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 Isabel's adoption status with email updates.
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Isabel

Australian Shepherd

Female, 3 yrs 2 mos
Mooresville, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Meet Isabel — a survivor with a quiet, courageous heart. This stunning 35-lb purebred Australian Shepherd has an incredible story of resilience. Rescued from a large hoarding situation at just nine months old, Isabel experienced more uncertainty in her first year than most dogs ever should. During a foster transition, she slipped away and survived on her own for five months before being safely trapped and returned to our care. Today, Isabel is thriving. She is intelligent, athletic, and incredibly loyal once she bonds. She loves her walks and runs beautifully on leash — she’s even completed a 5K with her foster! True to her breed, she needs activity and purpose and would do best with an active adopter who enjoys walking or running. Isabel is gentle and peaceful in the home, does well with respectful dogs and children, and enjoys calm companionship. She is still building confidence and prefers slow, patient handling rather than lots of physical affection right away. With time and trust, she forms a deep connection. Isabel is looking for someone who understands that the best relationships are built, not rushed — someone who will give her consistency, patience, and a steady routine. Her past made her cautious. Her spirit made her strong.....Now she’s ready for her forever. Applications can be filled out at www.piedmontanimalrescue.com/adopt!  Petfinder and Adopt-A-Pet does NOT send us Applications.   We receive many applications and many never respond after processing GREATLY delaying the pets forever home.  Please only apply if you are serious about adopting.  Please also make sure your pets are up to date on you species applicable Vaccines (rabies, Distemper/Parvo, FVRCP, Bordetella), spayed/neutered, and on Heartworm prevention if a canine.   The adoption fee includes their age appropriate vaccinations(DA2PP and Bordetella), Dewormer, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm test as well as the registration of their microchip information to you. The first step to adopting is to fill out an application for adoption. Once approved we will arrange a time for you to meet the animal you are interested in. If it is a match the adoption can then be completed and you can take home your new furry family member. If it is not a match we will file your approved application and you can wait till you find the perfect match. ##2266331##
We'll also keep you updated on Kitten's adoption status with email updates.
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Kitten

Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, 4 mos
HUNTERSVILLE, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Hi, I’m Kitten! I know my name says Kitten, but surprise… I’m actually a 4-month-old puppy with a big personality and an even bigger heart! I love to play, make new friends, and soak up all the attention from my favorite humans. If you’re looking for a pup who will keep you smiling and entertained, I might just be your girl. I get along great with other dogs and absolutely love people. Whether we’re playing with toys, running around, or just hanging out together, I’m happiest when I’m spending time with my friends. I’m still a young pup, which means I’m full of fun energy, curiosity, and cuddles. I’d love a home where I can keep learning, playing, and growing into the amazing dog I’m meant to be. I am currently part of the Direct to Adopt Program in Austin, TX. With a committed adopter or foster, I can be transported to The Shelter Pet Adoption Center inside Petco, located at 10017 Biddick Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078 on March 12th, 2026. If you’d like more information about me or want to talk about fostering or adopting, please reach out to my team: Email: NCteam@austinpetsalive.org Call: (704) 266-3647
We'll also keep you updated on Ink Splot's adoption status with email updates.
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Ink Splot

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 1 yr
Greensboro, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Serena's adoption status with email updates.
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Serena

Golden Retriever

Female, 3 mos
Columbus, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Nova's adoption status with email updates.
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Nova

Australian Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog

Female, 5 mos
Columbus, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Jerry's adoption status with email updates.
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Jerry

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 4 mos
Columbus, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
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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

Humane Society of Lincoln County

P.O. Box 23, Lincolnton, NC 28093

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Spotted Weinie Dog Hill Rescue

Lawndale, NC 28090

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Friends of Lincoln County Rescue

Lincolnton, NC 28092

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Lincoln County Animal Services

650 John Howell Memorial Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, rabbits, small animals

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Shelter

Cleveland County Animal Services

1601 Airport Rd, Shelby, NC 28150

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Animal League of Gaston County

425 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement

1491 Business Park Court, Gastonia, NC 28052

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Find-A-Friend-Rescue

Grover, NC 28073

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Tri-County Animal Rescue, Inc.

P.O. Box 483, Alexis, NC 28006

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Clifford's Army Rescue Extravaganza

P.O. Box 370, Earl, NC 28038

Pet Types: 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