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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.

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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 Abbott's adoption status with email updates.
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Abbott

Poodle (Standard)

Male, Adult
Cary, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Meet Abbott — a 2‑year‑old, 42 lb Poodle mix with the heart of a cuddle bug and the spirit of a loyal sidekick!   Quick Facts: Name: Abbott Breed: Standard Poodle Mix Age: 2 years old Weight: 42 lbs. House-Trained: Yes Crate-Trained: No Good with Dogs: Yes (must have a companion dog in his forever home!) Good with Cats: Not tested, but likely fine Good with Kids: Yes Energy Level: Medium Fence Required: No, but he would love one!   About Abbott’s Breed: Our best guess is that Abbott is a Standard Poodle mixed breed. Standard Poodles are highly intelligent, athletic, and people‑oriented dogs known for their elegance and sharp minds. They are quick learners who enjoy having a job to do, whether it’s training games, outdoor adventures, or simply staying engaged with their families. Despite their fancy reputation, they’re playful, affectionate, and often quite goofy once they feel comfortable. Their low‑shedding coats require regular grooming, but in return you get a loyal, intuitive companion who loves being part of the action.   A Standard Poodle thrives in a home that can offer daily mental and physical stimulation. They do well with active individuals or families who enjoy walks, playtime, and consistent training. Because they bond closely with their people, they flourish in homes where they’re included in everyday life rather than left alone for long stretches. With structure, affection, and plenty of engagement, a Standard Poodle becomes a devoted, joyful, and wonderfully well‑rounded companion.   What to Love about Abbott: This sweet boy lives for companionship and feels happiest when he’s with his people or another friendly dog. Being left alone makes him anxious, so he’s looking for a home where someone is around often and where he’ll have a doggie buddy to keep him company.   Abbott loves everyone — adults, kids, dogs — and would likely do just fine with cats too. He’s potty trained, easygoing, and loves both lounging around the house and getting outside for walks or yard zoomies. In fact, watching him run is pure comedy gold — he gallops like a joyful little deer and has the pictures to prove it! He’s not crate trained yet, but he can try and work on it!   Abbott walks beautifully on a leash, has moderate energy, and is always up for whatever his humans are doing as long as he gets to be part of it. He’s also an elite-level cuddler who will happily melt into your arms at the end of the day!   Abbott’s Amazing Highlights: 2‑year‑old, 42 lb Poodle mix with a sweet, affectionate personality Loves people and other dogs — thrives with a dog companion Has separation anxiety and needs a home where someone is around often Potty trained, but not crate trained Moderate energy; enjoys both lounging and outdoor adventures Great on a leash and loves daily walks Friendly with kids and likely fine with cats Loves running in the yard and would enjoy a fenced yard (not required) Epic cuddler who adores attention and snuggles   Friendly, affectionate, and wonderfully family‑oriented, Abbott is ready to find a forever home where he’ll be loved, included, and never lonely again!   Comprehensive details are provided in the dog's description. to ensure a smooth process, please submit a completed application through our website at: http://crisisdogsnc.org/dog-adoption/. Please note that questions via email or social media channels may not receive a response without a completed application. As part of our commitment to responsible adoption practices, we require excellent veterinarian references and conduct virtual home visits. Additionally, your prior or current dog must be on year-round heartworm prevention. We assist with coordinating transportation by both land and air whenever feasible. All assessments regarding breed and age are conducted by licensed veterinarians. We look forward to assisting you in finding your perfect canine companion!March 26, 2026, 10:16 pm
We'll also keep you updated on POLO's adoption status with email updates.
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POLO

Poodle (Standard)/Labrador Retriever

Male, Adult
Charlotte, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
  The best part of Polo’s day is any time he’s getting a hug or snuggle.  Polo is a gentle and happy 3-year-old Doodle who favors a Poodle more than anything else.  He’s mostly white, with lots of patches of black and nicely sized a little smaller than most of the Doodles out there.  He’s 42 pounds and has a thick, curly coat, and a tail that never stops wagging.    His demeanor is very gentle. He gets along great with the dogs in his current foster pack, and with the people. He loves playing outside, but is just as happy to be inside with the people and getting cuddles. He will also usually be found lying on the floor, close to wherever the people are. He’s curious about things, and will watch other dogs, birds, etc, but doesn’t make a fuss about it. He’s not a big barker, but will alert if someone/ something is near the door. He’s (mostly?) house-trained….although since he’s not yet neutered, he has done some initial marking inside where he likely picked up on another dog’s smell. But no full-on accidents. At night, he likes to sleep in a fluffy dog bed in the peoples’ room. He usually has free run of his foster house, but is crated when there are no people at home, as we’re still just getting to know him. He doesn’t tend to favor any specific toys so far. He’s great in the car. He sat straight upright in the back seat, like a person, on a recent car trip.    He is up to date on his rabies and is scheduled to be neutered.    Polo is a sweet boy with soulful eyes, and just loves being petted and talked to. He’s been a real joy to have around the house, with his positive attitude and wagging tail.  Contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrnewengland@gmal.com if you are interested.  He is in Nashville, Tn and can transport on April 10th to the northeastern region on a certified animal transport van.   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.comMarch 26, 2026, 8:02 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Gus's adoption status with email updates.
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Gus

Bernese Mountain Dog

Male, 4 mos
New London, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
Gus is working hard on sit and that adorable little head tilt is adorable. This cutie is learning leash manners, crate training, and can even give a little “howdy” with his paw. Foster mom is completely over the moon in love! This little guy is a flat-coated retriever mix, has had age-appropriate vaccines, been dewormed, and microchipped.
We'll also keep you updated on Cesar's adoption status with email updates.
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Cesar

Irish Wolfhound

Male, 1 yr
New London, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Cesar is just around 1 year old and over 90 pounds, this Irish Wolfhound is equal parts gentle giant and goofy best friend. He loves to run, play, and hang with other dogs—but because of his size, he’d do best in a home with no small children (those zoomies are no joke 😅). A fenced yard is a must for this big boy to stretch those long legs. Cats? He says… probably not his thing. 🐱🚫 But if you’re a big dog lover… you won’t find one cooler than this guy. He’s ready for a home that matches his size—big heart, big space, Who’s ready for their very own gentle giant?
We'll also keep you updated on Callie (CL)'s adoption status with email updates.
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Callie (CL)

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Senior
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with cats,
Story
[DogName] is a COURTESY LISTING available for private adoption -- for more information, please contact the owner listed below. DO NOT apply through the GSRA website as this dog and owner are not affiliated with GSRA. Callie Gentle, Loyal, and Looking for the Right Calm Home Callie is a stunning American German Shepherd with a soft, loving nature and a quiet, almost dainty presence. She truly lives up to her princess personality you can barely hear her walk, and she carries herself with grace. She is incredibly affectionate with her people and forms deep, loyal bonds. Once she trusts you, she will love you fully and faithfully she is the definition of a devoted companion. At almost 9 years old, Callie is in excellent health with no hip issues and has been well cared for throughout her life. Callie is:- Kind, gentle, and very loving- Well-mannered with solid everyday training and great house behavior- Food- and treat-motivated (which makes her easy to work with!)- Naturally protective she will alert bark when someone approaches the home- A big fan of her daily walks and playing fetch Personality & Needs:Callie thrives in a calm, structured environment with an experienced handler who understands the German Shepherd breed. She is a confident dog with a more alpha personality around other dogs, so she would do best as the only pet in the home. Because of her background and temperament, she is not suited for a home with young children. However, she can do well with older, respectful children (middle school age and up) who understand boundaries and wont overwhelm her. Callie was rescued from a difficult situation at around 1.5 years old, and while she has come a long way, she still does best in a predictable, low-stress environment where she can feel secure. Ideal Home:- Experienced German Shepherd owner- Calm, structured household- No young children- Preferably the only dog- Someone who values loyalty, companionship, and understands her boundaries Why Were Rehoming:This is a very difficult and thoughtful decision. As our family grows with a toddler and another baby on the way, weve noticed that the increasing activity and unpredictability in the home is becoming stressful for Callie. She deserves a home where she can feel fully at ease and thrive, and we want to ensure she is placed in the right environment before stress becomes an issue. Callie is truly special. In the right home, she will give unwavering loyalty, quiet companionship, and so much love. She just needs the right match and she will absolutely flourish. Camila RafizadehHuntersville, NC camilariveraa@yahoo.com Contact the owner listed above for more information about [DogName]. Please visit our website www.gsdrescue.org to learn more about this amazing pet and to see other available dogs.
We'll also keep you updated on Nacho's adoption status with email updates.
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Nacho

Chihuahua

Male, 2 mos
New London, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
Nacho is our LAST little Chihuahua mix… and he’s just sweet as sugar 🍬 waiting for his forever family to find him. At around 8 weeks old, he’s already had his age-appropriate vaccines and is off to a great start. This tiny guy is full of love, personality, and puppy snuggles just waiting to be yours.

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

Puppies and dogs in North Carolina cities

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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

Caring Hearts for Canines

PO Box 1219, Southern Pines, NC 28388

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Rogue Active Duty Animal Rescue (RADAR)

Southern Pines, NC 28387

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Paws of the Pines Rescue

Pinebluff, NC 28373

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The Farley Foundation, Inc.

PO Box 606, West End, NC 27376

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Moore Humane Society

5355 NC Hwy 22, Carthage, NC 28327

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Moore County Sheriff's Office Animal Services

5235 Hwy. 15-501, Carthage, NC 28327

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Adopt4Love Pets, Inc.

978 Shaw Road, Carthage, NC 28327

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Lost Creek Canine Rescue

239 Lost Creek Drive, Jackson Springs, NC 27281

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Sandhills Animal Rescue League, Inc.

396 Thomas Road, Jackson Springs, NC 27281

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Hoke County Animal Shelter

700 CC Steel Rd, Raeford, NC 28376

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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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!

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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