Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Dog Rescues & Shelters

North Carolina

Durham

Independent Animal Rescue

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Independent Animal Rescue

https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/691/204e26d9feeb-IAR_Logo_Green_Transparent.png

durhamNorth CarolinaUS

Independent Animal Rescue

#82 in United States, #8 in North Carolina, #2 in Durham

https://animalrescue.net/

info@animalrescue.net

Service areas:

The Triangle Region of NC, primarily Durham, Orange, Person, Granville, Chatham and North Wake Counties

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.

Mission and Vision

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. At IAR, we believe that the welfare of animals is paramount. We feel that we can alleviate problems associated with dog and cat overpopulation and abandonment using a 3-pronged approach: (1) Rescue and adoption of unwanted and abused animals; (2) funding and providing spay/neuter services; (3) education and outreach on animal welfare to our community.

Adoption Policy

All of our dogs and cats then enter foster homes where they are cared for and loved as members of the family before being made available for adoption. Living with our dogs and cats in foster homes, we learn a lot about their unique virtues and are ready and eager to share that information with adopters. The foster parent makes the final decision as to whether or not an adoptive home is a good match for the animal. The foster parent knows the animal better than anyone, and has the authority to refuse any application that he/she feels is not a good match.

https://animalrescue.net/adoptadog/

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"I first encountered this rescue several years ago, I had been brought a litter of kittens who were only a couple weeks old that were sick and failing to thrive. I was completely devastated and didn’t know where to turn so I started reaching out to rescues. The only one to respond was in a neighboring county and immediately told me to bring them to their vet for treatment. If not for their help, I would not have the one who survived seven years later. I ended up fostering a litter of babies for them since I had experience and they were so supportive and provided everything. Outside of my personal experience, they have been a lifesaver for my hometown. There are very few resources for people in Person County, especially when it comes to feral cats and TNR. Though they are out of Durham County, they have done TNR on hundreds of cats from Person County. I am an admin for our local Lost and Found Pets group, and have sent many people their way to try to stop the overpopulation problem. I can’t imagine how bad things would be if they weren’t always so responsive and willing to help with not only TNR, but emergency medical cases as well. Recently there was also a case in Person County where a litter of seven one year old pups were left to be put outdoors in the elements after the rescuer who had them suddenly passed away. The post was shared over a thousand times but no help came after over a month. I reached out to one of their volunteers, Jacky, and she immediately made contact with the friend who was housing them to go meet them. She coordinated with multiple rescues who all helped to vet and take not only all seven of the pups who needed help, but another as well. In addition, she helped multiple others from the same property that were also in desperate need as their caretaker was unable to properly care for them. It truly amazes me how much they are willing to help."

— tiffany w.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Independent Animal Rescue has helped me and my friends with several dogs in our community. They always respond to do what they can to help. They are an invaluable resource for animals in need."

— anissa l.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"My initial awareness of Independent Animal Rescue (IAR) was almost 6 years ago when the team of volunteers assisted with trap, spay/neuter, and release of a feral cat who had her second liter of 4 under my crawlspace. The kittens were adopted and mom, later named 'Sasha Fierce', was returned to my yard and the community has continued to care for her ever since. Summer of 2023 came a beautiful white tabby (later named Tommy), who my neighbor told me was from Sasha's liter more than 6 years ago. I cared for him as well, but reached out to IAR again for assistance as he had many sores, abscess on his ear that left a gaping wound, and needed to be neuter. I trapped Tommy and IAR provided medical care and neutering. I kept him safe for a few days, then released him. He remains in the community as well. In Jan 2024, I volunteered to take my niece's dog, Beauty (chocolate lab/pit mix), due to housing and financial issues. She had decided to surrender Beauty after I had her, but the dog had such a strong hold on me, that I decided to continue caring for her in hopes of finding her a furever home. I reached out to IAR again and they graciously accepted Beauty into their foster program. I am her foster mom and we are going through the process to prepare her for adoption. It's been such an eye-opener to see the care and dedication that IAR volunteers, staff, fosters, etc provide to the many dogs and cats in need in our community and surrounding communities. I thank them all for the assistance they have provided. I am starting a new path of fostering and I am extremely proud to be a part of such an amazing team of caregivers. I look forward to many years of providing a loving home and unwavering dedication to the dogs and cats of IAR who need and deserve a safe home with families who will provide them with tons of affection."

— angela b.

Volunteer / foster

"Independent Animal Rescue (IAR) is the epitome of a well-run, ethical, and impactful rescue. It is largely volunteer-run, but you wouldn't know it based on how professional it is. I've volunteered for over 2 years. Time and time again, I've been amazed at how effective and committed other volunteers and staff are to our mission. IAR makes a real difference in animals' lives, and I'm proud to be part of this group."

— tara k.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

"Independent Animal Rescue is an amazing group of volunteers who rescue and place hundreds of unwanted cats and dogs in loving homes every year through fostering, events, socializing, etc. We also spay and neuter hundreds of community animals to reduce overpopulation. Finally, we support our adopters and animals after the adoption, feed feral cat and dog colonies, and take back our adopted pets if a person can no longer care for them."

— jacky r.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

"I love Independent Animal Rescue. They have been doing important work for the community for many years and their dedicated volunteers are what make the whole system function. The hard work and caring spirits of the community members that dedicate their time and energy to help cats and dogs have bettered many furry friends lives in many different ways. The TNVR program for feral cats, the foster and adoption programs, and much more are such an important staple to this community. On many Nextdoor, Facebook, etc. posts, I will see people posting with lost or injured strays that they have found, and there is almost always a comment saying: "try contacting Independent Animal Rescue" because they have a reputation for helping out when no one else can. Needless to say, I think IAR does a lot of good."

— virginia b.

Staff member

"IAR is a wonderful community of committed volunteers who often take on multiple roles to keep the organization moving forward and saving as many animals as possible. IAR has a great reputation in the community and always does its best to meet animal lovers' needs, even when outside the scope of typical work."

— casey h.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

"IAR is a true testament to the power of volunteers endeavoring to save dogs who absolutely deserve a second chance. I have been a foster volunteer with IAR for over two years and their dedicated team of mentors, coordinators, and administrators work selflessly and tirelessly daily to ensure that a dog will thrive in its foster home. IAR provides a wealth of excellent resources to help fosters properly acclimate and train their rescue dogs, and the dedicated mentors are on-call 24/7 to assist in any way by offering their expertise and guidance on anything dog-related. IAR also has one of the most effective and thorough vetting systems that ensure a dog finds a forever loving home with the most suitable family."

— eun-hae k.

Volunteer / foster

"I have volunteered with IAR for years and have adopted two dogs through the organization. IAR is committed to finding the best forever home for each dog who enters their program, via an extensive network of volunteer foster homes. The fosters are then in a position to speak to the dogs' unique personalities, and each foster chooses the best home for each dog. I love the ethos of the group's dog program, and will continue to volunteer for them as long as they'll have me! Currently, I screen the incoming applications for dogs in the program, but have also hosted adoption events, transported supplies, and fostered dogs."

— jennifer j.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"The IAR network has been so influential in my personal life after dealing with the loss of my first dog. It’s been such a rewarding journey to provide pups with love and help them find their forever home. I THINK we may even have our first foster fail."

— katie b.

Volunteer / foster

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Durham

Pit Bull

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Durham

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Durham

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

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

All testimonials

— tiffany w.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Independent Animal Rescue has helped me and my friends with several dogs in our community. They always respond to do what they can to help. They are an invaluable resource for animals in need."

— anissa l.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

— angela b.

Volunteer / foster

— tara k.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

— jacky r.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

— virginia b.

Staff member

— casey h.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

— eun-hae k.

Volunteer / foster

— jennifer j.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

— katie b.

Volunteer / foster

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

All categories

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

German Shepherd Dog: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Most recent articles

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

Furry Co-Pilots Welcome: The Best Way to Travel in an RV with Your Dog

Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Golden Retriever: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
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.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
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.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
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.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
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?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
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!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
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.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
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?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
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.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Guide to Understanding Reactivity
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.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Top 10 Indoor Dog Parks: A US Guide
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.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Best Dog Parks Near Me in Las Vegas
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
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.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

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.

Independent Animal Rescue

Mission and Vision

Adoption Policy

Testimonials

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Durham

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Durham

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Durham

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota