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 Shelby, North Carolina

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Shelby, North Carolina

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Shelby, 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.
Special Needs
Photo of Bea

Bea

Boxer

Female, 6 yrs 10 mos
Earl, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs special attention, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sweet Bea, a three year old boxer mix, who came to the shelter heart worm positive, with pyometra, and just in bad shape. She was immediately spayed, just finished up her heartworm treatment and is ready to start looking for the family that she so deserves to love her. Bea is very human friendly, loves everyone she meets and loves to play. We would suggest older children since she is very playful and large enough to knock down and accidentally hurt a small child. She does need to be the only dog. She gets aroused around new dogs to the point she turns to aggression. If Bea looks like the girl for you, please read our procedures and fill out the on line application, link attached below. 1. on line application 2. vet and reference check 3. phone call 4. home visit 5 meet and greet 6. adoption We will travel up to two hours to do home checks. We also truly feel the dogs in our rescue have been through enough. We take in those who are injured, abused, neglected, sick, and abandoned. That being said we search for a home that they are never put in that position again and that fits their personality and needs the best. No more hurt or fear. https://cliffordsarmyrescue.com/1423-2/
Special Needs
Photo of Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder

Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog

Male, 4 yrs 7 mos
Earl, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Stevie Wonder presented a challenge when trying to catch him to keep him safe. He was roaming as a stray but due to his blindness was staying pretty much in the same area. We sat for days outside with him, feeding him but if we moved at all, he took off. After many many days, we finally were able to get a slip lead on him and get him safe. Once we had him, he adjusted really quick to walking on a leash, learning his boundaries and being inside. We took him to a specialist to check his eyes and learned he is completely blind and nothing can be done to help. He will need to have an annual visit to an eye specialist as he could develop cataracts and infections, that would need treated asap. By having his eyes checked annually, it would avoid any major issues that may arise. Stevie may be blind, but he is also an escape artist. He needs to be supervised at all times when outside. He is not your cuddle bug, but does love attention, petting and being near you.. and cream cheese.. he loves cream cheese . ( that is how we finally caught him) If Stevie is the boy for you please read below. 1. on line application 2. vet and reference check 3. phone call 4. home visit 5 meet and greet 6. adoption We will travel up to two hours to do home checks. We also truly feel the dogs in our rescue have been through enough. We take in those who are injured, abused, neglected, sick, and abandoned. That being said we search for a home that they are never put in that position again and that fits their personality and needs the best. No more hurt or fear. https://cliffordsarmyrescue.com/1423-2/
Photo of Sanders

Sanders

Boxer

Male, 2 yrs 11 mos
Earl, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Sanders. Our sweet boy was found shivering under a bush at a local fast food restaurant in the freezing rain. He was emaciated, full of parasites and just wanted someone to get him out of the cold and take care of him Sanders has gained weight and his vetting is complete. He is not quite a year old, boxer mix, who does fine with other dogs and cats. He is working hard ( and doing well ) on house training. Also working on controlling all his happiness (lol, he is a very very happy boy ) If you think Sanders could be your boy, please take a moment to read our adoption procedures and fill out our on line application. Listed below is our adoption procedures for Clifford’s Army Rescue. We will travel up to two hours ( one way) to do physical home visits and we do not do virtual home visits. Most of our dogs come from bad situations and we want to know where their forever home is going to be. Puppies are very fragile and not toys. We recommend children be at least six years old to be considered to adopt a young puppy. Small breed dogs ( such as chihuahuas, yorkies, shih tzus , etc) we recommend children be at least eight years old. Herding, working breeds we recommend children to be at least 12 years old. While we do not require fencing on all dogs, certain dogs that need a fenced in yard, will not be adopted unless potential adopter has one. We also adopt some dogs to people who live in apartments ( as long as the landlord approves) but not all dogs. We do not adopt to anyone under 21 years of age. We also do not feel college students are the best fit for most of our dogs. Most of our dogs again, come from bad situations and need lots of attention. Most college students have financial responsibilities and we feel need to be focused on school. Our goal is to match the dog with a family that fits the dog’s needs. We are solely focused on what is best for each dog in our rescue. These dogs have had enough moving around, dumped out like trash, and we want to ensure they find their forever home. We do require you sign a contract and if at any time you cannot continue to provide for the dog, the dog comes back to the rescue. Your first step to adoption is filling our our on line application. You will then get an automated email stating we got your application Next our adoption coordinator will be in touch either by phone or email If your references check out, a home visit will be scheduled. After the home visit is done, a meet and greet with the dog you are interested in and/or any other available dogs we have will be scheduled If the dog and you are a match, contract will be signed and you may take your new family member home. Link to application https://cliffordsarmyrescue.com/1423-2/
Photo of Demi

Demi

American Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 2 yrs 2 mos
Earl, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Demi, a sweet baby who ended up at our local intake county shelter with terrible skin issues. We snatched her out of there, got her to our vets where we discovered she had demodex mange ( not contagious). She is on the road to recovery and will be available soon for adoption. She is a sweet, active girl who needs a family to grow up with. If you are that family, please continue reading and fill out our on line app. RECOMMENDATIONS & PROCEDURES Please note, the following are recommendations for puppies and different breeds of dogs. We will evaluate each application on an individual basis to see what is best for the dog/puppy and the potential adopter. Puppies are very fragile and not toys. We recommend children be at least six years old to be considered to adopt a puppy. Small breed dogs ( such as chihuahuas, yorkies, shih tzus , etc) we recommend children be at least eight years old. Herding, working breeds we recommend children to be at least 12 years old. Again these are recommendations. Adoption Procedures: We will travel up to two hours ( one way) to do physical home visits and we do not do virtual home visits. Most of our dogs come from bad situations and we want to know where their forever home is going to be. While we do not require fencing on all dogs, certain dogs that need a fenced in yard, will not be adopted unless potential adopter has one. We also adopt some dogs to people who live in apartments ( as long as the landlord approves) but not all dogs. We do not adopt to anyone under 21 years of age. We also do not feel college students are the best fit for most of our dogs. Most of our dogs again, come from bad situations and need lots of attention. Most college students have financial responsibilities and we feel need to be focused on school. Our goal is to match the dog with a family that fits the dog’s needs. We are solely focused on what is best for each dog in our rescue. These dogs have had enough moving around, dumped out like trash, and we want to ensure they find their forever home. We do require you sign a contract and if at any time you cannot continue to provide for the dog, the dog comes back to the rescue. Your first step to adoption is filling our our on line application. You will then get an automated email stating we got your application Next our adoption coordinator will be in touch either by phone or email If your references check out, a home visit will be scheduled. After the home visit is done, a meet and greet with the dog you are interested in and/or any other available dogs we have will be scheduled If the dog and you are a match, contract will be signed and you may take your new family member home. Link to application https://cliffordsarmyrescue.com/1423-2
Photo of Atlas

Atlas

American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 6 yrs 8 mos
Earl, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Atlas, a large sweet boy, who came to us abandoned, starving, full of parasites and heart worm positive. To be dumped on the side of the road, left to fend for himself, he was such wonderful boy we could not understand why. He has finished his heartworm treatment and has all his vetting done. If interested, please read and fill out our on line applications below RECOMMENDATIONS & PROCEDURES Please note, the following are recommendations for puppies and different breeds of dogs. We will evaluate each application on an individual basis to see what is best for the dog/puppy and the potential adopter. Puppies are very fragile and not toys. We recommend children be at least six years old to be considered to adopt a puppy. Small breed dogs ( such as chihuahuas, yorkies, shih tzus , etc) we recommend children be at least eight years old. Herding, working breeds we recommend children to be at least 12 years old. Again these are recommendations. Adoption Procedures: We will travel up to two hours ( one way) to do physical home visits and we do not do virtual home visits. Most of our dogs come from bad situations and we want to know where their forever home is going to be. While we do not require fencing on all dogs, certain dogs that need a fenced in yard, will not be adopted unless potential adopter has one. We also adopt some dogs to people who live in apartments ( as long as the landlord approves) but not all dogs. We do not adopt to anyone under 21 years of age. We also do not feel college students are the best fit for most of our dogs. Most of our dogs again, come from bad situations and need lots of attention. Most college students have financial responsibilities and we feel need to be focused on school. Our goal is to match the dog with a family that fits the dog’s needs. We are solely focused on what is best for each dog in our rescue. These dogs have had enough moving around, dumped out like trash, and we want to ensure they find their forever home. We do require you sign a contract and if at any time you cannot continue to provide for the dog, the dog comes back to the rescue. Your first step to adoption is filling our our on line application. You will then get an automated email stating we got your application Next our adoption coordinator will be in touch either by phone or email If your references check out, a home visit will be scheduled. After the home visit is done, a meet and greet with the dog you are interested in and/or any other available dogs we have will be scheduled If the dog and you are a match, contract will be signed and you may take your new family member home. Link to application https://cliffordsarmyrescue.com/1423-2
Photo of Lizzie

Lizzie

Black Mouth Cur Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Female, 3 yrs 8 mos
Earl, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sweet Lizzie ended up at our local veterinarian's office with a request to euthanize her. She was a healthy sweet girl, and we were immediately contacted. Lizzie is a cuddle bug, only wanting to be with you. She needs someone who is home most of the time as she gets upset when she cannot find her human. She is good with other dogs and would do well to have a playmate. RECOMMENDATIONS & PROCEDURES Please note, the following are recommendations for puppies and different breeds of dogs. We will evaluate each application on an individual basis to see what is best for the dog/puppy and the potential adopter. Puppies are very fragile and not toys. We recommend children be at least six years old to be considered to adopt a puppy. Small breed dogs ( such as chihuahuas, yorkies, shih tzus , etc) we recommend children be at least eight years old. Herding, working breeds we recommend children to be at least 12 years old. Again these are recommendations. Adoption Procedures: We will travel up to two hours ( one way) to do physical home visits and we do not do virtual home visits. Most of our dogs come from bad situations and we want to know where their forever home is going to be. While we do not require fencing on all dogs, certain dogs that need a fenced in yard, will not be adopted unless potential adopter has one. We also adopt some dogs to people who live in apartments ( as long as the landlord approves) but not all dogs. We do not adopt to anyone under 21 years of age. We also do not feel college students are the best fit for most of our dogs. Most of our dogs again, come from bad situations and need lots of attention. Most college students have financial responsibilities and we feel need to be focused on school. Our goal is to match the dog with a family that fits the dog’s needs. We are solely focused on what is best for each dog in our rescue. These dogs have had enough moving around, dumped out like trash, and we want to ensure they find their forever home. We do require you sign a contract and if at any time you cannot continue to provide for the dog, the dog comes back to the rescue. Your first step to adoption is filling our our on line application. You will then get an automated email stating we got your application Next our adoption coordinator will be in touch either by phone or email If your references check out, a home visit will be scheduled. After the home visit is done, a meet and greet with the dog you are interested in and/or any other available dogs we have will be scheduled If the dog and you are a match, contract will be signed and you may take your new family member home. Link to application https://cliffordsarmyrescue.com/1423-2

Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dog shelters and rescues in Shelby, North Carolina

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

Cleveland County Animal Services

1601 Airport Rd, Shelby, NC 28150

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Clifford's Army Rescue Extravaganza

P.O. Box 370, Earl, NC 28038

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Find-A-Friend-Rescue

Grover, NC 28073

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Mercy Rescue Haven

Blacksburg, SC 29702

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

LCAR St Francis Farm

477 Edwards Road, Carlisle, SC 29702

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Spotted Weinie Dog Hill Rescue

Lawndale, NC 28090

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Pitiful Pits - Pitbull Rescue

po box 892, forest city, NC 28043

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Blue Ridge Pets

Forest City, NC 28043

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement

1491 Business Park Court, Gastonia, NC 28052

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Animal League of Gaston County

425 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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 Shelby, 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