The 10 Best Dog Adoption Centers in Charlotte

It’s no secret that there are tons of pets in need of a home. With the pet population crisis, more people are adopting their new four-legged friend from rescue organizations or adoption centers instead of going to a breeder or pet store.

Here is a list of some great places to find your next best furry friend!

How to Adopt a Dog in Charlotte

Most organizations require that you own your home or have landlord approval prior to adopting. Some even require a home visit as well. Finally, there is an adoption fee that you need to pay. It differs based on age, but the range is usually $0-$300, although this is sometimes waived in certain situations.

Despite some restrictions, almost all the shelters are open and operating with their normal hours. The organizations that don’t have a facility and instead rely on adoption events or foster only. Check their operating hours beforehand. Try to stop by during the week, as weekends could be a bit busier.

The 10 Best Adoption Centers in Charlotte

1. The Humane Society of Charlotte

The Humane Society is a non-profit organization that has been in Charlotte since 1978 and has worked hard over the years to provide each animal that comes through their doors a loving family and home.

They follow a no-kill policy and work towards this goal by assisting other shelters in the area. They have a 99.9% release rate of their animals—almost every single one finds a new home.


2. CMPD Animal Care & Control

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control is part of the police department and works to provide the community with various medical and support services.

They are a Tier 1 level shelter under the Human-Animal Support Services national model. They run the Fear Free Shelter Program which educates people on shelter, rescue, and animal welfare in order to reduce the emotional stress as rescue animal goes under while in the shelter.


3. Catering to Cats and Dogs

Catering to Cats and Dogs is a charitable non-profit that is run entirely by volunteers who dedicate themselves to saving, transporting, and caring for the animals they rescue from high-kill shelters.

They spay and neuter all animals in their care. Currently, all animals live with foster families and are adopted through events or online, but they aim to eventually fund a facility.


4. North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue

The North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue based in Charlotte, NC.

They rely on the donations and support of the community to continue making a difference in the lives of the animals in their care. Their focus is on educating others on how animals should be properly treated.


5. Greater Charlotte SPCA

The Greater Charlotte Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization independent by other SPCAs or ASPCA. They are a private non-profit that does not own or manage a shelter facility.

In fact, volunteers foster the animals in their homes to get to know them and better match them to the right adoptive family.


6. Harvey’s Heroes Dog Rescue

This rescue is named after its founder’s first dog that she rescued from a rural shelter in Tennessee. She was shocked at the overpopulation and was determined to help rescue homeless dogs and rehome them.

Their dogs are placed in foster homes, not kennels, and are committed to being upfront and honest about medical issues or behavioral traits. Harvey’s Heroes Dog Rescue is run entirely by passionate volunteers and donations from the community.


7. Carolina P.A.W.S.

Carolina Pet Adoption & Welfare Society is a network of Carolinian citizens who are committed to rescuing abandoned animals and finding them forever homes.

They are a non-profit organization that relies on volunteer foster families as they do not have a facility. They provide animals with medical attention, rehabilitation, and socialization.


8. Halfway There Rescue

Halfway There Rescue is an organization run by volunteers to save cats and dogs from overcrowded and high-kill shelters by assisting in finding foster care placements or providing transportation to other rescues within the Carolinas.

They also have a community outreach program that offers free veterinary care and spay/neuter for those that cannot afford it.


9. Furever Angels Animal Rescue

This organization is a no-kill dog rescue comprised entirely of volunteers whose mission is to provide their animals a safe and loving foster home until they can be placed in their forever home. They do not have a shelter and instead live with foster families.

They also spay and neuter all of their dogs to avoid overpopulation. Furever Angels Animal Rescue conducts home visits to ensure their dogs are living in a healthy environment.


10. South Charlotte Dog Rescue

South Charlotte Dog Rescue is a volunteer-run non-profit, no-kill organization that rescues dogs in need and finds them permanent homes.

They prioritize finding the best matches and educating prospective adoptive families by following a comprehensive adoption process. Their animals receive medical attention and are spayed or neutered.

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Things to Consider Before Adopting a Dog in Charlotte

Before you rush off to the shelters to pick up a dog, there are some things you should consider first before you adopt a dog in Charlotte.

Make sure you have the financial stability to pay for a dog. Animals are expensive—they require food, toys, beds, grooming, and medicine.

What kind of lifestyle do you have? If you are not active, then you shouldn’t get a big dog like a Labrador who needs a lot of exercise.

If you went on vacation or moved, would you bring the dog with you? If not, then it’s best you don’t adopt. You need to commit to this dog for the rest of its life.

You need to have some knowledge of rescue dogs, training, and socialization. Rescue animals usually have some emotional trauma that requires attention and care.

If you’re not sure you’d be able to do that, then it’s best that you don’t adopt. You don’t want to have to bring it back a few days later because you couldn’t handle it.

Final Thoughts

Adopting a dog gives you such a warm feeling of accomplishment. You should always avoid buying from breeders or puppy mills. Rescue a dog instead and provide them a loving home for the rest of its life. Most people claim that their dog rescued them, not the other way around.

Ask yourself whether you’re ready to adopt a dog and be honest with your answer. If yes, Charlotte offers great adoption centers, so go visit and find your new best friend!

Charlotte Unlimited

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