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Puppies and dogs in Durham, North Carolina

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

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Adopt a dog in Durham, North Carolina

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Durham, 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 Josephine's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Josephine

Josephine

American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, 6 yrs 11 mos
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hi there! My name is Josephine. Thanks for checking out my bio! I'm roughly 4 years old, but a true lady never reveals her age. Other than that, I don't have many secrets, and I have so much to tell you! I currently live with 3 other dogs, and I love all of them. I've also met some dogs on my various outings, and I think all of them have been super cool. I love to chew on toys and am happy to chill and hang out wherever you are, so I'm an ideal work from home buddy. I love pets, and I'm not shy about letting you know when I'm ready for them. No playing hard to get here-I'm a girl who knows what she wants! However, I don't like to yell or talk loudly and would much rather whisper sweet stories in your ear. In the mornings or when something exciting happens, I'll talk (grunt/grumble) up a storm, but overall, I'm a pretty quiet gal. I like to sleep in my pen at night and for naps during the day. A woman needs her beauty sleep. So, see...I'm sort of perfect! Now that I've won you over with all of my charm, let's get real with each other. I was in pretty rough shape when my foster humans found me, and they've done so much to help me. But just like everyone, I'm still a work in progress. I'm heartworm positive but have already completed all of my treatment. So now I just have to wait a few months to get retested and get that negative test result back to be officially heartworm free. Not so bad, right?! I also came to them unable to use my back legs. I do have feeling in them; they just don't like to talk to my brain right now. Maybe that's why I like to chat so much-to make up for my silly legs! The good news is I can get around really well with my front legs. I can scoot on the floor all by myself, or if you're up for some teamwork, I can walk around while you hold my back legs up with a sling. I also have a really cool wheelchair. Using it is a lot of work and can be tiring, but I love using it for short distances or to walk around the yard like an independent woman! I'm going to physical therapy twice a week to help my legs talk to my brain and keep them nice and strong. It's a lot of work, but I'm making impressive progress. And I'll need my new humans to keep up my therapy so I can keep it up! I'm now able to stand on my own and even take a step or two! Let's find out together how far I can go! Finally, I know it's sometimes considered impolite to talk about bathroom stuff. But with a pup like me, it's best to be up front. I know to do my business outside, but because I'm paralyzed in my back end, I have some trouble in that department. Poops are pretty easy most of the time. I just need extra help getting in position and balancing. Going pee is a little more difficult for me. It's hard for me to get everything out, so I'll need my new humans to assist me and express my bladder. But don't worry, my foster humans can show you how! And I like to think of all of this as a unique bonding opportunity! I know some of this might seem a bit overwhelming, but I have no doubt the perfect family is out there for me! Plus, my foster humans are ready to help answer any and all questions, so let's talk more and see if we're a match!
We'll also keep you updated on Blueberry's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Blueberry

Blueberry

Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, Adult
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
I'm just a humble ol' hound dog. Go slow with me, please- I'm all about the long game. I know "sit" and "down". I like hot dogs, calm and gentle people, gentle affection, and scritches under my chin. I'm pretty nervous and skittish in the shelter, but I'm trying really hard to adjust! At home I'll need a cozy retreat, confidence building, lots of positive experiences, and gentle people who go at my pace. I hope you'll visit me! Kids: 10+, very sensitive, takes time to warm up (treats help) Dogs: Some on-leash reactivity; little forward with piloerection, then avoids. Prefers gentle sniffing partner March 14, 2025, 5:09 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Hugo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hugo

Hugo

American Bulldog Pit Bull Terrier

Male, Adult
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hoo boy, are you in for a treat. You want a guy that's wiggly? Check. Friendly? Check? Loves to play? Double check. Endearing? Just look at me!! I'm an active, enthusiastic boy who's all about the simple things in life: treats, toys, playtime, and people. I know how to sit, and I can play the day away. Do you have room for me? Come visit! Kids: 8+, mindful of size; can be a little jumpy, attached to his toys (trade if taking them away) Dogs: Prefers calm and gentle dogsJuly 11, 2025, 4:56 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Cricket's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Cricket

Cricket

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, Young
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Jump, jump, jump... I hop around... can you guess how I got my name?! I’m a sweet and sensitive girl who is also very active, playful, and ohhh so endearing. I like toys, people, and gentle affection--and I LOVE TREATS! I’ll need some basic things like calming exercises, confidence building, and continuing to work on my manners. I’d really benefit from a predictable routine and lots of enrichment to keep my brain busy. Visit me and fall in love today! Kids: 10+, can be jumpy, anxious, excitable Dogs: Forward and jumpy, tries to play, needs tolerant dog who enjoys wrestling and chase gamesOctober 14, 2025, 2:12 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Bernard's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Bernard

Bernard

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Well, hello wonderful human! You look like my forever dog-parent! I’m Bernard, I’m sweet and sensitive, curious, and affectionate! I like gentle people who will go slow with me as I can be nervous with new people! I like treats - the crunchy kind please! I’ll need confidence building in new situations, some basic training, and a cozy bed all my own! Take me home with you TODAY! Kids:  8+, stoic, takes time to warm up Dogs:  very neutral sniffing, may prefer a gentle sniffing partner Ready to meet me? Come see me at the shelter! October 27, 2025, 5:18 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Tina's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Tina

Tina

Feist Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 8 yrs 2 mos
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Tina, the 8-year-old foster pup who's equal parts adorable and quirky! With one ear perpetually perked up like she's always listening for the next adventure (or treat), this sweet girl has quite the personality! Tina's ultimate joys? Cozy naps and those irresistible butt scratches that make her tail wag in pure bliss. Don't let her love for lounging fool you—she's a pro on the leash, ready for relaxed strolls around the block. Around other dogs, she might let out a bark or two to say hello, but if they're laid-back, she's all about peaceful coexistence. Tina shines with kids, thanks to her gentle, easygoing nature, though she has a playful naughty streak—keep those Legos and small plastic toys out of reach, or they might become hers! If you're looking for a loving companion who's low-maintenance yet full of heart, Tina could be your perfect match!

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Durham, North Carolina

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Chenny's Happy Tails- North Carolina

Durham, NC 27705

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions

1821 Hillandale Road, Suite 1B #326, Durham, NC 27705

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Animal Protection Society of Durham

2117 E. Club Blvd., Durham, NC 27704

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

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Rescue

Hope Animal Rescue

Durham, NC 27704

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Russell Rescue of the Carolinas

10711 Arsenal Drive, Durham, NC 27707

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Schnauzer Savers Rescue - North Carolina

6519 Cheek Rd, Durham, NC 27703

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Operation Underdog- NC

Durham, NC 27703

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Carolina Adopt-A-BULLS

Durham, NC 27703

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Carolina Pet Rescue

Durham, NC 27713

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

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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 Durham, 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