Dogs for Adoption in Clayton, NC: 20 Dogs Looking for a Home
281 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 9 rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Clayton. Here are the 20 nearest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the dogs up for adoption within 25 miles of Clayton, 125 puppies, 59 young dogs, 80 adults and 12 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Labrador Retriever, Hound and American Staffordshire Terrier, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Clayton? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Nemo
COURTESY POST !!! DO NOT APPLY TO RUSTY'S PLEASE APPLY HERE: Adoption Application Form https://share.google/UBQ9UhYNIlUmPIGtI HELP US FIND NEMO HIS HAPPY ENDING! Our sweet boy Nemo is just a couple of weeks away from graduating from his SIX-WEEK BOARD AND TRAIN PROGRAM, and we have one very important thing left to accomplish. WE NEED TO FIND HIM A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME! Nemo has spent the last several weeks working incredibly hard to become the best version of himself. He's learned obedience, built confidence, improved his social skills, and made some truly amazing progress. But there's one thing we can't teach him in training.
Read more about Nemo
What it feels like to have a home of his very own. Nemo is an incredibly intelligent, affectionate, active boy who bonds deeply with his people. Once you're his person, you're HIS person, and he will absolutely adore you. He's also got a few quirks, and we want to be completely transparent about what his perfect home looks like. Children 15 and older: Nemo does best with people who understand boundaries and can respect his personal space. No small animals: While Nemo does well with other dogs, smaller animals aren't a good fit for him. Dog friendly: With proper introductions, Nemo enjoys other dogs! He has a particularly funny fascination with black, fluffy dogs. Apparently, our handsome boy has a type! A quieter household: Nemo would thrive in a home with a predictable routine, a little peace and quiet, and people he can build a strong relationship with. An active family: Hiking, running, exploring, and outdoor adventures? Nemo would LOVE that! He's a smart, energetic boy who enjoys having things to do. Supervised outdoor time: Nemo is quite the talented fence climber! Although his recall has improved tremendously, he still needs supervision and secure handling outdoors. Continued respect for his boundaries: Nemo has made wonderful progress with meeting new people and navigating public environments. He just needs strangers to approach appropriately and give him a chance to feel comfortable. AND THE BEST PART? NEMO COMES WITH LIFETIME TRAINING SUPPORT! We're not simply handing Nemo over with a list of commands and wishing everyone good luck. His new family will receive: Lifetime refresher training sessions Help from his trainer during his transition into his new home Guidance on maintaining his obedience and continuing his progress Support to help Nemo and his new family build a wonderful relationship We have invested six weeks into helping Nemo succeed, and we're committed to making sure that success continues long after graduation. Now, here's the part that breaks our hearts. Nemo does not do well in a traditional boarding environment. He struggles emotionally, becomes withdrawn, and simply isn't the same happy, affectionate dog we see when he's able to spend time with people and participate in everyday life. We've watched him blossom throughout his training. We've seen his personality shine, his confidence grow, and his ability to navigate the world improve. The thought of him finishing all this hard work only to return to a kennel is absolutely devastating. Nemo deserves to graduate into a HOME, not back into boarding. He doesn't need a perfect family. He needs the right family. Someone patient. Someone active. Someone who appreciates a dog with a big personality, a huge heart, and a few little quirks. Someone who understands that rescue dogs aren't always perfect, but they are absolutely worth the effort. And if you're not quite ready to adopt? FOSTERING NEMO WOULD BE JUST AS INCREDIBLE! Giving him somewhere comfortable to land while we search for his forever family would mean the world to us and, more importantly, to Nemo. NEMO'S NEXT CHAPTER IS WAITING! Charlotte, NC Foster or forever home needed Graduating from his six-week training program soon Lifetime training support included Apply at https://stabrescue.com Please, please share our sweet boy. We've done everything
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
2. Darby
Darby is a year old golden Great with dogs, cats and kids Professionally trained Ready to go home Statesville, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Peep
Courtesy Post !!! DO NOT APPLY TO RUSTY'S PLEASE APPLY HERE: Adoption Application Form https://share.google/UBQ9UhYNIlUmPIGtI LOCATION CHARLOTTE NC GIVE PEEP A CHANCE! Peep would like to know why her forever family is taking so long. She has already practiced her adorable head tilts, perfected her tiny tongue blep, and reserved a spot on your couch. What more preparation could a girl possibly need?! Peep is a sweet, silly girl who loves people but can feel nervous when meeting unfamiliar dogs. When overwhelmed, she may get a little snappy toward the other dog, so she needs patient, slow introductions that let her become comfortable at her own pace.
Read more about Peep
Once she realizes everything is okay, she settles in and is completely fine with her canine friends! Give Peep a little patience and time to feel safe, and you’ll get to watch her adorable personality come to life. Once you’re in her circle, prepare to have your heart—and possibly your favorite seat—completely stolen. Peep isn’t suited for apartment living, but she is perfectly suited for making someone wonder how they ever lived without her. Help us find the patient family willing to give this precious little Peep a chance! Please share! Apply to adopt at STABRescue.com #AdoptPeep #GivePeepAChance #AdoptDontShop #STABRescue #RescueDog #CharlotteNC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
4. George
Welcome George to the ranch !!Looking for his forever family ♥ George is a sweet Australian Shepherd 2 years old Fully vetted Good with dogs , cats & kids Fully vetted , neutered and microchipped Ready to go home !!!Fletcher, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Babygirl
Welcome Babygirl to the ranch !!SMALL DOG !!! 20 lb. Mini Australian Shepherd2 years old Fully vetted, spayed and microchipped Great with dogs and kids in foster with cats House, crate and leash trained Ready to go home! Statesville, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
6. Sugar
Welcome Sugar to the ranch !!! PUPPY !!!Looking for her forever family ♥ Sugar is a sweet little boxer lab mix puppy ♥Vetted and microchipped Good with dogs and cats Ready to go home ! Charlotte, NC
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
7. Ghost
Welcome Ghost to the ranch! This sweet little boy is 3 months old!!!He's curious and gentle and ready to exploreAge appropriate vaccines and microchippedAvailable in Gastonia, NCLet's find Ghost his forever home
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
8. Nickel
Hi, I'm Nickel! I am an easy going, happy guy that loves adults, kids, and other dogs. I am working hard on house training, and rarely have accidents in my foster Mom's house. I sleep quietly in my crate all night, but I would love to snuggle up in your lap during the day!
A little about Nickel; he is very friendly and excited about the world around him. He rides well in the car and likes to wrestle and play with other dogs of all sizes, but he is equally as happy to settle in on the couch for a nap. As long as his people are nearby, Nickel is up for anything! (BR*/KG)
Up to date on age-appropriate vaccines and micro-chipped.
Read more about Nickel
Adoption Fee: $300.00 Spay/Neuter Fee: $175.00
- Good with dogs
9. Dime
This is Dime! She is a total rockstar and she's ready to give her ten cents to let you know why. This extremely happy puppy loves everything around her from people to other animals and most importantly play time. Even as a very young puppy you can tell she has a bright future in fetch. Now let's reiterate on the play time, yes she likes to cuddle whenever she is tired but this girl wants people to match her energy and a future of exercising and being outdoors sounds perfect for her! Are you ready to join Dime's future of good times and fun? (BR*/KG)
Up to date on age-appropriate vaccines and micro-chipped.
Adoption Fee: $300.00 Spay/Neuter Fee: $175.00
- Good with dogs
10. Edwin
Word gets around..... the Golden Bachelor is in town and he's looking for LOVE. Handsome Edwin has already lived a life of fun and happiness but he's not ready to slow down yet, he's back on the market ready for a home of furever love! A little about Edwin; he is a charming house guest and warms up to people very quickly. He also wants you to know that age is just number and his energy hasn't slowed down when it comes to play time. And boy does he love pup cup dates and taking rides in a car. So..... are YOU going to take him off the market? (*BR/KG)
Up to date on age appropriate vaccin
es, neutered and micro-chipped.
Adoption Fee: $200.00
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
11. Lilly Rose
Welcome Lilly Rose to the ranch !!! Small dog !! Looking for her foster or forever ! Lilly Rose is ready to meet her new family!She is about 4 years old & just 40 poundsFully vetted, microchipped and spayed Good with dogs, cats and kids House, crate and leash trainedReady to go home!Statesville, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Clover
12 week old pupborn in rescueCalm, cuddly, and ready to nap! Charlotte, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
13. Vinnie
Meet Vinnie Has had age appropriate vaccines and microcipped Statesville, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
14. Leela
Meet Leela This baby girl is 9 weeks old! She's sweet and needs a home!!Has age appropriate vaccines and microchipped!!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
15. Paige
Meet Paige She's a model, she's the star of the show Very sweet and adorable!Up to date on age appropriate vaccines and microchipped! Statesville, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
16. Oliver
Meet OliverHe's sweet and curious and needs a home!! Up to date on age appropriate vaccines and microchipped!!Statesville, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
17. Macy May
If you’re looking for the perfect furry best friend, look no further! This sweet girl is truly something special. She is incredibly snuggly, smart, and sweet, and she has never met a stranger. Whether she’s cuddling up next to her favorite person, making new friends, or showing off how clever she is, she has a way of making everyone around her smile.
She absolutely loves her toys and has the cutest little hobby of taking every single toy out of the toy bin! Why choose just one when you can have the whole collection? She loves to play, explore, and keep herself entertained—and somehow, she always manages to leave a trail of toys behind her.
Read more about Macy May
But when playtime is over, she is more than happy to curl up beside you for some serious snuggle time. She loves being with her people and is happiest when she can be right by your side.
Her gentle, friendly personality makes her a wonderful companion, and her loving nature is impossible to resist. She is simply the whole package—sweet, affectionate, smart, playful, and full of love to give.
We honestly can’t say enough wonderful things about this girl. She is the kind of dog who makes you wonder how you ever lived without her. ❤️
If you’re looking for a loyal companion, a professional cuddler, a toy-bin tornado, and a best friend all wrapped into one, she may just be your perfect match!
(KG/KG&KC*)
Up to date on age appropriate vaccines, spayed and micro-chipped.
Adoption Fee: $300.00
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
18. Lacey
Welcome Lacy to the ranch! Sweet pup great with dogs and catsJust 40 pounds !! ( Needs to lose about 5 pounds)Fully vetted, spayed & microchipped ready to go home! Statesville, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
19. Tulip
Hi I'm Bega like Rutabega now TulipI am super shy and a bit scared but once you show me you're trustworthy I'm the sweetest little girl I'm friendly with people and other animals but it takes me a while to warm up to everyoneAll I need is someone to give me a chance to learn what safety and love feels like!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
20. Jesse
Welcome Jesse to the ranch !!!Looking for his forever family or foster ♥ 2-3 years old Fully vetted, neutered & microchipped Good with other dogs In foster with master certified dog trainers ! Ready to go homeCharlotte , NC Apply to meet him https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/37317/generic Please share him everywhere & let's get him home
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Rescues and shelters near Clayton
The rescues with the most dogs listed within 25 miles of Clayton.
- Pawfect Match RescueHolly Springs, NC · 151 dogs · 24 mi from Clayton
- Franklin County Humane SocietyYoungsville, NC · 69 dogs · 24 mi from Clayton
- Rusty's Rescue Ranchgarner, nc · 22 dogs · 8 mi from Clayton
How to adopt from Rusty's Rescue Ranch
An application, a virtual home visit, a vet check and landlord check. Anyone adopting a pet whos other pets will need to do a meet and greet with all animals. Cats are $125, dogs under 6 months of age are $400 and dogs over 6 months of age are $225. an adoption contract is required as well,
- Perfectly Imperfect PupsRaleigh, NC · 16 dogs · 22 mi from Clayton
How to adopt from Perfectly Imperfect Pups
Once we receive your application an adoption counselor will take a look and reach out with any questions. The team will check personal, vet references and check with your landlord if applicable. Your adoption counselor will then set up a time to talk with you and your family (or anyone else involved in the adoption process in your home). This call is a good time to ask any questions you have. Once your application is approved, you will be connected with the foster of the PIP(s) you are interested in. From start to finish, this process can take anywhere from a few days to over a week (so please be patient!). If everything goes well and you and the foster agree that the PIP you want to adopt is a good fit, we will then finalize the adoption. Adoption fees are $325 for adults and $375 for puppies. All dogs will be up to date on age appropriate vaccines and spayed / neutered if old enough. If not old enough adopters can come back to our vet to have it covered in fee. It must be done by the time the dog is 6 months old.
- Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue IncRaleigh, NC · 9 dogs · 16 mi from Clayton
- Rescue Ur Forever FriendGarner, NC · 4 dogs · 8 mi from Clayton
How to adopt from Rescue Ur Forever Friend
Potential adopters meet animal at adoption event or arrangement meeting, Adoption application completed, information verified - vet reference/current animals up to date, home ownership or rental, adoption approved or denied, Adoption fee collected - $150 for dogs, $100 for cats, $100 spay/neuter fee for puppies too young to be altered. Follow-up after adoption at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 6 months and year. More frequent for unaltered pups.
- Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue incMiddlesex, NC · 4 dogs · 16 mi from Clayton
How to adopt from Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc
We require an application filled out with 3 references, vet references and or records on all dogs living in the home. We do a home visit and all persons must be present.
- Best Friend Pet AdoptionCary, NC · 4 dogs · 25 mi from Clayton
How to adopt from Best Friend Pet Adoption
All adoptions begin with a trial period of at least 2 weeks before the adoption is finalized. Anyone interested in adopting completes an on line application which must be approved by our adoption coordinator. Process includes reference and vet record checks. All animals must be up to date on all vaccinations, spayed/neutered and microchipped before adoption trial. Fee is $250 for dogs, $115 for cats.
- Two Paws Up NC Shelter RescueRaleigh, NC · 2 dogs · 14 mi from Clayton
How to adopt from Two Paws Up NC Shelter Rescue
Note: All animals have been or will be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Cats & Kittens Cats and kittens are FeLV/FIV negative (unless otherwise stated), dewormed, treated for fleas and ticks, and are up-to-date on all age-appropriate vaccinations. Dogs & Puppies Dogs and puppies are HW negative, on HW preventative (if 10 weeks of age or older), dewormed, treated for fleas and ticks, and are up-to-date on all age-appropriate vaccinations. Adoption Fees $95 Cats and Kittens $120 Dogs and Puppies $65 Dogs and Cats (if altered prior to entering our program) Adoption Process 1. Fill out our online adoption application. Once we have received your application, we will check the necessary references. If additional information is required, we will contact you. 2. Once approved, arrange a time to meet the animal and foster family. Any questions you may have can be answered at this time. 3. If you decide to move forward with the adoption, you will set up a time to receive your new family member for the seven-day adoption trial period. You will be required to sign an adoption contract and pay the adoption fee at this time. 4. If for any reason during this one-week trial period you feel that the animal is not a perfect match for your family, you can return the animal to 2PawsUp for a full refund. 5. After the one-week trial period is over, the animal is yours to love and cherish forever. 6. If for any reason you are unable to keep the animal, you must return the animal to 2PawsUp. La
Adopting a dog in Clayton
Most rescues ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip. Many are foster-based, so you'll often meet your dog in a volunteer's home rather than a shelter.
Senior dogs are often the calmest companions and the slowest to find homes. If you'd like a settled, affectionate dog, ask the rescues about their older residents.
Puppies go quickly, so if you've fallen for one, contact the rescue soon. Ask how big they're expected to grow, and plan for plenty of house-training and training in the first few months.
Questions about adopting a dog in Clayton
How many dogs are up for adoption in Clayton?
As of November 4, 2026, 281 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 25 miles of Clayton, North Carolina, by 9 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Clayton?
The rescues with the most dogs near Clayton right now are Pawfect Match Rescue (Holly Springs, NC), Franklin County Humane Society (Youngsville, NC) and Rusty's Rescue Ranch (garner, nc). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Clayton?
Yes. 125 puppys are up for adoption within 25 miles of Clayton.
How do I adopt a dog in Clayton?
Pick a dog and contact the rescue or shelter looking after them. Most ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.
