up in your lap when she thinks you’re not looking. And trust us, she will try to curl up in your lap. This precious girl doesn’t need the whole world. She just needs her world — a patient heart, a cozy spot to land, and someone willing to see the beauty in a shy beginning. Give her that, and you’ll watch her blossom into the most loyal, loving companion you could ever imagine.   Please email Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com if you are interested.  She is currently fostered in Nashville, TN and we adopt locally and also transport to the northeastern region/states.        PLEASE NOTE:  Our dogs are transported from Tennessee to meeting places in the states where we have posted.  Further information about us is given on our Adopt-A-Pet site.  The adoption fees vary and will be provided as well as noted on the application you receive.  Contact us at 615-661-5333 or ccrnewengland@gmail.comFebruary 27, 2026, 9:01 pm
We'll also keep you updated on PRINCESS CHARLIE's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of PRINCESS CHARLIE

PRINCESS CHARLIE

Poodle (Standard)

Female, Adult
Charlotte, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
  &#226&#156&#168Princess Charlie Is looking for her person after being deserted by her owner in the downtown area of Nashville, TN.  She was found scavenging for food in trash cans and luckily a kind rescue hearted woman took her home. &#226&#156&#168 At just 2 years of age and 44 pounds, this beautiful Poodle girl Charlie has already been through so much that she does not deserve. She came to us after the caring individual who found her, tried everything they could to help her get healthy.  Her illness and symptoms were just puzzling and frustrating for a diagnosis.  After thorough testing, we finally uncovered the truth about Princess Charlie.  She has Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). This means her body can’t properly digest food without daily enzyme supplements. The good news is that it is treatable with a consistent drug being administered.  Dogs with EPI can live happy, full, completely normal lives. The reality, though, is that her medication will be lifelong and averages about $200 per month. We know that someone is out there with the financial resources to love her and give her the medication monthly that will be her lifeline for a good long life. Princess  Charlie will need someone fully invested in her health — someone committed not just to loving her, but to advocating for her and keeping her on the treatment plan she needs to thrive.  This girl is SO worth it.   What we know about this special needs girl we call Princess Charlie, is that she is the sweetest, smartest little girl. She gets along beautifully with everyone and has such a gentle, loving spirit. Even after a rough start to her young life, she greets each day with hope and kindness. She truly deserves nothing but the very best from here on out. If you’ve ever wanted to make a true life-changing difference for a dog who needs someone to rescue her for her lifetime, our girl Princess Charlie is your girl. She doesn’t need a perfect person — she just needs a committed one.  Your reward is her undying love, her sweet smile every morning and her spirit of joy that is so contagious.  Please write to us and we can tell you more about how easy this is to treat.  Please email Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com            PLEASE NOTE:  Our dogs are transported from Tennessee to meeting places in the states where we have posted.  Further information about us is given on our Adopt-A-Pet site.  The adoption fees vary and will be provided as well as noted on the application you receive.  Contact us at 615-661-5333 or ccrnewengland@gmail.comFebruary 27, 2026, 9:01 pm

Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in North Carolina.

Puppies and dogs in North Carolina cities

Dogs in Aberdeen Dogs in Albemarle Dogs in Angier Dogs in Apex Dogs in Archdale Dogs in Asheboro Dogs in Asheville Dogs in Ayden Dogs in Belmont Dogs in Bessemer City Dogs in Black Mountain Dogs in Boiling Spring Lakes Dogs in Boone Dogs in Brevard Dogs in Burlington Dogs in Butner Dogs in Carolina Beach Dogs in Carrboro Dogs in Cary Dogs in Chapel Hill Dogs in Charlotte Dogs in Cherryville Dogs in Clayton Dogs in Clemmons Dogs in Clinton Dogs in Concord Dogs in Conover Dogs in Cornelius Dogs in Davidson Dogs in Dunn Dogs in Durham Dogs in Eden Dogs in Edenton Dogs in Elizabeth City Dogs in Elon Dogs in Erwin Dogs in Fairview Dogs in Farmville Dogs in Fayetteville Dogs in Fletcher Dogs in Forest City Dogs in Fuquay Varina Dogs in Garner Dogs in Gastonia Dogs in Gibsonville Dogs in Goldsboro Dogs in Graham Dogs in Granite Falls Dogs in Greensboro Dogs in Greenville Dogs in Hamlet Dogs in Harrisburg Dogs in Havelock Dogs in Henderson Dogs in Hendersonville Dogs in Hickory Dogs in High Point Dogs in Hillsborough Dogs in Holly Springs Dogs in Hope Mills Dogs in Huntersville Dogs in Indian Trail Dogs in Jacksonville Dogs in Kannapolis Dogs in Kernersville Dogs in Kill Devil Hills Dogs in King Dogs in Kings Mountain Dogs in Kinston Dogs in Knightdale Dogs in Laurinburg Dogs in Leland Dogs in Lenoir Dogs in Lewisville Dogs in Lexington Dogs in Lincolnton Dogs in Lumberton Dogs in Maggie Valley Dogs in Marion Dogs in Matthews Dogs in Mebane Dogs in Mills River Dogs in Mint Hill Dogs in Mocksville Dogs in Monroe Dogs in Mooresville Dogs in Morehead City Dogs in Morganton Dogs in Morrisville Dogs in Mount Airy Dogs in Mount Holly Dogs in Mount Olive Dogs in Nashville Dogs in New Bern Dogs in Newport Dogs in Newton Dogs in Oak Island Dogs in Oak Ridge Dogs in Oxford Dogs in Pinehurst Dogs in Pineville Dogs in Pleasant Garden Dogs in Raleigh Dogs in Reidsville Dogs in Roanoke Rapids Dogs in Rockingham Dogs in Rocky Mount Dogs in Roxboro Dogs in Salisbury Dogs in Sanford Dogs in Sawmills Dogs in Selma Dogs in Shelby Dogs in Siler City Dogs in Smithfield Dogs in Southern Pines Dogs in Spring Lake Dogs in Stallings Dogs in Statesville Dogs in Summerfield Dogs in Tarboro Dogs in Thomasville Dogs in Trinity Dogs in Unionville Dogs in Valdese Dogs in Wadesboro Dogs in Wake Forest Dogs in Walkertown Dogs in Washington Dogs in Waynesville Dogs in Weddington Dogs in Wendell Dogs in Whiteville Dogs in Williamston Dogs in Wilmington Dogs in Wilson Dogs in Winston Salem Dogs in Winterville Dogs in Woodfin Dogs in Zebulon

Shelters & rescues in North Carolina

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in North Carolina. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Rogue Active Duty Animal Rescue (RADAR)

Southern Pines, NC 28387

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Solutions for Animals Inc.

PO Box 2062, Southern Pines, NC 28388

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Caring Hearts for Canines

PO Box 1219, Southern Pines, NC 28388

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

The Farley Foundation, Inc.

PO Box 606, West End, NC 27376

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Lost Creek Canine Rescue

239 Lost Creek Drive, Jackson Springs, NC 27281

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Sandhills Animal Rescue League, Inc.

396 Thomas Road, Jackson Springs, NC 27281

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Moore County Sheriff's Office Animal Services

5235 Hwy. 15-501, Carthage, NC 28327

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Moore Humane Society

5355 NC Hwy 22, Carthage, NC 28327

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Adopt4Love Pets, Inc.

978 Shaw Road, Carthage, NC 28327

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Mickey's Haven 4 Pit Bulls

Raeford, NC 28376

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

For a comprehensive list of all shelters and rescues, try our search page. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

Image of dog

Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in North Carolina

Popular dog breeds

Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Cocker Spaniel American Eskimo Dog American Hairless Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Anatolian Shepherd Aussiedoodle Australian Cattle Dog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Bearded Collie Beauceron Bedlington Terrier Belgian Laekenois Belgian Malinois Belgian Shepherd Belgian Tervuren Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Black Mouth Cur Black and Tan Coonhound Bloodhound Blue Lacy/Texas Lacy Bluetick Coonhound Bolognese Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flandres Boxer Boykin Spaniel Briard Brittany Brussels Griffon Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Canaan Dog Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Carolina Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cavachon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavapoo Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua Chinese Crested Chinook Chiweenie Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cockapoo Cocker Spaniel Collie Coonhound Corgi Coton de Tulear Curly-Coated Retriever Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Doberman Pinscher Dogo Argentino Dogue de Bordeaux Dutch Shepherd English (Redtick) Coonhound English Bulldog English Cocker Spaniel English Setter English Shepherd English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Entlebucher Feist Field Spaniel Fila Brasileiro Finnish Lapphund Finnish Spitz Flat-Coated Retriever Fox Terrier (Smooth) Fox Terrier (Toy) Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) Foxhound French Bulldog German Pinscher German Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer German Spitz German Wirehaired Pointer Glen of Imaal Terrier Goberian Golden Retriever Goldendoodle Gordon Setter Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greyhound Halden Hound (Haldenstrover) Harrier Havanese Horgi Hovawart Husky Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin Jindo Kai Dog Karelian Bear Dog Keeshond Kerry Blue Terrier Kishu Komondor Kuvasz Kyi Leo Labradoodle Labrador Retriever Lakeland Terrier Lancashire Heeler Leonberger Lhasa Apso Löwchen Maltese Maltipoo Manchester Terrier Maremma Sheepdog Mastiff Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Pinscher Morkie Mountain Cur Munsterlander Mutt Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Lundehund Norwich Terrier Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Olde English Bulldogge Otterhound Papillon Parson Russell Terrier Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) Pekingese Pembroke Welsh Corgi Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Pharaoh Hound Pitsky Plott Hound Podengo Portugueso Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pomeranian Pomsky Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy or Tea Cup) Portuguese Water Dog Presa Canario Pug Puggle Puli Pumi Rat Terrier Redbone Coonhound Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schiller Hound Schipperke Schnauzer (Giant) Schnauzer (Miniature) Schnauzer (Standard) Schnoodle Scottie, Scottish Terrier Scottish Deerhound Sealyham Terrier Shar Pei Sheepadoodle Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog Sheppit Shepsky Shiba Inu Shih Poo Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Skye Terrier Sloughi St. Bernard Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel Swedish Vallhund Texas Heeler Thai Ridgeback Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier Tosa Inu Treeing Walker Coonhound Vizsla Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Terrier Westie, West Highland White Terrier Wheaten Terrier Whippet Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless Yorkie Poo Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier