8 Best Small Dog Rescues in North Carolina!

Small dog rescues in North Carolina are usually not-for-profit organizations that are dedicated to animal welfare. These groups rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome small dog breeds, preparing them socially and physically for life with a forever family. Some of the dogs are abandoned, some have been abused, and others are found on the streets and can not be reunited with their owners.

Tens of thousands of dogs are surrendered to North Carolina shelters each year, usually through no fault of their own. You can make a difference in the life of a dog or puppy like when you support your local small dog rescue. Use this list to find a shelter near you, then begin the process of bringing a furry, thankful friend into your home.

Before you scroll down this list of small dog rescues in North Carolina, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Border Collie Rescues in North Carolina and Best Cocker Spaniel Rescues in North Carolina.

Find a Small Dog Rescue Shelter Near Me in North Carolina

We created this list of the best small dog rescues in North Carolina so that you can find a miniature companion to introduce into your home.

1. Godbey Creek Rescue

First on our list of small dog rescues in North Carolina is Godbey Creek Rescue. This shelter is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and community assistance. They’re located in Mocksville and specialize in small dog breeds like terriers and doodle mixes. You can view adoptable puppies by checking listings on the Godbey Creek Rescue Petfinder page.

When you see a dog you like, click on its picture to view more information about its background. Information about temperament and health will help you decide whether the dog is right for you. Once you’re ready to adopt, you can fill out an adoption application.

Upon approval, you’ll be invited to visit the shelter to meet the dogs. Bring the whole family and your current pets, too. The adoption fee may vary based on the pedigree and your dog’s health, and puppies may cost a bit more.

Your dog will be altered (spayed or neutered) upon arrival at your home, with no exceptions. All dogs will be microchipped, and adult puppies will have been leash trained for safety. As best as possible, Godbey Creek Rescue will socialize your dog with other animals before placing him into a home.

Godbey Creek Rescue Details

• Location: Mocksville, North Carolina
• Phone Number: (336) 972-4511
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: Godbey Creek Rescue

2. NC Yorkie Rescue

NC Yorkie Rescue specializes in Yorkshire terriers that have been abused or abandoned. Some dogs will come from high-kill shelters, while others will be rescued from puppy mills. No matter the small dog’s background, they will be well looked after for a while in the care of this one of the best small dog rescues in North Carolina.

No Yorkie is turned away from this shelter. Therefore, you must speak with rescue staff about your puppy’s special needs. The age of your dog is another consideration; evaluate whether you have the desire to care for a dog in its later years.

You need to apply to be an adoptive pet parent, and pictures of your home and family are a requirement. Once approved, the rescue team will let you know which Yorkie best fits your household. If you’re content with your options, you’ll pay an adoption fee between $300 and $975.

Dogs are spayed or neutered, vet-checked, and current on vaccinations and wormers when they join your family. If you’d like to help this small dog rescue continue its mission, consider donating to the non-profit. In most cases, your contribution is tax-deductible. Speak with a financial professional for more information.

NC Yorkie Rescue Details

• • Location: Greensboro, North Carolina

• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: NC Yorkie Rescue

3. Second Chance Pet Adoptions

Next on our list of the top small dog rescues in North Carolina is Second Chance Pet Adoptions. They’re located in Raleigh, and the group is a volunteer-run non-profit organization. Your donations and volunteer hours are warmly welcomed; you can volunteer to foster an animal or even to help wash the puppies.

Kids 12 and older are invited to participate. At any given time, a few dogs are available through Second Chance Pet Adoptions. Browse through the pictures of available animals, then click the pet’s name to view more pictures and biographical info.

The adoption fee for your pet will be listed within the information. In most cases, puppies cost $350 to adopt, while adult dogs cost $325. Dogs are nose-to-tail vet-checked and will be altered before going home with you.

Your puppy will be vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for parasites, and the shelter team will do their best to socialize your dog with humans and dogs. From time to time, Second Chance Pet Adoptions will host fundraising and pet adoption events. Take a peek at the shelter’s calendar for more information on ways you can show your support for the organization.

Second Chance Pet Adoptions Details

• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
• Phone Number: (919) 851-8404
• Contact: Second Chance Pet Adoptions’ Contact Page
• Website: Second Chance Pet Adoptions

4. Paws Place Dog Rescue

Paws Place Dog Rescue is located in Brunswick County on the east coast of North Carolina. They’re a small-scale, volunteer-run, non-profit group dedicated to providing a no-kill shelter environment to dogs while they wait for their forever homes. You’ll need to apply to adopt a puppy from this North Carolina small dog rescue.

Tell the volunteers about your experience with dogs, households, and physical homes. At any point during the process, you may visit the dogs during one of the Paws Place adoption events. Alternatively, pop into the shelter between 10 and 2 from Tuesday through Saturday.

Vet references and a home visit are required before your adoption is finalized. The adoption fee for your puppy may vary based on your dog’s breed, age, and health. Should you decide you’re not ready to make a permanent commitment, why not check out foster opportunities?

You can house a dog waiting to join a forever family through the foster program. If you’re interested in a fun way to support Paws Place, visit the online shop. You’ll find tote bags and tees, mugs and jugs, and even baby gear. Your purchase benefits the Paws Place Dog Rescue Mission.

Paws Place Dog Rescue Details

• Location: Winnabow, North Carolina
• Phone Number: (910) 845-8622
• Contact: Paws Place Dog Rescue’s Contact Page
• Website: Paws Place Dog Rescue

5. Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue

SOAR is an acronym for Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue. As the name implies, the rescue is located on the beautiful coast of North Carolina. They’re a volunteer-run shelter that relies on donations and support from the community. If you can contribute in any way, let Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue know.

Most donations are tax-deductible; speak to a tax adviser for more information. Adoption fees at Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue are comparatively low, making these rescued small dogs accessible to most families. In most cases, you’ll only pay $85 for your dog. Fill out an application and schedule a home visit. You’ll be invited to choose one of the adoptable puppies upon approval.

A fenced yard is not required to adopt a small dog, but it’s preferred. You’ll be encouraged to bring the whole family in to meet your pet-to-be so the team can ensure everyone gets along. If you’re not sure you’re ready to adopt a dog, you can apply to become a foster parent for one of the Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue babies.

As a foster, you’ll be responsible for looking after a dog’s welfare – you’ll feed and house your temporary pet and provide updates to the shelter while they await a new home. Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue will be responsible for the cost of veterinary care.

Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue Details

• Location: Southport, North Carolina
• Phone Number: (910) 457-6340
• Contact: Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue
• Website: Southport – Oak Island Animal Rescue

6. Partners Canines

Our western Tarheel State readers will want to check out the next shelter on our list of the top small dog rescues in North Carolina. Partners Canines is located in Todd, between Boone and Asheville. They’re another non-profit organization; your donation is most likely tax-deductible.

Check with a professional for more information. There is a mandatory adoption application for prospective pet owners to fill out. The Partners Canines team wants to ensure their dogs go to the best possible homes. Be honest and thorough, and you’ll be matched with the best puppy for your profile.

The adoption fee at Partners Canines is $250, and all family members are encouraged to meet their new dog before finalizing the adoption. You’ll have thirty days to decide that your dog is a good fit for your home.

After that, you may return the dog to the shelter, but your adoption fee is non-refundable. Your small dog will be altered, vaccinated, and current on any other necessary health treatments. The adoption fee is used, in part, to cover the costs of these services.

Partners Canines Details

• Location: Todd, North Carolina
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Partners Canines

7. Peanut’s Place Small Breed Rescue

Peanut’s Place Small Breed Rescue is a small-scale operation in Matthews, North Carolina. The rescue is a one-woman operation that specializes in saving homeless dogs and puppies in high-kill shelters. Around a dozen, dogs are available for adoption through this non-profit organization anytime. View the adoptable dogs on Petfinder, then fill out the adoption application.

Once approved, you’ll be asked to select the dog you’re interested in. If the puppy is a good fit for your family, you’ll be informed of the adoption fee, which may vary based on the dog’s age and health. Typically, you can expect to pay between $225 and $375 for your dog.

In rare cases, dogs are available for free because of their condition and history. Your new baby will be altered, dewormed, and vaccinated when it’s time to join your family. In addition, your new friend will be groomed and come home with a 30-day pet insurance policy. One free follow-up vet visit is included in your adoption fee.

Peanut’s Place Small Breed Rescue Details

• Location: Matthews, North Carolina
• Phone Number: (704) 650-9653
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Contact: Peanut’s Place Small Breed Rescue’s Contact Page
• Website: Peanut’s Place Small Breed Rescue

8. The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem

Those who live in Winston-Salem and the surrounding communities will want to check out The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem. This no-kill shelter is committed to saving both cats and dogs in the Winston area, and they’re very active in the community.

The team has recently moved to a large, 6,000-square-foot facility – go check it out. To adopt a small dog from this rescue, you’ll need to ensure that you live within 45 minutes of the facility. Then, you can check out the available dogs on the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem website.

You can attend one of the adoption events each Saturday from 11 to 2. Once you’ve completed the adoption application, the team will review your info, and you’ll be contacted within a few days. You can expect to pay $250 for an adult dog when you’re approved to adopt.

Puppies cost $300, and a senior or special needs dog will cost $300 to bring home. Of course, your dog will be well cared for while in its foster home. Pups are spayed or neutered, brought current on vaccinations, and treated for any known medical conditions.

The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem Details

• Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• Phone Number: (336) 768-7387
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem

Conclusion For The “Best Small Dog Rescues in North Carolina”

Small dogs are truly a treat. Your playful puppy is energetic and lively until the end of the day when they transform into the perfect lap dog. The right puppy can complete a family or bring companionship to a lonely senior.

No matter where you live in North Carolina, we encourage you to check out our list of the top small dog rescues in the state. Adopting a rescued dog instead of shopping for a new puppy is a rewarding and lifesaving decision – for both you and the dog.

For more guides similar to this list of small dog 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
• Best Schnauzer Rescues in North Carolina
• Best Maltipoo Rescues in North Carolina

Before you adopt a companion from a rescue shelter in North Carolina, you can learn more about raising a miniature dog by watching “5 Important Tips For Small Breed Puppy Training” down below: