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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.

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 Cubby's adoption status with email updates.
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Cubby

Australian Shepherd/Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, 3 mos
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
Meet Cubby! 🐻 Cubby is the kind of puppy who knows how to do his own thing… but still wants to know what you’re up to. He’s a confident, curious little guy with a gentle independence — happy to entertain himself with toys and chew bones, yet always keeping a quiet eye on his people like a little shadow. Cubby isn’t a long, snuggly cuddler (that fluffy coat gets warm), but you’ll often find him sprawled out in a perfect sploot on a cool spot on the floor after a good play session. He’s thoughtful, observant, and seems to take the world in at his own pace — a puppy who balances independence with connection really nicely. Potty training is still a work in progress (he is a baby, after all!), but Cubby is doing wonderfully with crate and pen time. He settles well when confined, sleeps through the night in a crate in his foster’s bedroom, and shows great potential for continued structure-based training. Like most puppies his age, Cubby is very much in the teething phase and is learning appropriate mouth manners. He can be a bit nippy as he explores the world (and fingers!) with his mouth, which is completely normal for a 10-week-old pup but may make a home with very small children a little tricky right now. With consistent training, redirection, and time, this is something he’s expected to outgrow. Now for the big question — what breed is Cubby? Just like his siblings, he’s a bit of a mystery! Based on appearance and temperament, his foster’s best guess is a mix that could include Australian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland… or some delightful combination of fluffy, smart, and adventure-ready. Translation: Cubby is likely to grow into a medium to large dog with brains, independence, and a gorgeous coat. What that could mean for his future family: • He will likely grow into a medium to large dog • He’ll benefit from regular outdoor time and room to explore • Intelligent, working-type breeds thrive with consistent training and mental enrichment • He may enjoy having a “job” — hikes, exploring, learning new skills • Continued training and socialization will be key as he matures • Independent pups still need guidance — structure helps them shine • Thick, fluffy coat = routine brushing recommended • Best suited for an active, patient home committed to training and adventure Cubby is looking for a family ready to invest in his growth through training, exploration, and shared experiences. In return, he’ll offer loyalty, quiet companionship, and the kind of presence that feels steady and grounding. If you’re looking for a smart, independent pup with a soft side and a big future ahead, Cubby just might be your perfect match 🐾
We'll also keep you updated on A1257341's adoption status with email updates.
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A1257341

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 2 yrs
Charlotte, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Moon's adoption status with email updates.
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Moon

Shepherd (Unknown Type)/Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 5 mos
Rutherfordton, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Freddy's adoption status with email updates.
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Freddy

German Shepherd Dog/Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 1 mo
Rutherfordton, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
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We'll also keep you updated on CHARLEE's adoption status with email updates.
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CHARLEE

Labrador Retriever

Male, 11 mos
Chapel Hill, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
I was surrendered to the shelter when my owner could no longer keep me. I`ll need patient, kind people that will help me adjust to a new home. Reportedly, I do not do well with cats. I have done well with children in the past.
We'll also keep you updated on Shadow's adoption status with email updates.
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Shadow

Akita

Female, Senior
Jamestown, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Shadow is a gentle giant. She a senior dog that really needs more love than she’s able to receive right now. She was adopted about sixish years ago. Her ideal home would be one with lots of love and attention. Despite her age she still has quite a bit of energy in her, especially when someone starts getting excited around her. She’s very passive and just wants to be in the same room as you as much as possible. I do know that she had abandonment issues at the very beginning of moving home and would chew on the window sill but from what we know we we adopted her was that she was left in a field alone so of course she did. I just don’t know if she would have a similar reaction moving to a new home. She has a dog bed and dog food that the next forever home can have if they would like it!

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

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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

S.A.F.E. Animal Haven

PO Box 3206, Matthews, NC 28106

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Faithful Companion Canine Rescue

P.O. Box 2097, Matthews, NC 28106

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

The Mutty Misfits

Matthews, NC 28104

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Furbabies Animal Rescue

3702 Smith Farm Rd, Stallings, NC 28104

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Hywel Dda

Matthews, NC 28105

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

Ruffed Up Rescue

1600 English Knoll Drive, Matthews, NC 28105

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Tasha Baby's Howling Legacy Rescue

p o box 257, matthews, NC 28105

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Shar Pei Nation Rescue - Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC 28105

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Tails of the Unwanted -Asheville

Charlotte, NC 28270

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Elsa's Pride, Inc

Charlotte, NC 28270

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