Dogs for Adoption in Hillsborough, NC: 20 Dogs Looking for a Home

· Social Compatibility: Friendly with cats and other dogs; specifically desires a small-breed female canine companion.

Ideal Home Requirements

· Family Dynamic: Adults or families with children aged 10 and older; excellent fit for work-from-home professionals.

· Sleeping Arrangement: Allowed to sleep in the bed with his owners to satisfy his love for cuddling.

· Property Features: A securely fenced yard to support his ongoing house training and provide safe, immediate outdoor access.

Other Dogs:
Would do best in a home with
another small breed male dog
to be her playmate and companion.

Cats:
Requires a
cat-free home
.

Children:
Best suited for families where all children are
10 years of age or older
.

Yard:
Requires a secure yard with
structured fencing only
(no invisible or electronic fencing).

Grooming:
Requires a dedicated family committed to having her professionally
groomed every 6–8 weeks
to keep her coat healthy and mat-free.

Activity Level:
Thrives in an active household that loves going for walks and sharing everyday adventures.

For the most part, Winnie is a normal dog: she plays, she explores, she loves her people, and she radiates joy. She simply needs a family willing to love and care for her exactly as she is — wobbles and all.

Winnie would thrive in a home with another gentle dog her size or larger who can play with her, keep her company, and help her feel secure. She adores canine friends and blossoms with companionship.

Winnie is up to date on all vaccines and preventatives, has been spayed, and is microchipped. Any children in the home should be at least 8 years of age. She also requires a fenced in yard, physical fencing attached to the home

Winnie doesn’t know she’s different — she only knows she’s loved. If you’re looking for a dog who will brighten your home with pure happiness and endless heart, Winnie may be the perfect match.

When Ernest first arrived in foster care, he wanted to be close to his people without actually touching. With patience and reassurance, he has blossomed into a cuddler. He’ll happily stretch out on your chest for a bit before sliding over to relax right beside you. His foster family has loved watching him learn that affection is safe and comforting.

Ernest enjoys playing with the other dogs in his foster home, and he will do best in a home with at least one friendly canine companion. He thrives with dogs who are kind, confident, and not easily pushed around.

Ernest is up to date on all vaccines and preventatives, has been microchipped, and is neutered. Because of his coat type, he will require regular professional grooming, and his ideal family will have experience with maintaining a dog who needs consistent coat care.

Ernest is a gentle, loving boy who’s ready for a family that will continue helping him grow in confidence and enjoy the comfort of companionship. If you’re looking for a sweet dog with a tender heart, a playful spirit, and a smile that never quits, Ernest may be the perfect addition to your home.

Health Update:
Her
inguinal hernia repair
has given her a brand-new lease on life, and she has no remaining restrictions from her recovery.

Her Ideal Home

Human Companionship:
Thrives when she isn't left alone for long hours. She would make the
absolute best work-from-home coworker ever.

Snuggle Requirements:
Daily
lap time is required
, and nighttime snuggles rank at the very top of her "must-haves" list.

Children:
Best suited for families where all children are
10 years of age or older.

Yard:
Preference will be given to homes with a
fenced-in yard (structured fencing only)
so she can safely enjoy fetch and outdoor exploration.

Other Pets:
Social and sweet, she
makes fast friends with both dogs and cats
and enjoys their company.

Activity & Training:
Loves to race around the yard and enjoy daily strolls. She is still learning not to pull on her leash, so she will need a family willing to help her practice her leash manners.

Addie's ultimate goal is to find humans who will truly include her in all that life has to offer. If your home sounds like the perfect match for this resilient girl, please apply today!

Due to her personality, Pebbles also needs a home with one docile, friendly male dog who won’t challenge her.

Pebbles is up to date on all vaccines and preventatives, has been microchipped, and will be spayed when age‑appropriate.

Pebbles is full of potential and joy — she just needs the right home to help her shine. If you’re looking for a clever, lively companion with a whole lot of heart, Pebbles may be your perfect match.

In her foster home, she's house trained, knows some basic commands like sit/down, and takes treats gently. She's learning to walk politely on a leash and sleeps well in her crate at night. She loves to chase the ball, but she hasn't yet gotten the hang of bringing it back. During the day, she's still learning that her crate can be her safe place because she loves to be with people. Having another dog in the home could help her feel more confident when her people leave the house.

Nessa is current on vaccines and microchipped.

When he entered rescue, Hank needed extensive dental care and tested positive for heartworm. He is receiving all necessary treatment, and he will complete every step before leaving foster care. Through it all, he has remained patient, affectionate, and eager to be close to the humans who show him compassion.

Hank gets along wonderfully with other dogs and enjoys their company. His calm, friendly demeanor makes him an easy companion, whether he’s relaxing at your feet or exploring the yard with a canine friend.

This brave boy is ready for a home where he can finally experience the safety, comfort, and love he’s always deserved. If you’re looking for a deeply sweet, resilient dog who will reward your kindness with unwavering loyalty, Hank may be the perfect match.

As a beagle, Hank requires a securely fenced yard with physical fencing attached to the home. He has been neutered, microchipped, and is fully vaccinated.

Joey loves chasing dragonflies and army-crawling in tall grass. He loves sprinting in the yard and chewing on collagen sticks and yak cheese. He especially loves his snuffle mat!
There are a few quirks about Joey that will take patience from his future humans. Although he has learned to toilet outdoors, he hasn’t quite gotten over some handling issues. Fear and excitement cause him to have little accidents. Thankfully, he is very small and has gotten used to wearing a belly band. Joey also needs to be closely watched as he enjoys jumping from high places and will need to be discouraged from parkouring. But hey, that means he might be great for an agility course!

Joey is young and acts like a puppy, so obedience training is a must. He should not be in a home with children younger than 10. He enjoys sprinting outside and would be best in a home with a big, physically-fenced yard.

Etta has been spayed, micro chipped, and is up to date on all preventative medications. She also had a soft palate surgery and nasal stenosis, to help her breathe better. She has allergies, so she will require regular visits to the vet to deal with them, as needed. She will need to stay on a fatty acid and joint supplement, and will require special food and daily probiotics- for life. There is no such thing as an inexpensive French Bulldog, so please be sure you not only have the means- but the willingness, to afford her CARE. An experienced dog owner is a must (with an impeccable vet reference), preference will be given to those who are familiar with Brachycephalic breeds and the special care they require.

Etta has occasional zoomies, and she would love another dog to wrestle with (she will adjust her play to the size of her companion), and loves a leisurely early morning walk when the temperature is safe for her to be outside- but otherwise she is a snoring, snorting, flatulence filled- couch potato. She adores her people, so someone who isn't gone for long hours is a plus. When you are gone, she is crate trained and loves a stuffed kong to keep her busy. She is good with cats, but would do best with a dog savvy cat. Etta is a "private pooper", she chooses the outskirts of the yard to potty, so she requires a secure fenced in yard (physical fencing only, please) to keep up her good potty habits. All children in the home should be 10 and over, she gets a bit too excited with wee children.

For the RIGHT home, Etta will be a fabulous addition. She has spent her limited time on this earth giving everything to humans who didn't appreciate her. Now it's Etta's turn to have her needs met. We know her wish list is long, we aren't looking for average- Etta deserves the BEST.

She is housebroken, crate trained, and wonderfully well behaved. Cali is comfortable spending a normal workday in her crate and settles in beautifully, making her a great companion for someone who works outside the home. She is also a relatively quiet girl, so she doesn't need to be the center of attention all the time.

Cali is smart and eager to learn. She has attended training classes with her foster canine brothers and did exceptionally well. She already knows her basic commands and picks up new things quickly. Her foster family has been impressed by how much she wants to please.

She also has a wonderful history with both dogs and young children. When she was first found, Cali lived with two Australian Shepherds and did very well with them. She also spent two months living with children ages 3 and 5 and was terrific with them. She takes everyday noises and activity in stride.

Cali enjoys a good walk and is excellent on leash, but she also loves having a yard where she can explore and enjoy herself. She would be happy in a home with a fenced yard, but she could also do well without one as long as she gets regular walks and exercise.

Cali would be perfectly happy as an only dog, but she really enjoys canine companionship, so she'd also love having a doggy friend. She has not yet been exposed to cats, so that would be something to consider when finding her perfect home.

Most of all, Cali wants a family to love and a family who will love her back. She is affectionate, adaptable, eager to please, and just an all-around wonderful girl. Whether you're looking for a walking buddy, a training partner, a couch companion, or simply a loving member of the family, Cali is ready to be your girl.

Cali is ready to find the people she can love for the rest of her life. Could that be you? ❤️

Some of the information contained in this biography includes approximations based on our expertise and is not guaranteed. Applicants ideally should live no further than one hour from Cary NC as our dogs must be seen by a BFPA veterinarian for all medical care prior to adoptions being finalized. Our foster guardians deliver dogs to their new homes for adoption trials and we do home visits to finalize all adoptions. We therefore prefer applicants that live within an hours drive of Cary NC.

INTERESTED IN MEETING OR ADOPTING Cali from Best Friend Pet Adoption rescue? If so, please fill out our dog adoption application by copying and pasting this link in a new browser window: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=WHMSYCNC.

This is always the first step which needs to be completed before meeting any Best Friend Pet Adoption dog.

Tiki is a fast learner and loves to play with other dogs. He looks forward to seeing his friends at doggie day care. He has been around cats and wants to play with them. Tiki could live with other dogs or could be an only dog.

He can be a bit timid around new people but once he realizes that he is safe, he will be your friend. Very young children tend to make him wary. He would do best with older children. He will cuddle some, but isn’t a lap dog, though he loves to hang out with his people.

He would love a fenced yard but would be fine being on a leash for walks and his potty breaks. Since Tiki can be vocal at times, he would not be suited for apartment living.

Tiki is almost totally house broken when taken out for potty breaks regularly. He is used to being in a puppy pen when he is left alone.

He likes car rides and going places. He is full of energy and likes to play, so would be great for an active home. If you are ready to toss a ball or run around with him, please contact Beverley at winfield.beverley@gmail.com.

DISCLAIMER: We hope you'll consider adopting Tiki. He is a courtesy listed dog. This means that the dog is not a part of or associated with Best Friend Pet Adoption (BFPA). The bio information listed for Tiki was provided by his owner/rescuer and not generated or verified by BFPA. Adoption arrangements will be a private arrangement between you and the owner/rescuer. As with any dog adoption, BFPA encourages potential adopters to gain as much information as possible before adopting. This includes temperament testing and verification of vet records to ensure the dog is in good health, up to date on vaccinations and has been sterilized. For more information about Tiki, please contact winfield.beverley@gmail.com.

Bruno has settled beautifully into foster care and has shown everyone what makes him such a special companion. He's fully house trained, crate trained, and is perfectly content relaxing in his crate when left home alone. Around the house, he's an easygoing guy who enjoys lounging on the couch, chewing on a frozen treat, or entertaining himself with his toy collection. His absolute favorite? A Lamb Chop stuffie!

Bruno would thrive as the only dog in his home, where he can soak up all the love and attention. While he's not looking for a busy multi-dog household, he has shown that he can enjoy the company of respectful female dogs. He has made several female dog friends and loves having supervised play sessions with them, as long as they respect his pace and personal space. Because of this, we'd be happy to discuss a home with the right easygoing female dog, but Bruno's ideal match is a family where he can be the center of attention.

He enjoys walks and does well on leash, though he's still working on polishing his leash manners when he gets excited. He also loves chasing thrown toys, even if bringing them back is still a work in progress! Due to his size and enthusiastic personality, Bruno would do best in a home with children ages 10 and older. Bruno has spent far too much time waiting for someone to choose him.

At 6 years old, he's past the puppy chaos but still has plenty of life, love, and playful moments to share. He's ready for a family that will appreciate his goofy personality, loyal heart, and love of life's simple pleasures—like couch cuddles, stuffed toys, and spending time with his favorite humans.

DISCLAIMER: We hope you'll consider adopting BRUNO. He is listed as a courtesy. This means that he is not a part of or associated with Best Friend Pet Adoption (BFPA). The bio information listed for BRUNO was provided by individual caregivers and not generated or verified by BFPA. Adoption arrangements will be a private arrangement between you and Underhoundrailroad.org. As with any dog adoption, BFPA encourages potential adopters to gain as much information as possible before adopting. If you have any questions about Bruno, please contact

adoptions@underhoundrailroad.org.

Bruno is currently fostered in South Carolina and can be transported along the East Coast as far north as Maine to his forever family. If you think Bruno could be the missing piece of your family, apply today at https://underhoundrailroad.org/adoption-application/. Bruno's adoption fee has been generously sponsored! If adopted within South Carolina, his adoption fee is just $50. For out-of-state adopters, his fee is $175.

She is crate trained and house broken! She learns new things quickly, and is settling into the rhythms of home life. With her sweet nature, eagerness to learn, and joyful spirit, Alaska is ready to grow into an incredible companion alongside the lucky family who chooses her.
Some of the information contained in this biography includes approximations based on our expertise and is not guaranteed. Applicants must live no further than one hour from Cary NC as our dogs must be seen by a BFPA veterinarian for all medical care prior to adoptions being finalized. Our foster guardians deliver dogs to their new homes for adoption trials and we do home visits to finalize all adoptions. We therefore require applicants to live within an hours drive of Cary NC. INTERESTED IN ADOPTING ALASKA? If so, please fill out our dog adoption application by copying and pasting this link in a new browser window: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=WHMSYCNC

They’ll be up to date on vaccines, microchipped, and spayed/neutered at the appropriate age.Apply now at pipsrescue.org/adopt to bring home your perfect pup from the Peaceful Pack!

He is working on house-training and what it means to potty outside, but he’s been using pads in his playpen consistently. He’s very food-motivated, which makes training a breeze!I-Hope is likely to grow into a small to medium-sized dog.If you’re looking for a sweet and unique, happy-go-lucky pup who’s ready to be your car co-pilot and sure to bring a lot of joy to your life - apply to meet I-Hop.

(Just make sure you keep me stocked up on hard chew bones—they're my favorite!).I do have a heart murmur, but honestly? It just means my love is extra special. It doesn't affect my energy or my love for life one bit.Here is my dream scenario: I want to be your one and only! I prefer to be the only pet in the house because I like my humans' attention focused entirely on me. I’m a little unsure about how I feel around tiny humans right now, so if you have kiddos, I'd love a home where they know how to give me a little space, read my body language, and practice respectful interactions while we build up our confidence together!Are you looking for a loyal, active, ball-obsessed best bud? Come meet me!

Her front legs are splayed outward and provide very little support. She's not going to win any races, but she certainly gets an A for effort!Amelia is the more adventurous of the two sisters. She loves toys, enjoys playing tug-of-war with her people, and absolutely adores snuggling. At the end of the day, there's nothing better than being curled up on the couch with someone who loves her.A Little About Her Special NeedsAmelia and Bessie were born with significant mobility challenges. X-rays revealed abnormalities in the alignment of their skulls and spines that affect their ability to move normally. Their veterinarians cannot predict whether these abnormalities will affect their lifespans or lead to complications in the future.What we do know is that Amelia is currently comfortable, happy, and not experiencing pain. Her condition has remained stable while she's been in our care.Amelia can potty on her own and will scoot away afterward, but she cannot get to a pee pad independently, so she'll need help staying clean. She sometimes wears diapers. She eats kibble softened with water to make mealtimes easier.Most of her day is spent relaxing in a comfortable bed, playing with her toys, enjoying attention, and keeping her sister company. She needs help being carried or transported for longer distances. We're also exploring the possibility of a custom wheelchair to give her additional mobility.Amelia does well with other dogs and would likely enjoy a home with gentle, respectful children. She doesn't need a fenced yard or a particular type of home, just a safe environment, someone willing to accommodate her mobility needs, and plenty of love.Two Sisters, One Forever HomeAmelia and Bessie have been together their entire lives, and their bond is incredibly important. Because of their limited mobility, they provide companionship and comfort for each other throughout the day. They must be adopted together.PIPs Special Care AdoptionAmelia and Bessie are being offered through our PIPs Special Care Adoption program.There is no adoption fee for the girls, and PIPs will remain a lifelong partner in their care.Their adopter will be responsible for everyday expenses, including food, supplies, preventatives, routine vaccinations, and wellness visits. PIPs will help cover major medical needs related to their disabilities, with the specific arrangements discussed and agreed upon before adoption.The girls are current on their vaccinations. They are not spayed because of veterinary concerns regarding anesthesia and surgery, and their future surgical care will need to be discussed individually.We don't know what the future holds for Amelia and Bessie. They may have years ahead of them, or their medical conditions may eventually create challenges we cannot predict. What we do know is that they deserve a family who will love them for however long that may be.Amelia doesn't need a perfect home. She needs a patient, loving family willing to embrace her differences and give her the best life possible.Ready to adopt? pipsrescue.org or have questions - email Nicole.k@pipsrescue.orgWatch Amelia in Action!Amelia's determination as she navigates a doorway:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFxiVWRqPi4Amelia and Bessie enjoying a snack and snuggle time:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaMjQYIqh2U

She's happiest when she's comfortable, close to someone she loves, and getting plenty of attention.A Little About Her Special NeedsBessie was born with significant physical abnormalities that affect her mobility. Like her sister Amelia, her front legs are splayed outward and provide very little support. X-rays also revealed abnormalities in the alignment of her skull and spine.Bessie has more limited mobility than Amelia. She can push with her back legs and scoot herself along, but she moves slowly and generally needs help getting from place to place.Despite these challenges, Bessie is a happy, comfortable puppy who is not experiencing pain. Her condition has remained stable, although her veterinarians cannot predict whether her physical abnormalities will affect her lifespan or cause complications later in life.Bessie can potty on her own but cannot get to a pee pad independently, so she needs help staying clean. She's good at letting her people know when she needs assistance and will whine to get their attention. She eats dehydrated food prepared to make mealtimes easier.Bessie also has some sensitivity to certain sounds, particularly when the television or music first comes on or when other dogs become noisy. We've discovered that a little pair of earmuffs helps her settle, and once she adjusts to the background noise, she's usually just fine.Most of Bessie's day is spent relaxing with Amelia, enjoying affection, and snuggling with her people. She does well with other dogs and would likely be comfortable around gentle, respectful children.She doesn't require a fenced yard or a particular home layout, but she does need a safe environment, help with her mobility and hygiene, and someone who understands that her daily routine looks a little different from that of most dogs.Two Sisters, One Forever HomeBessie and Amelia absolutely adore each other. Because their mobility is so limited, having each other nearby provides companionship and comfort throughout the day. These girls have been together since birth, and we are committed to keeping them together.They must be adopted as a pair.PIPs Special Care AdoptionBessie and Amelia are being offered through our PIPs Special Care Adoption program.There is no adoption fee, and PIPs will remain a lifelong partner in their care.Their adopter will be responsible for everyday expenses, including food, supplies, preventatives, routine vaccinations, and wellness visits. PIPs will help cover major medical needs related to their disabilities, with the specific arrangements discussed and agreed upon before adoption.The girls are current on their vaccinations. They are not spayed because of veterinary concerns regarding anesthesia and surgery, and their future surgical care will need to be discussed individually.We cannot predict what the future holds for Bessie and Amelia. Their medical conditions may affect their lifespans, or they may surprise us all. Right now, they're happy puppies who enjoy life, love their people, and deserve the opportunity to be part of a family.Bessie isn't looking for someone to feel sorry for her. She's looking for someone who will love her, accommodate her needs, and appreciate all the wonderful things that make her special.And, of course, someone who has room in their heart for her sister, too!Ready to adopt? pipsrescue.org or have quesitons, email Nicole.k@pipsrescue.or

She’s a smart girl, too! Training will be a breeze - she’s already learning commands like sit and come, is working on her potty training, and is comfortable in her crate. Hazel came into rescue with some hair loss, which her vet has evaluated and treated. With continued medicated shampoo treatments, she’s on the right track.With her loving nature, happy spirit, and endless enthusiasm for cuddles, Hazel would make a wonderful addition to a family looking for a devoted companion. She has so much love to give and is ready to find the people she can call her own. Could Hazel be the missing piece of your family?