Prepping for pet parenthood?
There's a lot to learn when you have a new pet. Our sister brand, The Wildest, is here to support you—with new pet checklists, virtual training, and expert guides. Sign up for free.
Close button icon
Adopt

Puppies and dogs in Charlotte, North Carolina

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Charlotte, North Carolina

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Charlotte, 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.
long timer badge
Photo of Lily

Lily

Feist

Female, Adult
Matthews, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Lily – Feist terrier mix – 7 years old I am Lily and I have been in foster care for a long time. I am still hoping to get my forever home where I can be an only dog. You see I love lots of attention so I do not want to share with others. I do get along with some dogs but can be picky about my friends. I was a pregnant stray when I was rescued. I had my pups and they all got adopted. I was adopted to a mother and her college bound child. But once the daughter left the mom did not want to walk me so she left me in my crate a lot. She finally returned me. She said I chewed everything and ate through my crate. At my foster home I do not do any of that. I have manners. But I do get out to run and play a lot during the day.I am crate trained. I love to give love and I love to receive it as well. I can be high energy but if I have a fenced in yard to play and someone to play with me I can channel my energy so in the house I will chill out. I do love treats and dog chews. I do not chew on things I should not.If you have room in your heart for me I will be the perfect companion.Please consider giving me a forever home by completing an application at http://www.safeanimalhaven.org'>www.safeanimalhaven.orgWE FINALIZE EVERY ADOPTION WITH A HOME VISIT THEREFORE POTENTIAL HOMES MUST BE WITHIN A HOURS DRIVE TIME OF CHARLOTTE NC. A FOSTER PET WILL NOT BE SHIPPED TO SOMEONE LIVING OUTSIDE THE ADOPTION AREA NOR WILL ANYONE BE ALLOWED TO COME PICK A PET UP FROM US. YOU MUST BE 21 TO ADOPT FROM OUR GROUP. Sincerely, S.A.F.E. Animal Haven Please visit our official website at safeanimalhaven.org for more information about our group.   March 18, 2024, 3:35 pm
long timer badge
Photo of Boy

Boy

Chihuahua

Male, Adult
Matthews, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
    Boy is around 8 years old and needs to be the only child.  He bonds closely with his human and will guard them from all others.  Boy prefers to have his person and only his person.  He will need a dog savvy forever home who understands his personality and will work with him.  He has seen a trainer for his behaviors but he has not changed his ways!  If interested in Boy, you can complete an application at www.safeanimalhaven.com.   WE FINALIZE EVERY ADOPTION WITH A HOME VISIT THEREFORE POTENTIAL HOMES MUST BE WITHIN A HOURS DRIVE TIME OF CHARLOTTE NC. A FOSTER PET WILL NOT BE SHIPPED TO SOMEONE LIVING OUTSIDE THE ADOPTION AREA NOR WILL ANYONE BE ALLOWED TO COME PICK A PET UP FROM US. YOU MUST BE 21 TO ADOPT FROM OUR GROUP. Sincerely,S.A.F.E. Animal Haven   Please visit our official website at safeanimalhaven.org for more information about our group.March 18, 2024, 3:35 pm
long timer badge
Photo of Pointer

Pointer

Australian Cattle Dog

Male, Young
Matthews, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
“You can’t resist reading Pointer’s profile  because he is so darn cute, but Pointer isn’t for everyone. Pointer is a Blue Heeler mix, weighing in at less than 30 lbs. Just like bigger herding dogs, Pointer likes to chase, herd, nip heels and is very strong-willed. Pointer needs lots of exercise and must have mental stimulation throughout the day. He enjoys learning commands and working on his obedience commands and would make an excellent agility, nose work, scent work or other sport participant. Pointer is not a couch potato and when left to entertain himself, he can get into trouble. Pointer needs a person who is experienced with herding breeds or dogs who are competitive in sports and are not put off by his strong personality.  With the right person, Pointer can be the ultimate friend!  I would not be a candidate for an apartment, condo/townhome or a home without a fence. If interested in giving me a forever home please complete an application at www.safeanimalhaven.com Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler Characteristics Standing between 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder, the Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, hard-muscled herder of strength and agility. The ACD is born with a white coat that turns blue-gray or red. Both coat varieties feature distinctive mottling or specking patterns. ACDs have immense work drive and excel at hunting, chasing, and, of course, moving livestock. Their boundless energy and supple gait make them excellent running partners.ACDs are true-blue loyal, famously smart, ever alert, and wary of strangers. If an ACD isn’t challenged, he easily becomes bored and gets into mischief. It is recommended that ACD owners participate with their dog in some work, sport, or regular exercise to keep him mentally and physically fit.March 18, 2024, 3:35 pm
long timer badge
Photo of Diana

Diana

American Staffordshire Terrier Border Collie

Female, Young
Matthews, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hello everyone, my name is 'DIANA'! . I am a 1-2 year old, white/black American Staffordshire Terrier /Border Collie mix. I weigh approximately 40 pounds. I am a sweet, bouncy girl with a loving personality. I walk well on a leash, very attentive to my person, ride well in the car, love being near my person and consider myself a lap dog if allowed. I am happiest being with you whether it is outside playing or sitting and watching TV. I know my basic commands such as sit and come. I am treat motivated, positive praise motivated and just want to please you by doing the right thing, I have a silly side too which will make you laugh! You can tell when I am happy by the smile on my face. I like to play fetch, play soccer, sit in your lap and go for walks. I know how to play and I know how to chill so if you are looking for a lover, please apply to adopt me! I would love a home without cats and with a fenced yard so I can run off leash to fetch the tennis ball. A fenced yard ii a requirement.  would make a great running and hiking buddy!  I am a very smart girl who can adjust to situations quickly. I would make a great sports dog too! If interested in giving me a forever home, please complete an application at www.safeanimalhaven.org. Thank you!March 18, 2024, 3:35 pm
long timer badge
Photo of Odie

Odie

Boxer

Male, Puppy
Matthews, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Boys just want to play, play, play. I am a 3 month old male boxer mix. I was a stray and ended up at the shelter. I am a big love bug and want to be with my human. I am loving playing with other dogs but they often do not like to me in their space. When that happens I go about my business. I want to please the humans and will be a quick learner when it comes to manners. I am going to need a fenced in yard to play around in. I would like to have a canine friend but if my human is active and wants to play I will be okay. Because I am young, I will need to work on training including housebreaking. I am doing well in a crate when I need to be but again I want to be next to my human. I am learning to play with toys and liking the toys. I am hoping I will find someone that will love me and play with me. I will need a lot os pets and treats. If this is your home fill out an application and someone will be in touch with you. If interested in giving Odie a forever home, please complete an application at www.safeanimalhaven.com.March 18, 2024, 3:35 pm
long timer badge
Photo of Claire

Claire

Border Collie

Female, Senior
Matthews, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hi, my name is Claire and I am a senior Border Collie. I used to live on a farm with other dogs and animals but my owner passed away. I am now in foster care with S.A.F.E. Animal Haven. I met my BFF here at my foster home and would really like a forever home for the 2 of us! My BFF is Pointer and he is on this website too! I am housebroken, leash trained and generally a good girl. I like to do my own thing and I enjoy playing with Pointer. If you have room for 2, please consider giving Pointer and myself a forever home. You can find an application at safeanimalhaven.org. Pointer is the little one in the picture with me - he has spots.March 18, 2024, 3:35 pm

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Charlotte, North Carolina

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Rescued Me

PO Box 5366, Charlotte, NC 28299

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Pet Education Assistance & Resources

Charlotte, NC 28205

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Boston Terrier Rescue Team of the Carolinas (BTRTOC)

1635-J Merry Oaks Road, Charlotte, NC 28205

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Charlotte Metro Pet Referral

PO Box 411311, Charlotte, NC 28241

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

South of the Bully & Friends

Charlotte, NC 28282

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Critter Cavalry Rescue -NC

Charlotte, NC 28201

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

K9 Oasis Rescue NC Transport Stop

Charlotte, NC 28202

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue

North Carolina & Virginia, NC 28202

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Beagle Freedom Project NC Charlotte

Charlotte, NC 28202

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals, rabbits

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 Charlotte, North Carolina and nearby cities.

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