Dogs for Adoption in Watauga County, NC: 12 Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

36 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 2 rescues and shelters within 50 miles of the middle of Watauga County. Here are 12 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 Watauga County, 4 puppies, 11 young dogs, 19 adults and 2 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Labrador Retriever, Hound and Pit Bull Terrier, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Watauga County? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Starbuck
Adult · Female · Border Collie


Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Viviana aka Ruby
Young · Female · Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler / Terrier / Mixed




Meet Viviana! Viviana is an absolutely gorgeous girl who is still very much a puppy at heart—and at just 8 months old, she has plenty of puppyhood left to enjoy!She’s fun-loving, happy, active, and smart, with the kind of playful energy that makes every day a little more exciting. Viviana loves being on the go, exploring her world, and soaking up attention. Her intelligence means she’s ready to learn, too, and with some guidance and positive training, she’s sure to become an amazing companion.If you’re looking for a young, happy pup to keep you smiling, moving, and entertained, Viviana may be your girl! She’s ready for a family who will give her the love, exercise, training, and adventures that every young dog deserves.
Read more about Viviana aka Ruby
❤️Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
3. Apex
Adult · Male · Hound / Coonhound / Mixed




Meet Apex Apex is one of those dogs who could slide into just about any lifestyle. He’s chill, sweet, easygoing, affectionate, and basically all the BEST parts of owning a hound. He does great when he’s on a group hike and is a dream to walk on a leash. This handsome hound is around 8 years young, weighs about 46 pounds and has a lot of life and love to give. Now, come on in and scoop this very sweet boy up!Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand.
Read more about Apex
All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- Good with dogs
4. Jethro
Young · Male · Maremma Sheepdog



Sweet and eager to please, Jethro is a gem of a dog. Having spent so much time in a shelter, he of course needs to learn the rules of the house, but is very receptive to correction (and treats!). During play, he is alert and observant of others boundaries. He has an excellent off switch; moving from play to down time inside is not an issue for this guy.Don't let his size fool you; he is a giant baby who wants nothing more than to cuddle in your lap. He is wary of cats (a kitten once hissed at him and he cowered into my arms) but young enough to learn that they are house mates. With time and training, he will be the perfect family pet.Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00.
Read more about Jethro
The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
5. Zeb Perkins
Young · Female · Plott Hound / Terrier / Mixed




This GORGEOUS 6-month-old Plott Hound is eagerly waiting for a forever family ready to embrace all of her goofy, sweet personality!Zeb is everything you could want in a young pup! She is playful, affectionate, incredibly sweet, and full of personality. She absolutely LOVES other dogs and has done great ignoring the cats hanging out in our office!At just 6 months old, Zeb is still a baby with so much to learn, but she is extremely smart, teachable, and ready to soak up everything her future family wants to teach her! She has that typical puppy energy and would thrive with a family excited to help her grow into the amazing adult dog we know she can be.If you’re looking for a fun-loving, goofy companion to take on adventures, make memories with, and watch grow into your very best friend, Zeb might just be your girl! ❤️Come meet this beautiful girl and see why we adore her so much!Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00.
Read more about Zeb Perkins
The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
6. Meatball
Young · Female · Labrador Retriever / Terrier / Mixed




Meet Meatball, a beautiful retriever mix around a year old who has already experienced more hardship than any dog should.Meatball was dumped at another facility that was already struggling with overcrowding. On top of that, this sweet girl is heartworm positive and currently working on gaining some much-needed weight. Despite everything she’s been through, she has maintained the most incredibly gentle, loving, and docile personality.And guys, when we say this girl is SWEET, we mean it!Meatball is genuinely one of those dogs who just seems to love everyone she meets. She does phenomenally with other dogs and adjusts beautifully to just about any playstyle, whether her friends are rambunctious or more laid-back.
Read more about Meatball
She loves children, has shown little interest in our office cats, and is an absolute dream on a leash!She’s still a young dog who enjoys playing and having fun, but she’s not excessively energetic. She’s a wonderful balance of playful and laid-back, making her a great fit for so many different lifestyles.PLEASE DON’T LET HER HEARTWORM DIAGNOSIS SCARE YOU AWAY!We are covering 100% of the cost of Meatball’s heartworm treatment! All we need is someone willing to open their heart and home to this deserving girl, provide the TLC she needs, and give her a safe, loving place to recover.Meatball has spent enough of her short life being let down. We want the rest of her story to be filled with full bellies, soft beds, endless love, and a family who will never give up on her.She’s only a year old. She has her whole life ahead of her, and we desperately want that life to be a good one. ❤️We also want to take a moment to remind everyone just how important community support is. It is because of YOUR donations and continued support that we are able to pull dogs like Meatball who have medical needs that many already overwhelmed facilities simply don’t have the resources to take on. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us give animals like her a chance they might not have had otherwise. We truly could not do what we do without you, and Meatball is a perfect example of the lives your generosity helps us save. ❤️Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
7. Tinker
Young · Female · Labrador Retriever / Terrier / Mixed



Meet Tinker! This sweet girl is ready to wiggle her way into someone’s heart! Tinker is an EXTREMELY sweet, playful, and affectionate girl with a personality that’s impossible not to love!She absolutely LOVES other dogs and is quite the social butterfly! Whether she’s making new furry friends, enjoying some playtime, or heading out for a walk, Tinker is always happy to be included! She’s also fantastic on leash, making her a wonderful companion for adventures!Tinker has so much love to give and is eagerly waiting for a forever family to share it with! Come meet this sweet girl and see for yourself just how special she is!Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00.
Read more about Tinker
The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- Good with dogs
8. Reba
Puppy · Female · German Shepherd Dog / Terrier / Mixed



This gorgeous German Shepherd/Hound mix girl is just over 4 months old and has already spent almost 40 days growing up in our shelter. Reba is everything you could want in a puppy! She is affectionate, bubbly, playful, and incredibly well-socialized! She is doing fantastic learning her basic manners and is eager to continue learning!She absolutely LOVES other dogs and does amazing in our large playgroups. Whether she’s running around making new friends or soaking up affection from our staff, this girl has the sweetest personality.As wonderful as she is we don’t want to see her spend ber puppyhood growing up in a kennel.
Read more about Reba
She deserves a family to grow with, adventures to go on, and a home to call her own!This sweet girl is ready to find her forever home. Come meet Reba and see just how special she is .Adoption fee: $25Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
9. Cujo
Adult · Male · Border Collie / Terrier / Mixed



Meet Cujo! Don’t let the name fool you, this Cujo is about as sweet as they come! At around 7 years old and 40 pounds, this handsome Border Collie mix is the perfect combination of sweet, goofy, and SO, SO smart!Cujo has such a fun personality and always seems to have a smile on his face. He’s incredibly intelligent (those Border Collie brains are definitely working overtime ) and loves being around his people. He’s past the crazy puppy stage but still has plenty of personality, silliness, and love to give! Great with other dogs No cats, please! Cujo has a high prey drive, so a feline-free home is a must.And can we talk about those two different colored eyes?! He’s handsome, hilarious, smart, and ready to trade shelter life for a family of his very own.Come meet Cujo and see why we’ve all fallen for this goofy gentleman!#bordercollie #doglovers #animalrescue #animalloverPuppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00.
Read more about Cujo
The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- No cats
10. Bartolito
Adult · Male · Hound / Mixed




Meet Bartolito! Bartolito is a 4-year-old, 52 pound houndy boy with a big personality and an even bigger nose! This handsome guy is curious and absolutely loves to sniff and explore. Give him a trail to investigate, and Bartolito is one happy hound!He seems to do well with other dogs and enjoys taking in all the sights, sounds, and—most importantly—smells the world has to offer. For Bartolito, a walk isn’t just a walk; it’s a sniffing adventure! This boy is a love bug, and he adores getting affection from his human!If you’re looking for a fun-loving companion who would be thrilled to join you on walks, hikes, and other adventures, Bartolito is ready to grab his leash and hit the trail.Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00.
Read more about Bartolito
The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
11. Burrito
Adult · Male · Boxer / American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed




Meet Burrito!Burrito is a sweet, handsome 5-year-old, 50 pound boy with a face that will melt your heart. His calm, gentle disposition makes him an absolute joy to be around. He loves affection, enjoys leisurely walks, and walks beautifully on a leash.One of Burrito’s favorite things in the world? Rolling around in the grass especially freshly mown grass! There’s nothing quite like watching this happy boy enjoying the simple pleasures of life.Burrito is ready to find someone who will appreciate his sweet nature and give him the loving home he deserves. Could this gentle, grass-rolling boy be your new best friend? ❤️Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00.
Read more about Burrito
The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
- Good with dogs
12. Ada
Adult · Female · Chow Chow / Terrier / Mixed




Meet our sweet girl, Ada! ❤️Although Ada is undergoing heartworm treatment, you would never know it. This happy, sweet girl has been a champ though treatment, and she will be finished in a few weeks. Ada has SO much going for her: Extremely affectionate and LOVES people Amazing on leash Knows basic commands Seems to be fully housebroken Medium energy Loves toys Super food motivated and eager to please Friendly, loving, and happiest around her people!Ada can be particular about her dog friends. She isn’t looking for a wild, rowdy playmate, but she could do well with a lower-energy, more submissive canine companion who respects her space.
Read more about Ada
A meet-and-greet would be important to make sure everyone is comfortable!ADA’S ADOPTION FEE IS COMPLETELY WAIVED! Ada has her whole life ahead of her. She just needs someone willing to open their home and give her the chance to become a part of a family. This girl is so ready to belong, and she has so much love and affection to give. If you come meet her, we feel certain that you will be smitten!Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than stated however, and is dependent on many factors including age, behavior, medical condition and demand. All dogs 7 years and older are free under our Saving Seniors program. We frequently run discount specials and occasionally a dog will be more than the stated fee.Most cats and kittens are $35.00, however there may be instances in which the fee is higher or lower, due to age, behavior, medical condition or demand. With felines, we always have an "Adopt one, bring another one home for free" adoption special!
Rescues and shelters near Watauga County
The rescues with the most dogs listed within 50 miles of the middle of Watauga County.
- Yancey County Humane SocietyBurnsville, NC · 20 dogs
How to adopt from Yancey County Humane Society
There is an adoption Application/Questionairre and in some situations we require a meet and greet. Our fees vary by age.
- Catawba County Animal Care and ControlNewton, NC · 16 dogs
Cities and towns in Watauga County
Adopting a dog in Watauga 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 Watauga County
How many dogs are up for adoption in Watauga County?
As of November 4, 2026, 36 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Watauga County, North Carolina, by 2 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Watauga County?
The rescues with the most dogs near Watauga County right now are Yancey County Humane Society (Burnsville, NC) and Catawba County Animal Care and Control (Newton, NC). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Watauga County?
Yes. 4 puppys are up for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Watauga County.
How do I adopt a dog in Watauga 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.