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The Best Chapel Hill, NC Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

9 dog rescues found

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Saving Grace – Animals for Adoption

#98 in United States, #13 in North Carolina, #1 in Chapel Hill

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.

"A neighbor adopted a dog & they were amazing!"

Chapel Hill, NC

Love Mutts Rescue

#99 in United States, #14 in North Carolina, #2 in Chapel Hill

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.

"Fantastic rescue"

Chapel Hill, NC

German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption

#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #3 in Chapel Hill

We are a non-profit organization of dedicated volunteers committed to offering essential care and adoption services to neglected, stray or surrendered German Shepherd Dogs. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina and supporting the Carolinas and Virginia, we strive to protect and promote this magnificent breed. We only adopt to people living in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

German Shepherd

Chapel Hill, NC

Paws4ever

#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #3 in Chapel Hill

Our Adoption Center rescues cats and dogs from our local county shelters and provides them with quality care in our Adoption Center for as long as it takes to find their forever homes. Our Dog Training Program offers a variety of accessible private lessons and group classes using positive and effective methods. We offer a Community Pet Support Program to provide vet care, a pet pantry and dog training scholarships for struggling pet parents. Paws4ever's services also include our Legacy Care Program, which provides a loving home for members' pets when their owners are no longer able to provide care, a members-only Dog Park and Nature Trail, facility rentals, and a Resale Store. Paws4ever believes in treating animals with dignity and respect. We believe that positive reinforcement is the humane and effective way to train animals. Paws4ever commits to our animals for a lifetime and never euthanizes for space. We support our entire animal welfare community, including our open-admission county shelter partners.

Chapel Hill, NC

Orange County animal shelter

#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #3 in Chapel Hill

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.

Chapel Hill, NC

Doberman Rescue of the Triad

#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #3 in Chapel Hill

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.

Chapel Hill, NC

SPCA of Wake County

#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #3 in Chapel Hill

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.

Chapel Hill, NC

Lee county animal shelter

#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #3 in Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary

#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #3 in Chapel Hill

Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of both animals and humans. Founded in 2014, our permanent operations are currently being built across plentiful acres of lush farmland and forest in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Chapel Hill, NC

Mona Pants Foundation

#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #3 in Chapel Hill

We are a 501c3 Non Profit that operates in Zebulon, North Carolina. What we do: *We raise funds for pet rescue groups, animal sanctuaries, and shelters nationwide *We provide protective vests and gear to active duty K9 Officers *We equip First Responders with Pet Oxygen Mask Kits *We rescue dogs locally, provide medical care and rehab, and find them forever homes *We supply pet food for families in need locally and parts of Wake County *We support local feral cat rescues with food and medical assistance

Chapel Hill, NC

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 rescues

What's the Sniffspot Chapel Hill Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2025 Chapel Hill, NC Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill, NC chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 9 private dog parks in the Chapel Hill area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Chapel Hill dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Chapel Hill, NC. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Chapel Hill

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

Sniffspot Chapel Hill Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Chapel Hill?

There are 9 in Chapel Hill. Outside of Chapel Hill, there are 34 located in North Carolina.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill?

There are many reputable rescues in Chapel Hill, the top 3 on our list are: Saving Grace – Animals for Adoption, Love Mutts Rescue, German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption.

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill is German Shepherd with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Chapel Hill?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Chapel Hill. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
At Saving Grace, we want to make sure each of our dogs finds the best home possible for their particular circumstances. Not every dog would be suited for every family or situation.We provide a unique adoption experience where you are partnered with an Adoption Counselor that makes suggestions and introduces you to dogs that fit your needs and profile. Once your adoption request is reviewed, you are invited to make an appointment to come and work with a counselor.If all agree that there is a good match and the dog has ben vetted and is ready, you'll get to take your new pet home. It doesn't end there though! We're here for you whether it is advice on behavior issues, or supplies and swag you need from Saving Grace Supply Company!

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill?

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Charley's K-9 Rescue, Boxer Butts & Other Mutts Rescue, Kreitzer's Critter Corral Puppy Rescue

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Chapel Hill, NC Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

What's the Sniffspot Chapel Hill Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Chapel Hill

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Chapel Hill Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Chapel Hill?

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill?

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill offer?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Chapel Hill?

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Chapel Hill?

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