For your convenience, in this article we’ve featured 10 of the best dog rescues in North Carolina.
1. Catering to Cats & Dogs (Charlotte)
Catering to Cats and Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming furry friends across Charlotte, NC. Catering to Cats & Dogs first opened their doors as a rescue in 2008. They started with just ten cats and no dogs but have since grown and are usually caring for over 130 dogs and more than 100 cats at any given time.
All animals are housed in foster care with loving volunteers until their forever homes can be found. The organization is entirely volunteer run and they are always looking for more people to help out! All dogs at Catering to Cats & Dogs are spayed/neutered prior to adoption (when old enough) to reduce pet overpopulation. View adoptable dogs here, or make a donation here.
2. Second Chance Pet Adoptions (Raleigh)
Based in Raleigh, NC, Second Chance Pet Adoptions provides support and care for dogs and cats in need across North Carolina. This nonprofit rescue organization has been taking in abandoned or stray cats throughout the Triangle Area since 1987, and is Wake County’s oldest no-kill rescue.
They rely on volunteers to foster animals until an appropriate adopter is found. The organization is also engaged in community outreach to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of animals in shelters or foster care. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to Second Chance Pet Adoptions here.
3. Red Dog Farm (Greensboro)
Red Dog Farm is an animal rescue network located north of the Greensboro area. This nonprofit organization is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, fostering, and eventually re-homing animals of all shapes and sizes, throughout Forsyth, Rockingham, and Guilford counties.
Their animals are housed in foster care prior to adoption, with the organization typically caring for 50-100 animals at any one time. As well as dogs and cats, a number of different species are available for adoption including ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, farm animals, and more. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to Red Dog Farm here.
4. RUFF (Durham)
RUFF is short for Rescue Ur Forever Friend, and that’s exactly what you can do thanks to this Durham-based nonprofit organization. RUFF is run entirely by volunteers who rescue abandoned, neglected, or homeless pets, then lovingly nurse them back to health in foster homes. Pets undergo the necessary medical care before eventually being listed for adoption.
As well as rescuing animals, the team at RUFF uses community outreach and education as a method to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of animals in need. All dogs have up to date vaccinations, are heartworm tested, and spayed/neutered (if old enough) prior to adoption. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to RUFF here.
5. Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption (Fayetteville)
Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption is located in the Fayetteville area of NC. This nonprofit rescue organization takes in homeless cats and dogs and finds new homes where they can be well cared for. CARA has been operating since 2003 and has given many lucky animals new homes thanks to their committed network of volunteers.
All dogs are spayed/neutered before adoption (if old enough), as well as microchipped and up to date on all vaccines. To view available dogs, click here. If you would like to donate to Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption, follow this link.
6. Piedmont Animal Rescue (Charlotte)
Piedmont Animal Rescue is a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, NC. They rescue and rehome dogs, cats, and sometimes smaller animals like hamsters or rabbits. The team is committed to providing community outreach and education to promote responsible pet ownership.
Prior to finding their forever homes, rescued dogs are placed in the care of a loving foster family. So far, Piedmont Animal Rescue has saved almost 4,000 animals, with that number growing every day. View their adoptable dogs here, or donate to Piedmont Animal Rescue here.
7. Saving Grace (Raleigh)
Saving Grace is a nonprofit rescue that operates across Raleigh, NC, and beyond. Established in 2004, Saving Grace has been responsible for rescuing over 22,000 dogs and placing them into caring, loving homes. Founder Molly Goldston and her team of amazing volunteers work hard and love what they do.
Dogs at Saving Grace receive veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite prevention/treatment, and are spayed/neutered prior to being listed for adoption. If you are interested in donating to Saving Grace, you can do so here.
8. Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina (Greensboro)
The Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina is based in Greensboro, NC. This volunteer run nonprofit organization specifically rescue Boston Terriers from shelters or owners all over North Carolina that may have been abandoned, abused, or homeless. Their network of volunteer foster families lovingly cares for these dogs until they can be adopted.
Prior to being listed for adoption, each terrier is vaccinated, microchipped, spayed/neutered, and receives any necessary medical treatment. If you would like to adopt from Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina, you can view their adoptable dogs here. Alternatively, make a donation here.
9. Independent Animal Rescue (Durham)
Independent Animal Rescue is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, NC. They rescue unwanted, abused, or homeless dogs and cats throughout the Triangle Region of North Carolina and match them up with the perfect adoptive family. The organization was originally founded in 1994, and now includes a vast network of over 100 volunteers.
Before entering into foster care, each rescued dog undergoes temperament screening and a behavioral assessment to determine what their perfect home might look like. The dogs are then cared for by foster families until they are adopted. View available dogs here, or donate to Independent Animal Rescue here.
10. Solutions for Animals (Fayetteville)
Solutions for Animals is a nonprofit organization based in Fayetteville, NC. They rescue dogs from all manner of unsavory situations and nurse them back to health prior to listing them for adoption. The dogs are housed on a spacious farm with plenty of space to play and socialize.
Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds are rescued and cared for. Prior to adoption, dogs are spayed/neutered and undergo necessary medical care. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to Solutions for Animals here.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
