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Puppies and dogs in Cornelius, North Carolina

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

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Adopt a dog in Cornelius, North Carolina

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Cornelius, 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.
Photo of Lucy

Lucy

Basenji Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 3 yrs 5 mos
Cornelius, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Name: Lucy Breed: Mixed Breed Age: 3 and 1/2 years old Lucy is an extremely sweet and well-rounded dog, full of love and affection. She greets shelter staff with powerful butt wiggles and will give you tippy taps when she spots treats or is ready to play. When she's excited, she'll show off her toys, and you can see how much joy she gets by being around people. Lucy enjoys an adventurous lifestyle, staying active, but she also knows how to slow down and enjoy some cozy cuddle time. She’s playful, affectionate, and thrives on human connection. Lucy knows “sit” and is house trained. She’s spayed, up to date on her shots, and in good health. Though she hasn’t been officially dog tested yet, she’s shown a gentle and friendly nature, so a meet-and-greet is recommended if you have another dog in the home. Lucy was initially very scared and wary when she arrived at the shelter, but after realizing all the love and attention she could receive, she quickly warmed up. She’s a delightful, loving companion ready for a forever home.
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Photo of Kai

Kai

American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier

Male, 4 yrs 4 mos
Cornelius, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Name: Kai Breed: American Bully Mix Age: Around 4 years old Background: Kai was surrendered by his owner who could no longer provide for him. Personality: Kai is a muscular, beefy boy that likes to have fun. He is energetic and athletic. He loves going for walks and playing (and he is surprisingly very calm and easy to walk). He has adorable butt wiggles and will twirl in your arms when he's happy. He absolutely loves affection and will lean on you for pets and hangout with you on the couch. He can get excited when he initially sees you, but he is smart and food-motivated which makes training easier. He is already neutered, up to date on shots, and house trained. He knows "sit" and takes treats very gently. He is a big boy who sometimes can't control his excitement, so he'd likely do better in a home without small children. Ideal Home: He would likely not make a good apartment dog, as he loves to run and play. He appears dog-friendly and seems interested in cats, but doesn't lunge or display aggressive behavior towards them. Final Thoughts: Kai is a handsome, big guy with a sweet face and heartfelt eyes. He would do great with someone willing to exercise him. His tail is always wagging and he would love to have a companion! Note: Kai is heartworm positive and is completing a round of antibiotics. After this, he will take heart worm prevention each month which is something we highly recommend for all dogs, not just HW+ ones.
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Photo of Honey

Honey

German Shepherd Dog Anatolian Shepherd

Female, Adult
Cornelius, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Name: Honey Breed: German Shepherd Age: 4 and 1/2 years old Background: Honey was found running around Blythe Landing and was finally caught after nearly 2 weeks of effort. She was adopted shortly after but returned because she did not get along with their cat. Personality: When she first got here, she was timid, scared, and anxious. She is now much more confident and comfortable. Her tail wags when people enter her room and she gets excited when she sees the leash! She is sweet and takes treats gently. She appears house trained and knows "sit". She is calm in her kennel, preferring to nap on a soft bed. It doesn't appear that she knows how to play, but hopefully that will change soon. She has not yet been dog tested, but reacts strongly when dogs bark at her. She is also not cat friendly. We always recommend a meet and greet if you have another dog at home. Ideal Home: She may appreciate a quiet, calm home while she decompresses. It may take some time for her to really act like a dog as she comes out of her shell. She would enjoy a lot of space and activity and would not benefit from apartment living. Final Thoughts: Honey is very smart and well-behaved. She is sweet and enjoys being around people, and she would certainly love someone to keep her active!
Photo of Coco

Coco

Labrador Retriever

Female, 1 yr 1 mo
Cornelius, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Name: CoCo Breed: Lab Mix Age: Around 1 year Coco was adopted and returned a few days later because she was "too much". CoCo is a shy girl at first, particularly in new environments like the kennel, but with some butt scratches and baby talk—she warms up quickly and becomes your best friend. She is energetic, especially when receiving love. She thrives on human connection and love, and once she trusts you, she will bond deeply. Though still building her confidence, she’s a petite girl who enjoys cuddling and playtime. She is super bubbly and will run into your arms for some hugs and kisses! CoCo is house trained, though, being young, she has some difficulty holding it overnight. She knows “sit” and is showing interest in other dogs, though she has not been officially dog or cat tested yet. She will run along the fence and try playing with the other dogs, even showing them her stuffies. If there’s another dog in the household, a meet-and-greet is recommended. CoCo has not shown any signs of aggression and is motivated by toys and treats, which makes her eager to learn and helps with training. She can jump when excited and is strong on the leash, so some training will be helpful as she continues to gain confidence.
Special Needs
Photo of Dash

Dash

Border Collie Husky

Male, 2 yrs 7 mos
Cornelius, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Dash is a sweet 1 1/2 year old boy rescued from a shelter. He is a cuddle bug that loves to receive and give affection. He is house trained and knows basic commands like sit, down, and leave. We would love to keep him, however he does not get along well with our other dog. He would do best in a home without other dogs. We are unsure of how he would do with small children. Dash tested heartworm positive and is currently on medication. He will need additional veterinary care for this very treatable condition. He is has a huge heart and is wonderful with humans, he just needs the right pet-free loving home where he can thrive and give LOTS of cuddles. Please contact if interested!
Photo of Pepper

Pepper

American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, 3 yrs
Cornelius, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Name: Pepper, Pepperoni Breed: Mixed Breed Age: Around 3 years Pepper was found wandering around the local pizza shop, hence her name "Pepper" short for "Pepperoni". Pepper was initially very scared and wary when she first arrived at the shelter. She was afraid of being handled, but with a little time, patience, sweet talking, treats, and some gentle petting, she blossomed into a different dog. Now, she's eager for attention and love, and her affectionate nature shines through. This petite girl loves to play and equally enjoys just hanging out with you. She’s a delight to be around and is ready to bond with her forever family. Pepper is spayed, up to date on her shots, and in good health. She is house trained and keeps her kennel immaculate, never chewing up her bed or toys. She knows the command "sit" and is a quick learner. She's healthy and ready for adventure. Pepper is still getting to know her surroundings, but so far, she has shown nothing but sweetness and enthusiasm for life.

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Dog shelters and rescues in Cornelius, North Carolina

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

Cornelius Animal Shelter

19110 Meridian St, Cornelius, NC 28031

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

Bit O'Luck Rescue, Inc.

PO Box 2752, Huntersville, NC 28070

Pet Types: dogs, horses

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Rescue

It's a Dog's Life Rescue

Huntersville, NC 28078

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Pawsitively Pampered Pets Rescue

Huntersville, NC 28078

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Shelter Pet Adoption Center

10017 Biddick Ln, Huntersville, NC 28078

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The Foster Dog House

Huntersville, NC 28078

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Furever Loved Rescue

Huntersville, NC 28078

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Sloan and Finn Animal Rescue

MOORESVILLE, NC 28115

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Dizzy Dog Animal Rescue

MOORESVILLE, NC 28117

Pet Types: dogs

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