North Carolina

Dogs for Adoption in New Hanover County, NC: 9 Dogs Looking for a Home

Dogs up for adoption near New Hanover County, NC

31 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 6 rescues and shelters within 50 miles of the middle of New Hanover County. Here are 9 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 50 miles of the middle of New Hanover County, 3 puppies, 11 young dogs, 15 adults and 2 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Pit Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever and Boxer, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.

1. Lucas & Chelsy

Adult (6 years 11 months) · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat)

& :

and are 7-year-old best friends who lost everything (except each other) after a death in the family. They need a loving forever home — together.

Lucas is a handsome, funny white German Shepherd who looks like a polar bear. He's happy, outgoing and views everyone as a potential friend. Chelsy is a sweet, sensitive AKC-registered Anatolian Shepherd with a heart to match her size. For four years, she guarded horses and goats on a farm, and loved it.

&

House-trained

Vetted, microchipped and up to date on shots

Lucas is neutered and Chelsy will be spayed soon

Heartworm negative and on NexGard Plus

Have lived with other dogs and cats

Read more about Lucas & Chelsy

Lucas has hip dysplasia and will get X-rays to assess his needs

Both are working toward a healthy weight of 100 pounds each

:Columbus, GA area (90 miles south of Atlanta) – to the right adopter

To inquire about adopting, please contact me at

alliekjohnson@gmail.com

  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
  • Adopt together
Adopt Lucas & Chelsy fromBlue Moon Shepherd Rescue, Inc.Rocky Point, NC · listed Oct 13Courtesy listing: Lucas & Chelsy's family is rehoming them through this rescue.

2. Loki

Adult (2 years) · Male · Shepherd / Mixed

My adoption fee is $250 (
card will include processing fees
) which includes:

Annual distemper booster
Rabies
Spay/Neuter
Microchip

Handsome Shepherd mix with a sweetheart and a desire to please his people!

Smart and well-mannered! Knows sit, is crate trained, and has excellent leash and car manners.

Loves toys, treats, and making his humans happy!

More comfortable with women. He's bonded closely with his foster mom and needs patience when meeting men.

Can be dog friendly with proper, slow introductions.

Cats are still a mystery! A cat-free home is recommended unless properly tested.

Read more about Loki

Sensitive to raised voices. Loki becomes fearful and needs a calm, gentle home where he feels safe.

Once he trusts you, his sweet, loving personality shines!

Loki doesn't need someone to fix him. He just needs a patient family to show him he's finally safe, loved, and home.

Adopt Loki fromNo Collar Queens Animal RescueJacksonville, NC · listed Sep 30

3. Foster

Puppy (8 months) · Male · Shar Pei / Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed

My adoption fee is $250 (card will include processing fees) which includes:

Annual distemper booster
Rabies
Spay/Neuter
Microchip

8-month-old Shar Pei/Pit Bull mix with an easygoing personality and a heart of gold!

One of the easiest puppies ever! Laid-back, gentle, and perfectly happy just hanging out with his people.

Great with dogs, cats, kids, and strangers! Foster seems to love just about everyone!

A total gentleman! Does wonderfully with baths, nail trims, handling, and everyday activities.

Low-key puppy! No constant entertainment required. Foster is perfectly content going with the flow!

Read more about Foster

PREVIOUS SHAR PEI EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Applications will only be considered from families familiar with the breed.

Breed knowledge is important! Shar Peis can develop specific medical concerns, including skin and ear issues, allergies, entropion, and Shar Pei fever. They can also become more independent, stubborn, or protective as they mature.

Foster has shown no concerning behaviors! We simply want a family prepared to understand and support him throughout his life.

If you know and love Shar Peis, Foster might just be your perfect match!

Adopt Foster fromNo Collar Queens Animal RescueJacksonville, NC · listed Sep 30

4. Chong

Puppy (4 months 14 days) · Male · Shepherd / Mixed

My adoption fee is $400 (
card will include processing fees
) which includes:

1st 2 distemper vaccines (adopter covers 3rd & 4th)
Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age at Shoreline Vet Hospital ($25 office fee will be charged for establishing care)
Microchip
Spay/Neuter (will be completed before animal can go home).

4-month-old bundle of puppy energy with the face of an angel and the enthusiasm of a tiny tornado!

Part puppy, part dinosaur! Chong believes the world is one giant playground waiting to be explored.

Wrestling champion in training! Loves rough-and-tumble puppy games, surprise zoomies, and keeping everyone entertained.

Read more about Chong

Personal space? What's that? Your feet, ankles, and anything that moves may become part of his next puppy adventure!

Curious, playful, and easily distracted! He's still figuring out which things are toys and which things belong to his humans.

Working on potty training and will need a consistent routine, supervision, and lots of encouragement.

Puppy training is a must! Chong needs help learning boundaries, gentle play, and good household manners.

Already neutered, microchipped, and up to date on age-appropriate vaccines!

Will be adopted separately from Cheech to help him build confidence, independence, and a strong bond with his own family.

Beneath that wild puppy energy is a sweet little guy who will reward your patience with plenty of love and laughter!

Chong is looking for a family ready to turn his dinosaur days into best-friend adventures!

Adopt Chong fromNo Collar Queens Animal RescueJacksonville, NC · listed Sep 30

5. Rocket

Adult · Male · Maltese (medium coat)

Adoption fee: $450.00

Read more about Rocket

Rocket
Hi, it’s me, Rocket. I’m a purebred Maltese guy, only 4 years old and not quite 7 pounds. All my doctor’s visits are done, and I have a clean bill of health and sparkly white teeth. Of course, they all fell in love with me there!
I’m working on my house manners but will need your support to get me outside often. I’ve been doing my “big business” outside. I’m learning not to lift my leg inside and I can wear a belly band until I get the hang of it. I like exploring in the fenced yard and doing my zoomies. I’m very fast - like a rocket! I like walking on the leash now too. I’ve been sleeping in my crate at night and never had an accident. I wouldn’t mind sleeping in your bed with you, though.
I’m athletic and can jump and climb. Sometimes, I need to be reminded of the “no” places. May I suggest that you don’t leave goodies on the coffee table unless you’re willing to share them?
I used to be a “stud muffin” but those days are over. Now I want to BE somebody’s baby. I love to be loved! People are my favorite thing, although food and treats are a close second. I mostly get along with other dogs (cats unknown), but I like all the attention and would rather not share your lap, so maybe I could be your “one and only”.

Rocket, based on his age, falls under our Seniors for Seniors policy:
The age rescue that SCMR is happy to consider adopting to applicants that are 70+ years old is 7+. Full policy details, please visit our website.

https://www.scmradoption.com/policies
I’m in my foster home in Little River, SC right now waiting for you.
Adoption fee: $450.00

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Rocket fromSouthern Comfort Maltese RescueChattanooga, TN · listed Sep 29

6. Dallas

Adult (2 years) · Male · Labrador Retriever / Great Dane / Mixed (short coat)

Foster Pet Alert: Meet Dallas!

Read more about Dallas

I am a tall guy and I might even have a little Great Dane in me or I could be a tall lab mix. I am a 2 year old, 76 lb puppy. I love dogs and need at least one other dog in my life to thrive. I get along with dogs of all sizes and ages although seniors are annoyed by my abounding joy. Paradoxically, I am very calm and chill for such a young pup. I seem to do well with cats that don't run away. I love taking a dip in the doggie pool and splashing in the rain and puddles, but I don’t really care for baths. How funny is that? I am good on a leash. I am not fond of getting in cars and my foster mom is working on that. I am not very food driven, but I am eating a salmon food diet to make my coat shiny. My foster mom defines me as A KEEPER which means she’d keep me if she could. So, I got a personal reference from a dog trainer—Sam, my foster mom is a dog trainer. She’s telling you how awesome I am because I got someone to fall in love with me already. Meet me and you can fall in love with me too. Call Jill at (910) 620-3783 for more info.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Dallas fromAdam's FollyBolivia, NC · listed Sep 8

7. Sally--DEAF

Adult (3 years 1 month) · Female · Hound (short coat)

SPECIAL NEEDS ALERT! Meet Sally! I am a DEAF 4 year old hound who weighs about 40 pounds. I am very pretty. I can be playful and fun when I want to. I am curious and smart, but I can't hear commands or reprimands so you need to figure out how to communicate with me. I respond to touch and I like to see you. I am crate trained, good with other dogs and cats and older kids. If you have other dogs I will follow them around and do what they do and I am very food motivated. I want to be with people and I cry when I am left alone. I can be quite vocal since I can't hear myself--so no apartment living for this girl.

Read more about Sally--DEAF

I tested positive for Heartworms and they are treating me. There is no extra charge for it. They cover the cost. I can go foster to adopt through the treatment since it is a longer process. Do you have any experience with deaf dogs? Can you help them help me? Call Jill at (910) 620-3783 for a personal meet and greet.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
  • Special needs
Adopt Sally--DEAF fromAdam's FollyBolivia, NC · listed Sep 8

8. Jagger

Puppy (4 months 28 days) · Male · Great Pyrenees / Siberian Husky / Mixed

My adoption fee is $400 (card will include processing fees) which includes:

1st 2 distemper vaccines (adopter covers 3rd & 4th)
Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age at Shoreline Vet Hospital ($25 office fee will be charged for establishing care)
Microchip
Spay/Neuter (will be completed before animal can go home).

DNA test was completed on a sibling.

Sweet, easygoing, happy-go-lucky puppy looking for his forever family!

A little timid at first, but once he warms up, he's a total lovebug who can't get enough attention!

Loves playing with other dogs! Would enjoy a playful canine sibling but would also be happy as your one and only.

Read more about Jagger

Seems to do well with cats and doesn't pay them much attention.

Loves treats, outdoor playtime, and being told what a good boy he is!

When he gets really excited, he'll sometimes let out the sweetest, loudest howl to share his happiness!

Affectionate, playful, and full of love! Jagger just wants to be part of a family.

Give Jagger a little time to show you his personality, and you'll discover a wonderful best friend who's been waiting just for you!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Jagger fromNo Collar Queens Animal RescueJacksonville, NC · listed Jun 23

9. Madonna

Young (9 months) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed

My adoption fee is $250 (

card will include processing fees

) which includes:

Annual distemper booster
Rabies
Spay/Neuter
Microchip

Madonna’s journey has been a scary one. Shortly after leaving the shelter, she was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and hospitalized. NCQ fought for her, and this sweet girl fought right alongside us.

After months of healing and learning to trust, Madonna has come so incredibly far.

She has formed a special bond with her foster dad and seems most comfortable with men, so a home with a male would be her best fit.

Does well with larger dogs, but is not comfortable with smaller dogs

Cat friendly

No small children, please

Read more about Madonna

Madonna is still cautious with new people and needs someone patient who will allow her to build trust at her own pace.

Private meet-and-greets are required so Madonna can meet potential adopters in an environment where she feels comfortable.

We didn’t rush Madonna while she was healing, and we won’t rush her now. She’s waited this long for the right person—and we know they’re out there.

  • No young kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Madonna fromNo Collar Queens Animal RescueJacksonville, NC · listed May 26

Rescues and shelters near New Hanover County

The rescues with the most dogs listed within 50 miles of the middle of New Hanover County.

  • New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services UnitWilmington, NC · 17 dogs
  • No Collar Queens Animal RescueJacksonville, NC · 7 dogs
    How to adopt from No Collar Queens Animal Rescue

    Adoption Application Adoption Agreement Puppies 6 months & under $400 Dogs 7 months & up $250 HW Positive or Medical Dog $300

  • Adam's FollyBolivia, NC · 3 dogs
    How to adopt from Adam's Folly

    Application, Contract, small adoption fee

  • Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue NCWilmington, NC · 2 dogs
  • Blue Moon Shepherd Rescue, Inc.Rocky Point, NC · 1 dog
    How to adopt from Blue Moon Shepherd Rescue, Inc.

    Application, phone interview, home visit, vet reference check, meet and greet, adoption contract, $300 adoption fee. Must have German shepherd ownership experience, no children under 12. Offer free training for adopters. Will take dog back and return adoption fee if the adoption does not work out. No time limit if people want to return dog years later, we always take our dogs back.

  • Southern Comfort Maltese RescueChattanooga, TN · 1 dog
    How to adopt from Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue

    we ask for a donation that varies on age, sex, health. We do a vet reference check, do a homevisit, check personal references

Cities and towns in New Hanover County

Adopting a dog in New Hanover 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 New Hanover County

How many dogs are up for adoption in New Hanover County?

As of November 4, 2026, 31 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of New Hanover County, North Carolina, by 6 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a dog in New Hanover County?

The rescues with the most dogs near New Hanover County right now are New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit (Wilmington, NC), No Collar Queens Animal Rescue (Jacksonville, NC) and Adam's Folly (Bolivia, NC). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.

Are there puppies for adoption in New Hanover County?

Yes. 3 puppys are up for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of New Hanover County.

How do I adopt a dog in New Hanover 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.