Ah! Those scenic North Carolina coastal beaches and rolling mountains.
They’re the perfect day-out destination for humans and dogs.
But there’s just one problem.
You don’t have a dog yet.
If you’re looking to change that…
Read on to discover:
- 11 best dog rescues in North Carolina.
- Different ways to get in touch with them.
- Directions to each establishment’s location.
- Services that make some rescues stand out.
- And much more…
Table of contents
- 11 best dog rescues in North Carolina
- #1: Godbey Creek Canine Rescue, Inc
- #2: Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation
- #3: Happy Hills Animal Foundation
- #4: Second Chance Pet Adoptions
- #5: Rescue Ur Forever Friend
- #6: Foothills Humane Society
- #7: Paws4ever
- #8: Blind Spot Animals Sanctuary
- #9: Cause N Dog Rescue
- #10: SPCA of Wake County
- #11: Mitchell County Animal Rescue
11 best dog rescues in North Carolina
Choosing the right dog is simple enough. The puppy eyes of one will melt your heart like no other can. And you’ll just know it’s meant to be.
The real challenge is the step before that: choosing a rescue.
As it turns out, there are more dog rescues than there are lighthouses on the Outer Banks.
So I picked out 11 of the best ones to help ease you on towards your puppily ever after.
Disclaimer: The ratings and reviews that were the basis for selection may change over time.
#1: Godbey Creek Canine Rescue, Inc
Rating: 4.9
Reviews: 51
Website: Godbey Creek Canine Rescue, Inc
Address: 1147 Godbey Rd, Mocksville, NC 27028, United States (Google Maps)
Areas served: High Point and nearby areas
Telephone: +1 336-972-4511
Email: info@godbeycreekcaninerescue.org
Opening hours:
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM
- Tuesday – Saturday: 6 PM – 8 PM by appointment only
Social media presence:
Services
Adoption
Godbey Creek Canine Rescue takes in rescue dogs and facilitates their adoption by screened and approved applicants.
They require you to schedule an appointment via phone call or email before you drop in. You should also complete the application form beforehand.
Boarding
Godbey Creek Canine Rescue also offers boarding services. They guarantee that it “will feel like a vacation for your dog.”
The income from this goes towards the costs of their rescue services.
You can begin your boarding application process here. But first, note the following requirements.
- Veterinary records.
- Flea & tick preventative.
- Heartworm preventative.
- Annual fecal examination.
- Up to date vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella).
#2: Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation
Rating: 4.8
Reviews: 125
Website: Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation
Address: 256 Industrial Park Dr suite b, Waynesville, NC 28786, United States (Google Maps)
Telephone: +1 828-246-9050
Email: info@sarges.org
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
Social media presence:
#3: Happy Hills Animal Foundation
Rating: 4.8
Reviews: 82
Website: Happy Hills Animal Foundation
Address: 3143 Happy Hills Drive, Staley, NC 27355, United States (Google Maps)
Telephone: +1 336-622-3620
Email: office@hhaf.org
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday: Closed
#4: Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Rating: 4.8
Reviews: 45
Website: Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Address: 6003 Chapel Hill Rd #133, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States (Google Maps)
Areas served: Raleigh
Telephone: +1 919-851-8404
Email: secondchance@secondchancenc.org
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Social media presence:
#5: Rescue Ur Forever Friend
Rating: 4.8
Reviews: 20
Website: Rescue Ur Forever Friend
Address: Garner, NC 27529, United States (Google Maps)
Telephone: +1 919-424-6391
Email: info@ncruff.org
Opening hours:
- Daily: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Social media presence:
#6: Foothills Humane Society
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 172
Website: Foothills Humane Society
Address: 989 Little Mountain Rd, Columbus, NC 28722, United States (Google Maps)
Areas served: Gowensville and nearby areas
Telephone: +1 828-863-4444
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 PM – 5 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Social media presence:
Services
Spay and neuter programs
Foothills Humane Society offers low-cost spay and neuter. These services are for residents of Polk County, Landrum, and Campobello.
Dog spay is priced at $70, while neuter costs $60.
$15 microchips
Microchips cost an average of $45 nationwide. But at Foothills Humane Society, it’s a lot less. You can get your dog microchipped for $15. Yes, you read that right!
#7: Paws4ever
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 127
Website: Paws4ever
Address: 6311 Nicks Rd, Mebane, NC 27302, United States
Telephone: +1 919-241-8438
Email: adopt@paws4ever.org
Opening hours:
- Daily: 9 AM – 5 PM (By appointment only)
Social media presence:
Services
Legacy care
It sadly happens at times that owners can no longer provide care for their pets. That’s where Paws4ever’s legacy care program comes in.
Pets enrolled can be moved to a foster home. Or they can live in the Legacy Care Residence. This is until they’re adopted again. Till then, they’ll get the absolute best care.
But it doesn’t come cheap.
There is an enrollment fee of $1,000. It’s paid when you’ve been accepted into the program. Another whopping $15,000 is due when you turn over your pet to them.
If you haven’t hurriedly scrolled away after seeing those figures, you may be interested. If so, you can contact them via email.
Dog park and nature trail
Paws4ever offers a membership for their dog and park nature trail.
The park covers an area of 3 acres. There are open spaces where your pooch can run and play off-leash to their heart’s content. But there are enough trees on the grounds to provide shade.
You can also opt for exploration over plain ol’ playtime.
Venture, instead, into the woods. It’s a hike down a beautiful half-mile trail. Your dog will be required to be on a leash.
Both park and trail offer a great bonding experience. At a cost.
The annual membership fee comes up to $60 for one dog. If you have more, don’t fret. The annual fee for an additional pooch is only $30. But you’ll also have to be their legal owner.
You can learn more about it here.
#8: Blind Spot Animals Sanctuary
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 53
Website: Blind Spot Animals Sanctuary
Address: 307 Bacon Rd, Rougemont, NC 27572, United States (Google Maps)
Social media presence:
#9: Cause N Dog Rescue
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 48
Website: Cause N Dog Rescue
Address: 1056 Warrentown Rd, Snow Hill, NC 28580, United States (Google Maps)
Telephone: +1 252-686-2447
Email:
Opening hours:
- Daily: 9 AM – 6 PM
Social media presence:
#10: SPCA of Wake County
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 1,172
Website: SPCA of Wake County
Address: 102 Enterprise Dr, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, United States (Google Maps)
Telephone: +1 252-338-5222
Email: spcaofnenc@gmail.com
Opening hours:
- Sunday, Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 3:30 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
Social media presence:
Services
Low-cost spay & neuter
SPCA offers bi-weekly low-cost spay and neuter for community animals. It’s a program in partnership with PETA. Both procedures cost $60 each.
Lost/found report
You can report a lost or found pet on their website. The information provided would be crucial. It would greatly help shelter staff in reuniting owners and pets.
Pet retention
The pet retention program is a brilliant way to help owners keep their pets. SPCA provides resources and assistance for issues with your dog.
It could be behavioral problems. Or it could even be veterinary bills and medication. Whatever reason is causing you to consider rehoming your pet, SPCA wants to help.
You can get in touch with them via email.
#11: Mitchell County Animal Rescue
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 160
Website: Mitchell County Animal Rescue
Address: 2492 US-19E, Spruce Pine, NC 28777, United States (Google Maps)
Telephone: +1 828-765-6952
Email: info@mitchellcountyanimalrescue.org
Opening hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM – 12 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Social media presence: