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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.
Photo of Maybelline

Maybelline

Basset Hound Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 5 yrs
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats,
Story
Meet Maybelline or "May Mayyyy" as we like to call her, our 4 year old lowrider mix. She is known for her little legs and big heart, and she is sure to make you fall for her with all the love she gives! She also LOVES nothing more than to cuddle and ask for rubs... all day, everyday! Maybelline is currently living with another dog and has done great with him, given a slow integration period. She loves to follow her foster brother Cooper around and seems to really enjoy his company. Previous to being rescued, she was living outdoors, and since arriving to her foster home, she has shown some leash reactivity/excitability when seeing other dogs that results in her getting hyped up. She has struggled with initial meetings with unfamiliar dogs and requires slow and controlled introductions. Unfortunately we may not be able to have her participate in a dog-to-dog meet prior to adoption in a safe way. If her future home has another pet, we would suggest doing a very slow separation/integration in order to introduce and integrate her into the home with other dogs. She would also do just fine as an only pet! She is working hard with her foster mom with her leash skills, because she does get quite excited when seeing other dogs on walks. Maybelline was undergoing heartworm treatment, but has since COMPLETED THEM! She is no longer on restricted exercise and can continue to being a regular dog and living her best life! Maybelline is starting to attend some training sessions with her foster mom now she has recovered from treatments. Her future home will benefit from working on leash manners, relationship building and basic obedience skills and our rescue is happy to provide resources and financially support some training sessions for her future family! We think May May would thrive in a home that is lowkey and with a family that would spoil and love her endlessly She's a pretty quiet girl with great manners, and is looking to explore/learn a whole new world of love and adventure with her new family! If you are interested in meeting/adopting Maybelline, click "apply for adoption"!
Photo of Josephine

Josephine

American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, 6 yrs 4 mos
Durham, 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,
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!
Photo of Bliss

Bliss

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, Adult
Durham, 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
Here I am, the one you’ve been waiting for! I’m a sweet, enthusiastic, affectionate girl. I love to wiggle and play. I’m a little nervous here in the shelter, but I’m sure to blossom at home. I’ll just need some basic training, gentle people, and confidence building around dogs. I have lots of love to give—I know I’ll make someone so happy! Is it you? Kids 6+, worried by novel objects, avoids fast movements, grabby with treats Dogs: Concerned, avoidant. Slow/careful intros, gentle dogs October 25, 2024, 4:30 pm
Photo of Breadstick

Breadstick

Mixed Breed (Large)

Male, Adult
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Just like a breadstick makes a good meal even better, your life will be better with ME at your side! I'm a goofy, wiggly, excitable boy who loves to make new friends. Though I'm quite outgoing, touch is hard for me. Let's stick to playtime before we get too hands-on. I love to play with a ball or toy and go exploring. I like gentle affection too, once I'm comfy. I'll benefit from calming exercises, more training, plenty of exercise, and confidence building to ease my anxiety. Let's go grab dinner! Kids: 10+, mindful of size; nervous, very active, can be jumpy Dogs: Friendly, playful, appropriate, takes good breaks. Likes chase and wrestling with another active dog February 19, 2025, 3:17 pm
Photo of Daisy (Courtesy Post)

Daisy (Courtesy Post)

Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador Retriever

Female, 12 yrs 3 mos
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Daisy – A Sweet Senior Lady Looking for Her Forever Home Daisy is a lovable 12-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix (without a pronounced ridge), possibly with some Labrador. She was adopted from the Annapolis SPCA in April 2016 at 4.5 years old. Daisy is a large dog with an even bigger heart, and in all her years, she has never shown a single sign of aggression. Her laid-back nature makes her great with everyone—cats, dogs, kids, and adults alike. She’s curious about the world but doesn’t let much faze her. Despite her age, Daisy is in remarkable health and still enjoys life to the fullest. She loves a good game of catch (though fetching isn’t really her thing), gets the occasional zoomies, and can still hop into the back of an SUV without any trouble. Her favorite activities include rolling around in the grass, leisurely exploring the outdoors, and lounging around the house. Daisy sheds a moderate amount, so regular brushing is recommended to keep her coat looking great. One of Daisy’s most charming traits is her love for food—it’s easy to win her over with treats and meals! She’s the perfect mix of playful and relaxed, a goofy and affectionate companion who will bring joy to any home. If you’re looking for a sweet, easygoing dog to share your life with, Daisy might just be the perfect match. She’s ready to meet her new family and spend her golden years in a loving home. Daisy has an adoption fee of $300. If you’re interested in adopting her, please email us at petassist@hopeanimals.org or McGrail.2991@gmail.com. This is a courtesy listing, meaning Daisy is not part of Hope Animal Rescue’s foster program. We cannot attest to her temperament or suitability for your home.
Special Needs
Photo of Sprunt

Sprunt

Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, Young
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Sprunt! Only having three legs does not stop this boy from living his best life! He's a playful sweet pup who's looking for his forever home. Kids: 6+, slightly worried by fast movements and novel objects Dogs: Per foster, good with senior dog, but wants to play rough Foster Report: He's a big fan of toys and is highly food motivated! He's picked up basic skills very quickly, and does great in his crate overnight or while we're out of the house. He hasn't had a lot of opportunities, but he loves to play with other dogs. Even down a leg, he happily wrestles with dogs his size or bigger, and loves to play in the kiddie pool or get sprayed with the hose. He hangs out all day in the work from home office, and as long as he gets his walks and a good chew toy, he's a great companion. He also loves belly rubs and all over scritches. He's working on his leash skills and keeping his teeth to himself, but his best skill is that he will go in his crate and wait for the okay to eat his meals.October 25, 2024, 4:30 pm

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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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Rescue

Hope Animal Rescue

Durham, NC 27704

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

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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