Dogs for Adoption in Rutherford County, NC: 28 Dogs Looking for a Home
38 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 2 rescues and shelters in Rutherford County. Here are 28 of the newest arrivals, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the dogs up for adoption in Rutherford County, 3 puppies, 15 young dogs, 19 adults and 1 senior. The breeds you'll see most are Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier and Hound, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Rutherford 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. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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.
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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
18. 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
19. 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
20. 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
21. 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
22. 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
23. 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
24. Duke
This is a courtesy post. This animal is not at Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue. Please contact the owner at the information listed below if you are interested in Duke.This is Duke. He is around 3 years old. He is neutered and up to date on his rabies vaccination. Adult only home is best. Please text 828-755-7712 if interested in giving this boy a loving home.
25. Rocky
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
26. Matthew
Matthew is an adorably marked Butterscotch and White neutered Lab/Mountain Feist mix, DOB Feb. 3, 2026. Just look at the white on the tip of his tail. He is a joy, very humble and laid back. Matthew absolutely loves hugs and attention. He plays well with his litter mates and is growing up in a loving foster home with excellent care, nutrition and litter mates, just as a puppy should. Matthew is treat motivated, so he is an easy guy to train. He would make any home happy. Adoption fee $50. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, DHPP, Rabies, Flea, tick, heart worm check, worm treatment, and microchip.
Read more about Matthew
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 cats
27. Theo
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
28. Luna
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided below.Luna is a 4-1/2 year old Bully/Bulldog Terrier mix. She has been spayed and is up to date on vaccinations. She has a sweet personality, great with infants to big kids (she is used to 5 plus kids at a time), good with other dogs (has been around a Lab and a Miniature Schnauzer daily). She loves being outside but cannot stay out all the time due to overheating and sunburning easily.The owner uses a collar with a handheld device and when you press the beeping button she comes right back to you.
Read more about Luna
She follows commands: "home" to come to the front door and come inside; "sit"; "paw" to shake hands; and "bed" to get in her bed. She has only been fed Nutrish due to not upsetting her stomach.If you are interested in Luna, please contact RaeAnn Turner at turner.raeann@yahoo.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Rescues and shelters near Rutherford County
The rescues with the most dogs listed in Rutherford 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.
- 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 Rutherford County
- Forest City 189
- Spindale 189
- Rutherfordton 189
- Lake Lure 178
- Ellenboro 44
- Bostic 157
- Ruth 189
- Chimney Rock Village 40
Adopting a dog in Rutherford 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 Rutherford County
How many dogs are up for adoption in Rutherford County?
As of November 4, 2026, 38 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption in Rutherford County, North Carolina, by 2 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Rutherford County?
The rescues with the most dogs near Rutherford County right now are Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue (Rutherfordton, NC) and Rutherford County Humane Society (Rutherfordton, NC). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Rutherford County?
Yes. 3 puppys are up for adoption in Rutherford County.
How do I adopt a dog in Rutherford 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.