Dogs for Adoption in Cooleemee, NC: 20 Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated



159 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 13 rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Cooleemee. 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 50 miles of Cooleemee, 26 puppies, 39 young dogs, 73 adults and 13 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Pit Bull Terrier, Terrier and Labrador Retriever, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Cooleemee? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Baxter
Young (10 months) · Male · Chihuahua / Dachshund / Mixed (short coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee


Baxter is a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix puppy. He weighs 11 pounds. Baxter gets along well with other dogs and children. He is friendly and loves to be petted. Baxter likes being outside and enjoys walks. He is fully vetted, neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on immunizations and on heartworm prevention.
Baxter's adoption fee is $400. To adopt Baxter, fill out an adoption form at RuffLoveRescue.com/adopt
Ruff Love Rescue is located in Thomasville, NC
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Sugar Chi
Senior (14 years 9 months) · Female · Chihuahua (short coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee


Sugar Chi is a female senior Chihuahua, but don't let her age fool you. She is still very healthy and active. She would like to be held most of the time, but she's pretty independent, too. As with many little older dogs, she can be a little nervous and she doesn't like for you to get in her face. Her adoption fee is $200. She is fully vetted, spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on immunizations.
To adopt Sugar Chi, fill out an adoption form at RuffLoveRescue.com/adopt
Ruff Love Rescue is located in Thomasville, NC
- House-trained
3. Minnie
Adult (4 years 11 months) · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee




Meet Minnie! She is a 5 year old Great Pyrennes mix. She currently weighs about 85lbs, but needs to put some more weight on. She also had to have some of her fur shaved due to severe matting, but it will grow back! She loves humans and wants to be with you as much as possible. She is completely house trained and good with other calm dogs. She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
4. Bane
Adult · Male · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee


Meet the happiest boy ever, Bane! He is a 4 year old Great Pyrennes mix. He currently weighs about 90lbs, but is still putting on weight. He came into the rescue very malnourished and with skin issues. He's doing much better. Bane thinks everyday is the best day ever and everyone he meets is his bestfriend! He's a sweetheart! He seems to be ok with other dogs. He needs a 5-6ft fenced in backyard, he loves to run around! He is completely vetted and ready to find his forever home!
Adoption fee- $400
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
5. Evie
Adult (1 year 5 months) · Female · Great Pyrenees / Beagle / Mixed (medium coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee







Meet sweet Evie! She is about a 1.5 years old and full of puppy fun!! She weighs right under 70lbs. She is crate trained and great with other dogs. She would do best in a home with a large yard and another dog in the home to play with and learn from. She will need someone who can contuine training with her and raise her up to be the well behaved girl she strides to be!! She is very smart!! We also have her DNA results and the results will be attached. She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!
Adoption donation- $300
- Good with dogs
6. Razin
Adult · Male · Australian Shepherd (long coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee




Razin is a 5 yo Australian Shepherd. He knows lots of commands and walks great on a leash. He attaches easily. He really needs to be in a home with a single owner. We do not recommend him for a family. He is housebroken and does not need a crate. He is completely vetted and ready to find his forever home!
Adoption donation- $400
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Aura
Adult (2 years) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (long coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee



Meet Aura! Aura is a 2 yo female, 45-pound Lab Retriever mix. She has lots of energy, so she’s needs an active family. Do you like to run or hike? Aura is your girl! She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!!
Adoption donation- $300
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
8. Beaufort
Young (6 months) · Male · Hound / Mixed (short coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee



Beaufort is a 3-month-old hound mix puppy and currently weighs about 17lbs. He’s a sweetheart! He will probably be about 40-50 pounds full-grown. His foster mom says he loves playing with other dogs. He doesn’t hurt the cats. He’s getting use to crate training and will need contuined puppy training. But he is thriving in a home and learning things very quickly!! His foster mom states that he’s a great dog. Beaufort is completely vetted and ready to find his forever home! Adoption donation- $400
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
9. Nyla
Adult (2 years) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee







Meet Nyla! She is a super sweet 2 year old Lab mix. She weighs about 30lbs. She can be shy at first, but she warms up quickly! She is crate trained. Nyla would make the perfect addition! She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home! Adoption donation- $300
10. Bridget
Adult · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee




Meet Bridget! She is a 3 year old Great Pyrennes mix and weighs about 80lbs. She is so sweet and beautiful! She would love to be your one and only. She does not like other dogs. She is a laid back girl who gets spurks of energy and enjoys pouncing around with her humans! She jumps right in the car and is great on a leash! She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!
Adoption donation- $400
- Only dog
- House-trained
11. Vera
Adult · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee




Meet Vera! She is a doll!! Vera is about a 5 year old Great Pyrennes mix and weighs about 65lbs. She is extremely laid back. Her pictures are perfect examples of what she does all day.. she lays around and cuddles with her humans. She is also equally independent. She will cuddle and then she likes to find places to "hide" such has under desks, chairs, or tables. She has shown no aggression at all. She is fostered in a home with multiple other laid back Great Pyrennes and is great with other dogs with her energy level. She is very respectful of other dogs. Eventhough she can be independent, she does have some separation anxiety when you leave the house. She would do best with someone who is home more often than not! Also, no apartments for her if she's going to be left home alone often due to barking. If you're looking for a dog to lounge around with you, Vera is your girl!! Vera is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!!
Read more about Vera
Adoption donation- $400
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Milo
Adult (3 years 11 months) · Male · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee



Courtesy post-
Fort Mill, SC. Milo is losing his home and is hoping to find a new one where he can have a yard and an active family. He has lived his life with a small dog and loves playing. He is a 4 year old neutered 60 pound Lab/Hound who is up to date on vaccinations and is potty trained but does not crate well as he has spent much of his time crated or gated in a room for lengthy periods. Please help me give Milo a second chance!!
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Clyde
Adult (4 years 1 month) · Male · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee




Meet Clyde! Clyde is the definition on a gentle giant. He is around 4 years old and weighs just under 100lbs. Clyde loves people and is friendly, but he is more of an independent dog. He enjoys laying around and doing his own thing. Clyde will require a fenced in backyard. He also needs a strong owner that will be consistent with obedience. He is inclined to resource guard his food, so he will need owners that are familiar with resource guarding and able to set him up for success safely! With his resource guarding, Clyde will do best as your only pet and with children over the age of 13. Please research the Great Pyrennes breed to ensure you are a good match for Clyde! He is completely vetted and ready to find his perfect forever home!
Read more about Clyde
Adoption donation- $400
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
14. Finley
Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Belgian Shepherd Malinois / Mixed (medium coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee


Meet Finley! He is a 3 year old German Shepherd/Malinois mix. He weighs about 57lbs. He is dog tolerant with well adjusted dogs. He also doesn't bother cats. He is incredibly intelligent. He is protective. Finley is crate and house trained. He is slow to warm up to new people so he will need patience. He would do best with someone experienced in Shepherd/Mals. He is completely vetted and ready to find his forever home.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
15. Dutchees
Adult (6 years 2 months) · Female · Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee




This is Dutchees. She is such a sweetheart!! She is about 6 years old and weighs around 70lbs. She is house/crate trained. She is good with cats/kids/dogs. She is NOT destructive and really doesn't require a crate. She loves to roam outdoors, so she needs fenced yard. Dutchees loves, loves, loves her humans!! She is completely vetted and ready to join your family!
Adoption donation- $300
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
16. Sassy
Senior · Female · Beagle / Mixed (medium coat) · 16 mi from Cooleemee



Meet Sassy! She is an 8 year old beagle mix. She weighs about 30lbs. She is dog and cat friendly. She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
17. Lorenzo
3 Years · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Mixed (medium coat) · 22 mi from Cooleemee










This very friendly boy found himself out of time and bewildered at a large, high-kill animal control facility, so we rescued him and are glad we did...He's the class clown on the playground w/ Scooby Doo-like moments...goofy and silly, affectionate, has never met a stranger:) He'd be a great companion or family pet. Fenced yard required; VET'S REFERENCE REQUIRED.
- Good with dogs
18. Irving
3 Years · Male · Husky / Labrador Retriever / Mixed (medium coat) · 22 mi from Cooleemee









He and his beautiful brother were found as strays and taken to a large, high-kill animal control facility, where their time ran out before any owner went to claim them. We think he is lovely and would make a nice family pet. He is quiet, submissive, and enjoys playing with others:) Fenced yard required; VET'S REFERENCE REQUIRED.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
19. Scooby-Doo
2 Years 3 Months · Male · Fox Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier (short coat) · 22 mi from Cooleemee









Out of time at a high-kill animal control facility in another state, this petite and very nice boy is fortunate to call North Carolina home now and is seeking a forever home. He's quiet and unassuming, easy to walk on leash, goes to the door to wait or sit to be leashed before walks, does well around other dogs and children, would be a very nice companion or family pet. Fenced yard required; VET'S REFERENCE REQUIRED.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
20. Roxy
Senior · Female · Rat Terrier / Mixed · 25 mi from Cooleemee




Meet Roxy! 15 years young and still full of love to give!Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, and through no fault of her own, sweet Roxy finds herself looking for a new place to call home. Roxy was surrendered by a family who loved her dearly, and while starting over at 15 years old isn’t easy, she has so much love left to give to the right family.Roxy is a sweet, affectionate girl whose favorite place to be is right by your side. She’s happiest simply being near her people, soaking up all the love and attention she can get. Don’t let her age fool you, though! She still enjoys the occasional play session with her favorite toys, but what she especially loves is spending time with her dog friends.Roxy gets along wonderfully with both dogs and cats, making her a lovely addition to a home with other furry companions.
Read more about Roxy
She’s more of a homebody and can be nervous in unfamiliar environments or out in public. Car rides aren’t exactly her idea of a good time either! She isn’t difficult in the car, but she does tend to shake and sometimes whine throughout the ride. A cozy home and a predictable routine are much more her speed.When meeting new people, Roxy can be a little shy and skittish at first. She just needs some time, patience, and reassurance to feel comfortable. But once she lets you into her heart, get ready for a little shadow! She becomes incredibly attached to her people and would happily spend her days following you from room to room.As far as her medical history goes, Roxy has an asymptomatic grade 2 heart murmur and mild arthritis. Otherwise, she’s doing wonderfully for a girl her age! She also has a little skin tag on her face, which is purely cosmetic and causes her no medical issues. And honestly, Roxy knows she’s adorable with or without it!Roxy may be 15, but she still has plenty of cuddles, companionship, and love to offer. She’s not looking for grand adventures or a busy lifestyle. She just wants a soft place to land, a family to call her own, and someone who will let her spend her golden years feeling safe, loved, and cherished.Applications can be filled out at www.piedmontanimalrescue.com/adopt! Petfinder and Adopt-A-Pet does NOT send us Applications. We receive many applications and many never respond after processing GREATLY delaying the pets forever home. Please only apply if you are serious about adopting. Please also make sure your pets are up to date on you species applicable Vaccines (rabies, Distemper/Parvo, FVRCP, Bordetella), spayed/neutered, and on Heartworm prevention if a canine. The adoption fee includes their age appropriate vaccinations(DA2PP and Bordetella), Dewormer, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm test as well as the registration of their microchip information to you.The first step to adopting is to fill out an application for adoption. Once approved we will arrange a time for you to meet the animal you are interested in. If it is a match the adoption can then be completed and you can take home your new furry family member. If it is not a match we will file your approved application and you can wait till you find the perfect match.
- Good with dogs
Rescues and shelters near Cooleemee
The rescues with the most dogs listed within 50 miles of Cooleemee.
- Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · 35 dogs · 16 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue
adoption application, including all pets spayed/neutered, UTD on vaccines inclluding Heartworm. on approval a home visit and 10 day home trial with a personal adoption coordinator and support from a local trainer. Adoption fees are $150- $200
- Piedmont Animal RescueMooresville, NC · 31 dogs · 25 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Piedmont Animal Rescue
Application, vet reference, home checks, contracts, fees are $75 and up
- Iredell County Animal Services and Control DepartmentStatesville, NC · 22 dogs · 22 mi from Cooleemee
- Catawba County Animal Care and ControlNewton, NC · 16 dogs · 40 mi from Cooleemee
- Stanly County Humane Society, IncAlbemarle, NC · 13 dogs · 38 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Stanly County Humane Society, Inc
An adoption application must be completed before meeting the pets and an adoption contract is required upon approval to adopt. Our adoption fee is usually $150 - $200. This includes all vet work, including shots, altering and heartworm test.
- Greater Charlotte SPCACharlotte, NC · 10 dogs · 44 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Greater Charlotte SPCA
application, vet checks, home visit, adoption fee (adults over 6 months $200, puppies $300) contract
- Gram Rescue RanchWinston Salem, NC · 7 dogs · 22 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Gram Rescue Ranch
We require a contract to be filled out with potential adopter agreeing to certain requirements to take proper care of the animal. We will need to verify information on the adoption contract before approving potential adopter. We need to check your vet reference, if you rent or own, verify if you have a fenced in yard (only a requirement for some dogs). Our adoption fee varies.
- Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue FoundationMooresville, NC · 7 dogs · 25 mi from Cooleemee
- Surry Animal RescueMount Airy, NC · 7 dogs · 47 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Surry Animal Rescue
We have a thorough adoption process that includes an adoption application, vet check (All current and past pets have to be current on vacs. and spayed/neutered), and home check (fence required for larger dogs, etc.). If those come out good and the adoption is finalized, there is an adoption fee that is paid and a contract is signed by the adopter stating that the animal must be routinely vetted and the animal is not allowed to go to any other home w/out the rescue's approval. All of our animals are spayed/neutered before adopting out and currenton vacs (as well as flea and HW meds).
- Tails of the UnwantedGreensboro, NC · 6 dogs · 43 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Tails of the Unwanted
Application Verify Residence with public records Phone interview Vet Reference Personal Reference Adoptee speaks with foster Meet n Greet/ Home Visit
- Hart-2-Heart Rescue, Inc.Greensboro, NC · 3 dogs · 49 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Hart-2-Heart Rescue, Inc.
Fees: $500 (includes physical/vaccinations/heartworm test/spay/neuter/dental) Adoption Contract Required: Vet & Reference checks, Home visit, fenced yard and no children under 10 years.
- House of Paws Dog RescueKannapolis, NC · 1 dog · 22 mi from Cooleemee
- Pug Rescue of North Carolina, Inc.Elizabeth City, NC · 1 dog · 33 mi from Cooleemee
How to adopt from Pug Rescue of North Carolina, Inc.
Adoption Application required: Placement Fees: $250.00 ( dogs 6 years & under ) $125.00 ( dogs 7 years and up ) $400.00 ( puppies 6 months of age or under ) special contracts apply-please keep in mind, puppies rarely come into our rescue system Some times we may waive the placement fee on pugs who have special needs if we find the prefect family
Adopting a dog in Cooleemee
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 Cooleemee
How many dogs are up for adoption in Cooleemee?
As of November 4, 2026, 159 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 50 miles of Cooleemee, North Carolina, by 13 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Cooleemee?
The rescues with the most dogs near Cooleemee right now are Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue (Thomasville, NC), Piedmont Animal Rescue (Mooresville, NC) and Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department (Statesville, NC). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Cooleemee?
Yes. 26 puppys are up for adoption within 50 miles of Cooleemee.
How do I adopt a dog in Cooleemee?
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.