Dogs for Adoption in Cleveland County, NC: 30 Dogs Looking for a Home
49 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 4 rescues and shelters within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County. Here are 30 of the newest arrivals, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the dogs up for adoption within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County, 3 puppies, 17 young dogs, 24 adults and 3 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Cleveland County? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Betty White
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- House-trained
2. Mira
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
3. Eleanor
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- House-trained
4. Elsa
Elsa is a spayed Carolina Dog mix born about April 2026. She’s extremely joyous, sweet and loving in her foster home. She has a lot of puppy energy, and once she gets that out, she is a cuddle bug. House training and crate training in progress, and she walks very well on a leash. She’s vocal if she’s inside and someone arrives, so you will be alerted if someone comes to your home which is great security. She is very good around other dogs, large and small, and also doesn’t bother the cats in her foster home. Elsa is such a great dog, contentedly waiting for her forever home and people. Adoption fee $75. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, DHPP, Rabies, Flea, tick, heart worm check, worm treatment, and microchip. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
Read more about Elsa
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/dog-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Sonny
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
6. Grizz/Wesley
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
7. Nyla
Nyla is 2 years old, 44 lb
She and her roommate ended up at a small shelter when their owner died.
She is just wonderful. she loves all people and all dogs.
We would love to find a home for them together but will probaly be almost impossible
from foster:
*Meet Nyla — a sweet girl with so much love to give! **
Nyla is a loving, affectionate girl who truly enjoys being around her people. She absolutely loves hugs and will happily soak up all the love and attention you’re willing to give her. She also enjoys playing with her toys, going for walks, riding in the car, and spending time outside.
Read more about Nyla
Nyla has a wonderful, easygoing personality. She’s not overly high-strung and is perfectly content to relax and rest during the day. She has a good appetite, knows some basic commands, and is a quiet girl overall. She may let you know when she hears something nearby, but she isn’t a dog who barks a lot unnecessarily.
More than anything, Nyla is looking for someone who will love her and give her the forever home she deserves. If you’re looking for a sweet, affectionate companion who will be happy to be by your side, Nyla may be your girl.
Nyla is ready to find her forever family and fill their home with love!
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Salley
Salley is 8-10 years old, 55 lbs
Salley is a sweet old gal who still has plenty of energy, desire, and curiosity to experience what it’s like to be in a loving home. Most of all, she loves staying close to her people so she can soak up as much attention and affection as possible.
Salley is very food-motivated and is always more than ready when mealtime rolls around! She happily enjoys treats and loves keeping a little collection of toys near her bed or enclosure. Her favorite pastime is carrying her special toys around so she can keep tabs on them.
Read more about Salley
She is both kennel trained and house trained, as long as she is given regular opportunities to go outside. Salley doesn’t mind being on a leash, but she does need some guidance to help steer her in the right direction—and safely out of the path of your feet! Her clumsy little steps are just part of her charm.
Salley is also interested in meeting other dogs, especially those with energy levels similar to hers. She seems eager to make friends, even if she hasn’t quite figured out how to play like a typical pup. With proper introductions, Salley has shown that she can be tolerant and comfortable around other dogs. She may, however, try to claim all the attention for herself—because who can blame her?
Once Salley knows she is safe and comfortable in her surroundings, she truly comes out of her shell and lets her goofy, clumsy personality shine. She still gets little bursts of energy that will make you wonder if she was ever anything other than a playful puppy at heart.
Salley may be a senior, but she has plenty of love left to give. All she really wants is a safe, loving home where she can stay close to her people, enjoy her meals and toys, and finally experience the love and attention she deserves.
- Good with dogs
9. Bailey/Pedro
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Hemp
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
11. Midnight
Midnight is a very sweet and beautiful dog with expressive brown eyes. He thrives on affection, enjoying snuggles, and responds well to attention. As he becomes more comfortable, his personality is really coming out.
He responds well to commands and has good recall when called. He enjoys the company of other dogs and has a good energy level, making him an excellent companion for an active individual who enjoys walking or hiking.
Read more about Midnight
His house training has improved significantly with guidance. He learns quickly and will benefit from continued training. He does experience some separation anxiety and will whine for approximately 10 to 15 minutes when left alone, though he is not destructive. He settles down well, remains quiet throughout the night, and is very happy to see you in the morning!
Overall, Midnight has been very easy to care for and is a real sweetie. He would do best with an active person/ family willing to invest in some training and provide him with regular exercise.
He should be in a home with another dog
- Good with dogs
12. Chase
Chase is 8-9 years old, 68 lbs
Meet Chase: Loyal Senior Companion Seeking Foster or Forever Home!
Say hello to Chase, a handsome lab mix looking for his next chapter. At around 8–9 years old and 68 pounds, he has settled past the chaotic puppy stage into a steady, people-loving gent.
People & Personality: Friendly, sweet-natured with humans, and loves being around people.
Health & Vetting: Fresh off a nose-to-tail wellness check (September 4) with an up-to-date rabies vaccine and historic records ready to transfer.
Read more about Chase
Home Life & Animal Friends: Chase has lived harmoniously with cats, birds, and other dogs He simply needs standard slow, supervised introductions. A home without outdoor feral visitors—or an owner ready to supervise yard time—is ideal, as he takes his yard-patrol duties seriously!
Chase would thrive with a dedicated foster or adopter who appreciates a loyal, mature companion. He is currently living in a car with his homeless owner. He deserves a home
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
13. Jack
This is a courtesy post. This animal is not at Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue regarding this animal. If you are interested in Jack, contact information is provided below.Meet Jack ❤️10-year-old Rat Terrier | 25 lbs. | Neutered | Up to date on vaccinationsThis is one of the hardest things our family has ever had to do.Jack has been a deeply loved member of our family since he was young. For years, he was Taylor’s constant companion while she lived four hours away from her family in Raleigh. It was just the two of them, and Jack took his job as her little sidekick very seriously.
Read more about Jack
He has always been incredibly loyal, loving and devoted to his person.Life has changed considerably since then. Taylor is now married, and Jack shares his home with another dog with whom he has never gotten along. The family also now has a toddler. Because of the history between the two dogs, they cannot safely be together in the home. For a long time, the family has managed this by rotating the dogs between home and boarding, sometimes for a month at a time. We have reached the heartbreaking realization that this simply isn’t a fair or sustainable life for either dog.Jack isn’t being rehomed because he isn’t loved. He’s being rehomed because he is. We want his remaining years to be spent in a peaceful home where he can relax, be someone’s companion, and get all the attention he deserves.About JackJack may be 10, but don’t tell him that! He still has plenty of energy and absolutely loves leash walks and car rides. When it’s time to slow down, he’s equally happy lying in the window watching cars, people and bicycles go by.And Jack is a wonderful cuddler. If you’re looking for a little dog who likes to crawl under the covers and snuggle up beside you, you’ve found him.He’s also an exceptionally smart boy. He knows basic commands and has developed some pretty funny ways of communicating with his humans. If you’re not giving him enough attention, he’ll reach out and tap you with his paw. Continue ignoring him and he may just tip over his food bowl to make his point! He also loves his squeaky toys.Jack is house-trained and will also use a potty pad. He does wonderfully when left home alone, does not need a crate and is not destructive. He does well at the vet and, other than some skin allergies, is in great health.Thunderstorms are another story. Jack is afraid of storms, and when one rolls through, he wants to be right beside his person. ❤️Jack and Other AnimalsJack currently attends doggy daycare and runs with other dogs successfully, so we believe he could potentially live with another compatible dog. Because of the history with the other dog in his current home, however, a meet-and-greet would be essential. Jack may be happiest as the only dog or possibly with another compatible small dog.He has lived around cats in the past, but it has been many years, so we cannot say with certainty how he would do with a cat today.ChildrenJack has lived in a home with a young child and has not shown aggression toward him. Most of the time, he simply ignores him. Because the family has been very cautious and has limited Jack’s interactions with an excited toddler, we don’t feel we have enough experience to recommend him for a home with very young children.We think Jack’s ideal home would be an adult home or one with older, dog-savvy children.A Few Important Things to KnowJack must be leashed or in a securely fenced area whenever he’s outside. If he gets loose, he will run—and he thinks being chased is a wonderful game! He has given his family a few scares over the years, so his new family will need to take this seriously.Jack also becomes very excited/reactive when he sees bicycles, so he should always be securely leashed around cyclists.We also want to be completely transparent about one past incident. Jack once slipped out the door and chased a delivery driver back toward her truck, where he nipped her
14. Sunny
Sunny is a handsome neutered Husky mix born 1/25/2024. He is beautifully marked and has one sky blue eye and one golden brown. He is house trained, walks on a leash, is not destructive to anything in the house, and loves car rides. This athlete can JUMP OUT OF A 5 ft fenced in yard if he’s motivated by what looks to be a party. This includes children (loves them), adults, ice cream, or anything that looks like fun! Therefore, he needs to be walked on a leash and not trusted to remain in a yard UNLESS IT’S VERY HIGH. He has a lot of personality and Foster Mom reports he can say “I love you”, “Walmart” and a couple of other things.
Read more about Sunny
The most important thing is that he believes he’s communicating with you, so just go with it! Sunny is up to date on health care. Adoption fee $50. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, DHPP, Rabies, Flea, tick, heart worm check, worm treatment, and microchip. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/dog-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
15. Pepsi
Pepsi is a neutered Treeing Walker Coonhound mix born on 10/30/23. He is a 65 lb bundle of love with the most beautiful hazel eyes. He's playful, affectionate, friendly, laid back and loves his toys. He likes to play with dogs his size or bigger after a proper introduction to a new companion. He loves the AC and sitting on the couch or bed watching TV. He can jump a 4 ft fence to be with his foster friends so proper containment should be high enough and reinforced at the bottom. He likes to go for car rides and loves to snuggle up with his doggie friends. Pepsi is potty trained, crate trained, and doggie door trained.
Read more about Pepsi
He's doing well with leash training, still pulls like a typical hound puppy so needs some help walking on leash. Pepsi loves his family time and wants to be your best friend forever! Adoption fee $50. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, DHPP, Rabies, Flea, tick, heart worm check, worm treatment, and microchip. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/dog-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
16. Emily
Meet Emily!
Breed: staffordshire terrier mix.
Age: est 2.5 years.
Weight: 45lbs. She is short but stocky. She should probably be about 40lbs. She has gotten a little thick.
Training: crate and leash trained, she is doing well with housetraining.
Good with other dogs/cats? Yes to dogs. She seems a little too interested in cats.
Good with adults/kids? Yes, she loves kids and everyone she meets!
Personality: she is friendly, playful, and affectionate. She is a good mix of playful and laid back.
Reason for rescue: Emily was dumped on a dirt road with her 2 pups, who have since been adopted. It's Emily's turn to find her forever home!
Read more about Emily
Emily is spayed, microchipped, heartworm negative, and current on vaccinations and preventatives.
If interested in adding this sweet baby to your family, please message for an adoption application!
Adoption fee: $75.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
17. Roscoe
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided below.Roscoe is an 8-year old labrador retriever. He doesn't like men initially until he gets to know them and gets comfortable around them. However, he loves women and children. He loves being touched and petted. He is not an aggressive dog and is very loving. Roscoe has been neutered and is up to date on vaccinations.If you are interested in Roscoe, please email headstoneheroesllc@gmail.com
- Good with kids
18. Lola
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided in the description below.Lola is a pit bull terrier mix. She is spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. She does chase motorcycles ad cats. She is a very sweet girl, but has a lot of energy that she can't get out with her current owner.If you are interested in Lola, please contact Laney Pierce at laney.g.pierce@icloud.com
- No cats
19. Bella
This is a courtesy post. Please don't contact the rescue regarding this animal, please reach out to the person listed. This is Bella she is a 1 year old, Staffordshire mix. She is up to date on shots, fixed, and microchipped. She would best in home that doesn't have young children. Please reach out to the current owner through email (aubrey81021@gmail.com), to ask questions and see if she would be a good fit for your home.
20. Teddy
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with dogs
21. Gravy
This is a courtesy post, and this animal is not at Heart of the Foothills. If you are interested in this animal, please do not contact us, contact information is below.He absolutely cannot be around chickens or waterfowl and will hop fences to get to them. He is good with other dogs, cats, kids, pigs, and both men and women. I would watch him when introducing him to small dogs and wouldn’t leave him unsupervised around small prey animals like guinea pigs or exotics.If interested, please contact (828)442-7526.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
22. John Wayne
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
23. Nyla
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided below.Nyla is a 4 - 5-year old pit bull/boxer mix. She is spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. She has been outside her entire life until the current owner took her in from a neighbor.She gets along better with male dogs mostly, but she is okay with female dogs. She's never been around cats, but she has tried to chase one so it would be best if she wasn't around them. She does not appear to like men as much as women. She will warm up to them after a while. She will not growl or bite anyone, but she does bark at them at first.
Read more about Nyla
She is most likely scared because she hasn't been around many people. She does get along with kids.Since being with her current owner, she has adjusted well to being inside. However, she will need to be able to roam the house freely and not be crated. She needs somewhere to run and play. She has never had an accident while inside the house. She doesn't walk well on a leash, so patience will be needed to train her. She loves treats/bones/toys/ - anything that is safe for her to chew on. She loves playing with other dogs but can be a bit hyper and rough.Once she gets used to someone, she will become very attached. Love and attention is all she wants.She would be a great cuddle dog.If you are interested in Nyla, please email kenleywilson24@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
24. Skoobie
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
25. Miller
Meet Miller!
Breed: goldendoodle.
Age: est 3-5 years.
Weight: 73lbs.
Training: crate, house & leash trained. He also knows basic commands.
Good with other dogs/cats? Yes to dogs, no cats.
Good with adults/kids? Yes to adults, he would do best in a home without children.
Personality: friendly, loyal, laid back, but playful, and affectionate.
Reason for rescue: owner surrender, not a good match for their family.
Miller is a sweet, affectionate boy who loves being with his people. He's house trained, crate trained, leash trained, and already knows basic commands.
Read more about Miller
He gets along great with other dogs but is not a good fit for a home with cats. Miller would also do best in a home with a securely fenced yard, where he can safely run, play, and enjoy spending time outdoors.
One of Miller's favorite things is meeting new people, he's always excited to make a new friend! He also rides great in the car, making him a wonderful companion for adventures or errands.
Before coming to us, Miller was passed from home to home and didn't have the stability every dog deserves. Despite that, he has settled in beautifully with routine and consistency in his foster home.
Miller does have some resource guarding tendencies, primarily with food and high-value items like bones. Because of this, he will need an experienced adopter who understands how to manage these behaviors and continue setting him up for success. We also recommend an adult-only home with no children.
Miller is proof that structure, patience, and love can help a dog thrive. In the right home, he'll reward his family with endless loyalty, affection, and companionship. If you're looking for a devoted best friend and have the experience to help him continue to succeed, Miller may be the perfect match for you.
He is neutered, heartworm negative, and current on vaccinations and preventatives.
If interested in adding this sweet boy to your family, please message for an adoption application!
Adoption fee: $250.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
26. Sissy
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
27. Chunky
If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- House-trained
28. Sammy
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills for information. Contact information is provided in the description below.Name: Sammy (Female)Breed: Unknown mixed (possibly some pit) (Small to Medium)Age: About 7 monthsTemperament: Very playful. Loves to snuggle and give hugs and kisses. Loves playing with toys and chewing on bones. Can be a little aggressive in her play with other dogs. Needs room to run. Will occasionally bark or 'talk' but overall not too noisy. Never been around other animals or small children. She has been fixed and has her shots. No health problems. Not potty trained. Could use a good trainer. Free to a good home.If you are interested in Sammy, please email chelsea.carlock@cooperriis.org
29. Piper
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided below.Name: Piper (Female)Breed: Terrier/ Australian Shephard Mix (Small to Medium)Age: About 3 years oldTemperament: Very active. Loves to run, jump, and bark. Tends to be very loud. Great guard dog. Needs room to run. Tends to be the "alpha" of our dogs, but plays pretty well with other dogs. Has not been around other animals before. May not be good for small neighborhood (due to noise) or with small children (due to jumping). She has been fixed and has her shots. No health problems. Not potty trained. Could use a good trainer. Free to a good home.If you are interested in Piper, please email chelsea.carlock@cooperriis.org
30. Wyatt
Meet Wyatt!
Breed: cattle dog mix.
Age: approx 1 year.
Weight: est 40lbs.
Training: crate and leash trained, doing well with house training.
Good with other dogs/cats? Yes to dogs.
Good with adults/kids? he can be timid/reserved at first, but that doesn't last long. He warms up to be playful and affectionate
Personality: shy, but loving, friendly and playful.
Reason for rescue: owner release - too many dogs.
Wyatt is neutered, microchipped, heartworm negative, and current on vaccinations and preventatives.
If interested in adding this sweet baby to your family, please message for an adoption application!
Adoption fee: $75.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
Rescues and shelters near Cleveland County
The rescues with the most dogs listed within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County.
- Heart of the Foothills Animal RescueRutherfordton, NC · 34 dogs
How to adopt from Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue
An application is required and once it is processed and approved we will set up a time for the adopter to meet the pet, if the pet is finished with their vetting then we can finalize adoption or put the pet on hold and let the adopter know when the pet is ready. When we finalize adoption, the adopter will need to sign an adoption contract and a health disclaimer. We do ask that if the adopter decides that it is not working out that they bring the dog back to us so we can make sure the animal will go into a good home.
- Mercy Rescue HavenBlacksburg, SC · 6 dogs
How to adopt from Mercy Rescue Haven
Adoption application, reference checks, adoption contract, requirements vary per animal
- Jesse's Place Rescue INCLake Wylie, sc · 5 dogs
How to adopt from Jesse's Place Rescue INC
Fees, contracts, home visits, applications
- Rutherford County Humane SocietyRutherfordton, NC · 4 dogs
How to adopt from Rutherford County Humane Society
Complete and submit a dog or cat adoption application online from our Website. Our volunteers will then review the application, and contact the adoptee if approved. Then the adoptee will need to complete and submit the Pet Adoption Contract, and pay for the adoption.
Cities and towns in Cleveland County
- Shelby 170
- Kings Mountain 171
- Boiling Springs 76
- Belwood 170
- Grover 46
- Kingstown 44
- Fallston 170
- Patterson Springs 170
- Lawndale 60
- Polkville 44
- Lattimore 44
- Waco 171
- Casar 190
- Mooresboro 44
- Earl 46
Adopting a dog in Cleveland County
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 Cleveland County
How many dogs are up for adoption in Cleveland County?
As of November 4, 2026, 49 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County, North Carolina, by 4 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Cleveland County?
The rescues with the most dogs near Cleveland County right now are Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue (Rutherfordton, NC), Mercy Rescue Haven (Blacksburg, SC) and Jesse's Place Rescue INC (Lake Wylie, sc). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Cleveland County?
Yes. 3 puppys are up for adoption within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County.
How do I adopt a dog in Cleveland County?
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.