This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Charlotte, 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.
#41 in United States, #4 in North Carolina, #1 in Charlotte
Charlotte
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.
"Our English Bulldog Pacino was found along the side of the road in SC. He was taken to a shelter..."
— deborah m.
Adoptee
"We lost 2 bulldogs from CA last year. We found Bullies2theRescue on Facebook and we haven’t looked back. ..."
— dr j.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#93 in United States, #10 in North Carolina, #2 in Charlotte
Charlotte
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.
"This is a great shelter owned and operated by Christie; she has a pure love for her ‘fur babies’ and..."
— m. b.
Supporter, Fan
"I love this sanctuary for dogs & cats; I can’t imagine them thriving without this effort to save as many..."
— stacie b.
Supporter
#94 in United States, #11 in North Carolina, #3 in Charlotte
Charlotte
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.
"The Humane Society of Union County operates the only spay/neuter clinic in Union County, NC that serves mostly lower-income pet..."
— ben h.
Volunteer / foster
"I have been involved with this rescue for about 15 years and have participated in many roles, from volunteer, foster,..."
— laura s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan
#98 in United States, #13 in North Carolina, #4 in Charlotte
Charlotte
We specialize in major medical rescue but serve all the animals we can. Our purpose is to help the forgotten animals become family.
"Love the work done for “throwaway and unwanted” dogs."
— lila l.
Fan
"I’ve never seen or been around a shelter that loves the dogs and cats as much as they do. From..."
— darlene s.
Supporter
#99 in United States, #14 in North Carolina, #5 in Charlotte
#6 in puppy
Puppy
Charlotte
We are a Christian based, 501(c)3 non-profit puppy rescue based in Kannapolis, NC. We believe that all animals are God's creatures and we are put on this earth to care for them as Christ cares for us. We specialize in puppies & kittens 10 weeks and younger especially the orphaned and abandoned infant who need to be bottle fed; as well as pregnant dogs & cats and those who have recently given birth.
"Rescued my Rat Terrier from there and they are the hero pupper rescue in Concord, NC! Snicker was a burrowing,..."
— diane e.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
#99 in United States, #14 in North Carolina, #5 in Charlotte
Charlotte
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.
"I have been a volunteer with lake Norman humane for almost 5 years. I started as a dog volunteer and..."
— wendy w.
Volunteer / foster
#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #6 in Charlotte
Charlotte
Animal Care & Control (ACC) is part of the Support Services Group of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and currently consists of five units including: Field Operations, Animal Sheltering & Medical Services, Customer Service & Community Outreach, Communications, and Administrative Services. In addition to providing regulatory services that contribute to community public health and safety, ACC has many programs that focus on education, intake mitigation, pet management, adoption and animal health concerns. ACC is dedicated to helping the people and pets of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County by providing a variety of medical and support services. ACC is also here to help educate the public about how to best care for animals and work to keep pets and people safe and together. ACC is proud to be a Tier 1 level shelter under the Human Animal Support Services national organization model.
#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #6 in Charlotte
Charlotte
Ruff Love Rescue (RLR) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), no-kill dog rescue and foster care organization based out of Thomasville, NC dedicated to the care of abused, neglected and abandoned dogs. For over 20 years we have worked tirelessly to find homes for countless dogs, and to continue our work we need your support. Most of our volunteers, including RLR founder and president, Sue Rogers, have full time jobs. We save dogs in our spare time and our dogs live in private foster homes. Hard work by caring people is what makes Ruff Love Rescue so amazing!
#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #6 in Charlotte
Charlotte
We provide maternity and postnatal care for pregnant bully breed dogs and their puppies ensuring that all are spayed and neutered prior to adoption. A portion of our proceeds will be applied to sponsoring spays & neuters for community dogs in need -preventing thousands more from ending up in local shelters. Located in Charlotte, NC
#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #6 in Charlotte
Charlotte
S.A.F.E. (Spay/Neuter, Adoption, Foster and Education) Animal Haven is a nonprofit. foster-based, rescue group. We are made up entirely of volunteers, all of whom care deeply about animals and our community. We believe that a caring and compassionate commitment to the pets we share our lives with provide an enriching environment for everyone. We exist entirely on donations from our supporters. We serve as a community resource for information about companion animals and their care. The cornerstone of our program is the education of the community to promote the concept of spaying and neutering. We strive to create awareness about the immediate need to reduce the number of unwanted and discarded pets. Our goal is to decrease the endless stream of animals pouring into animal care facilities by providing educational school programs and promoting the spaying/neutering of companion animals. Our educational programs are designed to foster values of respect, compassion, and reverence for life that make the world a safer place for both animals and humans. Each year, our staff of volunteers takes our message of compassion to schools and community groups.
#100 in United States, #15 in North Carolina, #6 in Charlotte
Charlotte
The Humane Society of Charlotte believes in working to improve our community by creating new, loving families, and building a world where there are no more homeless and unwanted animals. This is an ongoing process for every animal we can connect with a new family, another animal in need comes to HSC's shelter. As a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the HSC relies on the generous support of animal lovers, grants, bequests, and fees for service.
Welcome to the 2024 Charlotte, NC Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Charlotte, 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 11 private dog parks in the Charlotte 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 Charlotte dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
Bullies 2 the Rescue is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization. We'll make every effort to schedule your home visits at a time that is good for you. Please be flexible to our schedule, as well.Adoption fees range from $600 - 800 but may vary from $100 to $1,500, depending upon the age/health of the dog. All rescue bullies are spayed/neutered, micro chipped and up-to-date on all shots prior to adoption.We very rarely get puppies through the rescue program. If we do rescue puppies, they tend to come in due to problematic medical conditions that require a great deal of personal time and financial commitments to care for them.You are giving a homeless dog a second chance. This means having the time and patience to work with social, emotional and behavioral problems. In some cases, a health issue is present. We disclose all information we are given and are aware of, as we want to make this as smooth a transition for the dog as possible.Many rescued Bulldogs don't get along with other animals and some can't be placed with small children. Because of this we do not adopt out to families with children under 6 years old. This is for your child's and our bulldog's safety and well-being. We hope that as parents you can appreciate this. Yes, we do allow out-of-state adoptions but you MUST come to us to adopt. You've got to sign the adoption contract and have your photo taken for the official announcement! We do not transport or allow transports-for-hire. We do not adopt outside of the U.S. If you live in Canada, please apply with one of the rescues there.If you're seeking to obtain a cheap English bulldog or you're looking for a specific color or look or only want a puppy, rescue is probably not for you. It is important for all interested parties to understand that our primary commitment is to the dogs who are in our care. We look for the right family to suit our rescue dogs. It's not about picking out the cutest one. The cutest one may not be your match!Please do your research prior to applying. Bulldogs are extremely high m
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.