You’ve come to the right place if searching for Cocker Spaniel rescues in North Carolina. Cocker Spaniels are a playful, smart, and friendly breed that thrive in families with children, seniors, and everyone.
While Cocker Spaniels love attention, they usually do quite well with other dogs in the household. If you’re a North Carolina family thinking about adding a Cocker Spaniel to your household, check out the Cocker Spaniel rescues in the area.
Dogs surrendered to these shelters have sometimes been abused or neglected; most times, the puppies are in shelters due to no fault of their own. You can change your life and that of a deserving dog when you adopt from a rescue instead of shopping for a puppy. We’ve researched so you can find the furry friend that’s just right for you.
Before you scroll down this list of Cocker Spaniel rescues in North Carolina, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Boston Terrier Rescues in North Carolina and Best Schnauzer Rescues in North Carolina.
Find a Cocker Spaniel Rescue Shelter Near Me in North Carolina
Our team at We Love Doodles compiled this list of the best Cocker Spaniel rescues in North Carolina with available dogs for adoption.
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1. Charlotte Cocker Rescue of NC
If you’re in the Charlotte area, you’ll want to check out this North Carolina Cocker Spaniel rescue. Just north of the CLT in Kannapolis, this non-profit was founded in 2001 by a husband and wife team. Since then, they’ve established themselves as one of the leading cocker rescues in the state.
You can view the most up-to-date information about events and available dogs by visiting the team’s Facebook page. Alternatively, you can check out the adoptable puppies on Petfinder, where you can view information about each dog’s history, personality, and requirements. Adoption fees are listed below each dog’s biography.
The adoption fee for each dog may vary based on the dog’s pedigree, age, and how long they’ve been in foster care. Speak to the shelter team for more information. Your dog will be vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and spayed or neutered upon arrival at your home.
Charlotte Cocker Rescue of NC Details
- Location: Kannapolis, North Carolina
- Contact: Charlotte Cocker Rescue of NC’s Contact Page
- Website: Charlotte Cocker Rescue of NC
2. Lynn for the Animals
Lynn for the Animals is a small-scale rescue based in Asheville, North Carolina. While they don’t focus solely on Cocker Spaniels, they frequently see the breed come through their doors. Pups are fostered throughout the Asheville area, so if you’re a WNC resident, you’ll likely find a cocker or cocker mix near you.
Lynn for the Animals is a non-profit organization that benefits from the help of the local community. If you can donate or volunteer, reach out to the organization. If you’re ready to adopt a new family member, you can view animals on the shelter’s Facebook page or the website.
The adoption fee will vary from dog to dog. Call the shelter to initiate the adoption process; the team will ask questions about your household and lifestyle, and you’ll be matched with a puppy.
In addition to volunteer opportunities, you can support Lynn for the Animals by attending one of their community outreach events. Check the website’s calendar for information about upcoming spay and neuter clinics and educational programs.
Lynn for the Animals Details
- Location: Asheville, North Carolina
- Phone Number: (828) 273-3642
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Lynn for the Animals
3. Saving Grace Animals for Adoption
Located just outside of Raleigh in Wake Forest, Saving Grace Animals for Adoption is another rescue that doesn’t solely rescue Cocker Spaniels. Instead, they specialize in dogs that are in critical situations. These puppies may be abused, abandoned, or days away from euthanasia in high-kill shelters.
What we love about Saving Grace is that they offer adoptive families the opportunity to hold a “sleepover.” You may bring a dog home with you for a few days to see how they interact with the family. Then, you’ll be invited to continue with the adoption if it’s a good fit.
To begin, you’ll need to fill out an application to adopt; let the team know about your preferences, lifestyle, and physical home. You’ll meet the available dogs, then work with the Cocker Spaniel rescue to pay the adoption fee to bring them home.
Your adoption fee may vary based on the age and breed of the dog. There are plenty of foster opportunities available through Saving Grace. Let the shelter staff know you’d like to apply to foster if you’d like to provide a temporary, loving home for an animal in need.
Saving Grace Animals for Adoption Details
- Location: Wake Forest, North Carolina
- Phone Number: (919) 518-1180
- Contact: Saving Grace Animals for Adoption
- Website: Saving Grace Animals for Adoption
4. Piedmont Animal Rescue
Piedmont Animal Rescue is located in the heart of North Carolina in Mooresville. They don’t specialize in Cocker Spaniels but rescue many of these dogs; check the current listings to find your new furry friend. Pet listings include dogs and cats, and you’ll be able to check out each animal’s biography before expressing interest.
To adopt from this shelter, you’ll need to apply, and certain criteria must be met. You will likely need a fenced yard, and your pet must be kept indoors. Exceptions may apply to barn cats, should you decide to adopt a feline companion. There is a $10 non-refundable application fee.
The adoption fee may vary from pet to pet, so you’ll need to contact the shelter about a specific animal. Your puppy will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and vaccinated when it’s time to go home with you. You’ll also need to provide proof that your current pets are altered.
Piedmont Animal Rescue Details
- Location: Mooresville, North Carolina
- Phone Number: (704) 228-1934
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Piedmont Animal Rescue
5. Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue is an organization that, at its inception, helped the human who created it as much as the animals served. Terri Atkinson struggled with depression and anxiety when in 2011, she realized she could pull herself out of desperation by making a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue is based in the Triangle, and residents of Raleigh and the surrounding area can adopt from the non-profit. They’re an all-volunteer group, so if you can donate your time, let Rainbow Bridge know.
If you’re ready to adopt, you can view the available dogs on the team’s Facebook page or the website. Contact Terri and the crew to begin the process. Remember: these animals are in hospice. Most will have special medical needs, and many are seniors in need of a forever home.
You can further support this organization by directly donating or shopping through Amazon Smile. From time to time, Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue will post links to GoFundMe campaigns. These fundraisers benefit dogs with urgent and costly medical needs.
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue Details
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Phone Number: (919) 912-1220
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue
6. Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue
Eastern North Carolina residents should check out the next Cocker Spaniel rescue on our list. Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that specializes in rescuing puppies and kitties from high-kill shelters and the New Hanover County streets.
It would be ideal if you lived in the immediate Wilmington area to adopt a Cocker Spaniel from this North Carolina rescue, as a home visit is a requirement. The team will check to ensure that your home and yard are appropriate for a puppy, and they’ll want to meet the other members of your family – human and furry alike.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be asked to pay the adoption fee. This fee may vary based on your dog’s breed and age. You can view biographies of each puppy on the Freedom Bridge website, and once you find a puppy you’re in love with, you can fill out the adoption application.
From time to time, Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue hosts events and fundraisers. These fun events (we love the Surf Dog fundraiser) benefit the Wilmington area’s homeless animals.
Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue Details
- Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue
7. Dauntless Dog Rescue
Dauntless Dog Rescue is another Wilmington-area shelter, and, like Freedom Bridge, they rescue homeless, neglected, and abused animals in the New Hanover County vicinity.
They’re a non-profit organization that has no walls, which means they’re foster-supported with no physical shelter. Let Dauntless Dog know if you’d like to become a foster to a rescue puppy. Adoptable dogs are listed through Petfinder.
You can peek at the puppies, then fill out an adoption application. If you like, you can attend one of the adoption events held at the local Petsmart; this will allow you to meet the puppies before you adopt.
Your dog will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped while in foster care. Any known health conditions will be disclosed to you before you’re required to sign an adoption agreement.
Like most shelters, Dauntless Dog Rescue hosts exciting events throughout the year to help support the organization’s mission. Hunks and Hounds, for instance, is an annual event that benefits a medical care fund for rescued puppies.
Dauntless Dog Rescue Details
- Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Dauntless Dog Rescue
Frequently Asked Questions
While you search for the perfect Cocker Spaniel rescues in North Carolina, you may find that you have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by We Love Doodles readers.
Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs?
They can be. Cocker Spaniels are fun-loving and energetic, but they can be protective. They’re trustworthy and loyal dogs, and they get along with just about everyone.
Use caution when you introduce your Cocker to your family members, and remember that your shelter dog may have a checkered past. Take the introductions slowly, and make sure your Cocker and your older dogs meet in a neutral space like the yard to avoid territorial behavior.
Do Cocker Spaniels like to be left alone?
While you’re shopping for a dog to adopt, consider adding a second dog to your wish list. No one likes to be left alone and that includes your dog!
It’s okay to leave your fur baby alone for a few hours (usually a maximum of four) while you work, but you may find that your dog, who is very smart, may begin to cause trouble. Boredom equals mischief with most dogs, so a second dog would help curb this behavior.
How long do Cocker Spaniels live?
On average, you can expect a Cocker to live between 12 and 15 years. Keep in mind, though, that the previous owner may not have cared for your dog appropriately.
A good diet and adequate exercise are critical to your dog’s health, and regular vet checkups are essential. Bring your rescue dog to the vet as soon as you’re able, and speak with the vet about how you can keep your dog healthy for many, many years to come.
Conclusion For The “Best Cocker Spaniel Rescues in North Carolina”
Would-be Cocker Spaniel owners decide: is it best to purchase a new puppy or adopt it from a shelter? We recommend checking out the adoptable dogs at local North Carolina Cocker Spaniel rescues.
The dogs in these shelters are typically very good boys and girls – they’ve been neglected or abused by their owners and now wait for a loving forever home like yours.
For more guides similar to this list of Cocker Spaniel rescues in North Carolina, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
Before you adopt a Cocker Spaniel companion from a rescue shelter in North Carolina, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “3 Things to Know Before Getting a Cocker Spaniel” down below:
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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