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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 Obi's adoption status with email updates.
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Obi

Husky/German Shepherd Dog

Male, Adult
Monroe, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Obi is a well-trained, obedient 7-year-old dog who is very smart and easy to work with. He loves being near his people but isn’t much of a snuggler. He enjoys walks and playtime and has a great, friendly personality. We got Obi from a neighbor and were around him from about 3 weeks old, bringing him into our home at 7 weeks. He has been well socialized and does great with other animals. Obi is intelligent; more in a German Shepherd–type way than the typical husky personality and while he’s very clever, he doesn’t get into trouble or try to open doors. He is not a guard dog and has never met a stranger; he’s friendly and welcoming to everyone he meets.
We'll also keep you updated on Sabrina's adoption status with email updates.
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Sabrina

German Shepherd Dog/Golden Retriever

Female, Young
Thomasville, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
Meet Sabrina! Sabrina is around 8 months old and weighs about 30lbs right now. We were told she is a German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix. She is very sweet, playful, and gets along great with other dogs. Adoption donation- $400December 14, 2025, 5:34 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Rocco's adoption status with email updates.
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Rocco

Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, Senior
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
I may be an official “senior” dog, but I certainly don’t act like it! I’m a friendly, affectionate, and playful guy who settles really well! I love treats, gentle affection, and exploring! I’d benefit from gentle exercise, a cozy bed, lots of enrichment and things to chew, as well as plenty of LOVE! Let’s see what kind of trouble we can make together! ;) Kids: 8+, may guard toys, leave alone while eating Dogs: Stiff at first, then friendly sniffing, slow intros with gentle dogs December 14, 2025, 4:44 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Papa Bear's adoption status with email updates.
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Papa Bear

Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, Senior
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
Meet Papa Bear (affectionately known as Barry)! I've got a heart of gold—according to everyone who meets me, I’m pretty much perfect! After spending my first ten years with one family, the shelter was a little overwhelming. Luckily, I’m now relaxing in a foster home, which means my foster family can vouch for my unique brand of gentle, lovable perfection. Here are a few of my specialties: I’m more of a quiet communicator I’m not much of a barker. Instead, I talk with soulful eyes, happy tail wags, and lots of body leans and wiggles. Low-Maintenance Companion I’m a minimalist: no furniture-surfing for me, and I don’t even use my dog bed much. But I do love your hugs—the more hugs the better. And if you sit down, I’ll curl up next to you and rest my head on your foot. Very Good Boy at Home I’m housebroken in my foster home, and when I stay home alone, I relax quietly in my crate like a pro. I enjoy walks and am getting more confident on a leash every day. A yard would be wonderful for a little playtime, but I’ve been the perfect gentleman in my foster’s apartment, too. Healthy for My Age My teeth are bright, my breath is surprisingly nice, and while I have a bit of arthritis in my back legs, it doesn’t slow down my enthusiasm for affection. Are you looking for someone to love you? I’ll make sure you feel adored every single day, and I don’t ask for much in return. Come meet me and I’ll give you the best hug of your life! Kids: Any age gentle kids, mindful of size, prefers a quiet home Dogs: Friendly sniffing, likes a calm and gentle sniffing partner Heartworm positive – APS is currently offering heartworm treatment at no additional cost through our foster-to-adopt period.December 14, 2025, 4:44 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Truffle's adoption status with email updates.
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Truffle

Mixed Breed (Small)

Male, Adult
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
Hi friend! I’m trying SOOO hard to be brave, please have patience with me! I’m a nervous little guy who just wants a warm lap to cuddle in! I’m a little slow to warm up to new people and need lots of help to build confidence. I love treats and very gentle affection at my pace! I’m so sorry kiddos, I might just be too nervous for you and prefer adults. I’ll need confidence building, positive experiences, and a cozy retreat all my own! Could you be my person? Come visit me today! Kids: Adults only, very nervous Dogs: Nervous, some friendly sniffing, prefers slow intros with gentle dogs of similar size December 14, 2025, 4:44 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Glenn's adoption status with email updates.
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Glenn

Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, Adult
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
Well hello there! Do you think we could cuddle up together during this chilly season?! I could use a weighted warm blanket! I’m a friendly and sweet guy who may be a little nervous when I first meet you. I love food and treats, and they help me know you are a friend! I’ll need plenty of gentle affection, love and care! I’d also benefit from basic training and a cozy retreat. Visit me today! Kids: 8+, grabby with treats, worried by novel objects Dogs: Friendly sniffing, tolerant, prefers slow intros with gentle dogs Heartworm positive – APS is currently offering heartworm treatment at no additional cost through our foster-to-adopt period.December 14, 2025, 4:44 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:

Shelter

Burke County Animal Services

425 Kirksey Drive, Morganton, NC 28655

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Burke County Friends for Animals

417 Kirksey Drive, Morganton, NC 28655

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

A Better Life Animal Rescue, Inc.

P.O. Box 8311, Morganton, NC 28680

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

All Paws Matter Animal Rescue

Granite Falls, NC 28630

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

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Rescue

Pet Partners Network, Inc.

P.O. Box 2746, Lenoir, NC 28645

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Appalachian Animals Advocacy

Lenoir, NC 28645

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Caldwell County Animal Care & Enforcement

180 Government Way, Lenoir, NC 28645

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

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Rescue

All for the Animals

Lenoir, NC 28645

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Paws and Claws Outreach

Marion, NC 28752

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