North Carolina

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

Baxter, up for adoption near Spencer, NC

156 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 13 rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Spencer. 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 Spencer, 25 puppies, 38 young dogs, 73 adults and 12 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Pit Bull Terrier, Terrier and Labrador Retriever, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.

1. Baxter

Young (10 months) · Male · Chihuahua / Dachshund / Mixed (short coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Baxter fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Oct 30

2. Sugar Chi

Senior (14 years 9 months) · Female · Chihuahua (short coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Sugar Chi fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Oct 30

3. Minnie

Adult (4 years 11 months) · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Minnie fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Sep 2

4. Bane

Adult · Male · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Bane fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Aug 29

5. Evie

Adult (1 year 5 months) · Female · Great Pyrenees / Beagle / Mixed (medium coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Evie fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Aug 7

6. Razin

Adult · Male · Australian Shepherd (long coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Razin fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Aug 3

7. Aura

Adult (2 years) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Aura fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jul 28

8. Beaufort

Young (6 months) · Male · Hound / Mixed (short coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Beaufort fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jul 28

9. Nyla

Adult (2 years) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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

Adopt Nyla fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jul 22

10. Bridget

Adult · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Bridget fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jul 19

11. Vera

Adult · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Vera fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jul 16

12. Milo

Adult (3 years 11 months) · Male · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Milo fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jun 26Courtesy listing: Milo's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

13. Clyde

Adult (4 years 1 month) · Male · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Clyde fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jun 15

14. Finley

Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Belgian Shepherd Malinois / Mixed (medium coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Finley fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jun 11

15. Dutchees

Adult (6 years 2 months) · Female · Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Dutchees fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed May 25

16. Sassy

Senior · Female · Beagle / Mixed (medium coat) · 15 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Sassy fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed May 9

17. Lorenzo

3 Years · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Mixed (medium coat) · 26 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Lorenzo fromGram Rescue RanchWinston Salem, NC · listed Oct 1

18. Irving

3 Years · Male · Husky / Labrador Retriever / Mixed (medium coat) · 26 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Irving fromGram Rescue RanchWinston Salem, NC · listed Oct 1

19. Scooby-Doo

2 Years 3 Months · Male · Fox Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier (short coat) · 26 mi from Spencer

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
Adopt Scooby-Doo fromGram Rescue RanchWinston Salem, NC · listed Jun 27

20. Ac

Adult (3 years 11 months) · Male · Border Terrier / Mixed (medium coat) · 28 mi from Spencer

AC and DC were surrendered together at SCAPs and we took them in. AC is DC's father. He is a fun little terrier mix. His back seems to have been shaved at some point but not real sure why. It's growing back now. He has had his vaccines, neuter, and microchip.

www.stanlycountyhumanesociety.org

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Ac fromStanly County Humane Society, IncAlbemarle, NC · listed Oct 20

Rescues and shelters near Spencer

The rescues with the most dogs listed within 50 miles of Spencer.

  • Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · 35 dogs · 15 mi from Spencer
    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 · 28 mi from Spencer
    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 · 29 mi from Spencer
  • Catawba County Animal Care and ControlNewton, NC · 16 dogs · 46 mi from Spencer
  • Stanly County Humane Society, IncAlbemarle, NC · 13 dogs · 28 mi from Spencer
    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 · 41 mi from Spencer
    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 · 26 mi from Spencer
    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 · 28 mi from Spencer
  • Tails of the UnwantedGreensboro, NC · 6 dogs · 42 mi from Spencer
    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

  • Happy Hills Animal FoundationStaley, NC · 4 dogs · 48 mi from Spencer
  • Hart-2-Heart Rescue, Inc.Greensboro, NC · 3 dogs · 48 mi from Spencer
    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 · 17 mi from Spencer
  • Pug Rescue of North Carolina, Inc.Elizabeth City, NC · 1 dog · 31 mi from Spencer
    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 Spencer

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 Spencer

How many dogs are up for adoption in Spencer?

As of November 4, 2026, 156 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 50 miles of Spencer, North Carolina, by 13 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a dog in Spencer?

The rescues with the most dogs near Spencer 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 Spencer?

Yes. 25 puppys are up for adoption within 50 miles of Spencer.

How do I adopt a dog in Spencer?

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.