The Best North Carolina Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Mountain Pet Rescue AVL

We are a non-profit, foster-based animal rescue in Asheville, NC that has saved thousands of lives since our inception in 2017. Through grassroots efforts, we envision a future in which all companion animals find loving homes where they are able to receive the care and respect they deserve.

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Boxer Butts & Other Mutts Rescue

Welcome to Boxer Butts & Other Mutts, Inc. We are a 501 (c)(3) non profit rescue group located in Western North Carolina. BBOM was founded by Heidi Wagner and Shawn Heystek in December of 2011. Boxer Butts & Other Mutts continues to grow with the love and support of our amazing Rescue Family.

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Adoption First Animal Rescue

Founder Staci Ventura and her husband Eric Crespo began to develop the idea of Adoption First Animal Rescue in 2011 while working for a rescue in the San Diego, CA area. When Eric was stationed in North Carolina the two realized how much help the rural areas needed and decided to pursue the idea of Adoption First! The Rescue officially started on October 1, 2013 and received its 501c3 status as an official non profit organization in 2014. Since then the rescue has developed a great team of volunteers and established a board of directors who run the day to day operations.

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Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

Founded in 2007, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue enhances the lives of companion animals and the people who love them. We work across county lines with the goal of saving the greatest number of lives possible through strategic, creative, and impactful programming.

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Madison county animal services

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Saving Grace – Animals for Adoption

Saving Grace began in 2004 at a private residence and farm to bring adoptable dogs and loving homes together. North Carolina is one of the highest states for euthanasia in the country and our mission is to make an impact. Since beginning, we've placed over 30,000 animals, however the task is still daunting. Saving Grace partners with shelters with extremely limited resources where euthanasia rates are high across North Carolina to find adoptable dogs that just need a second chance. We also take a lot of dogs in need of critical care or in dire situations from them as well. Animals are chosen based on their adoptability as successful family members and Saving Grace strives to provide a more natural and non-traditional shelter environment for dogs to interact with others and exhibit their natural behaviors while awaiting their forever homes. Our Funny Farm setting allows adopters to mingle and interact with a variety of dogs and choose a new companion based on temperament and suitability for their home and family. Saving Grace is operated in majority by a hardworking and dedicated volunteer and foster base. This team is dedicated to finding an ever-changing but always special group of dogs an equally special family like yours. From intake to adoption, dogs are cared for by a support system of committed fosters and volunteers. Volunteer roles include everything from transportation, daily care, medical care, and everything in between to get them ready for adoption.

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Love Mutts Rescue

Love Mutts Rescue, Inc. (LMR) is a non-breed-specific dog rescue operating in central North Carolina and south central Virginia. We are a volunteer based, non-profit corporation run by a Board of Directors, and IRS designated 501(c)-3 charity. We rescue dogs in need from the surrounding communities, provide them with appropriate medical care, and place them in foster homes where they can be loved and nourished while they await their forever home. It is our goal to help all dogs that come into our rescue find the families that are destined to be theirs. Love Mutts Rescue was founded to provide a group of people an avenue to rescue animals from shelters. These shelters, and anyone who turns over a stray, can depend on LMR to provide these animals with proper vetting, nurturing fosters to care for them until they are adopted, and places to have adoption events so the rescue & the rescued can interact with potential adopters. We rely on volunteers to open their homes to foster, which is the only limiting factor to save more lives.

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Orange County animal shelter

Animal Services has animals available for adoption, and also partners with area rescue organizations to place as many animals as possible with loving homes. We provide animal intake services and Animal Control services to the unincorporated portion of Orange County and Hillsborough and are responsible for enforcing State and County laws that apply to animals (including cruelty laws, nuisance animals and dangerous wildlife). We also manage other services such as community spay/neuter programs.

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Doberman Rescue of the Triad

My goal is to place unwanted, abandoned Doberman Pinchers in suitable homes. I am not paid for my time and receive only minimal compensation for expenses directly related to veterinary care. I receive animals from various sources, such as people who are moving, people who cannot afford to keep their pets any longer, pets that have been abandoned, kennels going out of business, and from cruelty cases that have been reported to Animal Control. All of the animals are immediately taken to the veterinarian for a comprehensive examination. All animals are tested for heartworms. If they are heartworm negative, they are given their first series of distemper vaccinations and rabies shots. (It is assumed that the animals have never been given shots.) They are treated for any illnesses that they are diagnosed with. If the animals are well, they are spayed or neutered immediately and then placed in foster care so that their temperament can be monitored. The animals are then put up for adoption.

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SPCA of Wake County

The SPCA of Wake County (SPCA Wake) helps pets and people in over half of the counties across NC through collaborative partnerships. SPCA Wake is an animal welfare agency headquartered in Raleigh, NC. Donations keep families together, make frontline rescue work possible, and save pets and people in crisis across NC. SPCA Wake is an independent, 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization and shelter. Our mission is to transform the lives of pets and people through protection, care, education, and adoption. Our vision is to create a humane community. Funded by charitable support, we provide vital community programs that pick up where local government agencies leave off. For 56 years, we have provided comprehensive support services to companion animals in need with sheltering, care and adoption services. We provide people-focused programs that keep families and pets together, including spay/neuter assistance programs, affordable access to basic pet vaccines and preventative care, delivery of pet food and supplies for home-bound, low-income seniors, professional pet behavior assistance, disaster relief and response efforts, and youth education programs that promote empathy.

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Bullies 2 The Rescue

Bullies 2 the Rescue is made up of a group of volunteers that I call my family. We rely solely on donations for the care and treatment of the rescued Bulldogs that are admitted to our organization.

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Tranquility Sanctuary

Christie Brown Founder of Tranquility Sanctuary As the founder of this nonprofit animal rescue shelter located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Christie's journey is a testament to a lifelong dedication to the well-being of our furry companions. Christie's affinity for animals began at a tender age, growing up surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Alaska. From rescuing ducks and rabbits to fearless encounters with snakes, her compassionate spirit has been a driving force since the age of 7. This early passion laid the foundation for what would become Tranquility Sanctuary, a haven for animals in need. A licensed professional dog groomer renowned for operating one of the top Grooming Spas in Charlotte, NC, Christie's expertise extends far beyond the grooming table. With comprehensive experience in handling and caring for animals of all kinds, she ensures that each resident at Tranquility Sanctuary receives the highest level of attention and care. Her commitment to their well-being goes beyond the physical; Christie is also CPR certified, providing a holistic approach to the care of our beloved animals. Christie's vision for Tranquility Sanctuary is rooted in providing more than just shelter. It's about creating a sanctuary that mirrors the love, compassion, and second chances that every animal deserves. Join us in celebrating Christie's lifelong commitment to animal welfare and her role as the driving force behind Tranquility Sanctuary. But our mission extends beyond sheltering animals. We are passionate about finding permanent homes for our beloved companions. Through our innovative adoption programs and extensive outreach efforts, we work tirelessly to match each animal with a loving family that will provide a lifetime of love, companionship, and happiness. At Tranquility Sanctuary, we believe in the power of education and community engagement. We actively promote responsible pet ownership, humane treatment, and the importance of spaying and neutering. By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we aim to create a ripple effect of compassion that reaches far beyond our sanctuary's walls. Behind our mission stands a team of dedicated and experienced animal lovers. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts ensure that every animal in our care receives the highest level of compassion, veterinary care, and emotional support. We believe in giving animals a voice and advocating for their rights, always striving to create a better world for them. Join us on our journey towards a future where every animal finds their forever home, where their wagging tails and gentle purrs fill homes with joy and warmth. Together, let's create a world where tranquility, love, and respect define our relationship with all living beings.

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Humane Society of Union County

We'd describe ourselves as a small group of dedicated volunteers, rescuers and business professionals with a common bond: to help as many dogs and cats as is humanly possible. We are also friendly and approachable! The Humane Society of Union County is a 501C3 nonprofit organization. We are funded solely through the generosity of your contributions and receive no federal or state funding.

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Forgotten, now family

We specialize in major medical rescue but serve all the animals we can. Our purpose is to help the forgotten animals become family.

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Lake Norman Humane

Lake Norman Humane is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located in Mooresville, NC. We receive no ongoing state, local, or federal funding. We rely entirely on the generosity of donors and supporters to continue our lifesaving programs. Lake Norman Humane aims to serve the animals of our community and the people who love them. We intake animals from local animal controls in Lake Norman and surrounding communities as well as from owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. Whether you are looking for a dog, cat, guinea pig, or bird; Lake Norman Humane houses a wide variety of animals looking for a new beginning.

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The Animal Adoption And Rescue Foundation Of Winston-Salem

AARF is a highly recognized animal rescue in the greater Winston-Salem area that provides foster care, medical services, and adoption to homeless, abandoned, surrendered, and sick animals so they can have a new lease on life. We are a no-kill, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Through adoption, spay/neuter, high quality animal care professionals, community outreach and education, AARF helps to improve the health of our pet community that in turn improves the health of our entire community. AARF is unique in that it will accept difficult to adopt cats and dogs. AARF often provides medical services and training to challenging animals unable to find other services. However, there are times when AARF is unable to accept an animal into the program. Not because we don't want to, but because we are often at full capacity and AARF simply may not have room or a foster family available.

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Charley's K-9 Rescue

Charley's K-9 Rescue is a 501c3 non-profit dog rescue focused on helping bully breeds in our NC shelters at risk of euthanasia.

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Independent Animal Rescue

Independent Animal Rescue is a non-profit group in the Triangle region of North Carolina that works to provide homes for hundreds of unwanted cats and dogs each year. Our mission is to rescue and care for cats and dogs in need and reduce the suffering of unwanted animals through our adoption, spay/neuter, and community education programs.

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Animal Protection Society of Durham

The Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been helping animals in our community since 1970, and has managed the Durham County Animal Shelter since 1990. APS relies on donations from caring individuals and corporations to feed, shelter and provide medical attention for the nearly 5,000 stray, surrendered, abandoned, abused and neglected animals we care for each year.

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Robeson County Animal Shelter

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Hoke County Animal Shelter

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CrisisDogsNC

CrisisDogsNC is a foster-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2017. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs from kill shelters, substandard backyard breeders, hoarders, and those living in chains. Our commitment extends beyond rescue; we provide comprehensive medical care, foster homes, and transportation by land and air through our valued partnership with PilotsNPaws. Serving qualified adopters across the East Coast, we ensure that our rescues find loving forever homes. What sets us apart is our emphasis on building lasting relationships between rescued dogs and their new families. By thoroughly understanding both the adopter's lifestyle and expectations and the unique personalities of our rescues, we facilitate compatible matches for lifelong bonds. Our dedication to the well-being of our dogs is unwavering; should the adopter's circumstances change, we stand ready to welcome the dog back into our rescue at any time. CrisisDogsNC: Committed to the life of every dog, every step of the way. A warm thank you to Judith Texier, who founded the organization and served as director from 2017-2024

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Fayetteville Animal Protection Society

Fayetteville Animal Protection Society, Inc. (FAPS) is the only Cumberland County No-Kill, non-profit animal shelter supported by volunteers, grants, and individual contributions. FAPS receives no state or federal funding to operate and relies solely on the community to support its mission in rescuing and successfully placing companion animals in their forever homes.

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Guilford County Animal Shelter

The Guilford County Animal Resource Center is the only public open admission animal services center in Guilford County. We are a professional, caring organization devoted to saving the lives of lost, abandoned and surrendered animals of Guilford County, N.C. We strive to humanely care for all the animals and work diligently to return lost animals to their owners. We are committed to making every adoption a positive, permanent experience for both the animals and the pet owner. We also conduct community awareness programs such as education on pet care and responsibility, as well as community outreach programs. Guilford County Animal Services is committed to placing every adoptable animal into a new home. When we have an animal that cannot be placed by our organization, we work collaboratively with other rescue organizations to help place specific dogs, cats, livestock, exotic and wildlife. The Guilford County Animal Services is committed to every animal that arrives at our facility. Our staff is devoted to treating every animal to help it get adopted. We are proud to have a 90% live release rate for cats and an 84% live release rate for dogs in 2023. Live release rates are determined by the number of animals that come into into the shelter, divided by the number of animals who had a successful outcome through adoption and rescue partners. Last year 8,355 animals entered our shelter compared to 5,526 in 2022.

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Kora's Rescue Ranch

We are a foster based 501c3 rescue that pulls dogs off euthanasia lists all across the country. Our primary focus is saving dogs from euthanasia lists and we often pull them just hours or minutes before their euthanasia deadline, serving as a saving grace to these precious animals.

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Pawfect Match Rescue and Rehabilitation

Pawfect Match Rescue and Rehabilitation is a dedicated non-profit rescue comprised of only volunteers. We are committed to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs that would otherwise face euthanasia due to illness, injury, age, breed, etc. Our shelterless rescue aims to address this critical issue by providing necessities including medical care, basic training and the opportunity to familiarize the dogs to safe loving homes. We strongly believe that every dog deserves a chance at a happy and fulfilling life.

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Freedom Ride Rescue

In the rescue world, a 'Freedom Ride' is that magical car ride out of an animal shelter for a dog. At first they are nervous, but there is a moment when they realize they are safe. tongue out, tail wagging, a new chapter for them. Freedom Ride Rescue is foster based in the Raleigh NC area. We have no facility and every one of our adoptable (and not quite ready to be adopted) animals are in homes where families are teaching trust, love, basic manners. preparing your future dog ready to be the best addition to your family that they can be!

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US Dog Coalition and Rescue

The US Dog Coalition and Rescue is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs facing various challenges. At US Dog Coalition and Rescue, our mission is simple yet profound: to make a positive impact on the lives of dogs and the communities they inhabit. Through our tireless efforts, we strive to provide sanctuary and support to dogs who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve. With a network of dedicated volunteers, compassionate staff, and supportive donors, we work tirelessly to rescue dogs from shelters, streets, and harmful situations. Once in our care, each dog receives comprehensive veterinary care, training, and rehabilitation tailored to their individual needs, preparing them for a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Beyond rescue efforts, we are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership through education, outreach, and advocacy initiatives. By fostering a culture of compassion and understanding, we aim to create a world where every dog is valued, cherished, and treated with kindness and respect.

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Perfectly Imperfect Pups (PIPs)

We had a vision of a rescue that takes in the most urgent pups dogs with special needs and medical cases in and around North Carolina. While our focus is special needs, we are inclusive of all dogs and our main purpose is to rescue as many dogs in need as we can. PIPs is a foster based rescue, this means that there is no brick and mortar location- all dogs are kept in someone's home. We depend on fosters that are willing to open their hearts and homes to help a dog transition on to a forever home. Foster homes are needed for special and medical needs but also for puppies, adult dogs and seniors that are not PIP-abled.

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Second Chance NC

Second Chance Pet Adoptions is a non-profit animal rescue organization that has rescued stray or abandoned cats and dogs in the Triangle Area of North Carolina since 1987.

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RescueConnect Animal Rescue

RescueConnect was started to help the overwhelming number of homeless beagles and bassets that find themselves homeless in North and South Carolina. Over the years we have expanded our partnership models to provide assistance to homeless cats and to include a wider range of breeds, but still focus on beagles, bassets, mixes of these breeds or other adoptable dogs under 50lbs. We also support cats by helping locals with TNR efforts and placing cats deemed socialized after trapping find forever families through local adoption. As we have gained cat rescue volunteer fosters, we have been able to provide assistance to shelters across North Carolina. Please like and follow Helping Cats in Southeastern NC and RescueConnect on Facebook and please Share our posts. It can make a difference!

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Forsyth Humane Society

At Forsyth Humane Society, we strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all animals in our care. Our shelter is built on principles of honesty, transparency, compassion, and non-judgment, which guide us in our efforts to improve the lives of animals. As a community resource, we provide essential support to pet owners, including food, supplies, veterinary care, and educational programming. We prioritize spay/neuter initiatives, offering resources and referrals to help people keep their pets healthy and happy at home. With a wealth of animal care knowledge, we are dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership and helping individuals find their perfect animal companion for life. At FHS, we are committed to partnering with our community to celebrate the joys of pet ownership and the importance of caring for our animal friends.

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Humane Society of Davie County

The Humane Society of Davie County (HSDC) is committed to reducing euthanasia in our community through increased adoptions, transporting to partner rescues, promoting spay and neuter programs, and providing low-income pet owners with access to our food pantry.

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