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Puppies and dogs in North Carolina

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

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in North Carolina

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in 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 Rufus Stray's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Rufus Stray

Rufus Stray

Labrador Retriever/Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 3 yrs
Apex, NC
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
Some dogs are just meant to be together — and that’s Rufus and Dudley. Found side-by-side and clearly devoted to one another, these two best buddies are the definition of a bonded pair. They play together, cuddle together, cry when separated, and even give each other the sweetest ear kisses. If you’re looking to double the love in your home, these boys are ready. 🤎 Rufus — Brawns and Brains Rufus is a 3-year-old chocolate Lab mix and the ultimate guy’s guy — all about good vibes, chasing balls, carrying sticks, and diving into BIG snuggles. Outgoing, fun, and great with kids and other dogs, he tilts his head like he’s listening to every word you say. But behind that handsome, goofy charm? A seriously smart pup. Rufus will outsmart you in a game of chase and already knows sit and stay like a pro. He’s practicing his leash manners and working on toning down his “jump-for-joy” excitement, but he’s eager, teachable, and incredibly sweet. His favorite thing is being close to his people — especially stretched out on the couch in full snuggle mode. Rufus will need ACL surgery, fully covered by Peak Lab Rescue. To continue his treatment with the PLR vet, he must live within 30 minutes of Apex, NC. 💛 Dudley — The Sweetest Snugglebug Dudley, a 1-year-old yellow Lab mix, is the softest, sweetest homebody you’ll ever meet. He LOVES kids, other dogs, and allllll the snuggles. This gentle boy thrives on calm, cozy moments and would happily spend most of his day cuddled up on the couch or resting near his people. He’s great on a leash, polite, and continues to grow in confidence and skills. His mellow spirit beautifully balances Rufus’s playful energy — they complement each other in the most perfect way. Dudley is heartworm positive, but his treatment is fully covered by Peak Lab Rescue. He must also live within 30 minutes of Apex, NC to continue care with the PLR vet. 🐾 Why They Belong Together Rufus and Dudley aren’t just friends — they’re family to each other. They find comfort and confidence when they’re together and struggle when one is out of sight. They curl up together, play beautifully, and show their love in the sweetest ways (ear kisses included!). Keeping them together means they get to feel safe, supported, and loved the way they deserve. ✨ Ready to Double the Love? Rufus brings the brawns, Dudley brings the snuggles, and together they bring endless joy, sweetness, and devotion. If you’re ready for twice the cuddles, twice the laughter, and twice the love… Rufus and Dudley would love to be your perfect pair. 🐾 Apply today and let these two amazing boys steal your heart together
We'll also keep you updated on Dudley Stray's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Dudley Stray

Dudley Stray

Labrador Retriever/Pointer

Male, 1 yr 3 mos
Apex, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
***LOCAL ADOPTER NEEDED (within 50 miles of Apex, NC)! This dog is heartworm positive and still needs to complete his treatment at our partner vet in Apex, NC!*** Some dogs are just meant to be together — and that’s Rufus and Dudley. Found side-by-side and clearly devoted to one another, these two best buddies are the definition of a bonded pair. They play together, cuddle together, cry when separated, and even give each other the sweetest ear kisses. If you’re looking to double the love in your home, these boys are ready. 🤎 Rufus — Brawns and Brains Rufus is a 3-year-old chocolate Lab mix and the ultimate guy’s guy — all about good vibes, chasing balls, carrying sticks, and diving into BIG snuggles. Outgoing, fun, and great with kids and other dogs, he tilts his head like he’s listening to every word you say. But behind that handsome, goofy charm? A seriously smart pup. Rufus will outsmart you in a game of chase and already knows sit and stay like a pro. He’s practicing his leash manners and working on toning down his “jump-for-joy” excitement, but he’s eager, teachable, and incredibly sweet. His favorite thing is being close to his people — especially stretched out on the couch in full snuggle mode. Rufus will need ACL surgery, fully covered by Peak Lab Rescue. To continue his treatment with the PLR vet, he must live within 30 minutes of Apex, NC. 💛 Dudley — The Sweetest Snugglebug Dudley, a 1-year-old yellow Lab mix, is the softest, sweetest homebody you’ll ever meet. He LOVES kids, other dogs, and allllll the snuggles. This gentle boy thrives on calm, cozy moments and would happily spend most of his day cuddled up on the couch or resting near his people. He’s great on a leash, polite, and continues to grow in confidence and skills. His mellow spirit beautifully balances Rufus’s playful energy — they complement each other in the most perfect way. Dudley is heartworm positive, but his treatment is fully covered by Peak Lab Rescue. He must also live within 30 minutes of Apex, NC to continue care with the PLR vet. 🐾 Why They Belong Together Rufus and Dudley aren’t just friends — they’re family to each other. They find comfort and confidence when they’re together and struggle when one is out of sight. They curl up together, play beautifully, and show their love in the sweetest ways (ear kisses included!). Keeping them together means they get to feel safe, supported, and loved the way they deserve. ✨ Ready to Double the Love? Rufus brings the brawns, Dudley brings the snuggles, and together they bring endless joy, sweetness, and devotion. If you’re ready for twice the cuddles, twice the laughter, and twice the love… Rufus and Dudley would love to be your perfect pair. 🐾 Apply today and let these two amazing boys steal your heart together
We'll also keep you updated on Fern's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Fern

Fern

Miniature Poodle

Female, Senior
Hillsborough, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
Fern is a sweet older lady who just loves to snooze and be around people. She has no eyes but is able to sniff her way around. She is very gentle and quiet, and is looking for a loving home for the rest of her golden years.
We'll also keep you updated on Mistletoe's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Mistletoe

Mistletoe

Great Pyrenees/Labrador Retriever

Female, Young
Pittsboro, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.This animal is currently at the Randolph County Animal Shelter. Please apply today!This animal is currently at the Randolph County Animal Shelter.  Please apply today!  https://www.randolphcountync.gov/FormCenter/Animal-Services-7/Adoption-Application-61 Main number - 336-683-8235 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday (Closed  1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month) Open the first Saturday of each month from 10am-1pm. Animal adoption 9 - 5:30 pm Physical Address 1370 County Land Road Randleman , NC 27317   Adoption fees include combo and rabies vaccination, appropriate heath testing, deworming, spay and neuter, and microchipping. Male Dog $110 Female Dog $120 Male Cat $90 Female Cat $100 @font-face {font-family:'Cambria Math'; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1040178053 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:''; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family:'Times New Roman';}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} @font-face {font-family:'Cambria Math'; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1040178053 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:''; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family:'Times New Roman';}span.p-street-address {mso-style-name:p-street-address; mso-style-unhide:no;}span.locality {mso-style-name:locality; mso-style-unhide:no;}span.p-region {mso-style-name:p-region; mso-style-unhide:no;}span.p-postal-code {mso-style-name:p-postal-code; mso-style-unhide:no;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.December 7, 2025, 1:34 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Noelle's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Noelle

Noelle

Great Pyrenees/Labrador Retriever

Female, Young
Pittsboro, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.This animal is currently at the Randolph County Animal Shelter. Please apply today!This animal is currently at the Randolph County Animal Shelter.  Please apply today!  https://www.randolphcountync.gov/FormCenter/Animal-Services-7/Adoption-Application-61 Main number - 336-683-8235 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday (Closed  1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month) Open the first Saturday of each month from 10am-1pm. Animal adoption 9 - 5:30 pm Physical Address 1370 County Land Road Randleman , NC 27317 Adoption fees include combo and rabies vaccination, appropriate heath testing, deworming, spay and neuter, and microchipping. Male Dog $110 Female Dog $120 Male Cat $90 Female Cat $100 @font-face {font-family:'Cambria Math'; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1040178053 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:''; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family:'Times New Roman';}span.p-street-address {mso-style-name:p-street-address; mso-style-unhide:no;}span.locality {mso-style-name:locality; mso-style-unhide:no;}span.p-region {mso-style-name:p-region; mso-style-unhide:no;}span.p-postal-code {mso-style-name:p-postal-code; mso-style-unhide:no;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.December 7, 2025, 1:34 pm
We'll also keep you updated on CLEO's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of CLEO

CLEO

Chihuahua

Female, 3 yrs
Charlotte, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
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Search for a puppy or dog

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

Puppies and dogs in North Carolina cities

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Shelters & rescues in North Carolina

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Pawfect Match Rescue and Rehabilitation

Holly Springs, NC 27540

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Daisy's Place Rescue

Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

PapAdopters - North Carolina

Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

US Dog Coalition and Rescue

FUQUAY VARINA, NC 27526

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Peak Lab Rescue

Apex, NC 27502

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Friends FUR Life K-9 Rescue

Apex, NC 27539

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Rescue Bridges

NC Hwy 751, Lewter Shop Rd, Apex, NC 27523

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program of North Carolina

P. O. Box 278, New Hill, NC 27562

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The Hemingway Group

Cary, NC 27511

Pet Types: dogs

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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 North Carolina

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